'Inukit Na Pamana,' dokumentaryo ni Kara David | I-Witness

Pio Fadul: The Carving Master of Paete

Introduction to Pio Fadul and His Craft

• In Paete, Laguna, one can find intricate wood carvings marked with "PF," attributed to Pio Fadul, a renowned carver.

• Over the past 20 years, Pio's work has evolved; he is now often seen wandering rather than showcasing his art in museums.

Historical Context of Wood Carving in Paete

• Paete is known as the carving capital of the Philippines, with a rich tradition predating Spanish colonization.

• Mang Luis, another prominent carver from Paete, reflects on how he returned to his roots after studying fine arts and working as a comic illustrator.

Pio Fadul's Artistic Journey

• Mang Luis admires Pio’s detailed carvings that include deep relief works and smaller items showcasing intricate designs.

• It was revealed that Pio could carve not just wood but also other materials; he was recognized for his exceptional skills even with small pieces of wood.

Challenges Faced by Pio Fadul

• In 2003, Pio experienced significant changes in his life due to health issues that affected his ability to create art.

• A collection of Pio's works is preserved at the Valdecantos' home, showcasing various artworks dating back to the 1970s.

Legacy and Current State of Work

• Despite health challenges leading to rougher carvings over time, family support has kept interest alive in Pio’s work.

• Some later pieces are sold at souvenir shops for modest prices; they reflect both artistry and necessity for survival.

Personal Reflections from Pio Fadul

• As an artist who once thrived on recognition, Pio now finds himself creating simpler works for basic needs like food.

• Coming from a lineage of skilled carvers, despite not finishing high school, he gained fame as one of the best artisans in his field.

Encountering Spiritual Experiences

• During an encounter with the interviewer in a narrow alleyway in Paete, Pio reminisces about his past glory days as an artist.

• He shares profound experiences where he claims to have seen Christ and Mary during moments of solitude while living away from society.

Artistry and Struggles of Wood Carving in Paete

The Unique Style of Pio's Sculptures

• Kristo describes how Pio carves sculptures from his imagination, showcasing unique features that differ from traditional representations.

• Pio’s works are noted for their distinctiveness, with divine figures depicted in a way that reflects personal experiences and visions.

• The value of Pio's carvings is highlighted, especially those created during his illness, which are considered more precious due to the emotional depth involved.

Economic Challenges Faced by Artists

• Despite the high prices of some artworks reaching thousands of dollars, many talented artists like Pio struggle financially.

• Chef Mel Avino shares his experience leaving wood carving due to low income and the difficulty in making a living as an artist.

• Mel discusses the limited earnings he received as a woodcarver compared to the effort invested in each piece.

Transitioning to New Mediums

• Chef Mel transitioned from wood carving to creating ice sculptures and vegetable carvings, finding it easier yet challenging due to time constraints with melting materials.

• He expresses pride in gaining recognition within culinary arts while lamenting the transient nature of ice sculptures that melt away after creation.

Legacy and Tradition

• Chef Mel aims to honor his family's legacy through his work while navigating modern challenges faced by traditional artisans.

• He dreams of returning to traditional carving methods despite current success with perishable materials like ice.

Current State of Wood Carving in Paete

• The narrative highlights ongoing struggles within the community as they adapt to restrictions on wood sourcing due to environmental regulations.

• Paloy, another master carver, faces difficulties stemming from a total log ban affecting access to quality wood for crafting intricate designs.

• The conversation reveals how local artisans must innovate using smaller pieces or alternative sources following government bans on logging.

The Future of Wood Carving in Paete

The Impact of Log Ban on Traditional Craftsmanship

• The log ban in the Philippines has affected wood carving traditions, particularly for artisans in Paete. Sir Paloy is taking initiative to plant batikuling trees to ensure the continuation of this craft.

• Currently, over eight batikuling trees have been planted by Paloy, although they are still too young for carving. He hopes that as these trees grow, future generations will have access to materials for their carvings.

• There are legal restrictions against using wood from forests, which complicates the situation since batikuling comes from forested areas. An exemption request has been submitted to the government but remains unanswered.

• While waiting for a response from authorities, Paloy continues planting batikuling not just for his shop but also to inspire youth interest in wood carving.

Challenges Facing Young Artisans

• The culture of wood carving is a heritage passed down through generations; however, fewer young people are interested in pursuing it today due to various factors including migration and career changes.

• Master carver Paloy notes that many youths prefer other careers or moving abroad instead of dedicating years to mastering wood carving techniques.

• Some children of established carvers have shifted careers; however, Paloy expresses gratitude that his youngest son Franco shows an interest in continuing their family tradition.

Emerging Talents and Techniques

• Neil Bagamano, a grandson of another master carver Pio Bagamano, demonstrates potential despite being new to the craft. His skills in drawing and detailing show promise comparable to seasoned artisans.

• Unlike Pio's imaginative approach, Neil focuses on meticulous measurements and details in his carvings. This difference highlights varying styles within the same artistic lineage.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

• As Pio returns home under care from family members, there’s hope that his legacy will continue through younger generations who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.

• Neil expresses a desire to utilize his talent for woodworking as a means of preserving cultural traditions while also ensuring financial sustainability through their craft.

Conclusion: A Call for Recognition

• The narrative emphasizes the need for recognition and support for local artisans like Pio so they can thrive without leaving their homeland. It advocates nurturing new talents while honoring past legacies.

This structured overview captures key discussions about the challenges faced by traditional woodcarvers in Paete amidst changing societal interests and environmental regulations while highlighting efforts made towards preserving this cultural heritage.