Carvers of hope, builders of faith

The 2007 Sinulog Festival took on a deeper meaning as the Banglos sculptors of Northern Philippines, came face to face with the Sto. Niño devotees of the South.

The Sinulog, from the word "Sulog" (current), refers to the rhythm of Cebu's Pahina River, and celebrates the link between the Filipino people's pagan past and their deep Christian faith.

Each year, the Cebuanos pay homage to the miraculous image of the Sto. Niño through one of the most celebrated religious festivals and street pageants in the country. Townsfolk move two steps forward and one step backward to the Sinulog beat, while expressing their deep reverence to the Holy Child.

For this year's Sinulog, the Banglos sculptors honored Cebu's devotion through their very first collection of Sto. Niño images. The Banglos Arts Exhibit, "From Tragedy to Creativity, Part 2", was the very first exhibit to be held at Cebu's Msgr. Virgilio Yap Chapel at the Cathedral Museum of Cebu. Proceeds from the sale of the Banglos sculptures were donated to the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church to support the on-going restoration of the museum.

For over two years now, the Banglos sculptors have been carving their way to a new beginning after a series of typhoons battered their hometown in Gen Nakar, Quezon province. Their road to recovery began when Gawad Kalinga, with the support of Smart Communications, Inc., pledged to rebuild their homes. SMART likewise introduced them to master sculptor Rey Paz Contreras, who mentored and trained them on the art of woodcarving. From then on, the Banglos folk have become symbols of hope, creating sculpture after sculpture, out of the driftwood washed ashore during the typhoons. They are indeed proof that amidst tragedy, the road to recovery is well within reach.

And as fate would have it, the carvers and builders crossed paths. Louella "Loy" Eslao-Alix, chairperson of the Cathedral Museum of Cebu's Curatorial Board, expressed her gratitude to and acknowledged the involvement of SMART in rebuilding the museum. "Our peers laughed at us and said it could not be done. But thanks to SMART, the Banglos Exhibit has given us much mileage." Loy, together with her husband, Rudy, have been assisting Conservation Architect Melva Rodriguez-Java in the restoration efforts for the historical landmark. "This building has withstood battles, typhoons and calamities. It is fitting that we exert all efforts to preserve this important cornerstone of our faith," Loy Alix says.

When asked which among the collections was her favorite, Loy Alix was quick to reply, "Pamilya" (Family), an abstract rendition of a mother with her two children. "I have two daughters, and that art piece reminds me so much of my love for them," Alix adds.

Banglos sculptors Eladio "Jap" Labsan, Jr., Maximo "Jun" Supremo Jr., Allan Sollano, and JC Flora couldn't help but feel honored to be part of the museum's rebuilding process. Seeing the scrap molave posts from the ongoing restoration, they realized that it was the perfect opportunity to showcase their woodcarving skills. "Maganda pong klase ang mga kahoy. Matigas at matibay, pero sumusunod ang hibla" (The wood is tough and sturdy but easy to carve because of its grain). "What gives more novelty to the idea is that the wooden posts are at least 400 years old!" Loy Alix explains.

In less than two days, Jap, Junjun, Allan and JC were able to come up with a mini collection out of the centuries-old wood. "We plan to auction off the collection which, hopefully, can raise more funds for the restoration process. Just imagine, a small yet meaningful art piece, can fetch us enough to buy a number of cement bags," Rudy Alix says.

"Kung ano po ang nasa-isip at pananampalataya namin, yun po ang lumalabas" (Our creations primarily come from our imagination and our faith), Jap says of the source of their inspiration. And when asked how division of labor goes, "Tulong-tulong na po kami. Mas mabilis at mas maganda" (Each art piece is a product of teamwork. It makes things easier and more meaningful).

Indeed, the Banglos Sculptors and the Alix couple are testaments that in any circumstance, when hearts and minds pool together, anything is possible.