CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — A local art gallery continues to inspire the next generation of artists in Paete, a town in Laguna known for its wood carvings and traditional craft.
The Arts and Sports Hub (ASH) Galleria opened its doors in 2022 as a gathering place for people, students, and artists to foster their creativity and camaraderie with the goal of reinvigorating the carving culture in Paete. It also hopes to keep local culture alive by increasing young people’s interest in the arts.
Benson Batac, officer-in-charge of ASH Galleria and a local artist, explains that he was inspired by the town artists’ passion for culture and the arts and their shared goal of promoting Paete as an arts hub.
“The ASH Galleria believes that we are all artists in our own unique ways. The gallery is open to nurturing the skills and creativity of students and visitors,” Batac said during the Philippine Information Agency’s Usapang PIA program.
The Arts and Sports Hub (ASH) Galleria opened its doors in 2022 as a gathering place for people, students, and artists to foster their creativity and camaraderie with the goal of reinvigorating the carving culture in Paete. It also hopes to keep local culture alive by increasing young people’s interest in the arts. Inside the gallery are various wood carvings, such as flowers, plants, and animals. (Photo courtesy of ASH Galleria)
He shared that in 1990, retired Judge Nicolas Fadul Jr. dreamed of establishing a gallery in the town. Then, the president of the Paete Science and Business College in 2022, Fadul, partnered with the local government of Paete to establish an art gallery where the public, particularly tourists, can marvel at the carved arts of the locals.
Inside the gallery are various wood carvings, such as flowers, plants, and animals. One of the famous pieces in the galleria is “Pangako” by famous local artist Ely “Kid” Baldemor, which showcases the endless love of couples bearing a child.
“Ang pangunahing layunin ng ASH Galleria ay palawakin ang interes ng mga kabataan sa sining at kultura ng pag-uukit lalo na sa bayan ng Paete nang sa gayon ay maipamana sa kanilang henerasyon ang sining na ipinagmamalaki ng bayan ng Paete, hindi lang sa buong Pilipinas pati na rin sa buong mundo. Para hindi lamang sa social media, nakikita ang mga woodcrafts kundi direkta nilang nasasaksihan at nararanasan ang taglay nitong sining,” Batac explained.
The municipal government of Paete has expressed its full support for the art gallery, noting that it will strengthen the next generation’s interest in the arts.
“Nakikiisa ang aming tanggapan sa mga bisita at mga panauhin ay dinadala namin sa ASH Galleria upang makita ang mga produkto at makita nila ang mga ukit dito sa aming bayan. Isinasama namin sa itirenary upang sa gayon ay makita nila ang mga gawang Paete,” Cadapan said.
“Pangako” by famous local artist Ely “Kid” Baldemor showcases the endless love of couples bearing a child. (Photo courtesy of ASH Galleria)
He added: “Isang malaking bagay na naitayo ang ASH Galleria sapagkat mas nabuksan pa lalo ang kamalayan ng ating mga kabataan. At the same time, ay lalong maipagmalaki pa ng mga lokal na artist ang kanilang mga gawa at lalong maipakita sa mga turista at bisita na dumadalaw sa atin.”
ASH Galleria is open to the public daily, free of charge, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (AM/PIA-4A)
Usapang PIA is a weekly online program by the Philippine Information Agency Laguna, streaming live every Friday, 11:00am-11:30am on Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON and PIA Laguna Facebook pages.
