Banglos sculptures at Kultura Filipino

MANILA, Philippines – Exquisite wooden sculptures from Banglos, Quezon, are some of the latest finds at Kultura Filipino, the lifestyle store that showcases all things Pinoy.

What makes these beautiful works of art interesting is that they symbolize the community’s resiliency. When the province of Quezon was hit by a wave of typhoons in 2004, barangay Banglos in General Nakar was one of the most affected. Many residents became homeless and their major sources of livelihood — fishing and farming — were destroyed. They lost their boats and fishnets, while fallen logs and driftwood ruined their farmlands.

Barangay Banglos soon became a beneficiary of the PLDT-Smart Amazing GK Village. Sculptor Rey Paz Contreras was tasked to train the farmers and fisherfolk to transform fallen logs and driftwood into sculptures.

At first, the Banglos folks were hesitant. They wanted to make charcoal instead but they soon realized how much money they could get from wooden sculptures. A sack of charcoal sells for only P65. Transformed into works of art, each piece can go for as high as P12,000 to as low as P3,000.

Most of the pieces are inspired by marine life and fishing, but there are also those that carry family, and mother and child themes. These carved pieces have become symbols of hope, creativity and resiliency.

Banglos sculptures are available at Kultura Filipino stores at the SM Mall of Asia and The Block at SM City North-EDSA.