Not long ago, we re-visited this quaint wooden sculpture shop down the sleepy town of Paete, Laguna to hunt for some old and new artisan pieces that we may find adorable to take home as additional to our growing collection. And as always, there are two requirements that have to fit in our category before buying an item. First, it has to be rustic, and second, it has to be cheap. I know, I know, cheap and pretty can be compromised at times. We drove there excited to behold and appreciate the hundreds of wooden sculptures of different sizes that were passionately created by the local sculptors of Paete.
This wooden piece of art is close to my heart. A barber at work carefully crafted to perfection. It stands about a foot tall. It reminds me of my own father - in - law love who was a barber himself for many years on a town called Ibaan, a charming town which is about 13km south from Batangas City. My father - in - love is the only barber I personally know and without bias I could say that he was a passionate artist himself. He was a sought-after barber during his time and worked hard to provide for his family. I have good memories of him by showing me utmost kindness and loving my children well. He cooked the best pancit of all time. Hands down.
This little sculpture of a coconut worker speaks to me because like The Hunny, he also works for the oil. I mean, The Hunny works in the oil and gas industry. Is there a parallel?
Uh Oh...That dreamy little lad could get in trouble for sleeping while working on the farm.
This is my Tatay. Father. Oh well, I think finding any sculpture from the shop depicting my Tatay at work would be quite a challenge in my lifetime. Let's see, he's a carpenter, boat-builder, mechanic, machinist, construction worker, engineer, statesman, mathematician, seaman, inventor. What else can't my Tatay do? But his world turned around when he gave his life to Jesus and accepted Him as his personal Savior and Lord. And I saw his life transformed as he grew in his walk with God. And although he had a boat-load of flaws, he taught me to love the Lord with all my heart and put Him first before everything else. He fell ill and his body deteriorated. He was bedridden for over a decade until he was called home to be with the Lord. I still do miss him. Before my Hunny, he was my very first Prince Charming, my Tatay. This photo was taken more than three decades ago at Muelle Bay, Puerto Galera.
My Darling-dear and I at the sculpture shop taking our selfie. What a way to end our short road-trip to Paete. We went home empty-handedly. The art pieces are all too beautiful but pricey. Maybe on another time.
And yet another way to end our short get-away, beholding the sunset and thanking the Owner and Creator of this beautiful expanse.