TV show comes to terms with Laguna woodcarving industry

Metro Manila, Philippines – A public affairs TV show has expressed sympathy for the Paete, Laguna wood carving community amid concerns over an episode that featured acclaimed local artist Pio Fadul as the craftsman of a supposed haunted sculpture. 

The Sangguniang Bayan of Paete, also known as the “Carving Capital of the Philippines,” issued a resolution on Tuesday, Nov. 3, urging Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) to publicly clarify and apologize for the show’s wrong depiction of the wood carving culture in its “Ukit” episode.

The Paete Historical and Cultural Heritage Foundation also expressed worry over the segment possibly compromising its industry, as each craft is from skill and dedication that has been passed down for generations.

“Kaya’t ang anumang paglalahad na maaaring makasira sa tiwala ng publiko sa Ukit Pakete ay maaari ring makaapekto sa hanapbuhay ng ating mga artisan at sa pagpapatuloy ng tradisyong ito,” they added. 

[Translation: Therefore, any disclosure that could undermine public trust of Paete woodworks could also affect the livelihood of our artisans and the continuation of this tradition.]

In its clarificatory statement, KMJS said that the team respects the artistry of Fadul and the municipality, citing interviews with him and the organization and apologizing for the issues raised. 

“Nauunawaan namin na maaaring makaapekto ang ulat sa industriya ng pag-uukit sa Paete, at hindi namin layuning makasira sa tiwala sa kanilang sining at kabuhayan,” they said, adding that they have reached out to the artist and his family to address their concerns.

[Translation: We understand that the report may affect the Paete carving industry, and we do not intend to damage the trust in their art and livelihood.] 

Despite this, the council had set a 15-day deadline for host station GMA Network and KMJS to address all its requests before another resolution declaring involved personalities as persona non grata or unwelcome is filed. 

The segment premiered on Nov. 1 and told the story of Lily guitarist Nathan Reyes who claimed he began having eerie experiences after receiving a La Pietà sculpture following a performance in Laguna. 

The KMJS team traced the wood craft to Fadul whose works of mostly religious icons have also been displayed abroad.