Fifteen sculptors from Betis, Pampanga, renowned for their woodcarving tradition, have launched a 16-day exhibit at the Manila Cathedral to help sustain the Dukit Festival in Guagua, Pampanga.
Titled “Sacred Arts of Betis,” the exhibit runs until April 8 and features religious sculptures. On its opening day, three artworks were sold, according to the Betis Dukit Heritage Foundation Inc. (BDHFI) and the Manduquit Anluagi ning Santa Ursula (MASU).
The proceeds will help fund the festival’s street dancing and on-the-spot woodcarving competitions, which have been held since December 2012 under the auspices of St. James the Apostle Parish.
ARTISTS AND FEATURED WORKS
The exhibit showcases 15 artists and their intricate sculptures, with prices ranging from ₱110,000 to ₱600,000. The participating artists include:
- Alberto I. Pangilinan – Jesus
- Jeffrey Rubio – Pagtanggap sa Krus
- Rhen Layug – Matthew 11:22-33
- Russel Pangilinan – Sentesiado
- Edwin Layug – Ecce Homo
- Nicolas “Nick” Lugue – Jesus Cautivo
- Francisco G. Sibug – Resurrection
- Alexander Bisda – Sto. Niño
- Rozaldo Franche – Mother Teresa and Child
- Luisito S. Cayanan – Cristo Rey, Creation of Man
- Harold G. Aguilar – Dolor
- JimWel Pinlac – Dolor
- Gaspar Sibug – La Pieta
- Ardie De Dios – Dolorosa, Kristo
- Willy T. Layug – Salvator Mundi
A CELEBRATION OF FAITH AND ART
Renowned ecclesiastical artist Willy Layug, a Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Art, led the initiative, emphasizing that “arts and faith go together.”
The exhibit was inaugurated and blessed by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Monsignor Rolando de la Cruz, rector of the Manila Cathedral, and Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral of the Department of Public Works and Highways at the Blessed Souls Chapel.
Cardinal David, a native of Betis, highlighted the Kapampangan connection to the Manila Cathedral, recalling that Cardinal Rufino Santos oversaw its post-World War II restoration, with Architect Fernando Ocampo and art master Galo Ocampo leading the reconstruction and stained-glass designs.
Monsignor de la Cruz expressed the Cathedral’s honor in hosting the exhibit, hoping the sculptures would inspire deeper worship and devotion.
EXTENDING THE CRAFT TO NEW LEARNERS
Beyond the exhibit, BDHFI, Don Honorio Ventura State University, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are offering woodcarving and clay modeling lessons to inmates at BJMP Guagua, supported by seed funding from Cardinal David.
The “Sacred Arts of Betis” exhibit stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Betis woodcarving, ensuring that both culture and faith continue to flourish.
