UNFOLDING PABALAT
Origins
Pabalat, or locally known as Borlas de Pastillas in San Miguel, Bulacan, is a paper-cutting art that serves as a decorative rapper for pastillas, a sweet delicacy that also originated in Bulacan. It is now considered “vanishing” due to how few artists are left.
Pabalat was said to have been influenced by Chinese paper-cutting and the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.
Pictured: “Pabalat Pastillas Wrappers” by Reynaldo G. Alejandor and Vicente Roman S. Santos excerpt
Pabalat was often found in fiestas, and almost every woman from San Miguel was said to have known how to make this craft as a way to spend their afternoons.
To know more, watch Episode 1 of our documentary
Resources
Videos
RARE ART OF FILIPINO PAPER CUTTING | BORLAS DE PASTILLAS
As seen in FEATR, Naty Ocampo Castro discusses the art of Pabalat, its origins, and how she continues the legacy of her mother, Luz Ocampo.
The Dying Art of Pabalat In Bulacan
In this video by Yummy PH, Naty Ocampo Castro talks about the dying art of Pabalat and her mother's legacy.
Articles
Fading Musing: Revisiting the Vanishing Craft of Pabalat
This article from the Pacesetter by Kristel Anne Vadal features Naty Ocampo Castro as she discusses the art of Pabalat, while also discussing how this could be passed on to the next generation of Bulakenyos in Bulacan State University.
‘Pabalat:’ In Bulacan, pastillas wrappers are a labor of love
This article by Paolo Alejandrino features Ocampo's Specialty Products, the Ocampo family's shop that is primarily run by Naty Ocampo when it comes to Pabalat.
Borlas de pastillas: The intricate, ‘vanishing’ craft of Bulacan
This article by Magz Chin and Matthew Gan features Ruth Giron, Joy Joaquin, and Anna Bautista as they discuss the importance of a cultural heritage such as Pabalat.
Meet the real ‘Pastillas (Wrapper) Girl’
This article by Ron Lopez from Inquirer features Luz Ocampo and her story as an artist.
Catch Cut & Paste: A Papercut Exhibition at Prism Gallery this August
This article from Spot PH talks about an exhibit of Lita Libunao's works at Prism Gallery on August 2015.
The enchanting, fragile art of ‘Nanay Luz’ lives on
This article by Ige Ramos from Inquirer discusses the story of Luz Ocampo after her passing, and how her daughter, Naty Ocampo Castrom strives to keep the craft alive.