THE HANDS BEHIND THE CRAFT
The exact number of artists still practicing Pabalat is unknown, as there is no existing database. These artists are the people we were able to reach out to who are either currently practicing or recognized as pioneers of the craft.
Meet the talented artists who have kept the tradition of Pabalat alive. You’ll get to know all about them, their featured works and also find links to their pages/social media. Click their names for more information.
Lita Libunao
Lita Libunao
Dolores “Lita” Ramos-Libunao, from San Miguel, Bulacan, is a well-known Pabalat artist. She learned the craft from her mother, Prisilla Gatchalian Ramos, to continue their family’s legacy. She creates patterns or designs that are inspired by flowers, leaves, butterflies, as well as the Bahay Kubo. Some of her works were featured in exhibitions such as “Cut & Paste” at Prism Gallery, Makati.
Her Works
She became known for her delicate, floral, and small patterns of Pabalat. Provided by Noreen Reyes, Lita Libunao’s granddaughter.
Nanay Luz Ocampo
Nanay Luz Ocampo
Luz Villaseñor Mendoza-Ocampo, popularly known as “Nanay Luz” from San Miguel, Bulacan, was synonymous with the craft of Pabalat. She was one of the oldest artists who continued to preserve it among her generation.
The Philippine National Historical Commission awarded her the Gawad Pamanang Sining in recognition of her contributions to the country’s artistic development.
Her Works
She had 25 of designs patented under her name. Her favorites are the outline of Maria Clara, bahay kubo, and a man pounding rice. Since her works are copyrighted, please check out Ocampo’s Specialty Products to see them!
Naty Ocampo Castro
Naty Ocampo Castro
Natividad “Naty” Ocampo Castro, from Malolos, Bulacan, is a second-generation artisan who creates intricately paper-cut designs of Pabalat.
She decided to continue the legacy set by her mother Luz Ocampo, who is known as one of the major practitioners of Pabalat, as her personal mission to help keep this craft alive.
Her Works
She makes designs that depict nature, rural life such as Bahay Kubo, rice fields, farmers, and other custom requests.
Joy Marie Joaquin (Borlas de Mayumo)
Joy Marie Joaquin
Borlas de Mayumo
Joy Joaquin is a Pabalat artist and one of the founders of Borlas de Mayumo in San Miguel, Bulacan, a family-owned business that aims to promote the craft through their social media account and workshops.
Together with her sister, their brand merges traditional techniques with modern applications used in events, packaging, and other local souvenirs.
Her Works
She creates Pabalat products that are used for events, packaging, and souvenirs. Incorporates contemporary themes while retaining the traditional method of crafting Pabalat.
Jaclyn Cruz (Borlas de Mayumo)
Jaclyn May Cruz
Borlas de Mayumo
Jaclyn May Cruz is a Pabalat artist from Angat, Bulacan, and one of the founders of Borlas de Mayumo, a family-owned business that aims to promote the craft through their social media account and workshops.
Together with her sister, their brand merges traditional techniques with modern applications used in events, packaging, and other local souvenirs.
Her Works
She creates Pabalat products that are used for events, packaging, and souvenirs. Incorporates contemporary themes while retaining the traditional method of crafting Pabalat.
Anna Marie Bautista
Anna Marie Bautista
Anna Marie Bautista is a professor from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and a Cultural Heritage worker who has made it her advocacy to keep Pabalat alive.
She has been conducting workshops and exhibits since 2014 after being taught by Luz Ocampo. She also makes an effort to integrate Pabalat into academic and cultural discussions.
Her Works
She is known for her contemporary patterns such as her BTS designs, as well as making innovations of the craft by combining it with other paper cutting art techniques.
Annalyn Zocca
Annalyn Zocca
Annalyn Zocca focuses on teaching Pabalat to the youth both in Manila and Tagaytay. She handles workshops that are friendly to those who are trying to create Pabalat for the first time. She focuses on the youth and creates designs that are interactive and easy to create.
Her Works
She creates contemporary patterns, often those that are easy for children to try out through her workshops. Photos from Annalyn Zocca
OTHER PABALAT INITIATIVES
Pañera
Joanna Rizza David
Joanna Rizza David is the brand owner of Pañera, a clothing brand that is known for integrating Pabalat into their Filipiniana collection. They collaborate with Borlas de Mayumo who creates the patterns used in the clothing, all the while maintaining the traditional method of creating Pabalat.
Pañera's Collection
In partnership with Borlas de Mayumo, her Filipiniana collection showcases Pabalat using faux leather. (Photos provided by Pañera)
