Tourism secretary Bernadette Puyat-Romulo got an idea of how hard it is to carve out a wood figure and a living at the same time.
Puyat was invited by renowned Indie filmmaker and National Artist Kidlat Tahimik to his place when she was in Baguio City last week during the government agency’s distribution of cash aid to displaced tourism workers in that city.
“Tatay Kidlat then invited me to the very artsy-craftsy Ili-Likha Artist Village, where I attempted to carve a Bulol, something I never knew I wanted to do,” was what Puyat posted on her Facebook page.
“Bulol” is a carved wood figure typically used in healing rituals.
“National Artist Kidlat Tahimik was present on behalf of the VOCAS Foundation, a community of local artists, which shows how even those in the creative industries have been affected by the pandemic and the loss of tourism,” said Puyat.
While she enjoyed the experience, it seems it will take more time and effort for Puyat to learn the art of wood carving.
“Naku 30 seconds palang masakit na arms ko,” disclosed Puyat.