What is wood carving in the Philippines

As part of its commitment to contribute to nation-building and art appreciation for mental wellness, Philam Foundation unveiled at the National Museum an artistic masterpiece by renowned Filipino artist Jose Alcantara.

Named as the last maestro of traditional wood carving in the country, Alcantara is one of the few artists who used the Philippine classical wood carving tradition. Born in Pasay City, he trained in the atelier of the prince of Philippine sculpture during the colonial period, Isabelo Tampinco, after which he worked as a carver in the furniture shop of Gonzalo Puyat. His talent took him to numerous shows and gave him countless accolades here and abroad.

Aibee Cantos, Philam Foundation chairman; Kelvin Ang, Philam Life chief executive officer; Jeremy Barns, director of the National Museum; Ana Labrador, assistant director of the National Museum; and Max Ventura, Philam Foundation president.

Aside from the unveiling of the carving, the event was also held to formalize the renewal of another five-year institutional grant for the National Museum. We hope this partnership will pave the way for further appreciation and cultivation of our love for the arts, said Max Ventura, Philam Foundation President.

Philam Life, through the Foundation, is a firm supporter in the role of the arts in achieving mental wellness. We want to go beyond physical and financial wellness. It is our intention to come full circle in bringing to life our brand promise of helping people live healthier, longer and better lives, added Kelvin Ang, Philam Life Chief Executive Officer.

The donation was received by Jeremy Barns, Director of the National Museum, and Ana Labrador, Assistant Director of the National Museum.