Paete, municipality of the Philippines in the province of Laguna
Paete is a small municipality in Laguna province known for generations of wood carving tradition. Narrow winding streets are lined with workshops and shops where artisans create detailed figures from wood and bamboo, with visitors often able to watch the carving process up close.
Paete started as a small fishing community by a lake in Laguna and was reached by Spanish missionaries in the 1500s who built churches and introduced religious traditions. The town's artisans developed a reputation for detailed carving of religious figures, a craft that shapes the economy and culture to this day.
Paete's name comes from a carving tool that a missionary saw in the 1500s, linking it directly to the town's craft tradition. Wood carving shapes daily life and identity, with artisans working openly in their shops and displaying their creations with pride throughout the streets.
The town is best reached by car or bus from Manila, taking about two to three hours, and jeepneys also connect from nearby Sta. Cruz. Many workshops are open for visits and it is recommended to bring cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted in the shops.
The parish church is one of the oldest Baroque churches in the country and was rebuilt in 1884 after destruction by natural events, with its bells dating from the 1700s and 1800s. These bells are rung in different patterns to signal events like fires or funerals, reflecting the deep tie between faith and daily life.
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