When I was a kid, I remember spending time during the Lenten season learning how to make palaspas from strips of young coconut leaves. My cousins and I would gather around as our older relatives patiently taught us the proper way to weave and fold them.
Looking back, I didn’t fully understand the significance of what we were doing. Making palaspas wasn’t just a fun craft; it was a form of puni, a traditional folk art popular in Bulacan. I realize now that those moments were more than just a fun learning activity—they were about passing down something deeply rooted in our culture.
Even before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, puni had already been part of Filipino culture. Similar to Japanese origami, puni is a Bulacan Tagalog term that means decorating something using leaf fronds. The most commonly used material is buri, but other leaves such as coconut, pandan, and sasa are also utilized.
To make puni, the leaves are stripped, folded, plaited, braided, and woven into different everyday items. In the olden days, people used coconut leaves to create food containers, glasses, or bowls.
The puso of Cebu—boiled rice placed inside intricately woven coconut leaves—is another example of puni. The patupat of Pangasinan also uses puni to make a rice delicacy cooked in sugar cane. Suman sa ibos is wrapped using puni art as well.
Learn more about puni art in the latest episode of NLEX’s Humans of the North, where Jonnah Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Punique Handicrafts, talks about this traditional art. As a puni advocate, Garcia has revitalized the ancient craft while building a thriving social enterprise.
Inspired by her mother-in-law’s craftsmanship, she empowers women artisans in Malolos by teaching them this traditional skill and transforming their creations into contemporary accessories for the global market.
In the same episode, another traditional art from Bulacan called singkaban is featured. A fourth-generation singkaban artist, Jeff Eligio continues a proud family legacy of transforming bamboo into elaborate decorative arches.
Hailing from Hagonoy, his intricate creations are a testament to folk art that has become a symbol of Bulacan’s festive and creative soul. Through his dedication to this traditional craft, Eligio ensures this unique heritage thrives for future generations.
The episode also highlights fashion and jewelry making in Bulacan through the story of Manny Halasan, a renowned name in the world of fashion and jewelry who upholds his family’s legacy of exquisite craftsmanship in Meycauayan. Known for his stunning pageant gowns and intricately designed crowns, Halasan masterfully blends the province’s rich tradition of metalwork with the elegance of modern haute couture.
Three extraordinary individuals share their stories of passion and craftsmanship that reflect the province’s enduring legacy.
The NLEX Humans of the North series goes beyond the usual travelogue. It uncovers authentic stories that reveal the true heart of a place—its people. More than just showcasing destinations, the series reinforces a powerful message: the most memorable part of any journey isn’t the road itself, but the people you encounter along the way.
Every road trip holds a human story. The incredible journeys of Jonnah, Jeff, and Manny not only inspire travelers but also shine a light on the immense talent, resilience, and spirit of the Filipino people.
Discover their stories and more by following @NLEXLakbayNorte on Facebook and Instagram.
