Sustaining cultural, national heritage through 'Kwentong Kahoy' exhibit at Arthaland

Since the rehabilitation of its Main Building began in 2023, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has remained committed to making its CCP 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) Collection accessible to all, regardless of background or resources.

The Center has successfully advanced this mission by democratizing the arts, showcasing its visual arts and ethnographic collections in public spaces and community-focused exhibits. A prime example is Kwentong Kahoy, an exhibit that highlights the diverse forms of art created with wood, demonstrating its adaptability and rich cultural significance.

"An Afternoon in Sampaloc" (1976) by Santiago Bose

The third and newest collaborative project between CCP and Arthaland, Kwentong Kahoy removes traditional barriers to art access, allowing people to engage with and appreciate the cultural value of woodwork. Such initiatives promote inclusivity, celebrate local craftsmanship, and ensure diverse voices are represented, making art a shared and accessible experience for everyone.

Highlighting the wonders of artmaking with wood, Kwentong Kahoy features selected artworks that offer educational insights into the craftsmanship and creativity involved in wood art, exploring techniques such as carving and relief printing.

“This exhibit hopefully will remind us of the important role that the arts play in shaping the world around us. In a time when sustainability and environmental awareness are more important than ever, Kwentong Kahoy invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the materials that we use,” said CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan during the exhibit reception at the Sevina Park Pavilion in Biñan, Laguna.

At the symbolic opening, Marasigan and Arthaland Vice Chairman and President Jaime Gonzales watered a Kapa Kapa (Medinilla magnifica), a flowering epiphyte known for its striking pink-to-coral-red blossoms. This act symbolized the flourishing partnership between CCP and Arthaland and served as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to protect natural heritage in the face of environmental crises.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Cultural Center of the Philippines for Kwentong Kahoy. It has found, we believe, a perfect home here in Sevina Park. This collaboration is a testament to the vital role that art plays in advancing Arthaland’s vision to create unique, sustainable, and exceptional developments that enhance the quality of life at home, at work, and within the community. Through art, we have fostered deeper connections with nature, emphasizing the beauty and significance of trees and plants in our everyday life,” shared Arthaland Corporation Vice Chairman and President Jaime Gonzales.

Kabataang Gitarista delighted guests during the opening with well-loved Filipino classics.

On display are 73 artworks, each piece reflecting not only the creativity of the artists but also the themes of nature, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness that define both Sevina Park and the exhibition itself.

"The irony of celebrating wood—an increasingly depleting natural resource—amidst the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine is not lost on us. However, this exhibition is proof of the resilience of the human spirit, the enduring power of art, and its role in advocacy and environmental activism. We hope that Kwentong Kahoy inspires stories of how Filipinos can weather the storm of climate change together through compassionate policymaking and collaboration among different sectors of society for the good of many,” said CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division officer-in-charge Rica Estrada Uson.

On November 24, Sunday, the CCP VAMD will be having guided tours at 10am and 1pm, and a taka-making workshop at 1:30pm. Admission to the tours and workshop is free. To register for the workshop, visit bit.ly/take-making. For inquiries, contact Rinnah Sevilla at 091783138411. 

The exhibit “Kwentong Kahoy” is open to the public and can be viewed until December 2, from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sevina Park is located along Cecilia Araneta Parkway, right beside the De La Salle University Laguna Campus. It is approximately 5 minutes away from the Laguna Boulevard Exit of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

Follow the CCP and CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division social pages on Facebook for the latest updates on Kwentong Kahoy and other CCP exhibitions and public programs. For more information about Sevina Park, visit www.arthaland.com.