There are moments in the world of art and design that feel less like serendipity and more like destiny — and this one begins with an eagle.
Not just any eagle, but Pag-Asa 1, the inaugural
piece in a visionary series of cutlery sculptures by Zai Design Hive,
inspired by the Philippines’ first captive-bred Philippine Eagle, the late and
beloved Pag-Asa. Its name translates to hope — and hope is exactly what
radiates from every curve, glint, and handcrafted detail of this Cebu-made
masterpiece.
So imagine the thrill, the gasp, the quiet heartbeat skip, when Pag-Asa 1 found its new home in the hands of someone who simply meant to “look around” at this year’s Bodega Design Caravan.
A MASTERPIECE OF METAL, A STORY OF HOPE
At first glance, Pag-Asa 1 stuns — regal, imposing, poetic.
At second glance, it surprises — because this magnificent sculpture is formed
entirely from cutlery. Forks, spoons, knives — everyday tools
transformed into extraordinary artistry.
Only one man could take something so ordinary and turn it into something transcendent:
Butch Carungay, multi-awarded design visionary, curator of Cebu
creativity, and the head beekeeper of the ever-inspiring Zai Design Hive.
This isn’t just sculpture.
It’s Cebuano ingenuity.
It’s Filipino pride.
It’s hope — molded in metal.
This year marked CUE’s second time covering the Bodega
Design Caravan — but unlike the first, this edition carried a deeper heartbeat.
Beyond the beautiful pieces and impeccable designs, part
of the proceeds supported communities affected by Typhoon Tino.
Art with advocacy.
Design with purpose.
And perhaps that’s why the energy felt different — warmer,
more intentional, more human.
A LOVE STORY… WITH A SCULPTURE
When Pag-Asa 1 first came into view, it was love — immediate
and unapologetic.
But practicality pulled us away.
A budget-friendly but equally dazzling Santo Niño embellished with Swarovski
crystals, also from ZAI, became the piece that went home with us that day (among other accessories from various exhibitors).
And then destiny intervened.
On the Caravan’s final day, returning “just to show loved
ones around,” the stars aligned.
A few sponsors (or so the joke goes), a sprinkle of fate, and perhaps a wink
from the heavens — and suddenly and unexpectedly, a box containing the majestic
eagle sculpture was being carried out of the venue and into it’s new home... our home.
𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓, 𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐆𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄.
Handcrafted gems you won’t find in malls.
Stories from entrepreneurs — some of whom survived the Typhoon Tino flooding.
New discoveries around every booth.
And a fresh wave of inspiration with the inclusion of the Cebu Literary
Festival, which brought life, youth, and vibrancy to the event.
If there is one wish?
That the Visayas Art Fair and Bodega Design Caravan might one day
stand side by side in one horizontal venue (that's just us and our wishful thinking :-) ) — Both a powerhouse celebration of Cebu
and the Visayas’ creative soul.
Because we’re already missing it.
We’re already counting down to next year.
**Pag-Asa 1 has landed.
And hope, art, and Cebuano creativity continue to rise.**
Comments
Post a Comment