After immersing with nature, let’s get to the products of Baguio City. In case you are wondering what could possibly be the best unusual authentic Baguio-made “pasalubong” that you could give to friends, officemates and relatives, they would probably be these handicrafts made by the Ocampo family that my friend Leo and I were able to stumble upon.
The family of Mr. Bong and Mrs. Rizza Ocampo creates beautiful and very artistic handicrafts from accessories to furniture made from driftwood. “Driftwood love”, as I call it – made out of love for the arts and the driftwood itself. How did this come to be?
Mr. and Mrs. Ocampo said that the idea came from the aftermath of the typhoon when tons of driftwood were washed ashore. It was then that Mr. Bong thought about the idea of collecting the pieces of driftwood and assembling them into furniture.
Table and chair in one.
They are not just ordinary driftwood makers, either; they are also artists. Right now, the entire family is involved in making driftwood handicrafts from chandeliers to podiums and yes, to accessories – the latter products of which are made by the Ocampo children.
Driftwood Podium
Driftwood Chandelier
Just in case you are interested to know more about their handicrafts, you can contact them through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/agape.handicrafts.
Being the fashion lover that I am, I naturally couldn’t dream of going to Manila without any memorabilia of their handicrafts, so I got 2 pairs of driftwood earrings that cost a mere 50 pesos each. Aren’t they intricately beautiful and oh-so-authentic?
Driftwood Dangling Earrings
While wearing these earrings, my friends instantly noticed how extraordinary they are. I now plan to go back and buy more of these as Christmas presents. Now that gives you an idea, too – a splendid idea for this coming holiday season. So, When In Manila, don’t forget to hop in for a ride going to Baguio and Benguet for this “chill” experience.
I would like to thank the Baguio Museum and most especially the Ocampo family for the warm welcome, as well as for showcasing their handicrafts while we were exploring Naguilian.
Leo and I with Mr. and Mrs. Ocampo.
