Digging Deeper: Bulakenyo's Finest Arts and Crafts

By: Caitlyn Rose R. Apuntar and Jason Edward Cowan

BULACAN PYROTECHNICS

Bocaue called the "Fireworks Capital of the Philippines" is well known in the Philippines for its fireworks production. It is estimated that over 500 enterprises produce pyrotechnic items, concentrated in Bocaue, Santa Maria, Baliuag, and other nearby towns of the province. According to historians, the Chinese originated fireworks in 200 BC. They set fire to bamboo to drive away enemies and evil spirits. Many Filipinos and Chinese, according to the research, think that fireworks ward off bad luck and bring in good.

LEATHER CRAFTS

Bulacan's leather crafting industry is particularly promising for a range of bags and small leather accessory products. Waste leather scraps from export assembly firms in free trade zones have inspired local tailors to create cleverly fashioned new goods.

BUNTAL HAT

The buntal hat is a traditional Philippine straw hat woven from fibers derived from Buri palm leaves. The town is well-known for its magnificent Buntal Hats, which are marketed throughout the country and around the world. There is also a festival named after this hat in Baliuag, Bulacan called "Buntal Festival," which includes a job fair, painting contest, concerts, buntal hat Santacruzan, street dance, a search for Lakambini ng Baliuag, and exhibits of products created from woven buntal fibers.

JEWELRIES

Meycauayan, Bulacan has long been known as the Philippines' jewelry capital abundance of small, cottage-style businesses producing precious metal jewelry such as gold and precious and semi-precious stones such as lab-grown diamonds, colorful gemstones, and pearls.