Fray Peter Casiño, OSA, prior of the San Agustin Convent in Intramuros, revealed during the opening of the religious art exhibit of Magno “Manny” Gaza on Nov. 20 at the San Agustin Museum that it was the Augustinians who taught the people of Betis, Pampanga, how to carve wood into religious images.
Augustinian historian Fr. Isacio Rogriguez wrote in his book, “Al Servicio del Evangelio,” that the Augustinians in 1591 already had a mission in Betis and Lubao consisting of 20,000 persons and four convents.
Among the missionaries who served in Betis were Fr. Casimiro Diaz and Fr. Francisco Cuadrado.
Fr. Diaz was born in Toledo in 1693 and arrived in the Philippines as a missionary in 1712. Among his positions were minister/prior of Magalang; general procurator of the Augustinian Province; provincial secretary; provincial diffinitor; and prior-minister of Arayat, Betis, Minalin and Candaba.
Fr. Cuadrado was born in Villasaracino, Palencia, in 1814. He was sent to Pampanga and ministered in Betis in 1854. Later on he was assigned to Manila as a professor of morals and canon law.
These two friars assigned to Betis were quite extraordinary priests who contributed to the spiritual and cultural advancement of the town.
The exhibit “Inukit ng Betis” displays the wood carvings of Gaza.
Here are sculptural murals depicting the Creation, The First Mass, The Last Supper and “Spoliarium,” as well as Marian images that include Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag.
“I believe that the religious carvings are not mere works of art,” said Fr. Casiño, “but reminders to worship the true God, to draw close to the ultimate source and meaning of everything in the universe, to be in communion with that source in prayer and song and in other spiritual acts.
“For what will the feast of the Santo Niño be without the image of the Infant Christ, or the feast of Jesus Narazeno without the Poon?
“Indeed, images help us to worship the Divine Being. Our master carver Manny Gaza has surely spent so much time, effort and treasure through many years, and he has come up with all these beautiful wood carvings to help us draw closer to God, receive some grace from Him, some gift, some life—even eternal life.”
Betis native
A native of Betis, Gaza is a protégé of his first cousin, the late Maestro Juan C. Flores; they belong to a clan of woodcarvers.
At a young age, Gaza was already exposed to the art of woodcarving, learning it by day and attending regular schooling by night.
Gaza started as an apprentice in 1962. Through the years, he acquired the mastery of the art as a carver, designer, and local furniture maker.
In the 1980s, he became one of the key persons to introduce Philippine furniture to the world market.
He has done commissioned woodworks for St. Jude Church Malacañang (1994); Heritage Hotel (1994-1995); Malate Church (1994-1995); Our Lady of Loreto Church (2000); Holy Family Church (2004); St. Ferdinand Parish Church in Ilagan, Isabela (2006); St. Rose of Lima Parish Church in Gamu, Isabela (2006); Malacañang Palace (2001-2010); San Fernando, Pampanga Capitol (2011); St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Gamu, Isabela (now St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral; 2011); and San Agustin Church and Museum in Intramuros (1980s to 2013).
The exhibit runs until Dec. 20.