Paete, the Carving Capital
About
Welcome to the Carving Capital of the Philippines! In Paete, whole streets are lined with workshops where carvers turn wood into saints, animals and giant spoons and forks, right in front of you. Start at the old stone church of St. James the Apostle with its carved facade, browse the shops for papier-mache taka and woodcraft, then catch sunset over Laguna de Bay at Wawa Park. It's art, faith and lakeside views in one sleepy little town!
- Half dayTime to spend
- Late afternoon, so you can shop first and end with the sunset at Wawa Park; Holy Week for the town's famous traditions.Best time to go
- Free entryEntrance and budget
- Bus or jeep gets you thereNo car needed
What to do here
- Watch carvers at work in the shops along the main road
- Admire the carved stone facade of St. James the Apostle Church
- Shop for taka and woodcraft pasalubong
- Catch the sunset over Laguna de Bay at Wawa Park
Know before you go
Ask before taking photos of carvers at work.
Bring cash; many small shops don't take cards or e-wallets.
Mind tricycles on the narrow main road.
Street parking along the main road and near the church; the poblacion streets are narrow.
Free to walk around; carvings and taka are sold by size and detail, so bring cash.
Where it is
Poblacion, Paete, Laguna (church, plaza and the carving shops along the main road)
No car neededTake a jeep or van from Tanay or Siniloan along the Laguna de Bay shoreline, or a bus to Santa Cruz, Laguna, then a jeep bound for Siniloan or Famy and get off at Paete. By car, take the scenic Manila East Road via Tanay, or SLEX through Calamba and Santa Cruz.
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FAQ
Why is Paete called the Carving Capital?
Woodcarving, paper mache (taka) and visual arts have been passed down here for generations, and whole streets are lined with carvers' shops.
What should I buy?
Small wood carvings, saints, giant spoon-and-fork sets and colourful taka figures.
What else is there?
The old stone church of St. James the Apostle and the lakeside Wawa Park for sunset.