Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Paete woodcarving town demands apology over Halloween TV special
The municipal council of Paete, Laguna has called for a public clarification from a major television network over a Halloween feature that linked the town's renowned woodcarving heritage to supernatural curses and demonic imagery.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Officials in Paete, Laguna, a municipality celebrated for its centuries-old woodcarving tradition, have expressed strong objection to a television program they say unfairly portrayed their craft in a negative light. The GMA Network program "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" aired a Halloween-themed segment that local government representatives claim associated the town's iconic artisanal trade with occult practices and malevolent forces.
The municipal council formally requested a public clarification from the television production team regarding the broadcast's content and its potential impact on Paete's cultural reputation. The network later issued an apology statement, acknowledging that the program did not intend to misrepresent the town or its artistic heritage.
Paete has maintained its reputation as the Philippines' woodcarving hub for generations, with local artisans producing intricate religious and decorative pieces that have garnered recognition both domestically and internationally. Local officials expressed concern that the television segment could damage the town's standing and affect its tourism and artisanal economy.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between media entertainment programming and community sensibilities regarding cultural representation. GMA Network's apology followed the municipal council's formal demand for accountability regarding the broadcast.