12/08/2023
๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฒ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ "๐๐จ๐๐จ๐ฒ" ๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐ง๐จ: ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ช๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐๐
Sibalom, Antique - A beacon of artistic excellence, Reynald "Dodoy" Rubino, a native of Brgy. Iglanot, Sibalom, has not only carved intricate gem trees from semi-precious stones but has also carved a special place for himself in the hearts of his fellow Sibalomnons and the entire province of Antique.
Hailing as the "bugal kang Sibalom," Dodoy Rubino's dedication and craftsmanship have led his gem trees to be acquired by none other than the prestigious National Museum of the Philippines. Standing at an impressive 180 cm tall, these gem trees embody Dodoy's mastery over his craft and the rich natural resources that Sibalom is endowed with.
This achievement, however, is not just Dodoy's alone; it's a testament to the creativity, talent, and spirit that Sibalom and Antique take immense pride in. The National Museum's acquisition of his creations in 2019 through the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc., has not only elevated Dodoy's status but has also cast a spotlight on the municipality's and the province's cultural significance.
Dodoy's artistic journey found its foundation in the gemstone-studded Mau-it River, a hallmark of Sibalom's scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Stretching over three kilometers, this river is integral to the Sibalom Natural Park, protected under Proclamation No. 282 through the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (RA 11038). The municipality of Sibalom itself recognized its importance by designating the Mau-it River upstream as a Municipal Natural Heritage under Municipal Ordinance No. 001-2019 on February 8, 2019.
Dodoy Rubino's gem trees stand tall not only as a testament to his skill but as a source of immense pride for the people of Sibalom and the entire province of Antique. His creations reflect the harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity, making him a cultural icon and an embodiment of Sibalom's and Antique's cultural heritage. ๐ต๐ญ๐จ๐๏ธ
Photos: ctto