IN A small workshop in Betis, Pampanga, the rhythmic sound of chisels meeting wood fills the air, accompanied by the faint scent of varnish and sawdust. This is the world of Willy Layug, a master sculptor whose works adorn churches and cathedrals across the world. Revered for his ability to breathe life into his religious sculptures, Layug’s name has become synonymous with Filipino craftsmanship at its finest. But for the man himself, his legacy extends far beyond the intricate details of his works. It is the people he inspires - the next generation of Filipino artists - that matter most.
