{"product_id":"buhay","title":"Buhay","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"399\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"160\"\u003eAGUILARDO “AGI” PAGKATIPUNAN\u003c\/strong\u003e, affectionately known as the “Wood Wizard” by his peers, was born and raised in Maly, a small barangay in the hilly province of San Mateo, Rizal. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the Central Colleges of the Philippines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"849\"\u003eAgi is a renowned furniture maker and designer—an architect who found his true calling as a carpenter-sculptor and interior designer. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in his passion for wood, particularly salvaged and reclaimed Philippine hardwoods. He breathes new life into these discarded materials, transforming them into what he fondly calls \u003cem data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"778\"\u003e\"functional sculptures\"\u003c\/em\u003e—works of art that embody soul, substance, and masterful craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"851\" data-end=\"1068\"\u003eThough trained as an architect, Agi’s deep fascination with wood led him to create distinctive, soulful pieces. His works reflect not only a high level of artistry but also a profound respect for material and meaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1070\" data-end=\"1128\"\u003eAgi lives by strong values, both in life and in his craft:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1132\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1132\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003e“Given things may seem wasted in the present, but if you hold onto them, time will eventually reveal their purpose and meaning in an artistic way.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1283\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003e“I never compromise my principles. I’ve walked away from clients before—and I’ll continue to do so when my values are at stake.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003e“The form of wood dictates the design. The more materials I have, the more possibilities I see.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003e“Kaya nalulungkot ako kapag kumokonti ang mga kahoy ko.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1582\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003e(That’s why I get disheartened when I see my lumber stock dwindling.)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1941\"\u003eAgi credits much of his artistic philosophy to the late sculptors Maestro Jerry Araos and Maestro Luis E. Yee Jr., whom he affectionately called \u003cem data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1809\"\u003eTatay\u003c\/em\u003e. Their influence—rooted in conversations about art, craft, and even the rawness of life—taught him to truly \u003cem data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"1941\"\u003e“listen to the wood.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1943\" data-end=\"2123\"\u003eHe also draws architectural inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright and upholds the modernist ideals of \u003cem data-start=\"2043\" data-end=\"2095\"\u003e\"form follows function and function follows form,\"\u003c\/em\u003e championed by Le Corbusier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"2125\" data-end=\"2182\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2182\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2182\"\u003e“I live for my art—and my art, in turn, sustains me.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Agi Pagkatipunan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45027157311649,"sku":null,"price":350000.0,"currency_code":"PHP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/7534\/1217\/files\/46.jpg?v=1754033247","url":"https:\/\/www.namiart-gallery.com\/products\/buhay","provider":"namiart-gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}