Melvin Ryan  Fetalvero

'Bahay ni Santa': Christmas magic in Angono, Rizal town houses

Worker at an arts and craft store in Angono, Rizal are busy painting Christmas decorations on Nov. 27, 2024. 

Article (news)

Worker at an arts and craft store in Angono, Rizal are busy painting Christmas decorations on Nov. 27, 2024.

Bahay ni Santa

Worker at an arts and craft store in Angono, Rizal are busy painting Christmas decorations on Nov. 27, 2024

bahay ni santa

Maria Tan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- In the heart of Angono, Rizal—dubbed the “Art Capital of the Philippines”—is a unique store where you can find Santa Claus in all shapes, sizes, and colors, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life.Owned by 53-year-old Jaime Galias, Medoth Phil’s Craft established the Bahay ni Santa, a workshop and display space dedicated to crafting and selling Santa Claus figurines.“Nag-umpisa ako sa isang design na pinaayos sa akin ng isang kaibigan hanggang sa nanganak na at dumami,” says Galias. (I started with one design requested by a friend. From there, it grew and expanded.)He added, “Nagsimula kami sa mga hanging Santa, hanggang sa nakilala kami sa ganong design. Hanggang sa gumawa na kami ng mga tabletop at wall decor Santas.” (We began with hanging Santas, which became our signature design. Eventually, we expanded to tabletop and wall decor Santas.)Medoth Phil’s Craft is known for its intricately designed Santa figures and Christmas decorations, meticulously created after going through  several steps such as drawing, carving, molding, casting, cleaning, and painting.Prices range from ₱700 for a 16-inch Santa to ₱1,400-₱1,500 for 30-inch figures, and ₱2,500 for 36-inch Santas. Discounts are available for bulk orders and walk-in customers.When asked about the secret to his business success, Galias said, “Ang paggawa ng mga ’yan dapat nasa puso. Dapat masaya ’yung makakakuha nito. ’Yun ang palagi kong iniisip kung magugustuhan kaya ito, nababagay ba ito. Dapat isipin mo din kung para saan at para kanino mo ito ima-market.” (Creating these pieces requires that it come from the heart. WHoever will receive it should feel joy upon getting them. I always think about whether people will love the design, if it fits their needs, and who the target market is.)He continued, “Tiwala lang at tibay at lakas ng loob. Kung kaya mong umpisahan, umpisahan mo hanggang sa matutunan mo ang mga bagay na dapat mong matutunan sa paggawa nito.” (You need trust, perseverance, and courage. If you have the ability to start something, go for it, and learn what you need to along the way.)“Ang kaligayahan ko pag nakikita ko ‘yung mga gawa namin, masayang-masaya ako. Kung may magic lang ako na kagaya ni Santa, gusto kong mapasaya ang mga tao na parang araw-araw Pasko,” Galias concluded. (My happiness comes from seeing the pieces we create. It makes me so joyful. If I had Santa’s magic, I’d want to spread joy and make every day feel like Christmas.)<script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABQ-qpnL3q1jjriz&amp;activation=click&amp;vip_mode=playing&amp;vip_position=bottom-right"></script>

In the heart of Angono, Rizal, dubbed the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” is a unique store where you can find Santa Claus in all shapes, sizes, and colors, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life.

In the heart of Angono, Rizal, dubbed the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” is a unique store where you can find Santa Claus in all shapes, sizes, and colors, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life.