BKDNN Hands & Heritage
From Roots to Royal Heads
by Grachelle Gregorio
VALENCIA CITY — In the hands of most, they are nothing. Discarded, forgotten, and left to rot—the tangled roots of bamboo, unearthed and cast aside during construction. But in the hands of Ely Macaso Jr., this “basura” (trash) is transformed into treasure. It becomes the hauntingly expressive faces of tribal Datus, crowned with fibrous hair, each sculpture telling a story of resilience, identity, and the profound beauty found in the overlooked.
At 35, Ely Macaso Jr. is a multi-disciplinary force in the Bukidnon art scene. A painter, sculptor, accessories designer, and even a Bukidnon dance choreographer, he is a man whose creativity is deeply intertwined with his roots. As the District 4 head officer for the Bukidnon Local Artists Kulektib (BULAK) and a member of Crypto Art Philippines and Support Local Talents Group Bukidnon (SLTG), his mission is clear: to create and to uplift.
“As an artist, I always look for materials that are easy to find, and most importantly, are unique from everything else for my artworks,” Ely shares. “My favorite materials are the things that other people no longer value—what they consider trash!”
His signature “Bambooheads” were born from a moment of destruction and observation. When the dike along the Pulangi River was being constructed, countless plants were damaged. “The plant I love most, the bamboo, was severely affected,” he recalls. “Especially its roots. For many, these roots are useless. They’re just trash. As a sculpture artist, I studied them carefully and thought, ‘How can I make this garbage that they’ve thrown away into the most valuable part of the bamboo?'”
As a Lumad of Valencia City, Ely felt a deep calling to give these roots a new life, one that would speak to his heritage. He began to carve, shaping the gnarled wood into powerful faces. “I created an art piece from bamboo roots to show everyone that they can still be used. I developed a style and design that you will never, ever see in other artworks.”
His first collection, “The 7 Tribes Datu Bamboo Heads Sculpture,” was a testament to this vision. However, its uniqueness brought immediate challenges. “My first set was incredibly controversial because some artists tried to claim my artwork as their own, even posting it on social media,” Ely recounts. But he refused to be discouraged. “I just continued and continued to make my bamboo sculptures.”
That perseverance paid off in a powerful way when his work caught the eye of the legendary Mindanaoan artist, Kublai Millan. A master sculptor responsible for many of Mindanao’s most iconic monuments, Millan was visiting Valencia when he saw Ely’s creations.
“He was so amazed,” Ely says with palpable joy. “He told me he had visited every corner of the art world but had only seen such incredible bamboo head sculptures right here. And then, without a second thought, he bought all ten of my finished Bambooheads on the spot!”
The validation from a master was a turning point. Millan, now a mentor, promised to buy every piece Ely could create. “My joy was immense!” Ely exclaims. “He is such a famous artist with such beautiful sculptures of his own. Why would he notice my small bamboo sculptures? He is now the one helping me promote my work, introducing me to other artists as ‘the Lumad from the Bukidnon tribes in Valencia City, the only bamboo sculptor of his kind in Mindanao.'”
Despite the intricacy of his work, Ely’s process remains grounded and resourceful. “My tools are whatever is available. I don’t have a complete set yet, but it’s no problem. I can still create. As long as I have a small chisel, I’m okay.”
With the unwavering support of mentors like Kublai Millan and Tatay Waway Saway, his arts partner Reno Ramirez, his BULAK family, and his own family, Ely Macaso Jr. continues to carve his path. He expresses profound gratitude to Magbabaya (The Father Creator) for the talent, strength, and inspiration that fuels him.
Ely Macaso Jr. is more than a sculptor; he is an alchemist of the earth, turning discarded fragments of his homeland into noble sentinels of Bukidnon’s culture. He proves that true value isn’t in the material, but in the vision to see its soul.
Bukidnon Tribal Bambooheads by local artist Ely Macaso Jr. – each piece handcrafted from reclaimed bamboo roots and infused with soul, heritage, and highland artistry.
Prices by Size:
• Small – ₱3,000
• Medium – ₱7,000
• Large – ₱10,000
To inquire or commission your own: Contact Ely at 0997-231-8348
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