19/05/2026
From simple palm leaves woven by hand, to becoming a souvenir loved by many — this is the beautiful journey of Papa Celso’s Pusô. ❤️
Long before the colorful keychains, the market displays, and the recognition from hotels and events, Papa Celso was already a man gifted with craftsmanship. As a young part-time boy, he already knew how to create handmade items using only his hands, patience, and creativity. One of the things he mastered was making the traditional Cebuano pusô using palm leaves — a simple symbol of culture, home, and tradition.
His weaving journey first started in Orient Design in Greenhills, where he was exposed to craftsmanship and furniture weaving at an early stage of his life. Later on, he worked at Solid Rattan Manufacturing, where he handled binding works using natural rattan. It was during this chapter of his life that he met my Mama Elma — the woman who would later become not only his partner in life, but also the person who would wholeheartedly believe in his talent and dreams.
His talent and dedication eventually led him to become a rattan weaver at DVC, and later one of the pioneer contractual weavers of DEDON Manufacturing Inc. during the early 2000s. Through years of weaving, hard work, and patience, his hands became even more skilled — not only in weaving but in bringing life to every piece he created.
Every dreamer has someone who believes in them wholeheartedly.
When Papa retired from DEDON, Mama Elma saw something special in his creations. She saw potential. She believed that Papa’s handmade pusô could become more than just a hobby — it could become something meaningful, something people would treasure.
At first, they only sold within the community market. To everyone’s surprise, it became a big hit. People loved the handmade pusô souvenirs because each piece carried authenticity, tradition, and heart. Soon, they started venturing outside the community, eventually reaching Carbon Market where Papa’s pusô souvenirs would often get SOLD OUT.
Even while working as a carpenter during the day — a job where he was always in demand — Papa never stopped weaving. After a long day of hard work, he would sit quietly in the evening, watching TV, basketball games, or Batang Quiapo while making pusô one by one. While others rested, Papa created. In one whole evening alone, he could make almost 150 pieces.
That was how passionate he was.
Even when he went to Siargao for a special weaving sideline, he still shared his talent freely. He taught his coworkers how to make pusô without asking for anything in return. Seeing his creations displayed and sold in Siargao stalls and even in the rest house where they stayed brought him so much joy. He dreamed that one day, his pusô would be known everywhere and become a part of people’s lives.
And even before he passed away, Papa made sure his craft would continue living on.
He patiently taught Mama Elma and Auntie Titing the process of making pusô. He would always say:
“Pagkat-on mo ani kay di nako mo buhat ani.”
At that time, those words felt simple.
Now, they feel deeply emotional.
Because today, Papa… your pusô continues to live on.
From humble beginnings, your handmade creations reached places we never imagined. Your pusô souvenirs were even chosen as giveaways during the ASEAN Summit 2026— a proud moment for our family and proof that your craftsmanship touched many hearts.
Thank you so much to Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Mercure Hotel Mactan for trusting and supporting Papa Celso’s Pusô Souvenirs.
Papa, wherever you are, we hope you know that your dream came true.
Your craftsmanship…
Your tradition…
Your legacy…
continues to flourish.
And with every woven pusô made by hand, a piece of you still lives on. ❤️
