Even under the stifling summer heat, Rolando Magboo continues to work with his hands, relying on a craft learned and practiced over the decades.

This time, the 50-year-old works on a sculpture of the late Pope Francis, a commissioned work he says, from a repeat customer as he waits for the clay to dry in the small space turned into a studio in front of his apartment. 

He said the piece is for a private collection, recalling he had already made a statue of Pope Benedict XVI.

Magboo is entirely self-taught. With no formal art education, he developed his skills through observation, persistence, and practice throughout his career spanning 30 years.

“Walang nagturo sa akin. Bigla na lang lumabas ang talento ko noong high school. Nahilig ako sa arts, lalo na sa clay sculpting, kaya ipinagpatuloy ko na lang hanggang ngayon,” he said.

He is quick to clarify though that he is not a religious sculptor. 

He makes sculptures of various subjects, from famous personalities to regular people. It all depends on the clients' requests. 

He added that he would rather make statues of real people instead of characters as he orefers the realism and connection these make with his clients. 

This also led to him using fiberglass to make his pieces sturdier and preserve the memories and emotions in the statues. 

“Naisipan kong idagdag sa aking kasanayan ang paggawa ng 3D fiberglass sculpture. Mas matibay ito kaysa clay, na madaling mabasag. Sa fiberglass, mas tatagal ang aking mga obra.”

His sculptures, depending on size and complexity, are commissioned for amounts ranging from P35,000 to over P55,000

His three children, he says, are not interested in continuing his craft. He remains the sole hand behind each figure, working quietly to fulfill commissions and capture the essence of the people and stories entrusted to him.