Arts and crafts: A success path

There are things in life that we do not get to learn from the four corners of the school. Sometimes, it is passion that drives us to where we are destined today and this is the story of Bernandino Cabañero, 45, from Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Cabañero dreamed of being a midwife. To him, it is worthy of any profession. “Imagine seeing a happy couple with their newborn child,” he said. Cabañero, however, decided to take a diploma in fisheries and technology because of financial problems. “I have to give up that dream to give way for what is feasible that moment,” he added.

After finishing his diploma program, he worked in factories, in local ships as a waiter, and in local government offices. “I have dreamed of becoming a midwife but I completed a different program and ended up working in different fields,’ he said.

Then came a time in his life where he couldn’t find any regular job because of his age. “While washing dishes at home, I prayed to God to bless me with a work that suffices my daily needs. When I opened my eyes, I saw newspapers. Then with a blink of an eye, I thought of making a hat out of that,” recalled Cabañero.

The hat he crafted was worn by his mother while doing some errands outside. She was then seen by their neighbors and started to make some personalized orders of hat worth PhP50.

“I never thought that it would click to our neighbors that quick or maybe it was just too hot in Cavite,” said Cabañero in jest.

At that time, he only uses the gluten of the rice as an adhesive. Every night he thinks of what design will be good for the next day. “Challenging. This is really challenging because you really have to think about how to become relevant to others.”

Another challenge he experienced was on the funding for his business. Luckily, his entrepreneurial skill was noticed by his neighbors and they recommended for him to join the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. (A Microfinance NGO). CARD, Inc. is a social development organization that provides financial and non-financial services to low-income households.

He started borrowing from CARD, Inc. to buy materials for his growing business. “CARD, Inc. has been my partner in growing my business,” Cabañero said.

Cabañero can’t still believe the journey he is taking now. “This may not be in my wildest dream but what I have acknowledged is that God will really bring you to a place or work that will make you grow smarter, wiser, and happier. Sometimes, it is not what we thought that would make us best; it is always His plans that would make us a better person.”

Today, Cabañero is one of the most invited inspirational and technical  speakers by different organizations. For the record, that is even without a degree – only passion.