CONCEPCION, Tarlac (April 1, 2026) — It is Holy Week, and across the Philippines, Catholic traditions come alive once more. In Concepcion, Tarlac, one of the youngest encarnadores or someone who paints the skin and faces of religious images is quietly perfecting his craft.
John Andrew Lacsina, a 17-year-old, spends his days hunched over wooden saints, breathing life into their faces one brushstroke at a time. In a province known for deep Catholic roots, he is one of the youngest to carry this craft.
A Faith That Started Early
John Andrew’s journey began not with a brush, but with a cassock. In Grade 4, he became an altar server at the Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepcion. There, surrounded by statues and sacred art, he found friends who introduced him to the craft of painting sacred images.
“Grade 4 po, pinasok po akong maging sacristan. Nung bata rin po ako, mahilig po ako sa arts,” he recalls. “So yung pagpasok ko pa simbahan, nakakita po ako ng mga poon, bakit hindi ko po i-apply yung arts sa paggawa po ng poon?“
That idea stayed with him until last year, when at 16, he finally picked up his tools and began.
From Sanding to Sanctity
The process is painstaking. First, he sands the wood until smooth. Then comes the primer, layer after layer, until the surface is ready. Finally, the oil paints mixing colors just right to capture the gentle eyes of Mama Mary or the solemn face of a crucified Christ.
A small piece may take four hours. A full-body image can take three weeks.
John Andrew takes no shortcuts. He updates his clients step by step, sending photos at every stage so they see their saint slowly come alive. If adjustments are needed, he makes them without hesitation.
“Syempre satisfied po sila,” he says.
Support from Family
His mother, Sally, has five children. John Andrew is the third. When he told her he wanted to pursue this unusual passion, she never hesitated.
“Opo, sinuportahan po namin siya,” she says. “‘Pag halimbawa po may gusto daw pong magpagawa, sabi ko sige kunin mo, ‘pag sinasabi niyang hindi ko kaya, tutulungan ka namin sa paggawa.“
Sally admits she doesn’t know how to paint like her son. But she helps where she can with weaving, with primer, with encouragement.
She also shares his faith that she’s active in their chapel in Sta. Rita, and their family’s faith is deep.
Blessings in Every Brushstroke
Today, John Andrew accepts up to five clients a month. His earnings—around ₱20,000—help his family and fund his studies. His favorite work so far is an image of Sta. Rita, which he painted with particular devotion.
He credits his fast progress not to natural talent alone, but to prayer.
“Syempre po sinasabayan ko po ng dasal,” he says simply. “Yun po yung pinaka-way para i-bless po tayo ni God sa lahat po ng ginagawa po natin.“
Looking Ahead
When asked where he sees himself in five or ten years, his answer is humble.
“Sobrang grateful po ako syempre, malay niyo po in the future po, marunong na po akong umukit ng buo. Syempre ngayon po, hindi po ako umuukit ng buo, malay niyo po [maybe someday].“
For now, during this Holy Week, while processions are prepared and churches fill with devotees, John Andrew remains in his corner—brush in hand, faith in heart and quietly continuing a tradition that, in his young hands, finds new life.
For inquiries or to commission a work, you may contact John Andrew Lacsina through his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/john.andrew.lacsina.2024
