In this episode of Tunog Tao, we meet Sonny Dimalanta, a visionary artist who turns simple wood into powerful works of art using pyrography—the ancient technique of wood burning.
From humble beginnings as a technician in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, Sonny’s passion for art quietly simmered for decades. It wasn’t until later in life—through correspondence studies in Pennsylvania and long hours of practice—that he fully embraced his artistic calling.
Now based in Canada, Sonny’s wood-burned creations blend traditional Filipino themes, modern reflections, and repurposed materials. Whether using soldering tools or coffee for shading, each piece carries emotion, memory, and message—like his award-winning entry Shattered Reflection, a haunting reminder of humanity’s impact on the world.
Through his story, Sonny proves it’s never too late to pursue your craft. His advice to young and senior artists alike? “Mag-aral pa rin. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Gumawa habang kaya pa.”
🎨 Catch the full episode to hear about Sonny’s journey, techniques, and the deeper meanings behind his handmade masterpieces.