Gener Paduga is from Palawan Island in the western Philippines. He grew up in a bamboo house and has been constructing things with bamboo since he was a kid. As a boy, he liked to make bamboo kites and sarading, a small trap for mangrove crabs.

Gener began making bamboo buildings and furniture in the early 2000s.  He specializes in bayog bamboo, a native Palawan species which is especially flexible and strong. 

Gener has worked extensively with Tao Philippines – developing his signature Tuka design for their basecamps, schools and community centers. 

Since 2018, he has developed the tuka concept further through bamboo building projects for a range of clients. He also teaches workshops on bamboo harvesting, treatment, design, and carpentry. 

Gener is also a boat builder and sailor and can often be found aboard The Balatik, a traditional Palawan paraw which he built and sails in partnership with Tao Philippines in El Nido.

LINKS

Tao Philippines Bamboo Architecture >>>

Channel News Asia – interview >>>

National Commission for Culture & the Arts webinar (1:28) >>>

The Balatik – construction  / sailing