Play some tunes with a popular Cebuano-made instrument, the Wagas Ukulele.
The Wagas Ukulele is a sophisticated instrument. Known for their unique designs with vibrant colors, it’s a great statement piece for musicians and music enthusiasts in Cebu.
Today, the sound of their instruments flows throughout Ayala Center Cebu, and special editions can be found at the National Museum of the Philippines. They are also sold at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and SM City Cebu.
It is a statement of Cebu arts and crafts that has reached global audiences, and is trusted by music enthusiasts and musicians the world over.
Like most successful businesses in Cebu, Wagas started with humble beginnings: in a backyard in the quiet town of Compostela.
THE HISTORY OF WAGAS UKULELES
In 1998, Richie Wagas started a business in order to provide for his wife and newborn daughter. With his passion for art, Richie experimented on wooden artworks and established Wagas Crafts.
The company was first known for their collapsible Magic Baskets, all having unique designs and intended to carry specific items like fruits and wine. They soon opened a stall at Ayala Center.
However, this business grew to be more than just a source of funds. Richie poured his energy into creating products that would be loved and remembered by the community, later expanding his expertise to become a guitar luthier.
This came after a quick stroll in Hawaii, where he discovered that the ukuleles sold there were imported from Cebu. This gave him the idea to test out and develop his own prototype of the instrument, later becoming what we know now as the Wagas ukulele.
In 2012, Richie officially transitioned to focusing more on ukuleles, incorporating customized colors and unique shapes. Expertly crafted, it is definitely one of Cebu’s proudest artistic achievements and an illustrious product of Compostela.
According to their official website, Wagas has garnered 3,800 customers, 4,000 ukuleles sold, and 5,000 ukuleles produced with 30,000 community members.
WHAT MAKES A WAGAS UKULELE UNIQUE
Unlike traditional ukuleles, a Wagas ukulele uses solid blocks of mahogany, making them more durable because of the absence of pressure when they’re being made.
Each design goes through a thorough process of careful planning and handcrafting to ensure top-notch quality.
The Wagas Ukuleles team consists of a dozen artists, headed by Richie himself. Every instrument made takes inspiration from his life and his hometown of Compostela.
However, the Cebu guitar factory is going outside the box and experimenting on different sizes, shapes, and colors, all without sacrificing its overall quality. Many products also take inspiration from different parts of Cebu culture.
At the National Museum, you can find limited edition ukuleles designed by Richie’s niece Gilcy, like one called the “Balud sa Kagahapon”, inspired by the Sto. Niño, and another one inspired by the whale sharks in Oslob.
Each Wagas ukulele is characterized by its special features, namely:
Travel – Soprano: lightweight and made to be portable. Maintains its quality sound despite its thinner body. Perfect for musicians who love traveling and bringing their instruments everywhere they go.
Ursula – Soprano: this is made for beginners looking for a budget-friendly ukulele. Notable for its simple but vibrant colors.
Traditional Ukulele – Concert & Tenor: a traditional ukulele crafted from mahogany. Comes in different shapes offering unique sounds.
Guitarlele: a new addition to their offerings that combines the sounds of a guitar with the body of a ukulele.
Each product comes with a soft case and a hand-painted name to make it more personal. But if you want an even more personalized item, you can also buy a custom made one.
You can message Wagas Ukuleles on their social media pages and request for a customized instrument made from any of the Wagas ukulele types. Pricing starts at around Php 6,450.
According to their website, each customized ukulele could take up to 10 to 20 days.
You can visualize a design that will make it your own. The creative process can also be fun and memorable as you work hand in hand with the designers.
They offer free shipping for all orders within the Philippines. For international orders, you can visit their international website.
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Aside from Lapu-Lapu City, Compostela is among the best places to buy an authentic Cebu ukulele. What started off as a passion project from the backyard of a new father has become a symbol of Filipino craftsmanship.
There are plenty of reasons to buy from Wagas Ukuleles, from the durability of its products to the unique and eye-popping designs. Most importantly, you are supporting the tireless workers that create and form these products with precision, endurance, and dedication.
If you want a memorable souvenir during your stay in Cebu, a Wagas ukulele will surely be a classic.
