Philippines[edit]
Most of the Filipino ice sculptors working abroad (Hotel & Luxury Cruises) came from Paete, Laguna, a small town approximately 100 km. east of Manila. The name Paete came from the word "paet", which means "chisel". Paete was declared by Philippine President Arroyo as "The Carving Capital of the Philippines" as their speciality andmain source of income is woodcarving. Yearly, Paetenians are having Ice Carving Competition every last week of July, one way to celebrate their town Fiesta. About 50 young natives of this town have been participating each year.