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The bayong is a traditional handwoven handbag made of dried leaves that Filipinos used to bring to the market to serve as storage for the goods that they purchase.

Over time, the bayong has evolved into a stylish fashion accessory, thanks to its updated look.

Now, the modern bayongs are embellished using different materials and are also hand-painted into different colors or with beautiful images.

An example of these modern bayongs are the hand-painted bags sold by entrepreneur Aileen David, who owns Bayong Kultura.

Their gorgeous bayongs are priced from PhP 1,100 to PhP 2,000 depending on design, or whether it is customized with names.

Plus, they are of world-class quality and sold internationally to countries like Canada and the USA by resellers.

But aside from the stunning designs and quality of their modern bayongs, the story behind one of the artists who paint them is equally beautiful and inspiring.

Artist Jessica Tuazon painting on a modern bayong / Source: iJuander

Jessica Tuazon is one of the first painters of Bayong Kultura. She started painting after suffering from depression in 2013, when she lost her ability to walk due to a tumor in her spinal cord.

“Bago po ako magkasakit, normal life lang…simple…mag-trabaho, mag-gym, social life, may love life, may time sa family, sa mga gatherings, birthdays, ganun. Pero nung nagkasakit ako, nagbago po lahat,” Jessica told iJuander. “Ang hirap tanggapin na isa na akong bedridden ngayon, hindi na tulad dati.”

Fortunately, she found a way to heal herself emotionally and mentally through painting, and she was discovered by the owner of Bayong Kultura through the works she uploaded on social media. She said painting has given her life a new meaning.

“Since nag-paint po ako, 'yun naging independent po ako. Bumalik 'yung confidence ko. Gusto ko i-express talaga 'yung positivity na kahit naging ganito ako, may magagawa pa naman ako. May meaning pa naman 'yung life ko.”

One of Jessica Tuazon's masterpieces / Source: iJuander

Jessica also stated that painting allows her to be financially independent and not feel like a burden to her family.

And according to her, the greatest life lesson she's learned is never giving up and making the most of what she has.

“Tuloy 'yung buhay. Kaya pa rin natin. Natira sa'kin 'yung kamay ko, nagagalaw ko sila, 'yung ulo ko, nagagalaw ko sila, so ginamit ko sila.”

Jessica said she wants to spread positivity through her artwork.

“Pinipinta ko is mga bulaklak, scenery, or landscape, seascape…mga positive vibes sila na kapag nakita mo sila is nagagandahan ka o 'yung napa-positive vibes ka.”

See more of Jessica Tuazon's beautiful masterpieces in the iJuander video below.

For more inspiring stories like this, watch 'iJuander' every Sunday at 7:45 p.m. on GTV.

Viewers abroad can also watch iJuander via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

And for more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

Check out also Heart Evangelista's hand-painted bags below.