The art of paper cutting is so popular these day but it's actually a very old practice dating back to 1st century BC

Filipino artist Shaphir Aleph Lizarondo started paper cutting as a hobby.

But soon after, this hobby of his turned into an advocacy to raise awareness on some of the world's critically endangered and vulnerable species.

Among the animals that Shaphir turned into masterpieces are the Philippine eagle, pangolin, Sulu hornbill, Hawksbill sea turtle, Siamese fighting fish and snowy owl.

RELATED: Baguio paper artist shines a light on PHL's critically endangered species

According to Shaphir, each paper masterpiece took 10 to 15 hours to make.

But how and when did the art of paper cutting began?

According to a Sunday episode of AHA!, the Chinese were the first ones to try paper cut art in the first century B.C. They called this style as the "Jian Zhi."

The Chinese usually use red paper for paper cutting. Some of their earliest uses for paper cutting were for religious rituals, house decorations and hair styling.

Paper cutting also became the basis for women's social status back then in China. If their skill is outstanding, they will have a higher social ranking.

Paper cutting appeared in Western Asia in the eighth century, and in Turkey in the sixteenth century. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/LA, GMA News