Young Renier grew up observing his parents at work, watching his mother mix cement while his father meticulously engraved lapidas with a chisel and hammer. At the tender age of 16, Renier began assisting his father by adding the finishing touch, painting the lapida. His interest in the craft grew, leading to an ambitious pursuit of perfection. Renier started experimenting with new techniques, using a drill bit and hammer to strike and carve intricate letters and objects into the stone.

A twist of fate

In 2000, tragedy struck as Renier's father fell ill and could no longer fulfill orders. Renier stepped up, determined to continue his father's legacy. Sadly, a year later, Gally Mag-abo passed away, leaving Renier as the youngest sibling and the sole provider for his widowed mother.

Renier not only sustained his father's business but also sought to elevate it. He named his venture 'Nong Gally Engraving and Lapida Making' as a tribute to his father's memory. Through the income generated, Renier managed to achieve his educational dreams, graduating with a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from Saint Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc. (SJCSI).

In 2007, Renier married Lea J. Tamayo, and together they made lapida making their primary source of income. Lea, inspired by her husband's artistry, gradually learned the trade and joined him in their creative endeavor. They were a formidable team, but their productivity was limited by the traditional methods they employed. They could only produce a maximum of two lapidas per week.

Thanks to DOLE's assistance, Renier acquired a plotter cutter in May 2021, revolutionizing their lapida-making process. This cutting-edge technology streamlined their workflow, making it more efficient and precise. Today, Nong Gally Engraving and Lapida Making offers lapida-making services in marble slabs, granite slabs, granite tiles, and customized engraving services, producing up to four slabs per day with superior quality.

As an entrepreneur, Renier has not only supported his family but also created job opportunities for others. Four family members work part-time in his production process, while six lapida agents from different municipalities generate income by referring orders. Renier's mission to carry forward his father's legacy continues to thrive, offering a path for others to find life and livelihood in the art of commemorating the departed.

In the words of Renier Mag-abo himself, "Hanap patay para mabuhay" - a poetic twist on the art of lapida-making, a business that has breathed new life into his family and community.