ABOUT TEOFILO GARCIA
Embedded Files
Garcia is known for crafting tabungaw hat, a type of Ilocano hat made from a variety of gourd (Cucurbitaceae) known locally as tabungaw.
Garcia, who has five children, primarily works as a farmer. He primarily cultivates rice and tobacco and tends to a herd of cows. During the period when he does neither of these, Garcia grows tabungaw. He is a native of the town of San Quintin in Abra.
Garcia learned how to create tabungaw hats and weave basket from his grandfather when he was 15 years old. He eventually became known for producing tabungaw hats – his hats were reputed to be the most sturdy and smooth in his community. Garcia himself would wear tabungaw hat in his daily life and he could create 100 headwear in a year if the gourd harvest is good.
He would also innovate on the creation of tabungaw hats experimenting on using nito and bamboo fibers as decor. The interior of Garcia's hats would also vary in decoration.
On November 8, 2012, he was conferred the National Living Treasure Award.
Teofilo Garcia, a National Living Treasure Awardee who specializes in making traditional hats made from gourds (upo) or kattukong nga tabungaw. The all-weather headgear is primarily made from native gourds that he grows and harvests himself. The insides are hollowed out, dried, and lined with finely woven rattan matting, while the top part is applied with bright orange or red varnish to make for weather resistance. Mr. Garcia is the only one left in his village who still makes these rather whimsical looking masterpieces. He is currently reaching out to young people in his village who are interested in learning the craft. Visitors are welcome to see his workshop and buy a hat in support of keeping the traditional tabungaw-making alive and vibrant.
In case you’re wondering what Tabungaw is, it’s an Ilocano term for “Upo”, also known as Bottle Gourd or White Pumpkin. Teofilo Garcia, on the other hand, is known to be the last of the Tabungaw hat makers, a traditional headgear made of tabungaw or gourd.
In case you’re wondering what Tabungaw is, it’s an Ilocano term for “Upo”, also known as Bottle Gourd or White Pumpkin. Teofilo Garcia, on the other hand, is known to be the last of the Tabungaw hat makers, a traditional headgear made of tabungaw or gourd.
Click on the buttons below to be redirected on its navigation:
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse