Name: Mafe Nenia A.

Mejias

Section: C (BS Biology)

Student Number: 2020-04903

Pottery-making Experience

La-Union is known to be the surfing capital of the Northern Philippines. Many tourists were

allured by the surfing and relaxing beach get-away that the place offers. But La-Union also attracts the

tourists in its art of pottery making or also called ‘Damili’ in the Ilokano language. Red Clay Pagdamilian

became a tourist attraction in La Union where tourists can enjoy learning about pottery. It

accommodates tourists that wanted to experience an on-the-spot pottery session guided by the potters

of Red Clay in La-Union. It taught its tourists to be creative in the souvenirs that they would bring by

doing their pottery souvenirs. Red Clay Pagdimilian started as a retailer store until it grasps the concept

of teaching to the tourists the art of pottery making. Tourists and some local shows continue to visit and

featured Red Clay Pagdimilian for the pottery-making experience.

Pottery is an ancient form of art that involves molding various forms of ceramics, clay, and

earthenware into shapes that are desired by the artist. In the Philippines, there are a lot of renowned

Filipino Potters which include Jon Pettyjohn with his wife Tessy, Ugu Bigyan, and Jaime de Guzman. Jon

Pettyjohn with his wife considered to be the pioneers of Contemporary Philippine Ceramics. He

continues his legacy and shares his knowledge of pottery making for the new generations by establishing

a studio in Pansol, Laguna.

Pottery is an art form that requires dedication and patience. The pottery industry in the

Philippines is in a dire situation right now. What we need right now is to support the potters in the

Philippines and acknowledge the art of poetry. This is possible by promoting our culture and tradition in

different social media platforms that we are engaging. Just like people in Sagada, Mountain Province

used the online platform to help the local artisans cope during the pandemic.
Sources:

Beleo, E. (2020, July 28). ‘Hands on’ pottery-making experience huge hit in San Juan, La Union. Manila

Bulletin. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/28/hands-on-pottery-making-experience-huge-hit-

in-san-juan-la-union/

Aldemo, A. (2020, July 13). ‘Sagada Pottery made available online to help local artisans cope with

pandemic. Good News Pilipinas. Retrieved from https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/sagada-pottery-

made-available-online-to-help-local-artisans-cope-with-pandemic/