Teotilo Garcia
Experience Art Virtually
TEOFILO GARCIA
National Living Treasure & GAMABA Awardee
Born on March 27, 1941, Garcia is a Filipino hatter who received the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) award in 2012 for his exceptional craftsmanship in making tabungaw (or kattukong) hats. He learned the art from his grandfather at the age of 15, specializing in creating hats that are both sturdy and smooth, earning a reputation for excellence in his community. Garcia's dedication to innovation is evident in every hat he creates, as he constantly experiments with different materials and techniques, such as incorporating nito and bamboo fibers as decorative elements. His commitment to his craft is reflected not only in the quality of his work but also in his personal style, as he proudly wears a tabungaw hat himself, showcasing its elegance and heritage wherever he goes.
Tabungaw Hat
A tabungaw hat, derived from the Ilocano word "Tabungaw" or "Upo" in Filipino, is a traditional headgear made from the Tabungaw vegetable, known as Upo in Filipino, which the Ilocano people are renowned for. These hats are crafted using the top halves of the vegetables, while the bottom halves are repurposed for making storage containers. The Tabungaw hat is designed to withstand various weather conditions, being primarily constructed from native gourds. The interior is hollowed out, dried, and lined with finely woven rattan matting for comfort, while the exterior is coated with bright orange or red varnish to enhance weather resistance and durability.
Garcia Collection
There may be no better way to communicate what the artist does than through images. As you browse the works of Garcia, take a few moments to let your eyes linger here, and see if you can get a feel for his signature hats.
Unique
Teofilo Garcia's tabungaw hats stand out as the best due to his unparalleled craftsmanship honed over decades of dedication. He meticulously selects the finest Tabungaw materials, ensuring each hat is sturdy yet elegantly smooth. Garcia's innovative spirit shines through as he constantly experiments with new techniques and materials, such as incorporating nito and bamboo fibers as decorative elements. His hats not only showcase exceptional quality and durability but also pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocano people, making them a true embodiment of tradition and artistry.
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Eco-Friendly Design
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Sturdiest
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Smoothest
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Creative
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Meticulous
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Innovative
The process of planting and harvesting Upo seeds typically begins in June or July, with the harvest taking place around September. Once harvested, the Upo fruits are laid out to dry in the sun, causing the insides to become mushy and attracting ants to consume the inner parts. After drying and cleaning, only the outer shell of the plant is left, ready to be utilized for various purposes.
The process of transforming dried upo shells into Tabungaw hats involves several intricate steps requiring skilled craftsmanship. Firstly, the dried upo shells are carefully cut in half, polished, and varnished to achieve a vibrant yellow or orange hue, showcasing the expertise of the artisans involved. Following this, the inner casing and lining of the hat are woven with meticulous attention to detail. Soft bamboo is skillfully woven into a mesh to create a comfortable padding inside the hat, ensuring wearers experience both style and comfort. To enhance the hat's durability and structural integrity, rattan, a robust natural material, is intricately woven into the bamboo mesh, providing strength and support. Moreover, the weaving patterns of the rattan can be customized to suit the preferences of the craftsman or the customer, adding a unique and personalized touch to each Tabungaw hat.
Finishing Touches: Once the inner casing and lining are woven and attached to the upo shell, the hat is given final touches to ensure it meets the desired quality and appearance standards.
Completion (About a Week): The entire process of creating a single Tabungaw hat typically takes about a week to finish, showcasing the dedication and skill required to produce each piece.
Overall, crafting Tabungaw hats involves a meticulous process that highlights the utilization of natural materials and traditional weaving techniques, resulting in unique and durable headwear.
JODYMECK
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Introducing the team of 'JODYMECK' of MEE22. A group of students in De La Salle University - Dasmarinas. A group of visionary artists, designers, and technologists collaborated seamlessly to bring this immersive experience to life. Led by seasoned curators with a deep understanding of art history and appreciation, the team meticulously curated a diverse collection of artworks spanning various genres and styles.
