AS PART of our National Arts Month celebration in the Philippines this year, let me pay homage to one of our National Living Treasures by sharing with you an early write up I made about him. His name is Eduardo Mutuc, but I call him Tatang Eddie.
In the history of the Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Awards, there has been only one Kapampangan recipient to date, Mr. Eduardo Tubig Mutuc of Apalit, Pampanga who was conferred this prestigious recognition in 2004.
The GAMABA or National Living Treasure award is one of the most prestigious awards given to traditional artists in the Philippines, similar to the National Artist award. To date only ten Filipinos have been given this singular honor and the people of Pampanga must take pride in having one of them in our midst.
An initial glance at tatang Eddie’s residence-cum-workshop does not yield a preview of the treasure housed within its walls. Even the neighbors of the Mutuc family in Tabuyuc, Apalit, Pampanga are not aware of the stature of the humble elder whose life’s work is committed to the traditional art of “pinukpuk” or metal craft.
Tatang Eddie himself is very down to earth and quiet, not one who brags about his accomplishments. He starts his story by saying that he came from humble beginnings, born to parents who were farmers and growing up with nine other children in the family. He never reached high school and began helping his family in the farm right after his elementary graduation.
Tatang Eddie got married at 20 years old. In his late twenties he was apprenticed as an antique shop helper in a business owned by the Lozano family who were his relatives. It was in this stint that he learned the rudiments of wood carving under a certain Mr. Carlos Quiros. Later on he ventured into the metal craft locally called “pinukpuk” because of the process by which designs are embossed on metal sheets which are used as adornments in mostly ecclesiastical items.
At first he became an expert in copying available patterns but as years progressed he became more adept in introducing designs of his own. His favorite designs these days include the so-called callado which depicts intertwined leaves and flowers embossed on silver-plated yellow brass.
For more than thirty years now, Tatang Eddie has made his mark as the finest metal craftsmen in the country. His commissioned works include ecclesiastical pieces such as altar tables and tabernacles, and collectors’ items such as candelabras, picture frames and even salakots. Some of his products are sold at Tesoro’s in Manila.
In his community where youth are more inclined to play basketball than learn the age-old tradition of pinukpuk, Tatang Eddie’s legacy might go unnoticed and unpreserved, save for his sons who carry on their family tradition.
With the innate artistry of the Kapampangans, it will not be surprising if we have another national living treasure soon. But at this point, we have yet to start appreciating the one in our midst.
Happy Arts Month and Happy Hearts Day to all!