Rizal and pottery. Not exactly the first connection you’d make in your mind. Strange enough, though, our short visit to Pagburnayan revealed that the two aren’t actually so incompatible but actually complementary. Don’t stop reading (or close this page) just yet. This will all make sense soon enough.
The story of the Pagburnayan Jar Making is actually quite remarkable. It is well-known in Ilocos Sur and is located at Brgy. Pagburnayan Vigan. This isn’t because it’s the “oldest this” or the “first-ever that” so we aren’t going to bother with that. What’s remarkable here is the passion that goes into every piece of work that they create. Pagburnayan used the authentic methods in pottery. Now we know what you’re thinking: “My goodness that is the most cliché line ever.” And guess what, you’re actually right. It is cliché. But in this case (and we know you’ve heard this before), it’s actually true. The material that’s needed to make the pottery—in this case, clay—is actually becoming scarce. According to the potter that we interviewed, it is becoming harder and harder to find. What’s worse is that clay isn’t their only problem. The pottery wheels that they use to make the pots are essentially “custom-made” for each potter and are quite pricey to make. And on top of all this (yes we’re not done yet), one of their main sources of income are the donations of those who visit the place. And we’re not going to sit here on my high horse and judge people for not donating. What we are going to say, though, is that we all know how unstable and unpredictable people’s giving patterns are, so you could imagine how hard it must be to support the entire pottery place with donations.
Aside from these reasons, the place is also famous because of its historical side. The word “burnay” in Pagburnayan comes from their own native tongue which means an earthenware jar crafted by the potter’s hand with the guidance of their wheels. This is very useful in stocking grains, bagoong, and most of all, the basi wine (tasty). Making jars is just making a poem—gentle but controlled. It also teaches us how to be patient. As what the potter told us, seven more days to make a jar dry from the first step, a month to wait for the “big oven” to be full, another 18 hours of cooking, and about three days of cooling down before seeing the crystallized shape and beauty of the creation. As what most people say (our hundred personalities), when making a jar, you’re making your own baby (it’s because of the waiting, of course).
The technology used in making the burnay was brought by Chinese (Ahoy!) artisans when they resided in Vigan. They started to teach the natives on how to make such for them to be part of the industry and, luckily, preserved the way they make things. One interesting knowledge that we gained during the interview is that the clay they are using was first crushed by the carabao for it to be refined. They mix the soil and water to come up with clay. Likewise, the creations of the people who visited the pottery are being crushed and mixed with water so that it can be used again for making more jars. This kind of system is being passed on from generation to generation. The same process is being used since the time of their great grandfather who was the owner of the three remaining pottery wheels in their abode. The techniques of making a jar are not only handed down to their family, but also to the society where strangers could experience making their own creative jars for free.
So what’s the connection between Rizal and pottery? If you haven’t noticed yet, it’s the passion and the “give-it-all” attitude that both seem to exhibit. Both of them also extend their hands to the society in different ways. Rizal essentially “gave” his everything for the country. His family, his medical practice, his safety, and even his love life were all second to his mission to serve the country. Everyone may not agree that his actions were right or “the best” but it’s hard to deny his dedication. In the same light, those running Pagburnayan are giving it their all to keep this place of art alive. If Rizal made history through his hands and pen, our friends can make it through their hands and clay. Let’s not forget that these people have families to feed and bills to pay as well. This isn’t only “happy time pot making” for them; this is their livelihood. And perhaps that is something that we ought to take from both Rizal and Pagburnayan. Not everyone’s mission in life is to make beautiful pottery or give their life for the country, but everyone most definitely has a purpose that they have to find for themselves. The journey to finding our purpose won’t be easy, considering the amount of distractions we have today (*cough cough* internet). And once we do find our elusive purpose in life, reaching it and holding on to it will be even harder.
What we have to remember from Rizal and our friends in Pagburnayan is that nothing beautiful and good ever comes with-out a fight. For it’s true that we all need to make a living and pay our bills, but our purposes in life are what actually make us “alive.” It is what allows us to “live” rather than simply exist in this life that we have. So remember, if you’re struggling for something that you’re passionate about, don’t sweat it. You’re in good, if not great, company. The fight will only make your goal that much sweeter and that much more beautiful once you finally get to where you want to go.