Who is Teofilo Garcia?

He is an Ilocano from Abra Province. At the age of fifteen (15), he weaved baskets and was taught the “Art of Kattukong” – the making of gourd casques also known as “tabungaw”. He is a farmer and has been making gourd hats for decades: he plants, harvests, and prepares the ingredients for the kattukong on his own farm. Since he is also an expert of his craft, he is currently being invited to give talks and demonstrations both locally and internationally. He even opened his home to the public so that we can see some of his one-of-a-kind creations. Moreover, he also genuinely teaches local school children the art of “tabungaw” making in their community.