We arrived early, around 8:30 in the morning. RG Jar Factory was already awake with activity. The staff welcomed us right away. No entrance fee.
We watched local artisans shape clay into small jars by hand. This is where burnay jars come to life. These earthenware jars store water, vinegar, and basi, the local sugarcane wine. Seeing the process up close felt grounding. You watch hands work with clay using techniques passed down for generations.
I wanted to try the pottery myself. They allowed a hands-on session where I molded my own mini jar. It was harder than it looked, but fun. I left a donation after the activity. I also paid 150 pesos each jar so we could take home the jar we made. Since we were staying in Vigan longer, we left the jars to dry at the factory.
After three days, we returned to pick them up. The jars were dry and safe for travel. They were not baked, but still special since we shaped them ourselves. Before leaving, I bought a few ready-made pieces. I took home a babaylan incense burner and a black palayok as pasalubong for my mom.
About the RG Jar Factory
RG Jar Factory sits in Pagburnayan, one of the last neighborhoods in Vigan City where jar making still continues. The pagbuburnay industry started in 1824. Chinese immigrants discovered rich clay sources in Vigan and settled in the area. That marked the start of local jar production.
The process remains hands-on. Carabaos stomp on a mix of marine sand, clay, and water. After about four hours, artisans sculpt the clay by hand or on a pottery wheel. Another person powers the wheel using foot movement. Finished pieces dry in open air for one to two weeks, away from direct sun. Once dry, the jars bake in a long oven for a full day and night.
RG Jar Factory Tickets and Rates
- There is no entrance fee at RG Jar Factory.
- Hands-on pottery sessions accept donations.
- Mini jars can be taken home for 150 pesos per piece.
Planning Your Visit at RG Jar Factory
- Go early in the morning to see artisans at work.
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty if you plan to try pottery.
- If you want baked jars, ask about timelines since firing depends on batch schedules.
- Allow extra days if you plan to return for dried pieces, like we did.
RG Jar Factory Contact Information
Address: 48 Gomez St, Vigan City, 2700 Ilocos Sur
Phone: 0917 843 1653
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Instagram: instagram.com/rgpottery
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