Vigan tradition lives on, thanks to legendary ‘burnay’ maker
Before the state’s institutionalization of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasures Award in 1993, which recognizes exceptional traditional Filipino artists, there was the National Folk Artist Award organized in 1988 by the Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala.
One of its awardees was Fidel Go, described by the local government of Vigan as “a legendary burnay maker and a living identity of the Heritage City of Vigan.”
He was bestowed the title in 1990 for “continuing with conviction the ancient and traditional craft of high-fired burnayan pottery within his community.”
In 1998, he was one of the 100 Centennial Filipino awardees and a recipient of the Father Burgos Award given by the provincial government of Ilocos Sur.
Burnay pottery, which has its roots in China’s Fujian Province, is characterized by pots or jars formed from red clay, produced through high firing, and noted for their durability. It likewise simply refers to traditional earthenware pots.
In 1970, Go inherited the pottery business his father established in 1922, and went on to hone his mastery of the craft through the years. Go ran the Ruby Pottery located in Vigan’s Barangay Pagburnayan for decades until his passing on May 30.
In a statement posted on its Facebook account, the city government of Vigan paid homage to Go who produced “skillfully crafted pieces.”
Passing on tradition
“Beyond his personal accomplishments, Go played a key role in ensuring the future of burnay-making by passing on the tradition to his children, fostering continuity and cultural pride in the community,” it said.
“His hands shaped not just clay, but the soul of a tradition that continues to inspire generations,” it added.
The National Museum of the Philippines-Ilocos also mourned the death of Go, who was described as a master burnay potter. Go was a resource person in a lecture and demonstration workshop the agency conducted at the Old Carcel Museum in 2022 in celebration of National Heritage Month.
Region 1 Tourism Officers Association president Richie Cavinta of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte also paid homage to Go, whom he described as a remarkable inspiration.
“Tata Fidel, your stories and jokes were legendary, the way you interacted with guests and pottery enthusiasts was remarkable, and your determination to preserve pottery despite the challenges of time and the market is an inspiration,” Cavinta said.
He added that Go’s “mastery and stewardship on pottery will be echoed through times and beyond.”
In the Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, Go is described as the only one in Vigan who was still into the traditional creative process of making burnay.
It identifies at least three pot forms produced by Go: water jars called banga, fermenting jars called bagoongan, and jars for salt called asinan.
Go also adapted positively to changes while continuing to make pots. “While maintaining the traditional forms, methods, and materials, he explored new forms and directions in the potter’s art,” noted the CCP.
