Ugu Bigyan's Pottery Garden: Art, Food & Tranquility in Tiaong, Quezon

Ugu Bigyan's pottery garden is located at 490 Alvarez Village, Barangay Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon 4325, approximately 3 hours south of Manila. The journey is straightforward and worth every minute.

From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway (SLEX) southbound. After passing through the toll plazas, follow signs toward Lucena on the national road. Continue along this scenic highway, passing through San Pablo and various Quezon towns. The drive is relatively straightforward--no complicated turns. Once you reach Tiaong town proper, navigate to Barangay Lusacan and look for Alvarez Village. The entire journey takes 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Cost: Fuel and SLEX toll (approximately ₱150-200 total).

Take a bus from Manila Cubao (JAM Liner) directly to Tiaong. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours and costs ₱200-300 per person. Buses typically depart throughout the day. Once you arrive in Tiaong, hire a tricycle to Alvarez Village in Barangay Lusacan (approximately ₱50-100). Ask your tricycle driver to go to "Ugu Bigyan Pottery Garden" or have your phone's GPS ready. This option is budget-friendly and allows you to relax during the journey.

Contact for Directions: Tel: +63 (42) 545 9144, +63 (42) 545 8689 | Mobile: +63 (917) 560 5708, +63 (917) 560 7973

Augusto "Ugu" Bigyan's story is one of artistic courage and creative vision. Armed with an accounting degree, he was set to climb Manila's corporate ladder after college. But after working just one week at a bank, he made a bold decision: return home to Tiaong and pursue pottery--a craft he had never formally studied.

Starting in 1987, Ugu taught himself through experimentation, self-study, and chemistry textbooks--learning the science of clay bodies, glazes, and firing techniques through pure curiosity. His early work focused on decorative ceramic bricks inspired by Spanish colonial church architecture. He gradually evolved his practice, moving into functional dinnerware and eventually creating highly sculptural pieces that blur the line between art and craft.

Ugu's work draws deep inspiration from traditional Filipino architecture, particularly the bahay kubo (nipa hut) aesthetic--humble, grounded, connected to nature. His ceramics incorporate elements from his travels, natural forms like leaves and birds, and terracotta techniques passed down through generations. Each piece is unique and original--Ugu deliberately avoids copying others, instead creating singular works that reflect his personal artistic vision.

His work has been exhibited extensively: since 1988, he's maintained a consistent exhibition schedule in galleries around Metro Manila, including prestigious venues like the Ayala Museum. His ceramics are used in fine dining establishments, collected by art enthusiasts, and cherished by those who understand that true craft transcends commercial production.

More than just a pottery gallery, Ugu Bigyan operates a reservations-only restaurant that showcases the best of Quezon Province's culinary traditions. The dining experience is intentional, intimate, and absolutely worth planning around.

Ugu personally oversees the restaurant's operations, ensuring that ingredients are fresh from local markets and preparations honor traditional Filipino techniques. Meals are served in an open-air pavilion with Bali-inspired architectural elements, creating a serene atmosphere where you dine surrounded by his pottery. The Signature Set Menu (₱11,000 per person) is a curated feast featuring Filipino and Asian fusion dishes, with courses served on Ugu's handcrafted ceramics--an experience where the dinnerware itself becomes part of the culinary art.

Expect seasonal, locally-sourced Quezon Province specialties including Pako Salad (local fern fronds), Halaan Soup (a regional specialty), Kulawo (a local favorite), Stir-fried Mussels and Cabbage, Spicy Prawn in Coconut Milk, and Sweet Taro with Tapioca. Ugu sources ingredients directly from local farmers and foragers, supporting the community while ensuring exceptional quality. Beverages pair thoughtfully with each course.

Minimum 10 people required per dining experience. This is a group-only restaurant by design--Ugu believes the communal dining experience is essential to the journey. Reservations must be made in advance (ideally 1-2 weeks prior). Phone: +63 (42) 545 9144 or email: ugubigyan@yahoo.com. Day-trippers often form informal groups to reach the 10-person minimum, creating the opportunity to meet fellow travelers.

In 2018, Ugu added a bed and breakfast to his property, naming it Hele (a Filipino word meaning "lullaby"). This allows guests to experience pottery art, exceptional cuisine, and overnight hospitality all in one destination.

Hele features 4 rooms, all thoughtfully appointed with 5-star amenities. Three rooms accommodate up to 2 people each, while one larger room can host groups of up to 4. Each room is designed with comfort and style, offering everything you'd expect from premium hospitality. Ugu personally cooks breakfast for guests, ensuring you start your morning with fresh, locally-sourced food prepared with care. The property maintains the artistic and peaceful atmosphere of the pottery garden, making your overnight stay feel like a retreat rather than a hotel experience.

Spending the night at Hele allows you to experience the pottery garden at different times of day--the soft morning light on ceramic glazes, the peaceful evening as the sun sets over the gardens. Many guests use overnight stays for pottery workshops and classes (typically offered February-May), or simply to slow down, spend time in reflection, and absorb the artistic energy of the place. You have unlimited access to the pottery shop and gardens during your stay.

Mark your calendar for August 5-11 to experience Ugu Bigyan's annual birthday celebration--one of the most anticipated events for pottery enthusiasts and art lovers throughout the region.

During this week (leading up to Ugu's birthday on August 11), all pottery items in the shop receive incredible discounts of up to 62% off regular prices. This is the year's best opportunity to acquire Ugu's work at significantly reduced prices. Beyond the discounts, the celebration draws pottery collectors, artists, and admirers from across the Philippines and internationally, creating a festive, creative atmosphere in the gardens.

The August celebration is more than a sale--it's a gathering of Ugu's creative community. You'll meet fellow art enthusiasts, hear stories about specific pieces, and sometimes encounter Ugu himself sharing about his artistic process and philosophy. Accommodations book up quickly during this week, so if you're planning to visit, reserve early both for Hele and restaurant experiences.

Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM (Closed occasionally; call ahead to confirm)

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes (the grounds have gentle slopes and garden paths), a camera for photography, and an open mind. The pottery garden encourages slow, contemplative exploration.

Best Time to Visit: March-May (cool, clear weather), December-February (dry season). August for the birthday sale and celebration.

Budget Guide: Day trip entry to gardens and shop is free. Restaurant experience: ₱11,000+ per person (minimum 10 people). Pottery purchases range from ₱500 to several thousand pesos per piece. Hele overnight rates vary by room and season; call for pricing. August discounts make purchases significantly more affordable.

Contact: Tel: +63 (42) 545 9144, +63 (42) 545 8689 | Mobile: +63 (917) 560 5708, +63 (917) 560 7973 | Email: ugubigyan@yahoo.com | Address: 490 Alvarez Village, Barangay Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon 4325

In a fast-moving world, Ugu Bigyan offers something increasingly rare: space for beauty, reflection, and authentic artistry. This isn't a commercial tourist trap--it's a working pottery garden where an artist's decades of dedicated practice are on full display. Every ceramic piece tells a story of experimentation, cultural inspiration, and commitment to original creation. Visiting is an opportunity to slow down, appreciate handcrafted excellence, engage with nature, and support an artist who chose authenticity over convenience. Whether you come for a day, stay overnight, or return for the August celebration, Ugu Bigyan reminds us that exceptional art and hospitality still exist, waiting quietly for those willing to make the journey.