Eduardo Mutuc

Eduardo “Tatang Eddie” Mutuc, born on October 12, 1949, is a renowned metalsmith and sculptor from Apalit, Pampanga. At a very young age, he and his nine siblings grew up with farming as their primary means of living, and only in his late 20s he then discovered a profession that would later pave the way to his becoming. At the age of 29, Tatang Eddie shifted from farm work to wood carving under the guidance of Carlos Quiros during his stay as a helper in the Lorenzo Family’s antique shop. It was during his sixth year that he tried a local metal craft technique called “pinukpok,” which is a design that is embossed on metal sheets and usually used to decorate religious items. It was also during his stay in the Lorenzo Family’s antique shop that Tatang Eddie became proficient in mimetic artistry, which involved reproducing available religious patterns based on Spanish colonial designs. Only in his later years did he begin to create patterns of his own, primarily his pattern work, which depicted intertwined leaves and flowers embossed on silver-plated yellow brass. Since then, Tatang Eddie has dedicated his life to his craft, having commissioned numerous secular art using different mediums in sculpting, which included silver, bronze, and woodwork. His works ranged from massive designs exceeding forty feet in length to intricate and delicate small crafts. Included in these commissions were altar tables, tabernacles, candelabras, picture frames, and salakots.

In 2004, Tatang Eddie left a significant mark in the history of Kapampangan metalworking and woodcarving as he became the first and only Kapampangan to receive the "Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan" or the National Living Treasures award. Despite the inevitable effects of aging, Tatang Eddie continues to exhibit an unwavering passion and commitment to his craft. While his skills may have been dulled by the passage of time, his artistic flair and creative spirit remain intact. Having trained his six sons in the fields of wood carving and metal craft, Tatang Eddie has ensured that the future of Kapampangan "pinukpok" will remain bright and vibrant for years to come.