We all cheered upon learning that our first stop is Lanelle Abueva-Fernando’s café and pottery studio, the Crescent Moon Café. This little haven is one of Antipolo City's prides. It's the residence of ceramicist/ potter Lanelle Abueva-Fernando, daughter of National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon V. Abueva. When we alighted from the coaster van, the first thing I noticed was the surroundings. The place is so heavenly. Crescent Moon Cafe is located within a big garden with many trees and a Koi pond. And by the way, it is hard to miss the big beautiful Lotus flower at the other side of the pond.
We were then asked to enter Crescent Moon Cafe where Lanelle Abueva was waiting for us. She explained to us how she started everything way back in 1981.
There you can find contemporary ceramics, beautiful pottery, decorative porcelain and stoneware using rich glazes and vibrant patterns and ceramics. You can even spot some custom-made candle holders and pots for popular spas and restaurants. There are also hand-painted pieces which you could use as unique dining table centerpieces. Crescent Moon Café also has an “overruns” section where you can buy Ceramic items for only Php 200 per kilo. Overruns are rejected items that have some imperfections and didn’t pass quality control. Remember, pottery-making is an art, not a science. Therefore, minor imperfections may occur on the pottery. Yeah, you can buy these items way cheaper than an average meal.
Within the same compound, there is a "Studio Pottery" where workers do their art. This workshop is located inside the compound just a few meters from the restaurant. Lanelle Abueva patiently explained to us each step in the process of pottery making. Here, we were able to see the workers in action with our own eyes. We were able to see the different molds and interview some of the workers.
A pottery field trip will never be complete without seeing the potter herself throw some clay into the potter’s wheel!
From the workshop area, Lanelle led us into another area within the property. We all sat down and she then demonstrated to us how she centers her clay and turns it into a cylinder and a bowl afterwards.
A bucket of water and sponge are must-haves in pottery-making. Here, Lanelle taps her clay at low speed to the center of the wheel head. She makes sure that her clay will not go out of place as she spins the wheel faster.
Crescent Moon Cafe
Ascencion Road, Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City
Tel.: 658-3866