Pampanga Pottery and Agritourism Park — Attraction in Santo Tomas

Visited this place twice. The first time was for pottery making, vase painting, and fishing (Package B for 500, I believe). The second time was for claiming our pottery.

The first visit was good, aside from the fact that we were served chili garlic oil with mold patches inside the container. IT was replaced but it took around 20 mins. We were already starving and needed chili garlic oil to flavor our meal. The waiting time for the replacement shouldn't have been that long. We also even had to follow up. I'm unsure and a bit skeptical about the replacement because it seemed like the same chili garlic oil container but just cleaned because there were noticeable wipe marks on the inside where there used to be mold patches. But hey, we gave them the benefit of the doubt and still consumed it. We didn't get food poisoning so at least there's that. So it's okay. The meal itself minus the condiments was okay.

The pottery I made didn't seem cared for as much. You can take a look at the before and after photos. We didn't rush them to bake it and stuff. We claimed it exactly 2 weeks after we made it which is the time span they required for us to wait 'til we can claim our pottery.

I know they have a ton of unclaimed pottery, but it's not okay for them to assume that customers might not claim the pottery they made. The workers probably assumed I wouldn't claim mine so they carelessly mishandled it, maybe unintentionally. I was very disappointed upon claiming my bowl because we went all the way from Metro Manila to Pampanga just to claim it. I was so excited to see it. I specifically even went from Muntinlupa City! The southernmost part of Metro Manila!

I guess you get what you pay for. Their pricing is very competitive to that of Manila rates. Though I feel that maybe this is also because of the clay that they use (Tarlac Clay). It's locally sourced and, thus, more affordable compared to the clays being used in Metro Manila pottery shops (e.g.: Thai Clay).

Overall, I would still recommend this place but maybe be cautious of the food and take note that there is a risk of them mishandling the pottery you will make. Stick to simple, less intricate, and less dainty designs when you're making pottery there so there's a higher chance of it surviving. Mine had little details, but I made sure to create sort of like a pasty adhesion between my details and the bowl itself. It still didn't make it.

Also don't go on a rainy day as much as possible. We went there on a rainy day during our first visit (we didn't have any other available schedule) and it was very muddy around the parking area. Parking lacked stone pavers so our shoes sunk into some mud while approaching their shop. The workshop area was quite muddy too. We didn't mind, but just a heads up. One could easily slip.

The restroom is more of a unisex toilet which I didn't mind at all. However, it was flooded when we went there. Good thing the toilet seat area didn't have that much flood, but about 60-70% of the restroom was flooded and muddy. There's also a small open window. It's kinda high so people can't usually see from it, but I hope they would cover that up using glass with frosted film/glassblocks/jalousy windows so users won't feel uneasy in any way.

UPDATE EDIT (07/12/23):

Writing this in response to the host's reply. I'd like to thank them for responding swiftly. I also highly appreciate the polite and cordial response along with them explaining their side. I would like them to know that I understand and appreciate the time they took to address the concerns mentioned. With that, I'd like to give another star.

Thank you, Pampanga Pottery for kindly offering me a chance to re-do my pottery for free. We have no plans of going to Pampanga anytime soon but rest assured I'm looking forward to visiting the place again and giving it another shot. I'm looking forward to rating it 5/5! Thank you so much for your empathy and accountability. 'Til our next visit and best regards...

I gave this place 4 stars. The activities are fun and affordable, but there’s definitely room for improvement.

When we first arrived, there were no clear signs or directions to help us find the main entrance or counter. Once we figured it out and paid for our package (which was a great deal, pottery, painting, and fishing), things got a bit confusing. After payment, there were no staff around to guide us or explain the process. We were handed number cards, but no instructions on what to do next. It felt a bit like navigating a maze.

Pottery making was enjoyable and the staff (“kuyas”) were kind in teaching us. However, it seemed like they were rushing us through the activity. At one point, we even overheard one saying, “okay na, pasara naman na.” We understand it’s tiring work, but as paying guests, we’d appreciate being given enough time to enjoy the full experience.

Painting was relaxing and well worth it.

Fishing was fun to try, but the fish were very small. We caught about 12 in total, which was nice, but it felt more like a novelty activity than a highlight.

That said, I really loved the whole place, the relaxing vibe, the peaceful atmosphere, and even the familiar “province” smell in the air. It made the experience feel refreshing and unique.

Overall, the staff were friendly and the activities themselves were worth the price. The biggest issue is the lack of guidance and clear instructions. Customers shouldn’t have to keep asking what to do next, you should be the one guiding us along the experience. A little more organization would make this place...

LAZY AND INCOMPETENT STAFF!!!

I inquired several times via FB and confirmed several times that they allow walk-ins.

We arrived 11am at their location. Out of the 6 of us, 3 of us started first, then in the middle of it, the guy “teaching” us — Crosby — suddenly took my son’s pot without even asking if he’s finished. Then threw a lump of extra clay on the table for us to use to decorate... AND LEFT!

3 more people were waiting and Ella (their receptionist) told us that we have to wait until 1pm after their staff has finished eating lunch!

They didn’t even tell us beforehand in ANY of our SEVERAL conversations that they have a lunch break that we have to take note of edi sana we arrived earlier or after lunch!

So mag hintay kami ng 2 hours?!

This is the WORST pottery experience ever. I WILL NOT BE RECOMMENDING THIS TO OTHERS. Sayang we’ve got a bunch of homeschoolers pa naman who wanted to join. Nope. Huwag nalang.

They say they’ll only hold your item for 30 days. But when I contacted them within the 30 day window, they said the pots weren’t ready yet. They finally contacted me back and said the pots are ready for pick up but we only have two weeks left. They didn’t think that 2 weeks and 4 weeks are two different things and that one is more inconvenient than the other. No one has that much free time to travel back to Pampanga especially coming...