13/06/2026
๐๏ธ: Fact 67
โMACHUCA TILESโ
โA Living Craft in Every Patternโ
๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐โฆ?
Machuca Tiles are handmade decorative cement tiles known for their detailed patterns and classic, vintage feel that instantly adds character to any space. You can often spot them in popular Metro Manila cafรฉs and restaurants like Mary Grace, Wildflour, and Nikkei, as well as in churches, ancestral houses, and heritage sites such as the home of former President Jose P. Laurel in Paco, Manila.
These tiles date back to 1903, when Don Jose Machuca y Romero introduced tile-making in the Philippines inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean designs. What started as a small craft became a long-standing family tradition that continues up to today, making Machuca Tiles one of the oldest handmade tile makers in the country.
Each Machuca Tile is carefully made by hand using molds, cement, sand, and colored pigments. The process is slow and detailed, but itโs what gives every tile its unique, slightly imperfect look that feels more natural and artistic.
Today, Machuca Tiles are used in floors, walls, and decorative accents in homes, restaurants, hotels, and other interior spaces. More than just a design element, they represent craftsmanship, history, and a piece of Filipino heritage that continues to live on in modern interiors.
References:
๐ https://machucatile.com/our-story/
๐ https://machucatile.com/faq/
๐ https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/culture/89010/video-how-machuca-tiles-are-made-and-their-history-in-philippines-a3440-20220409