Some historians dub Tomas Pinpin, as the "Prince of Filipino Printers" or the "Patriarch of Filipino Printing." He learned the art of printing about the end of 1608 in the Dominican-owned printing press in Abucay. In Abucay, Father Blancas employed in 1609 young Pinpin as an apprentice at the printing shop and taught him the art of printing.

Tomas Pinpin was said to have been born in Barrio Mabatang, Abucay, Bataan. The approximate date of his birth was between 1580 and 1585.

Very little is known of his ancestry because of the loss of the parish records of Abucay.

Historians believed that Pinpin was of Chinese parentage. The basis of which were his name, characteristics, business acumen and hardworking qualities.

In 1648, Pardo de Tavera claimed that a beautifully engraved book by a friar stated at the end: "Printed in the Office of Tomas Pinpin."

It was presumed that he had a printing shop in Manila by that time and that he was the one engraving and printing books written by the Spanish friars.

It was presumed also that Pinpin taught the printer's trade to his son Simon. Pinpin was considered as the Prince of Filipino Printers.

There are no records of Tomas Pinpin after 1640. Historians could not determine the date when he passed away.

Philippine Information