It’s been a crazy busy few weeks for me and I’m trying to catch up with a very busy household and two very BUSY grade school kids. We just moved to our new house last month and things were pretty hectic after that. Then suddenly, I find myself preparing for the holidays. I know, its not related to the photo above.

I saw this in my photo archive and find the details rather interesting. If you want to know more about the photo, please do visit tomorrow and I’ll tell you.

Though not a usual sighting here in Cebu, (but it could be anywhere in the world  anyway) intricate tattoos like this are usually worth a second look. One of my best buddies, a true-blue fashionista, thought that a pair of lacy gloves henna tattoo will make a lasting impression. As usual, her gothic/glam street chic fashion instinct never fails to predict such and it literally became a conversation “piece” that night!

I find body art interesting yet I’m not fond of tattoos and I’m not even considering of having one on any part of my body. I haven’t  tried henna tattoo but since Halloween is just around the corner, perhaps this time, I’ll try it.  I must say, I’m venturing through the wilderness… in a milder way.

Rain and sniffles is not a good combination – it makes me cranky and restless. I could bite people’s head off when not in a good mood. I love the rain but i hate the sniffles – its giving me parties in my head (aka migraines) that even Alaxan can’t alleviate the throbbing pain. Hmmm.  I think that’s the reason why I have the urge to eat chocolates like an expectant mom.  Nope. I’m done with the “expecting” part.

Anyhoo, since its the new President’s 1st State of the Nation Address today, I’ll post a national symbol. The kalesa/ caritela is a horse-drawn carriage used as a mode of transportation in some areas here in the Philippines. Here in Cebu its called tartanilla and its still being used in Cebu City’s downtown area, around Colon, the oldest street in the Philippines. (see map below). The tartanilla is driven by a kutsero and its as colorful as the Philippine Jeepney. I’ll try to catch one when its not rainy, meantime here’s a miniature from my archives.
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Stained glass window @ Basilica del Sto. Nino

One of my best friends was in town recently for some R & R and part of her agenda was to retrace her Cebuano roots. Her father is a Cebuano who settled in Manila and married a Batanguena. The siblings rarely hear from their Southern relatives and are keen on retracing their roots since they recently discovered that a branch of the family is related to a National Hero.

So that Saturday afternoon, we went to Carcar City, 45 minutes away down south from Metro Cebu and looked for her relatives. It was a pleasant experience for us as we interviewed some people about the history of the prominent families from that place. No, we were not after family controversies, though we learned some of their colorful pasts. But we don’t know who should we look for instead we went to Balay na Tisa and interviewed the caretaker. The Balay  is preserved as it was 100 years ago. i think the lady of the house was fond of the romantic Victorian era which is quite obvious if you inspect the decors inside. The photo above is just one of the numerous antique curios around the Balay.

The house was declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as a heritage house last September 2009.  I’ll post more about the house later. Meanwhile,  as the afternoon sun peeked through the window, enjoy the photo.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Church – Carcar City, Cebu

I’ve been to this 124-year old church several times but it was only during our last road trip  that i had the opportunity to take photos. Despite the town’s (now a city) rich arts & cultural heritage, I find this church very simple compared to some churches around Cebu. I find the balanced and detailed  ceiling painting fascinating. Something bothered me though,  I took several photos but all came out quite tilted. I did not bring a tripod yet i put the cam on the table. Still no difference. For a moment, i wondered if it has something to do with my beliefs. Then I figured, the church ground isn’t even since its on a small hill, that and i need powerful lenses as well.

Mabuhay Pilipinas!