Manila and Davao are good rest stops for me....except that I hate crowds, traffic & pollution...
In Manila, I stayed @ Cuz Mike's house with his wife, Grace & my great nephews: Tommy, Maxwell and Morgan. Their house in Quezon City is very beautiful, quiet and large. I mostly ate and slept in late. The opposite of my travels through Kalinga, Mt. Province & Ifugao. I enjoyed being in the provinces and meeting with indigenous artists...walking the terraces sometimes terrified me because I'm scared of heights, but I did it & lost some inches, only to gain it all back @ Micheal's house...too much eating!!!
Now I arrived in Davao today and I'm staying with my other cousin-Cecil Martinez & husband Edgar & family &&& she saw I was still tired & let me take a siesta...&&&& now I'm eating more!!!
Tommorrow I meet with my guides to set my itinerary for Mindanao &&& ALSO- I'll get to see Luanda, who returns from her excursion to Lake Sebu with the other Fulbrighters!
I will write reflections of my tour of the Cordillera Mountains later, but I really think I will be returning there. I found many kindred spirits there...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Quick Report Back
My stay in Lubuagen, Kalinga, was extraordinary! I was blessed to stay with Mr. Cirilio Bawer, who is my new Kalinga friend. He was quite busy preparing for the Centennial of the founding of the Provincial Gov't here & I am very tempted to return for this historic event on August 18th. I visited numerous Kalinga weavers, an elder rattan weaver, a flutemaker and even the rice terrace for field preparations, where I ate & rested while the farmers worked the land...(UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CITY GIRL IS OUT OF SHAPE--SLIPPING & SLIDING ON THE MOUNTAIN TRAILS, WHILE DRAGGING ALONG ALL THE OTHER MOUNTAIN FOLK). The Kalinga are gracious & giving--I received many gifts from them along with a handmade flute which I'll have to learn how to play...tried Kalinga embroidery on the traditional cloth, but was very slow & quite sloppy, especially compared to the 15 year old who was attempting to teach me.
Traveling with Ruel Bimuyag, Ifugao Photographer, and his Kalinga wife, Irene, has been one of the greatest treasures in my life. I am in the midst of cultural bearers who are able to traverse between traditional life in the Cordillera Mountains and modern life in the cities of Baguio, Manila & countries beyond. Meeting the father of Irene is one of my greatest honors in life--a humble man, yet the wisest of teachers, who has given me a glimpse of Kalinga life and the struggles of passing on the Kalinga way of life. I wanted to record every word he uttered so I could remember the wisdom of it, what sticks now is: we must learn to balance everything... & also >>> TO LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME... something I'd already known, but in the context of the Kalinga, who stopped the building of the Chico River Dam, the meaning has become much more important to me. His family is wonderful...cooking for me each day & so humble--all beautiful from his wife Maria to each of the children. I felt completely at home.
This Sunday we took the bus from Lubuagen to Bontoc, Mt. Province for a quick visit to Bontoc Museum & then on to Sagada, where I am now staying in the house of Villia--a beautiful home on the edge of the cliff overlooking a magical canyon surrounded by mountains from which I am just now watching the Typhoon pass through--mist like, wave after wave of rainfall. We had a great meal-especially her rhubarb pie (yummy-can't just have one piece!) Earlier today I had a pottery workshop with Siegrid here in the Sagada Pottery Studio & was slightly more successful today than yesterday's session with Manong Jessie on hand building.
We leave for Banaue on Thursday--Ifugao territory...yet another adventure.
Traveling with Ruel Bimuyag, Ifugao Photographer, and his Kalinga wife, Irene, has been one of the greatest treasures in my life. I am in the midst of cultural bearers who are able to traverse between traditional life in the Cordillera Mountains and modern life in the cities of Baguio, Manila & countries beyond. Meeting the father of Irene is one of my greatest honors in life--a humble man, yet the wisest of teachers, who has given me a glimpse of Kalinga life and the struggles of passing on the Kalinga way of life. I wanted to record every word he uttered so I could remember the wisdom of it, what sticks now is: we must learn to balance everything... & also >>> TO LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME... something I'd already known, but in the context of the Kalinga, who stopped the building of the Chico River Dam, the meaning has become much more important to me. His family is wonderful...cooking for me each day & so humble--all beautiful from his wife Maria to each of the children. I felt completely at home.
This Sunday we took the bus from Lubuagen to Bontoc, Mt. Province for a quick visit to Bontoc Museum & then on to Sagada, where I am now staying in the house of Villia--a beautiful home on the edge of the cliff overlooking a magical canyon surrounded by mountains from which I am just now watching the Typhoon pass through--mist like, wave after wave of rainfall. We had a great meal-especially her rhubarb pie (yummy-can't just have one piece!) Earlier today I had a pottery workshop with Siegrid here in the Sagada Pottery Studio & was slightly more successful today than yesterday's session with Manong Jessie on hand building.
We leave for Banaue on Thursday--Ifugao territory...yet another adventure.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
On meeting artists in Baguio
The adventure continues...hung out in Baguio, mostly with manong Kidlat Tahimik. His home is so cool and I was so blessed to be allowed to spend so much time with him and learn about all of his films and his filmaking process...besides touring around Baguio, I also mostly hung out with my friends Violeta, Jason & Ruel @ VOCAS- Victor Ortesia Community Art Space...viewing films from Japan on the Ainu Wedding & Bear Rituals & a brief excerpt of a film from Okinawa. Met lots of artists @ VOCAS, but also met a few @ Tamanwan Village & the gallery of Ben Hur Villanueva, the Arko ni Apo Gallery.I was blown away by his scultures & was blessed with the opportunity to interview him... One giant sculpture would've been beautiful in my house...oh, well too much $$$ to spend! Read about him here:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2004/11/15/life/an.artist.for.others.html
Silly me, while trying to back up photos & half eating my meal, i also met the famous photographer, Tommy Hafalla, who was checking out my images on the computer while we talked...I was so stupid--didn't realize who he was & I asked him does he love black & white photography...DUH!!!! MEANWHILE, Ruel's wife Irene is giggling & laughing & trying to whisper to me that he's famous for his work!!! Nice guy, he mostly documents rituals in Sagada, but also cares for his elderly father here in Baguio. Read about these artists here:
http://www.homegrownart.net/history.htm
Tonight we leave for Kalinga Province & Mountain Province...This is quite a wonderful artistic & spiritual adventure for me!
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2004/11/15/life/an.artist.for.others.html
Silly me, while trying to back up photos & half eating my meal, i also met the famous photographer, Tommy Hafalla, who was checking out my images on the computer while we talked...I was so stupid--didn't realize who he was & I asked him does he love black & white photography...DUH!!!! MEANWHILE, Ruel's wife Irene is giggling & laughing & trying to whisper to me that he's famous for his work!!! Nice guy, he mostly documents rituals in Sagada, but also cares for his elderly father here in Baguio. Read about these artists here:
http://www.homegrownart.net/history.htm
Tonight we leave for Kalinga Province & Mountain Province...This is quite a wonderful artistic & spiritual adventure for me!
From Baguio to Naguilian
I took the bus from Baguio to Naguilan, with my friend & photographer Ruel Bimuyag telling the bus driver to get me to Gusing to look for my relatives-Calica, Caluza, Cacdac. They didn't recognize any names till they asked: Hulog? & my response of yes let them know it was ok...once in Naguilan the drivers told the bicycle driver to bring me to Gusing...where we commenced to go from house to house looking for maybe 1 1/2 hours. back & forth in North & South Gusing... (ok-never write things on loose paper... I kept loosing my info...) Finally, someone remembered a married lady in Tuddingan who used to be Calica...When I got there we showed the photo to Manang Lilia, who explained, "This is my Auntie Mary!" THANK GOD!!! She told me that Grandpa Pedro, the brother of Grandma Mary was still alive, but Grandma Sinang had died in December. & we went to Bagulin to see him...the driver laughing all the way that we had finally found my relatives! I had to tell her about both Uncle Ben & Uncle Gary & I was sobbing in the bicycle cab & even sobbing more when I finally saw Grandpa Pedro, sitting on his chair in front of his home in Bagulin. The driver, Lola Lilia Calica Cabacungan & all the relatives laughing about the story of the American who spoke no Illocano looking for her relatives in Gusing & going back & forth, here & there, with everyone following along & going from house to find out where the relatives were! (ok-so of course i had all the relatives laughing about this for two days!)
Next day to the farm that grandma & grandpa bought-another adventure across a hanging bridge & a small trail where i fell twice on the slippery ground before arriving 2 km. to see the farm. Returned to Baguio that eve with Manang Pia & her family. I will post photos later...off to merienda (ok-now i'm really FAT!!!)
Next day to the farm that grandma & grandpa bought-another adventure across a hanging bridge & a small trail where i fell twice on the slippery ground before arriving 2 km. to see the farm. Returned to Baguio that eve with Manang Pia & her family. I will post photos later...off to merienda (ok-now i'm really FAT!!!)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Views from Iloilo: Exploring Kapwa in the Midst of Typhoon Frank
We arrived in Manila quite late when my cousin Boying picked Dr. Leny Strobel & I from the airport. Reconnecting with Boying was quite wonderful as he told me of his projects to bring retiring FilAm teachers to Caloocan to provide educational services to the people of that province. The teachers here often have 60+ children in their classroom, work shifts (with some kids beginning instruction in the afternoon)and the training of teachers must also continue.
The sadness was the knowledge that 3 ships went down, more than 800 drowned and the question of why did the ships leave port when the typhoon was clearly headed towards central Visayas...this is the Philippines...where corruption is often blatant...on the plane ride I read many articles, including one which said that the company involved had many ship that have sunk during storms like this.
Once in Iloilo, our ride from the airport showed downed shacks, and trees, but the people here are resilient. Outside of homes, many had their belongings out to dry--furniture, clothing, etc.. One young girl, Adele, a conference coordinator, had lost her home, yet once the Kapwa2 Conference began she was back at work--organizing and handling all the needs of the foreign guests. I tried to give her my things, but she insisted all her family needed was perhaps more mosquito repellant, even refusing the small eco-flashlight I brought along (sorry mom). It's hard to see thedevastation from where we are, the downtown now cleared of water. But on our ride past Antique, we saw where the concrete bridge was washed out, and yet they had already built a small replacement bridge, enabling us to visit the art studios of Momo.
This Kapwa2 Conference is a huge blessing for me. I was blessed to find many of my friends here, a huge surprize and so wonderful...these friends from Lake Sebu, Camiguin, Manila & making new ones from all over the PI. The Conference is on Pilipino Psychology-I'll explain more later, but it is filled with many culture bearers who have inspired me with their profound work in maintaining their living traditions. Also, there are many famous people here, in particular, the organizers are Kidlat Tahimik, International Filmmaker, and his wife, Dr. Katrin de Guia. Their story is a unique one, but you can google them yourselves... I am quite honored to be able to walk this path and find that in the crossroads there are many kindred spirits to be found who have much knowledge to pass to me.
Coming home always makes me feel complete, but I know also my home is with my fabulous family and also my friends of "Bahia de San Francisco." Missing and loving you all!
Today we leave for Baguio and then my journey in Mt. Province & my real homecoming to La Union & Caloocan...ok, kids, please free your schedule for next year when you all return with me. Ok, lang?
The sadness was the knowledge that 3 ships went down, more than 800 drowned and the question of why did the ships leave port when the typhoon was clearly headed towards central Visayas...this is the Philippines...where corruption is often blatant...on the plane ride I read many articles, including one which said that the company involved had many ship that have sunk during storms like this.
Once in Iloilo, our ride from the airport showed downed shacks, and trees, but the people here are resilient. Outside of homes, many had their belongings out to dry--furniture, clothing, etc.. One young girl, Adele, a conference coordinator, had lost her home, yet once the Kapwa2 Conference began she was back at work--organizing and handling all the needs of the foreign guests. I tried to give her my things, but she insisted all her family needed was perhaps more mosquito repellant, even refusing the small eco-flashlight I brought along (sorry mom). It's hard to see thedevastation from where we are, the downtown now cleared of water. But on our ride past Antique, we saw where the concrete bridge was washed out, and yet they had already built a small replacement bridge, enabling us to visit the art studios of Momo.
This Kapwa2 Conference is a huge blessing for me. I was blessed to find many of my friends here, a huge surprize and so wonderful...these friends from Lake Sebu, Camiguin, Manila & making new ones from all over the PI. The Conference is on Pilipino Psychology-I'll explain more later, but it is filled with many culture bearers who have inspired me with their profound work in maintaining their living traditions. Also, there are many famous people here, in particular, the organizers are Kidlat Tahimik, International Filmmaker, and his wife, Dr. Katrin de Guia. Their story is a unique one, but you can google them yourselves... I am quite honored to be able to walk this path and find that in the crossroads there are many kindred spirits to be found who have much knowledge to pass to me.
Coming home always makes me feel complete, but I know also my home is with my fabulous family and also my friends of "Bahia de San Francisco." Missing and loving you all!
Today we leave for Baguio and then my journey in Mt. Province & my real homecoming to La Union & Caloocan...ok, kids, please free your schedule for next year when you all return with me. Ok, lang?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Now I'm missing home!
YahmaVOY!!!
Reflecting on when I turned 50 last year & the kids threw a surprize party...I had a hard time adjusting to this new age, but in looking back, I am beginning to reap the rewards... I love being a lola...but I still enjoy the company of good friends...even thought I'm going to the P.I. I look forward to seeing my girls when I get back, making art, entertaining babies, making music &&&& DANCING!!!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Student Art Projects
Click above.
This project wasn't the most exciting thing, but I did meet the CA State Standards in providing my students with the opportunity to learn how to manipulate digital media. The success of this was being able to do it with my fifth graders at 2 out of 5 schools-a feat that can only happen when there is an operational computer lab and lab staff to assist with technical difficulties. This year, the SFUSD boggled all of my school sites down by shutting down school servers, wiping out student work & reimaging or redesigning school websites. My poor students were constantly beginning their work over and over because their work would be lost, so they were only able to do so much...
The funnest projects I did this year was the weaving & basketry work...I think I was influenced by my trip to the PI in 2006 and I've moved more towards the practical arts...more on that later.
This project wasn't the most exciting thing, but I did meet the CA State Standards in providing my students with the opportunity to learn how to manipulate digital media. The success of this was being able to do it with my fifth graders at 2 out of 5 schools-a feat that can only happen when there is an operational computer lab and lab staff to assist with technical difficulties. This year, the SFUSD boggled all of my school sites down by shutting down school servers, wiping out student work & reimaging or redesigning school websites. My poor students were constantly beginning their work over and over because their work would be lost, so they were only able to do so much...
The funnest projects I did this year was the weaving & basketry work...I think I was influenced by my trip to the PI in 2006 and I've moved more towards the practical arts...more on that later.
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