27 4 / 2011
remixing a classic.
Tricycles, an amalgamation of a motor bike and a sidecar, is a popular mode of transportation not only in Iloilo but in various parts of the country. Lighter than the jeepney yet able to carry people and a few bulky items, it can zip through small roads, alleys and countrysides with efficiency and little upkeep, making this one of the more popular choices in towns and city outskirts. This is a sure reminder how we as people are resilient, adaptive to change and yes, pretty resourceful when it comes to working with what we have.
I love riding the tricycle because of the various reasons i listed above, as well as that strange “danger feel” — after all, that car or truck beside you is mere inches away and all that separates you and it is that thin sheet of metal that envelopes you as you whiz through traffic.
(This artwork is actually an old piece, done over a year ago. i was thinking about tricycles and this popped into my head to use again.)
21 4 / 2011
La Solidaridad wouldn’t have been the same without Graciano Lopez Jaena, an ilonggo. Though his remains were never flown back to the Philippines, his dedication to the cause of the Revolution as well as his literary dedication to La Solidaridad has been inspiring and note-worthy to remember. Aside from that, he was also a practicing physician like Jose Rizal and served the communities in Iloilo after her finished school.
Sadly, his old house in Iloilo hasn’t been given justice —- a mere plaque on the gate of their property marks the spot of his home. It would be awesome if a portion of the Iloilo museum could give him much honor, or the property where his home was be made into a community house, a learning center (free library, perhaps?) or a museum where Ilonggos can learn more about him.
13 4 / 2011
The Iloilo Post Office, situated behind Freedom Grandstand is a beautiful building. My first time to go into this place was to get a package from one of my favourite authors (i was about 11 i think that time) who sent me a signed copy of her book. Needless to say, i was psyched to go into the place to get it.
Its busy interior and almost scary lighting (i tell you, white flourescent light is just BAD for photos and people) hasn’t changed much, but nonetheless, i still have good memories of this place. It’s about sending postcards to loved ones and friends across the seas, getting notes and packages in return. Communication through snail mail gives me great pleasure, and this place is just chock-full of awesome memories of that.
Next door is DTI (Department of Trade & Industry) so you can browse and shop for Iloilo local goods & items. yay!
11 4 / 2011
Turonettes (yes, that’s really the name) at Ponsyon Ponsyon in the dialect means “celebration”. We ate this very interesting dessert the last time i was in Iloilo. The newly-opened restaurant is a sister branch of the famousBreakthrough and serves a lot of the latter’s awesome specials, as well as new items, such as this one. The turonnettes, filled with cheese is pretty interesting, considering it’s matched with a chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Not really my type, but like i said, it’s an interesting food item to try when you’re here.
07 4 / 2011
Living in the province, you don’t get to appreciate the quiet as much. It’s only when you move that you realize how good silence sounds. I enjoy coming home if only to feel the immediate slowing of my life, even if it’s just for a few days.
