Curtain call for Carlos Bulosan
ONE of the greatest gifts I received this summer is The Norton Anthology of American Literature (6th Edition) given to me in mint condition by friend-writer Melanie.
Though dubbed as the shorter version, this compendium of American prose and poetry is more than a kilo to carry with its...
Visiting The True North
THE self-proclaimed True North is no other than Ilocos Norte, a complicated yet marvelous mixture of architectural gems and scenic spots, as well as of cultural, political and religious history.
Our trip started with a visit at the Juan Luna Shrine, a two-storey house in the town of Badoc...
Olorga: Vigan’s heritage treasures
WHAT constitutes a city’s heritage? Is it the centuries of being under the political, religious and cultural influences of colonizers? Or because of it having the treasures which Mother Nature offers? In the case of Vigan, both circumstances affirm the place’s rich legacy of the past.
Fine time at Raymen
A BEACH resort is always one getaway during summer. Moreover, the one with clean, powdery sand, floating buoys marking safer water space, reasonably priced and deliciously good food, comfortable amenities and, of course, popularity are most of the come-ons in going and staying in any kind of...
Meat alternates
TODAY, as we try to shout “Hosannah!” to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus in Jerusalem, we also herald the start of the Holy Week. This is one time in a year when we are called to remember, commemorate and reflect on the passion, death and resurrection of our Saviour.
With this...
Summer options
HORRAY! It’s summer vacation once again! This could come as a shout of glee or a silent wish come true for most coeds, students and pupils who are tired of having been beset by endless school exams and quizzes, assignments, and projects. This remark can also hold true to mentors, and teachers...
Chic and glam in paper
PAPER as material for a dress? Well, Scott Paper Company had made the paper dress in 1966. And the novel idea then proved appealing with the record-high of half-million of paper dresses ordered within a year by the women of that era.
Last leg at Cebu Metro Cathedral
AFTER reading about my Simala experience last week, my friend and fellow Sun Star writer Betsy gave me the perfume of sanctity. Kidding aside, it was Eclat Parfum. But her positive assurance of getting info from my write up is a very good motivator to write more on the last leg of our Cebu...
Our Simala experience
“BUT you’re in a castle,” put as a question-cum-statement by my friend Edinna. Yes, I am. But not in Le Mont-Saint-Michel in France nor the Heidelberger Schloss in Germany. I am in the Sanctuary Castle of Mother Mary in the Marian Hill in one of the southern barangays of Cebu.
Right after...
Bourne and Me
WHEN one watches a movie, especially the one which is an adaptation from a book, he is advised to read the printed pages , either before or after watching the movie flick.
Pamper yourself
THE place is new. It started operations last January 23, 2012. Situated at the 2nd floor of the new Bacolod Chinese Chamber of Commerce at the back of a bank and the old bus terminal, Pamper Zone Spa and Salon for Kids and Adults is something to visit, to try, and to frequent.
Why?...
The many voices of Jay Gallega Malaga
A LEGGERO tenor? Or a base? Can he do a Cesare Siepi spiel or an Andrea Bocelli’s tune?
“Ang Guro” on stage
“CAN you still remember your Grade I teacher?” This was once the by-line of an advertisement of one financial institution. This is also the base concept of the play “Ang Guro” staged by Stairs Production and Imagination Beyond Events Philippines at West Negros University Gym last Saturday,...
Attending Chary’s Party
“A WOMAN’S beauty at seventy is her own soul’s doing,” penned an anonymous writer.
My visit to the castle in the garden
SHOULD I find a Rapunzel letting down her hair there? Or a Cinderella and her mice–friends in the attic? Or would a sleeping Snow White live there, with the presence of the dwarfs-in-sentry-pose on top of the second landing?
But why is there a castle in the middle of their garden?
A sunny get-away
HAPPY New Year, dear readers!
So, how’s your new year? And if we take stock of how (and much?) we spent (for) our grand holidays, how well would the checklist be? An increase in unwanted pounds and a growing holiday bulge? Another addition in our cholesterol count? A pile of torn gift...
More than gifts
A blessed Christmas everyone! As we wait a few more hours from now to commemorate the birth of our Saviour, probably we have been caught in the frenzy and whirl of preparing for this special day.
When small is better
LOOKING for gift stuff to give this Christmas season? Tired of standing on long queues to the cashier? Or feeling bushed by the swarm of shoppers in the malls? And opting for a more personal, satisfying, and comfortable shopping time? Then shopping in small boutiques and gift stores is the...
Conquering PPUR
“BUT why didn’t you include the Underground River in your article?” was the question my friend, Therese, asked.
“I am saving the best for last,” was my charming reply.
And here’s the start of the best.
From the Start
As early as 6:30 a.m., our full and hearty...
Wonderful days at Puerto
“DAYON camo”. A very welcoming note to strangers and tourists alike. The entrance sign is a congenial mark of the simple and friendly folks of Puerto Princesa whom we met in the course of our six-day stay in this model city of cleanliness, environmental protection and conservation.
Moreen’s stories to tell
SHE loves the “simple and the beautiful things - raindrops and whiskers of kittens…” playing with cuddly dogs, stories of fairies, playing with her siblings, being doted on by her mom, aunts and grandmom, and showered with plenty of love.
Her family is a group of artists - her dad...
When there be no more dragons
“DRAGONS? But there really was none!” came the quip of a youngster seated at the back row. That was after the end credits of “There be Dragons” were shown. A smile was etched on every movie–goers face. A reaction which is indicative of a good respite after a hard day’s work - watching a good and...
Clarenz Marie’s coming of age
SHE’s tall, slim, young, vibrant and beautiful. Yet this girl grew up serenely in the protective arms of her immediate family - her dad Johnny, mom Zerlina and brother Carlo. Demure and quiet, she had become and have just been presented to the society in a formal debut presentation last October...
A sound mind, a sound body
“A sound mind in a sound body”. This is the theme of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Visayas Intramurals 2011 held last October 12-14, 2011 at the University Grounds.
Being a student of engineering and technology means all work. But such is not the case for a...
A taste of "bueno retiro" at Guerrero's
"BUENO" came from the Latin term "bonus", which means good. In Spanish, the term means good and fine; "retiro" is a "Spanish term which means retirement, privacy and solitariness. And for three days of work, rest and recreation, all combined, the staff of the Philippine Artisan had a grand...
