Exciting Times in the Philippines

To finish off on highlights of the tour from the last blog, across the street from the National Heritage Park was the Yap-San Diego House built in 1675 and considered one of the oldest residences still existing in the Philippines.  The furnishings are mostly from the original owners and include family portraits, exquisite paintings, lavish table settings on hand-crocheted table cloths, along with family heirloom gods, furniture, dolls, and everyday household items of the era.

                                                                              

                                             Above on the right is the "birthing chair".

Next we went to the Basilica Minore del Santo Ninyo, a 16^th century church built on the spot where the oldest Christian relic in Cebu was found—the Santo Nino de Cebu (Holy Child Jesus) —whose spirit is believed to protect the island even today.

We finished up the tour at Magellan’s Cross planted to mark the site of the baptism of the first Christian Filipinos led by Rajah Humabon.  Planted in the 16^th century, the original cross is encased inside the cross found in the center of the chapel built to protect the original cross. 

 

                                                                                This is our tour group at Magellan's cross chapel.

The next thing that happened was we ran into a strange time warp.  During the first week of October,  we went to the mall.  We saw on one side a huge display of Halloween costumes, on the other side a huge display of Christmas trees and Santa Clauses, and in the center (but 4 stories down) was a huge flower show complete with ribbons for winners of different categories!  The flower show included the show and sale of many different kinds of flowers, plants, and trees – not just flowers.  Those three seasons just don't coincide back home!

Took time out to get a haircut and it was (like everything else here in the Philippines) an occasion for much picture taking!

Also went for a stroll in a small gated community just down from our apartment (or “up” from us if you are talking economics).  It is very pretty and some of the houses are very nice.  Quite a few of them had their own coconut and banana palms - along with high fences and gorgeous flow

 My mom would really like this "front porch"!

Our first Jeepney Ride

Some Interesting Jobs in Cebu

 Lumber Delivery

                                                                                          Adverising Specialist

International Chess
Champion

                             



Sign Installation

Street Musician -- and they can really make their homemade drums make music-- actual notes, not just percussion.

"Walking Dresser" -- or furniture delivery             

Water Melon Carver

                         Laundry

                                           

 Build Your Own Harp from Recycled Materials 

            And Teach Yourself to Play

Cement Mixer

Soon to be famous basketball player.

                                                                       

                                           Baloon Delivery                                                   Telephone Post-Hole Digger

Maybe someday the Tabernacle Choir & The Spoken Word; 

Today Mabolo Choir & the Spoken Word.