the Cacing Diaries #45

pretty in pink

For the first time in her young 1 ½ years of existence, Cacing cried when I said goodbye today. It’s just one of my usual week-long trips abroad – there’ll be lots more down the road – but increasingly, each time I leave for a trip, Cacing is becoming more aware of her emotions. She still has no concrete concept of time. It is safe to suppose that she quickly got over my departure. But soon it would be different and I’ll have to contend to her heartache. And mine.


the muses of my life, at my mom’s place in Talisay this May



testing the crown



those eyes are smart!



smiling and clowning



the roller brush as a toy



a pink princess



testing the jackfruit



a tease in front of the camera



at the backseat of the car

hand embroidery, Balinese style

If wood carving were the artistic domain of men, women are traditionally associated with the fine art form in embroidery. In pre-colonial times however, Balinese women were known to go topless. Fine cut and pierced or lace embroidery may not exactly be a Balinese art after all in a historical perspective. The fact remains that when Dutch mores of modesty were implemented early in the 20th century, the requirement to be fully clothed in public was met with resentment by women and going bare was used as a form of protest.




In modern times, Bali has already fully adopted full clothing, especially in the context of Indonesia being a predominantly Muslim country. Like the rest of the nation, Balinese costume wear is derivative of the kebaya blouses native to the Javanese.




But despite being late in the game, Balinese women, judging from the quality of lace work displayed in several artisan shops spread all over the island, already have become master embroiders in their own right.

pining for more wood carvings

It’s like a malady. I’m hooked on wood carvings, particularly those from Bali . My particular addiction dates back almost 10 years now and my collection is growing.







When in Bali, I also make it a point to visit workshops to personally select which pieces I would like to bring back. As wood is heavy and luggage allowances are limited, I am finicky with what I buy.







In my next trip to Bali next week, I probably would visit this particular Denpasar shop. I’ll be ordering something big and probably would have it shipped to Cebu. Call me excited.

the seaweed farmhouses of Hingutanan

In Bohol, particularly in the northern part of the province facing Leyte, seaweed is big. Considered as one of Bohol’s most productive centers is the small island of Hingutanan. The island is politically part of the municipality of Bien Unido and is now divided into two barangays, East and West. A visit in Hingutanan would however reveal that seaweed is largely grown outside of island, a bit further into the reef. There, tens of farmhouses have been erected on stilts, serving both as a drying platform and as an entrepot of dried seaweed.


bamboo is the common material of the seaweed farmhouses



green and brown seaweed at Hingutanan



seaweed lines being planted on the reef of Danahon



arriving at a platform at Hingutanan


Seaweed farming started in late 70s and today, it is considered as a popular industry for its low capitalization requirement and steady market. There are two types of seaweed grown in Bohol- cottonii and spinosum. Both may appear in various morphological types, sizes and colors. Spinosum, the cheaper variety, is noted for its spines that are arranged in whorls around the thallus. Cottonii, is free of these spines.


seaweed being at a platform in Hingutanan



weighing the wet harvest



fish, dried under the sun



motorized outrigger boat serving the farmhouse

rediscover some Sukawati treasures

The art market of Sukawati Bali is one of my favorite haunts. Practically every handicraft sold in Bali can be found there in cheap prices. Quality could be suspect but if you know where to look for, a deal is always there to be had. Here is a selection of some novelties that were begging to be photographed.


a miniature 3-layer pajeng umbrella set



frangipani flowers being dried



some kitchen or ceremonial straw items that I cannot identify



some Balinese altars



traditional Balinese offerings in front of a shrine at the market



wooden buddhas for sale

off to Tigwatian (Crystal Cove), Boracay

Crystal Cove. The name sounds commercial and it is. It is the popular name of the resort which occupies Laurel island which just 30 minutes by boat from Boracay. Blessed with the same sugar-fine white sand which makes Boracay a byword in world-class tourism, it is famous for its two caves, as well as its prime takeoff location for diving and snorkeling.


approaching Tigwatian or Crystal Cove



the paraw- Boracay’s local outrigger boat





In our island hopping in Boracay last May, we only stayed in the island momentarily. Laurel island is formerly known as Tigwatian, an onomatopoeia of the sing-song chirp of an exotic bird. There’s another tale that the island is the home of the fairies too. Either way, and by any other name, the islet is enchanting.


behind the boat is Caticlan, Aklan