TravelswithCharie

"Moving the mountains closer to the seas" is a Shri Vishayas exhibition at Ang Panublion Museum in Roxas City. It celebrates the culture of the Suludnon or the Panay Bukidnon indigenous communities through installations and mixed media that highlight their stories, music and traditions.  The birha is lattice work in bamboo, a material abundant in the hinterlands of Panay. The design allows for ventilation and a modicum of privacy. On a social note, the use of bamboo latticework draws the line between haves and have nots with the former using Capiz shell windows. Peter James Fantinalgo created this birha in collaboration with his grandfather, Tito Reyes Flamiano, a master bamboo craftsman from Cuartero, Capiz. The patadyong or wrap-around skirt is typical clothing worn by women in barrios or rural areas. The artist, Norberto Roldan, embossed an epic story on the skirt and decorated the previously worn fabric with demonetized coins. This series of textiles is entitled, "

Baybay Beach We arrived in the Philippines just before typhoon Paeng struck. We were able to make it to our island home before the heavy rains and thunderstorms. As soon as we got off the plane, I decided we'd first eat lunch at the beach. It was a good decision because halfway through our lunch, the rain and wind drove diners from the sand to cover indoors.  Post typhoon, we drove around the city and found this quiet beach.  We went to various schools to give school supplies through my foundation, BalayniCharie. This elementary school in Panitan was inundated and the floodwaters peaked just below the window.  The books were destroyed and swept away by the flood. In my neighborhood, we organized a distribution of school supplies for the kids and donated pre-owned clothes, shoes and slippers for the adults. The kids also had some hot chicken soup.  An hour and a half away in Pilar, we gave school supplies to 306 children at San Esteban Elementary School. It's been a busy week. M

St. Mary’s Basilica The current Basilica was built in the 14th century on the foundation of an older church from the 13th century. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site which includes the entire Stare Miasto (Old Town) of Krakow. Jan Matejko, the foremost painter of Poland designed the polychrome murals of the Basilica and the wooden altarpiece behind the main altar was carved by Veit Stoss in the 15th century. It depicts the life of Jesus and Mary. The altarpiece was dismantled and hidden in various locations across Poland just before World War II broke out but was found by the Nazis and taken to Germany. It was recovered in 1946 and had to undergo major restoration before its reinstallation at the Basilica in 1957. There is a guided tour of the St. Mary’s and tickets can be purchased at their office which is on the side of the main portal overlooking Main Square. St. Mary’s Basilica I wondered why the people were gathering in front of the Basilica. It turns out that a trumpete

Hauptplatz (Main Square) It was a pleasant day in May as I strolled around the third biggest city in Austria. But I found few people in the streets and the commercial district was quiet. I guess people go home when the shops are closed. Trinity Column You’ll find a Trinity column in many cities in Europe. This 20-meter high plague column is made of Unsterberg marble and is an offering of gratitude from the Emperor Charles VI and the townspeople for having evaded the worst of the plaque in the 17th century, the attacks of the Ottoman Empire and the War of the Spanish succession. Hauptplatz Pastel painted buildings and terrace restaurants surround the main square of Linz. Hauptlatz Newly planted spring flowers are a sight for sore eyes.  Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (New Cathedral) The Immaculate Conception is the largest church in all of Austria. It can accommodate 20,000 people. Completed in 1924, it has been undergoing restoration to replace its “crumbling sandstone” and oth