IT WAS raining cats and dogs that afternoon of December 6, 2020, and apparently, one kitten took it literally. I was at mom’s house around four streets away from mine, as it was my late brother’s birthday and we were having family lunch. I intended … Continue reading Just a little miracle
(This article was first published inmy column at Sun.Star Davao on February 10, 2019. [https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1786948/Davao/Opinion/Estremera-Nothing-wrong]. But to make it more fun for this blog, I’m posting here some file photos of my adventures and misadventures). THROUGH the 15 years as editor-in-chief and eight years as … Continue reading Nothing wrong
No, not Queensland in Australia. Rather Queensland Lodge, a well-known motel (and all that it implies) in Davao City. Queensland has a baywalk that has become a public park where people do their morning exercises and promenade or go fishing.
Mingling among them are five ostriches. Yeps, real live ostriches owned by the Queensland owner and allowed to walk free among the promenaders, walkers, joggers, some recreational fishers, and yes, those who dance the Zumba.
These ostriches strut around the baywalk.They like to walk along with walkers like me.Sometimes, they paint a picture of brooding threat. But, no, they are just curious, actually.They have become favorite subjects of photos. Promenaders pose with them every chance they get.And this one loves playing with seawater, her caretaker says.She even greeted me on my birthday.They sometimes give me a peek of their mating practice.At times they walk in a group.But I love them most when they join the Zumba.Which they love to do.They strike funny poses with the dancing women.This one is peering down the rear of one of them.And even close and open her mouth like taunting her choice for the day.Only to retract its neck when accosted, as if saying, I am not doing anything!And then return, as if wanting to learn.And they can shake their butts like the Zumba dancers do.And spread their wings as if showing how people should dance.The ostriches are now as ubiquitous as the giant replica of David. Yes, that replica.
I’M obviously hooked, just in case you didn’t notice it yet. Hooked on learning how people live with so little up there in the mountains. I’m hooked too on discovering that what I thought I know pales in comparison with what the indigenous peoples know … Continue reading Not so known food practices
The epitome of a beast of burden, carabaos or water buffaloes are necessary companions of Filipino farmers. This is the carabao we rented to carry our things to sitio Lapinig where I was scheduled to meet an old datu who is reputed to be able … Continue reading Beast of burden
Up there in the mountains where money is scarce, playthings are not stuff you would think of buying. That doesn’t mean they don’t have toys. Menfolk make tops. Big tops. Out of food. They use their bolos to make these. They chopped off a branch … Continue reading Toys for big boys
It was my first time in Bali and we only had one day to go around after spending three days at the Bali Convention Center in Nusa Dua, which was a bit on the expensive side. No, not a bit. Expensive, period. That day in … Continue reading Artists and artisans of Bali
What’s a perfect smile? Is it the smile of a sister, just a year or two older, as she takes care of her baby brother? Is it the half-smile of a boy peeking out from behind his friend’s back? Or is it the sweet glow … Continue reading Smile for me, please
‘Tis a lesson you should heed: Try, try, try again. If at first you don’t succeed, Try, try, try again…” — William Edward Hickson Stalking a nudibranch in the waters of Paradise Island Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal…
IT was the eve of Maan’s birthday and Kublai’s gang gathered for food and wine. The after dinner talk was a very long one that spanned topics from how many architecture schools give more premium on design rather than functionality of a structure and thus … Continue reading Maan’s birthday frog