Island Wanderer

I didn't go to the beach the whole summer. The heat was unbearable for the most part, and

yeah. I would tell you again how frustrated I am by that one single fact that I am allergic to the sun.

The thing about this country tho is that it is a tropical country and whatever season it may be, the sun will let its presence be felt. That be for good or naught. It is Rainy Season in Manila now, but in other parts of the Philippines, it still feels like summer.

And so my Summer have just began. With another adventure at Polillo Island!

By now, I know better than to sleep in a 2++ hour boat ride. On usual trips, I would doze on and off and find myself still in the middle of the sea with no land in sight.

This time, I still let the boat cradle me to sleep but I brought my geekdom and all the Seven kingdoms with me for the waking hours.

The town of Polillo now has a Souvenir Center. At last!

Tho most of the stuff are handwoven bags. Their designs are nice, albeit, good for export. I didn't know our townspeople had that skill in them! So I bought one for myself and asked where they were made

The bags are from Brgy. Banadero, 5 minutes away from the town proper so I went to check out the place.

The house had all the raw materials and pieces hanging but the workers were on break so I didn't see them in action.

Then off to Brgy. Sabang we go. And I spent my time walking around the beach with the kids, Katkat (my sidekick!) and Baby, picking up shells during the lowtide. It rained a little before, so it was a blessing for me. The weather is in my favor.

I always see this boat by the mangroves. I don't think it ever leaves

Then we caved through trees, and shrubs to get to this place. A fishpond that looks like a fortress of sorts. There were no fish on this fishpond tho. We passed by the owner on our way out and he didn't know who I am. I am no one. I could've said but my skin just gave me out. How I miss that dark beautiful skin of mine.

Harvested camote and gabi the next day and had it for snack while we submerged ourselves in the cool of the seawater. I love my quiet times like this. When you feel like the sea is yours. And you have this secret place for yourself. The sky and sea was beautiful that day, and for a moment, I forgot about the rest of the world.

The End

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7.09.2012

Summer and Beyond at Clay Ave

by Iori Espiritu

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Another delayed post! Just finding the time to write again. Summer has been extremely busy with personal projects and this! I have been blogging numerous times about pottery and my slight obsession with making my own. And it is a privilege that Clay Ave Pottery Studio by Mia Casal has invited me to be her studio assistant this summer!

For three months plus now, I have been at the studio in Quezon City helping in whatever bit I can. From assisting Mia in teaching the students the basics of handbuilding, to cleaning the studio and preparing the materials, to installing ceiling fixtures, to sorting out greenware and bisquewares, to measuring glazed pots and to eventually teaching the students on my own! It was definitely a learning experience for me and I feel really grateful for this opportunity. Sharing the little knowledge I have to other students is a blessing I wouldn't forget. It may sound cliche but it is true that we learn while we teach. And I did learn a lot! Not only did I learn more about molding clay but also about molding our lives with the Master Potter as our guide. I wouldn't be here without Him. Because He knows what is truly our Heart's desire.

Two of my first students, Sophia and Mauro!

While my mentor is on leave, I took the opportunity to make my own pieces. Yay

Practice do enhance skill, Im still figuring out my own style but for now,

I just want to make, make, make whatever comes to mind!

A sneak preview of the studio on this rainy season.

More projects coming up!

“Someday, somewhere - anywhere, unfailingly, you'll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life.”

― Pablo Neruda

Photos (c) Clay Ave Pottery Studio and Iori Espiritu

Ugu Bigyan Part Two: Senses

by Iori Espiritu

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Photodumping! I know I should leave things for others to find out for themselves, but hey, it was hard to pick the nicest ones! Lol. Ugu Bigyan's Pottery Garden is lined with a number of nipa huts where you can just rest and chill for the day. This is perfect when you're not in a rush to get anywhere. It's a surprise that such a place is hidden in Quezon.

Well it was a feast for the Senses. On the previous post, it was about the sense of sight & touch. Of feeling the pots in your hands, of seeing the marvel of the hands can create,,

And now more of just seeing...

What I especially love about the place is the attention to details. Small things like fishes in the pathway, Or bird sculptures scattered around the huts. I get surprised a couple of times that I didn't notice certain pieces before!

The whole ambiance is relaxing. The bed is inviting me in. It was also a blessing for us that it rained a little because you could really feel the summer this time of the year.

And then there was food! I've never tasted food like this before. (I don't know how to describe it) Ugu has put his personal touch in the food he prepared for us. It was also nice that we ate from handmade dinnerware. Before the food was prepared, I was feeling the plates and tumblers in my hand, trying to figure out what life it must have had: from a lump of clay to a staple in this dining area!

Ok let the pictures do the talking.

Soup with malunggay

The best ribs I've ever tasted! Smokey goodness

Paco Salad

And first ever taste of Kulawo! Tastes excellent! This is banana heart with a smoky flavor to it. Quite deceiving too :)

Some tahong

Shrimp

Sweet and Sour Fish with Salad

Calamares

Some dessert and a satisfied tummy! And this is why life is awesome. Thank You for good food! I took home the leftovers and had my relatives taste it and they said it was the best tasting banana heart they have eaten :) Great experience this was. Thanks to Mia and Ugu Bigyan!

End

Ugu Bigyan Part One: Pottery

by Iori Espiritu

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A much-delayed blog post of what happened this Summer. Last May, me and the other students at Clay Ave Pottery Studio were invited by teacher Mia Casal on a pottery fieldtrip in Tiaong, Quezon. We visited Ugu Bigyan, renowned for his pottery, garden and awesome cooking! I've always wanted to go to his Pottery Garden ever since I've read about it in Viaje del Sol and read reviews about it in numerous blogs some years ago.

Note: Because I find this place awesome, I'm dividing it in two parts:

Part One: Pottery

This place is truly a pottery haven, the first time I set my feet on its grounds, I knew I'm gonna love it.

A section of the property is a showroom where most of the works are for sale.

There are a wide assortment to choose from! From Bowls to mugs, plates, vases etc.

Meanwhile, in another part of the studio, Kuya Raffy is making bowls. Kuya Raffy has been doing pottery for 20+ years, I believe. He makes these uniform bowls in a breeze! Amazing!

More stuff at the gallery. Notice how they intentionally deform the pieces?

Tea set! And birds all over the place. My simple joys

There's also a wood-fired kiln at the back of the studio. I don't think they're still using it.

But it's pretty amazing to think about firing: It takes hours and hours to fire pots and we take the 'paso' for granted!

After some rest, it was time for Ugu Bigyan to do a demo.

He uses an electric wheel for his works. His (wheel) is very rugged and also comes in just one speed. We can change speed with the one at the studio and it's a challenge to control, what more for this!

Ugu Bigyan in Action!