Balay ni Tana Dicang

We took a jeepney out to Talisay this afternoon to visit a gallery there. It turned out to be not the ordinary type of commercial gallery but a part of a museum which was itself the home of the Lizares family and Tana Dicang in particular.

The small exhibition in the gallery was of work by five artists now living in the United States. As a result we were also shown round the rest of the house which is now the museum with furniture originally used by the family in their everyday life there.
There are two bronze busts , one of Tana the other of her husband,  Amongst the many photographs on show is one of Tana seated between two Presidents of the Philippines, Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmena.
Photographs were not permitted to be taken inside but here are some of the exterior of the building whichdates from 1883.

Mindanau Massacres

Today has been the first anniversary of the Mindanau Massacres where 58 people were killed in a road block by a local clan who did not want opposition to their rule in the area. the Ampatuan family had ruled the area for years and Ampatuan Snr was grooming his son to take over from him as governor. An opposition candidate was sending in his nomination forms. he sent his wife and some supporters along with 38 journalists to deposit the candidacy papers for him as he thought there would be no trouble if women and reporters were involved. The convoy of vehicles was stopped by the private Ampatuan army and every one was gunned to death and shovelled quickly into a shallow pit. There have been protest marches and vigils by candle light all over the country to protest against the massacre and to demand the culprits are brought to justice. The new President has added his voice to those wanting the clan brought to trial. They were able to operate for years apparently freely with the support of the last President, Gloria Arroyo, who made use of the forces to keep order in the province against the rebels.
The opposer to the Ampatuans, Mangundadadu, lost his wife and two sisters in the killings but went on to win the elaction

Coffee at L' Fisher

Relaxing with a coffee at L' Fisher in the coffee bar attached to the hotel.
On the way we passed the Negros Provincial Capitol Building.

Exhibition

On the way to a concert in the SM Mall there was an exhibition that we stopped at to view. Rather interesting work by a University professor using a saw and wood. Ryan took some photos so here they are.

Christmas in Chinatown.

The city is already awash with festive lights. We went to see thew lights outside the Chinatown Shopping Mall this evening.

Local harvest.

The local product around here is sugar cane and it is harvest time now so the roads are full of lorries trundling past loaded to overflowing with the cut canes.

More from Manila.

The visit to the PRA about a permanent retirement visa went well. I now have various forms to fill up , a medical to go to and have to have a form sent from the English police to say that I do not have a criminal record

To offset all that here are a few more pics of us relaxing in the hotel and the city or airport where we had an extra hour to wait because take off was delayed due to weather conditions.

Manila 16-18 November 2010

Tried Airphil Express for the first time. We got to know the airport quite well because the flight was delayed for an hour so we had plenty of time to look at the pleasantly arranged new building and find out its facilities.  There was a choice of two coffee places in the Departure Lounge both serving much needed coffee,cakesand sandwiches. the salmon panini was very tasty and hot with a layer of melted cheese as well.

The flight was pleasant and relaxed, transfer to the hotel easy and a welcome of recognition from the staff at the Atrium Hotel where we were staying again. It looked very festive with the Christmas decorations in place.

Manila 22 - 25 October.

Arrived safely here to be met at the airport by Ryan.
The traumas of french industrial actions were left behind when I was finally able to take off an hour and a half late from Toulouse while waiting for the air traffic controllers to decide whether they would let us take off or not.

The Atrium Hotel was a pleasant place to stay. This is the view from our terrace.