Customized Bamboo Furniture Made To Order

My friend Lara and I found a place on the side of the road (with help from my driver Ardy) that makes bamboo furniture. She ordered a table and 6 chairs that cost $65 USD. I ordered 2 TV stands of different sizes, 1200 and 1500 pesos ($27 and $34 USD).  I also ordered and 18 foot ladder for 700 pesos ($15 USD) and a bookshelf for 2500 pesos ($56 USD).  I also had bamboo headboards made for my twin beds. Later I purchased a new dining room table and Lara gave me her table and chairs when she moved back to the US. Beautiful furniture that is made to last! See pictures below.

Che Che Bolcalso

In the Philippines, it is more common than not to have a house helper that could be a live-in helper or someone who comes during the day. Houses are built with helper quarters which include a bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and "dirty kitchen". We moved into our new house on Sat. 1/31 and found a helper Che Che recommended by an expat friend. It is expected that the helper cooks for the staff and us as well as cleaning and laundry (grocery shopping too). We have a driver (Ardy) and security guards (Danny, Egan, Nito) all provided by Lexmark and a gardener/handyman (Edgar). So she cooks meals for all of them during the week. She works Monday through Friday 8-5. And if you want to share recipes with friends you send your helper over to teach your friend's helper to cook the dish and vice-versa. Pretty nifty eh? Any how many of you remember using a clothesline?

Che Che in the "dirty kitchen"/laundry room

Barbette Lominoque

Barbette Lominoque is our relocation specialist (Accurate Relocation Co.) here in Cebu. She helped us initially find our house back in Sept. 2014 and when we moved here in Jan. 2015, she helped us in many other ways such as: finding furniture and setting up house services such as cable, internet, gas, water, electric. She also helped us interview house helpers. We love her!

Fish Port and Wet Market

Yesterday, I visited the wet market with Ardy (driver provided by Lexmark) and Che Che (house helper). A wet market is called such because it is where fresh raw food is sold which requires frequent washing so the floor is alway wet (and in this case "fishy" too so don't wear good shoes). This market is in Mandaue City just slightly north of Cebu City. The fish is brought in at 1 am daily and unloaded at 2 am in the market place (straight from the Philippine Sea). They also have lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and everything needed for cooking such as fresh salt, palm oil, vinegar, homemade condiments like ketchup. Why shop anywhere else? See pics.

Simala Shrine in Sibonga, Cebu known as Cebu's Castle Church

Churches in Cebu

We have attended two Protestant churches: an independent Christian Church (Living Word) and United Church of Christ (Bradford). I am living in a society/culture that is over 80% Catholic and have worshipped at several Catholic churches here including: Adoration Convent of Divine Peace, Basilica del Santo Niño and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. I'm drawn to the beauty and formality of worship at the Catholic Churches. Having grown up in the Disciples of Christ Church, I find that our practices of worship have many similarities.

Edgar Peñaroyo gardener and handyman