Old Town Charm

This weekend I went on what can only be known as the “Field Trip from Hell”. While the experience was something I hope never to go through again, I have to admit I was struck by the novelty and charm the Old Town of Lumban.

This picturesque little town boasts of it’s handcrafted trade: embroidery. The dainty patterns and pretty products really made me smile. I have always loved embellished and embroidered patterns, especially in clothing, but I never really stopped to think about it’s history. Anyway, the field trip I took my students to this weekend allowed me to enjoy such quaint charm.

It was interesting to see how old traditions survived the advent of modern technology. In the same breath, I could not help but feel badly for the women upholding such traditions and working towards keeping it alive because they really are at the losing end of the battle. While the charm of handmade emboridery will never be equalled by those made by machines, modern technology is fast catching up and they are able to produce almost the same things with minimal time.  It’s also sad to realize how much these women make for their work. The way I understand it, some of them make less than a hunderd bucks a day for their craft.     

Besides the embroidery craft, another charm the little pueblo boasted of was their beautiful church. I’ve been to many a church in my time, but I have not been pulled by such beauty in such a long time. I was drawn by the stunning glass windows and elaborate altar. It was so beautiful! I suddenly wished my colleague Marshall was with me in that church because I know he would have taken such stunning pictures. Since he is off on his European adventure, I had to settle for second best: attempting artistic photograpy on my own.            

At the end of the day, despite the terrible accommodations and exhausting work the field trip brought, I truly was glad I had the chance to see such old town charm.