The Papier Tole Shop at Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

If you happen to travel in Metro Manila, Philippines, you must include Intramuros in your itinerary. There are lots of souvenir shops that are still existing and thriving money-wise because of the tourist influx in this walled city in the metro.

It's Hispanic influences are well-preserved, from the sentries or guards with its 18th century uniforms and the existence of caretelas or horse-driven carriage that fetches tourists to tour the very small city.

The baroque-styled church at Beaterio street is often photographed by the tourists and city dwellers as well due to its grandiose presence.

Since Intramuros is also the place where my manning agency (for my work overseas) is located, I used to take photos of what interest me inside the walled city.

The souvenir shop where I used to visit is The Papier Tole Shop, established in 1668 as major hub for recycled paper products. The Spanish regime left a very important contribution to the Filipino people by utilizing their artistic talent and skills as it leave unique masterpieces for the unique paintings in 3D or in watercolor, paper dolls, necklaces and other paper products.

The blogger @ The Papier Tole Shop (backside)

 The Papier Tole Shop is now owned and managed by Mrs. Ruby Lee. Thanks to the ever humble shop attendant-worker Meliton Batac for giving me an overview about the souvenir shop and gave me access to take photos, so that I can complete this blog.

The 3D paintings I used to gaze and admire are masterpieces of Filipino artists, like Antonio Mendoza. 

The additional souvenir items, aside from recycled paper products are also getting noticed by the tourists.

For a sampler, I bought a P40-peso notepad (3 pcs for P100 pesos) for my personal notes.

One of the shop attendant-worker

Reproductive Health Bill - The Philippine Version

(May 18, 2011)As of this writing, the debate about the pros and cons of Reproductive Health Bill in the Philippines is a hot topic, even at the far flung barangays of the country.
The boxing legend-turned-legislator, Congressman Emmanuel 'Manny ' Paquiao, initiated the move to file a legislation opposing the implementation of RH bill.
Meanwhile, pro-RH bill Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago reacted with Congressman Manny's stand.She opined that it's already written in the Constitution and the move to implement has long been started, although the full-blown program will just be staged this year under the administration of President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III.
The harsh realities of family life in the country inspired several legislators to push through with the bill and for several reasons, this hubber will agree with their synchronized decision.

• Too many children in meager-income households equals poverty; parents cannot provide sufficient food on more than 5  offspring; much more with education and other basic needs. These children will undertake some roles of their parents in order to survive.
• Unwanted children due to teenage pregnancies are taken care of at many orphanages. These happened due to unprotected sex as those teenagers will continue to study or focus on other priorities in life.
• Crimes increase as the need of fathers to provide comfort for their families lead them to commit or succumbed to illegal activities.
• The government cannot provide adequate jobs to its large population.

This hubber was also alerted by his cousin (don't want to get exposed),  who's working at the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) about the scenario of two opposing forces at the Congress. This is my answer to her invitation to support the RH Bill. Most of them are women, trying to correct the notions of the Catholic church that this will violate God's teaching. My cousin reasoned out that:

• It's been a fact that condoms, pills and other contraceptives are already existing in the country during the American occupation in the early 19th century. I bet they introduced it in the archipelago.
• The advocacy on population control started so long ago that many mothers were able to get a thing or two about the birth control methods that are available at the rural health centers and the like.

With the mediation of the Catholic church, it will be another highly contested debate as media mileage started to collate important data between the two factions.
My salute goes to these courageous women in the Congress headed by Rizza Hontiveros-Baraquiel, a former media personality-turned-legislator who is very vocal about the RH Bill.
It's not only an issue among women who get pregnant but to men who should be responsible in taking care of their families.
RH Bill Debate will surely be SEX EDUCATION at the Congress.

 (Note: This is just a part of my hub on HubPages through my account )