ESTRELLA. Warmth and hospitality.
In the summer of 2006, on our Batanes Photo Safari, we met Frestilda Dakay, a cheerful lady who lived alone in a stone house built in 1877.
Frestilda’s house is now considered a cultural and historical treasure. It has a 24-inch cogon roof, with walls made of stone and coral. It survived the devastating 8.3-magnitude earthquake of 1918.
I became a regular visitor. She was already bedridden last year, but she continued to entertain our group. We sang, danced and prayed with her.
In May, her sisters brought her to Manila so they could take care of her. She was laid to rest in Sta. Mesa, Manila. She was 87 years old.
I will continue to visit Lola Inday’s lovely home—and I will always be grateful to the very welcoming hostess who mirrored the warmth and hospitality of the Ivatan people!
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Join our Batanes Photo Safari on April 18-21 or May 2-5, and the Marinduque Photo Safari on April 10-14. E-mail luzamandolina@yahoo.com, or call 896-3208.