Rurungan sa Tubod Accomodation

As Czarina Lim was my initial contact here in Puerto I have been kindly put up in a spare room in the Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation compound. The compound, along with the Lim's house is in the baranguay of San Pedro, one of 66 city baranguays and up on a hill surrounded by tropical forest. The building in which I am staying is a simple wood and bamboo structure, which houses the foundation's weaving center in the adjacent rooms. The room in which I stay is simple with a bamboo mat underneath a floor matress, with a small bedside table and a rattan cupboard for putting my clothes. The heavy sliding door is easy to open from the inside, however with no handle on the outside, it is a must to remember the most ideal leverage points. Wet hands are not good therefore, and sometimes it won't budge.

The yard is full of beautiful tropical trees and plants. There is a simple wooden shed with a grass roof in the back and the animation studio is in a small building similar to this one directly next door. There is also a small structure with equipment for scanning, a small residence for the Lim's main helper Ending, her husband Edward, who also works for the Lim's and their two young boys. The bathroom and shower are separate cubicles in a small free standing building, much like washroom facilities you might find at a camp site, but more than enough to do the job. Ending the housekeeper who lives there has given me a key and keeps the bathroom locked so the boys from the animation department don't make a mess of it.

There are chickens and a beautifully coloured rooster that roam around, plus a trio of kittens and a couple of dogs. The Lim's house is separated from the compound by a forested area about 50 meters wide. Although there is a path which runs between the two, the clay like mud sticks so vehemently to the bottom of shoes and sandals, that it is less trouble to take the road. It was suggested that I bring a headlamp, but I brought a small flashlight that isn't quite as bright as I'd like, but I managed to find a replica Petzl headlamp at the local hardware store for about 3 dollars (compared to $35 at home).

The Lim's house itself is a wonder of open air design. There is a large courtyard area that is home to Ernie Lim's extensive workshop and a sewing and mending area. Here is where meals are served when there is large gatherings. Upstairs the eating area is more like a dining hall, with a large wooden table for about 14, high ceilings and a large open kitchen area. Because of the design it always feels very bright even when the weather is gray. There is a large garden area with a shed for dying fabrics, many trees, a trampoline, and a length pool. This is all enclosed by a huge roof of black netting which allows the light in but keeps the bugs, birds, and other unwanted visitors out. In front of the home is a full sized basketball court. It is tropical and somewhat overgrown in places, but it is a remarkable home that Ernie Lim conceived of and built. (see more photos / more to come)