Thursday, July 17, 2008

Heritage carved on stone

San Esteban Stone, also called Piedra Pinoy (Malinnag and Raras,2006) or Piedra China in reference to similar cobble stones used as ship ballast on galleons traveling from China to Philippines centuries ago (source). But to us natives, we simply call them "bato" or stone.
These stones has been used a few hundred years ago in construction of streets, houses and churches. The street in the UNESCO World Heritage Village and patio of St. Paul Cathedral in Vigan is paved with piedra china baldosa (tile). (read more)


Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nuestra SeƱora de la Asuncion Church in Santa MAria, Ilocos Sur is perched up on a hill overlooking the town. The church was also used as a fortress during the revolution. The stairs leading to the church is also paved of piedra china. San Esteban was once a vista of Santa Maria, the stone carvers in San Esteban are probably the descendants of the those who worked on the construction of the church. (read more)


The stones can also be found in ancestral houses. An example of this would be Sitio Remedios in Ilocos Norte, where they re-create vintage Ilocano style houses and structures. (link)
These stone tiles and crafts last more than just a lifetime. Even you can leave a heritage that your descendants will enjoy and cherish.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

We supply natural stones (Piedra Pinoy) from Ilocos in different sizes

The stones are from low lying hills in Ilocos Sur. We supply stone tiles in varying sizes, 6"x12",12"x12" up to 20"x24" depending on availability. Custom sizes may also be ordered. These tiles are locally called "baldosa", a Spanish world for tile.

We also supply stone crafts for landscaping perfect to use in the garden. Some of these are benches, tables, lanterns,mortar and pestle, basins and stone mills (which can be used to decorate the garden or serve as a fountain).