Crocheted Rosary Bracelet

2          pcs       1.0-cm metal rings

1          pc        1.0-cm lobster lock

1          pc        5.0-cm extender chain

small amount of 1/8-in plarn* made of thin plastic bag

sewing thread if using transparent plarn

Click here to learn the methods of making plarn. and conditioning it for crochet.

As part of Rocketmom's Summer Session: Lens Challenge #3: Let's hit the road with a travel lens!, I have share here the best Philippine souvenir I could think of - ROSARY BEADS. Being the only Catholic country in Asia, the rosary beads has come to symbolize the Filipino's love for family and faith in God. Praying the rosary is so ingrained in us that all Catholics I know owns at least 5 rosaries in their lifetime. Its popularity has led to may variations - full-length rosary beads, rosary bracelet, and rosary ring. It is available in all materials imaginable - beads, wood, glow-in-the-dark, silver, gold, pearls etc. And now, thanks to me, it is also available in plarn.

Traveling with the Rosary
We Filipino Catholics believe that having a rosary with us when traveling keeps us safe. So it's very common to find rosary beads dangling above the dashboards of most vehicles or entwined to the handles of motorcycles. I know a lot of drivers who would hold their rosary and say a prayer for safety before travelling. And when travelling in groups, we say the rosary first before we have fun.

The Rosary and Me
Most Filipinos work abroad and their families will surely give them a rosary bead so God will keep them safe. I have experienced working away from my family, (however not abroad, just an hour away, but if I can't come home every night that's far away). Although I am not a devout Catholic, it sure helped that I could clutch a rosary while battling depression due to my work and distance from my loved ones. Praying the rosary brought about a certain peace. The repetitive prayers had put me in a moment of Zen, where there's only me and God.

Rosary, Faith, and Pacman
The most popular expression of the rosary's influence on Filipinos is illustrated by none other than our Pambansang Kamao (National Fist) Congressman Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the eight-division world boxing champion and reigning pound-for-pound king. Having been raised by devout Catholic mother and being pious himself, he is always seen wearing rosary beads in his fights. He holds the rosary's cross close to his heart as he prays in one corner of the ring before the start of a fight. And when he is announced as the winner, the rosary is placed back in his neck, and he rejoices his victory with it, sometimes even kissing it. We love him so much

 Rosary in Philippine History

If history be asked what rosary is to the Filipino people, the People Power Revolution in February 25,1986 would be the first thing to come in mind. After more than 20 years of Ferdinand Marcus' martial-law reign, the people had had enough. So when the Catholic church instigated a rally to thwart Marcus, millions of Filipino flooded the streets of EDSA. They had no means to protect themselves, so arm in arm the held on to each other and prayed the rosary as they marched towards the restoration of our freedom and democracy. Facing military tanks and heavily armed soldiers, the rallying Filipinos gave them flowers and rosaries. That was enough for the soldiers' heart to melt. Needless to say, the rosary became a symbol of Filipinos' unity and hope.


A scene from a movie based on EDSA People Power Revolution. Actress Marian Rivera portrays a nun.

These are photographs from my vacation to Camiguin Island where I grew up but never had a chance to explore. This wonderful vacation is all thanks to my former employee Merry Child School, most especially to our president Mr. Oscar Salcedo. We sure bought a lot of rosaries for souvenir from this trip.


A collage of photographs from our vacation.


Camiguin Island from afar, we were still on the barge.


First stop in Camiguin - Soda Swimming Pool. They have a pool and this drinking fountain that  looks filthy but absolutely clean. That's me drinking. I brought a liter of water home.


The Sunken Cemetery - All that remains is this modern marker. There used to be a cemetery in this spot but  because of a volcanic eruption it was buried underwater. I could not really understand how that happened but I know this is one beautiful diving spot.


Camiguin's White Island -  The crowning glory of Camiguin, thousands of tourist visit  this island to bathe in this vanishing island. It vanishes when the high tide comes.


White Island - This island changes form depending on the waves. On this very day, it forms the letter C. That's me and Tess, my friend and fellow science teacher.


White Island - This is my most favorite photograph from this vacation. All the female teachers laid down on the sand for this photo.