At lunch today, a friend mentioned she’s set to run in a fun run, coinciding with the feast of St. Teresa of Avila. As if a reminder, I found myself visiting the St. Teresa de Avila Chapel in Barit in Laoag for the first time. The lovely chapel with Spanish influences is set against bucolic rice fields. Very serene in feeling. It would be nice taking a book and settle in on one of the benches.
The chapel, I believe, was built by Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Rudy Fariñas in honor of his wife, the late beauty queen and actress Maria Teresa Carlson. Maria would have turned 50 on October 15.
Maria as a friend was sweet and natural. I don’t remember exactly how I got introduced to her, but a few times, she would ask us if they could borrow Martine to be with Ria in Manila or Baguio. She loved the arts and crafts, and, like most women, fashion. Her manner of speaking was plainspoken, not quite like the “Si Ako” she was known for. Her bright eyes and smiles are what I remember most.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2013
