I am ICÔNE: xHaute_Couturex

Although the February ICÔNE has already been silent for weeks now, (which is the reason why this post was delayed), Yna, or more popularly known as xHaute_Couturex had been of the many silent and yet uber special people at Stardollandia.

Let's join Yna as she takes us around the wonderful places in her scenic home land... the Philippines.

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are well known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have also become a symbol of Philippine culture.

The word jeepney is usually believed to be a portmanteau of "jeep" and "jitney".

Another word for jeepney is fierra but it's almost never used. It is best known in a song called Ang Fierra ni Juan Ay May Butas Sa Gulong (The Jeep of Juan Has A Hole In The Tire)

Rizal Park is situated in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines. It is at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay.

Rizal Park's history began in the early 1800s during the Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon (lunette) and thus was named Luneta. The Park was also called Bagumbayan (New Town) in Spanish colonial era, and later known as Luneta.

Pahiyas Festival is a colorful feast in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saints of farmers, as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Houses along the old streets of Lucban are artistically decorated with agricultural harvest, and of the very unique highlight of the festival, the "kiping". It is a wafer made up of rice that comes in different colors. The Lucbanons come up in different designs every year, as they showcase their artistic talents in decorating their houses.

The Paoay Church is included in the Unesco World Heritage list.
Construction of the church started in 1704 and was completed in 1894 by the Augustinian friars led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo.
It is probably the best-known “earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters thick and are supported by 24 carved and massive buttresses.