Focus

Text And Photos By VICKY S. MENDOZA,

Oh Siena!

I’ve been to all of those places, but the town I consider my favorite in Europe is a quiet little medieval community tucked in a hidden corner of Italy’s Tuscan region.

Siena is the veiled charm to Paris’ proud beauty or Rome’s ancient glory. It is a quiet stroll along narrowly winding cobblestone streets, with a view of quaint apartment entrances, and perhaps a glimpse of local entering her home. There is an abundance of brick buildings in varied hues of, yes, siena — burnt, raw, etc..

Towards the center, there will be more shops, increasingly familiar to the big city dweller. Nannini, which is one the world’s oldest bakeshops, has now sprouted branches. There are also lingerie and swimsuit stores that have branched out from Florence. McDonald’s is still used by visitors as a landmark and meeting place. Still, there are none of the droves of tourists that flood Venice.

Weekend Guide

Batang Rizal. July 19 until Aug. 25, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on all Thursdays to Sundays. PETA Theater, #5 Eymard Dr. (formerly Sunnyside Dr.), QC.

Concert at the Park: Bossa Sessions. Aug. 26, 5 p.m. Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium, Manila. Featuring the latest bossa nova sensation Pavi and her band, Tropicalia.

Pilipinas Circa 1907. Aug. 10 to September. Little Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

Cafe Theo. A Piece of Mind, an exhibit of art works by Sharon Atillo, Corinne Ching and Mimi Sanson, better known for their fashion at the I Love You Store, is on view until Sept. 1 at the Theo Gallery of Cafe Saguijo, Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati, For details call 0917-898-3036.