The Big Bamboo - Phillipines

When I first came to Taiwan, almost 30 years ago, I was really impressed with what a extensive building material bamboo was. Buildings 10 stories high would have a scaffolding of bamboo all the way up. Since that time, Taiwan has replaced that model with cranes and metal scaffolding.

But in the Philippines, bamboo is still a major construction material.

Rather than the pumped in cement the construction, at least on Boracay, is the cinder block way. Craftsman with bamboo can make all kinds of ramps, walls, braces.

But each piece of bamboo is different, it takes a flexible mind to see its place in the structure.

From construction to boat outriggers, bamboo is everywhere.