Photo: Catch Of The Day

The heart and soul of The Philippines lives in the thousands of tiny fishing villages scattered across more than 7,000 islands. Village life is harsh, but from hardship can come beautifully simple craftsmanship. Last summer, I wanted something to remember my time on the central island of Bantayan, a classic Asian purgatory of beauty, poverty and wonderful people. After a patient week of chatting up some local fishermen, I finally convinced one of them to part with an old squid fishing lure. For a modest price, of course. Hand carved, googly eyed, covered in squid guts; a perfect souvenir.