Seashells The Philippines seashore are filled with the different kinds of shells that are washed up from

the bottom of the sea. These shells come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. The Philippines seashells are variably called balay, talaba, kaligay, paros, pilipit, halaan, and kabibe. Some of the Common Seashells 1. Mother-of-Pearl shells There are two kinds of shells, black lip and the gold lip. These are found in the bottom of the sea. (a) Black lip pearl oysters are found nearly along all the coasts of the Philippines and (b) the gold lip is abundantly found in the southern seas. Pearl shells are used in the manufacture of buttons, toilet articles, card cases, and many others. 2. Giant clam (tridacnagigays) This is called terebras by the natives of Palawan and Sulu. This kind of seashell product is the largest known among all living mollusks. It weighs 5oo pounds or more. It is usually found near the coral reefs of the Celebes Archipelago. Divers use crowbars and hammers to smash the shells. Tridacnagigays meat is eaten by the Malays. Tridacnagigays means three bites. Filipinos call it tacobo. Giant clams are often used as children s bathtubs or baptismal fonts, it is also used for belts and buckles. 3. Script shell the species has a white or yellowish ground marked by a series of zigzag brown lines, which at first glance resembles writing. The shell is oblong and thin. It is found throughout the Philippines and called Venus Messaga. 4. Kapis it is scientifically classified as placena placena. It is classified into two kinds according to their form male and female. The female shell is slightly turned. The flat kapis shell is also useful for making traysand many other interior home decorations. Cleaning Seashells 1. In cleaning seashells, boil them first in water for five minutes and then extract the meat with a curved pin. After emptying the seashells, soak them in mild solution of soap and bleaching agent for several hours. 2. Scrub the outer shells with a brush to remove the tar, slimy seaweeds, and outer foreign matter. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the delicate shells. 3. Soak them in a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid for a couple of hours or overnight. Dry them under the sun, spread them evenly on a tray. 4. The method used in cleaning kapis is different from the one used in ordinary shells. Use a steel to remove the dirt. Rub the shell on their rough surfaces. Soak them in water with detergent and bleaching agent. Rinse them in water. 5. wenzkieondaloc@rocketmail.com http://www.youjizz.com/videos/amy-reid-analed-2158857.html