I finally did an overlay using writing. I chose Chinese writing, both images taken from the Creative Commons licensed images from flickr, thanks to K. OS
First off I started with a lighting effects with pse 7. I chose RGB lights and spotlight. First overlay was done as multiply at about 43% opacity. Second was adjusted first with duotone effect, then applied as hard light at around 28%. Added brush strokes along the edges at different opacities and widths.
Original photo
First Overlay
Second Overlay
Beautiful! I love the bold colors, how the bird is encircled in the 'sun', and the overlays are perfect. This would be a great travel poster for the land of the rising sun (Japan).