An Onion of a Story…by Mila Lachica

World Book Night 2020

WORLD BOOK NIGHT 2020, 23rd April. I feel nostalgic today that the World Book Night will be celebrated, not only in the UK and Northern Ireland but around the world. Nine years ago, I was one of the lucky chosen participants for the launching of this wonderful event in the UK/Northern Ireland. I got free 48 copies of Sarah Waters’ book, FINGERSMITH.

What is the task of the bookgiver? I have to distribute the books on the night of 5th March 2011 (the original date) the 48 hard copies, either you give it to your friends or any stranger you meet in the street. You can even leave the books in public places like train station, coffee shop – a place for everyone to grab the book.

The main goal of the World Book Night is a celebration of great writing and the power of books and the pleasures of reading. Fingersmith was one of 40,000 copies printed of each of the 25 brilliant titles selected for World Book Night 2011. That’s 1,000,000 books to be read and enjoyed and then shared. Be part of the reading revolution. Well, after reading it, you can share it or leave it in the wild for others to read it.

I do wish that someday, this kind of event will be done in the Philippines or even in my home province thru my #brainPH project. Well, with the “Libro on the Go” launching today in Tabing Dagat (Odiongan, Romblon) somehow commemorates my first ever international book sharing event in the UK/Northern Ireland, nine years ago. With the 11 books to be shared today, is something to replicate what I did on the night of the 5th March 2011 in Belfast (Northern Ireland).

For more information about the World Book Night 2020: https://worldbooknight.org/

Good read in the 50th year Earth Day Celebration 2020

THIS IS MY SIMPLE WAY IN joining the 50th year celebration of Earth Day, 22 April. These two books have tackle one basic and relevant aspect of Climate Change: WATER as represented by OCEANS and RAIN.

RAIN A NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY (2015) by Cynthia Barnett provides the essence of this element – mysterious, precious but destructive! Barnett shows RAIN to be a unifying force in this changing climate. Interestingly, one of the sections is on capturing the rain – “The Scent of Rain” as she narrated about a village in northern India to catch the scent of rain! I was fortunate to meet Ms Cynthia Barnett during the International River Symposium held in Brisbane, Australia last Sep 2015 as she launched her book during the event.

The MAN WITH COMPOUND EYES (2013) by Wu Wing-Yi is a rare novel that tells a story about Alice’s life and changed forever when a “vast trash” vortex comes crashing on the Taiwan’s shore near her house. The author is a Taiwanese photographer, painter,professor, environmental activist, traveller and blogger. Translated in English by Darryl Sterk.

Hope you can also share your good read with themes related to nature, environment or mother earth. #brainPH #earthday2020

 

The Mushroom Hunters by Neil Gaiman…acknowledging women in the fields of science and history

THE MUSHROOM HUNTERS

Science, as you know, my little one, is the study
of the nature and behaviour of the universe.
It’s based on observation, on experiment, and measurement,
and the formulation of laws to describe the facts revealed.

In the old times, they say, the men came already fitted with brains
designed to follow flesh-beasts at a run,
to hurdle blindly into the unknown,
and then to find their way back home when lost
with a slain antelope to carry between them.
Or, on bad hunting days, nothing.

The women, who did not need to run down prey,
had brains that spotted landmarks and made paths between them
left at the thorn bush and across the scree
and look down in the bole of the half-fallen tree,
because sometimes there are mushrooms.

Before the flint club, or flint butcher’s tools,
The first tool of all was a sling for the baby
to keep our hands free
and something to put the berries and the mushrooms in,
the roots and the good leaves, the seeds and the crawlers.
Then a flint pestle to smash, to crush, to grind or break.

And sometimes men chased the beasts
into the deep woods,
and never came back.

Some mushrooms will kill you,
while some will show you gods
and some will feed the hunger in our bellies. Identify.
Others will kill us if we eat them raw,
and kill us again if we cook them once,
but if we boil them up in spring water, and pour the water away,
and then boil them once more, and pour the water away,
only then can we eat them safely. Observe.

Observe childbirth, measure the swell of bellies and the shape of breasts,
and through experience discover how to bring babies safely into the world.

Observe everything.

And the mushroom hunters walk the ways they walk
and watch the world, and see what they observe.
And some of them would thrive and lick their lips,
While others clutched their stomachs and expired.
So laws are made and handed down on what is safe. Formulate.

The tools we make to build our lives:
our clothes, our food, our path home…
all these things we base on observation,
on experiment, on measurement, on truth.

And science, you remember, is the study
of the nature and behaviour of the universe,
based on observation, experiment, and measurement,
and the formulation of laws to describe these facts.

The race continues. An early scientist
drew beasts upon the walls of caves
to show her children, now all fat on mushrooms
and on berries, what would be safe to hunt.

The men go running on after beasts.

The scientists walk more slowly, over to the brow of the hill
and down to the water’s edge and past the place where the red clay runs.
They are carrying their babies in the slings they made,
freeing their hands to pick the mushrooms.

Blog My Town: brainPH Project – Mobile Books on the Go within Odiongan (Romblon) area in time of ECQ

10.04.2020. BRAINITIATIVES-PHILIPPINES (brainPH) is my personal contribution to improve the learning of the people through reading. Sharing my personal book collection, it is a simple way to encourage young and adults to read novels, short stories and other literary works done by either local and foreign writers. brainPH stands for ‘B’awat ‘R’omblomanon ‘A’asenso ‘I’aangat ‘N’ayong’ Pilipino (Filipino). 

My obsession with books started when I was pursuing my research program at the University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia. By 2003, I already started buying books, including magazines on photography and travel. I also created a website intended to this book collection, allowing my readers access to my online mini library. The easiest way is to post book covers or I called it, BOOK FACE – posting of cover of the book with brief description of the book.

I suppose to launch the brainPH Project in December 2019 through a mobile book library, where selected number of my books will be displayed and people can borrow them in a certain period of time. Unfortunately, due to work load, it did not pushes through but with the current health crisis, I thought it could be a good start to bring these books to Romblomanon, particularly in Odiongan (Tablas Island) area. The mechanics of borrowing are simple: One requirement is only an ID with photo on it, active cellphone number, and email address as an alternative mode of communication.  One to three books per household is/are allowed for 3-5 days but it can be extended. For special books, only (1) one book per household for 3-5 days. The partial list of these books are listed below. For additional updates and information, visit the Facebook fanpage named, BOOK AKLAT LIBRO.

IT IS MY ULTIMATE GOAL to set-up my own mini library in my hometown, where people have a full access to my book collection, including memorabilia from my oversea travels.

About Corona Virus (COVID-19)

 

Coffee break with Katsushika Hokusai

COFFEE PAINTING. Two years ago, I bought this coloring book, Floating World – Jaspanese Prints by Andrew Vigar at the National Bookstore. Tagged at Php645.00 (US$13), this art book contains 22 woodlock prints which can be colored using ink or pencil, then teared-off, have it frame and hang on the wall.

I do coffee painting, instead of pen or colored ink, I transformed it using the coffee granules. The first masterpiece I replicated is the work of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) entitled, ” Peonies and Canary, c. 1834. This design was from an untitled series known as “Small Flowers.” Hokusai designed of birds and flowers which depicts harmony in nature.

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Manila 2020

THIS IS MY FAV EVENT to start my 2020 exciting. To be held at the World Trade Center on February 14-24, a 24-hour book sale for people like me who love to read and buy some of the coloring artworks by Johanna Basford. I bought a dozen of her pull-out coloring books in 2017 which become my hobby – to color them and sell them with a frame!

America’s Got Talent: The Champions 2020 – Another Filipino shines!

2020…new vision with new mission in life!

Just click the image to find out your zodiac sign forecast for 2020 – Year of the Metal Rat…good luck!

Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) 2019, Manila, Philippines, 30 Nov-11 Dec 2019

Miss Universe Philippines 2019…awareness on elderly care!

Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) 28th National Convention & 50th Anniversary, 7-9 November, 2019, PICC, Philippines

PICE 45th National Convention, SMX, Pasay City, Philippines, Oct 28-30, 2019

Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) 45th National Convention, 28-30 October, SMX Convention Center, Pasay

Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) National Conference, 7-9 November 2019

60th Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Anniversary Celebration 23-25 October

Sana Sinabi Mo: A poem inspired by a Filipino song

A poetic mind: Kapag Nalaman Mo Rin…

KAPAG NALAMAN MO RIN…

Isusumpa mo rin ako

Sa bato, itataga mo

Bawat pagkamuhi’t galit

Na pilit mo’y iwawaglit

At mahirap ikukubli

 

Pag-ibig, balikan muli.

Tulad din nang mga nauna

Pusong uhaw, pinaasa

Nangako na maging tapat

Subalit ito’y di sapat

Sa pag-ibig ko’y bigay

Sa’yo lamang, tanging alay.

 

Isusumpa mo rin ako

Damdaming di magbabago

Ang lihim ko’y di dahilan

Na tayong dalawa lamang

Tulad sa dating pag-ibig

Sinta, ika’y iniibig!

“Kapag Nalaman Mo” A book review

BOOK REVIEW: “KAPAG NALAMAN MO” Mga tula nina Allan Paul Catena at Paul Rico De Lara (2019), ESBN:978-621-96045-5-0

KAHIT NOONG AKO’Y NASA KOLEHIYO, nais ko na magsulat ng tula (poem) – sa wikang Filipino at hindi sa Ingles. Sa kalaunan, natuto na rin akong magsulat ng tula sa wikang banyaga bagamat mabibilang lang ang mga ito.

Ano ang tula o panulaan (poetry)? Ito ay isang uri ng panitikan at sining na sinusulat ng may-akda sa iba’t-ibang estilo o anyo na gamit ang wikang sarili. Maraming uri ng tula at kadalasan ang “awit” o “kanta” ay maaaring natin ihanay sa isang tula na nilapatan ng himig (tune or melody). Ang mga tula ay may estilo sa paggamit at pagbigkas (tunog) ng mga dulong salita. Ang nakasanayan ko na estilo sa paggawa ng tula ay gumamit ng parehong bilang ng pantig (syllable) at tunog ng mga dulong salita.

Isa sa mga kaibigan ko sa propesyon ng pagtuturo sa unibersidad, ay kamakailan lamang ay naglunsad ng pangalawang aklat ng mga tula. Kasama ang kanyang kaibigan, ang aklat, “Kapag Nalaman Mo” ay naglalaman ng 73 na pahina at mga pahinang ito ay binubuo rin ng 62 na tula. Sa aking masusing pagtatasa, lahat ng mga tula ay naisulat sa malayang taludtod (free verse). Kasama rin sa mga pahinang ito ay “Panimula” o pagpapakilala sa mga may-akda na isinulat ni G. Gerome Nicolas dela Pena. Ang mga sumusunod ay aking opinyon o ideya tungkol sa aklat, at bakit nahikayat akong bumili ng sipi.

Gusto ko talagang gumawa ng “blog post” para ipagdiwang ang Buwan ng Wika sa Pilipinas na ito ay tuwing buwan ng Agosto. Lumipas lang ang buwan ng Agosto, at ngayon lamang ako nagkaroon ng oras at panahon para gawin ang “book review” or pagsusuri sa bagong libro nina Catena at De Lara. Napag-alaman ko sa aking kaibigan (Catena) sa pamamagitan ng kanyang FB account, nailunsad ang kanyang aklat sa “International Book Fair” na ginanap noong nakalipas na linggo. Agad akong nagmensahe sa kanya na bibili ako ng isang kopya ng aklat. At hindi naman ako nabigo dahil nakuha ko ang sipi at bilang isang tagahanga (fan) ng panulaan, binigyan ko ng oras para basahin ang mga laman nito.

Maganda ang takip (cover) ng libro at ang laki (sukat) nito ay tama lang na hawakan ng dalawang kamay. Manipis rin ang aklat kaya ito’y magaan na dalhin ng isang kamay lamang. Sa aking palagay, ang titulo ng aklat, Kapag Nalaman Mo, Mga Tuloa na ang “alam” sa salita ng Nalaman ay may kinulayan ng pula at may larawan ng ibon (wood pecker) sa ibaba ay nagbibigay sa mambabasa ng pala-isipan! Hindi ko rin matanto kung ano ang kahulugan ng mga ito.

Madalas sabihin natin o naririnig natin sa iba, “don’t judge the book by its cover!” Hindi ko sinasabi na taliwas sa aking unang sinabi na maganda ang takip ng aklat at iisipin ninyo na hindi maganda ang mga nilalaman ng aklat. Kadalasan sa aking “book review”, ang nagiging batayan ko sa isang magandang aklat ay kung ito ba’y may mapupulot akong aral o nagbigay ba ito ng kasiyahan habang binabasa ang bawat pahina ng aklat. Dapat “tapat” ako sa pagsuri ng aklat – hindi lamang hikayatin ang iba ring mambabasa na bumili at basahin rin ang nasabing aklat. Anu-ano ang mga hinahanap ko sa aklat, hindi lamang magbigay galak o saya at aral sa akin? Una, kilala ko ang may-akda o may nabasa na akong inailimbag na ng may-akda. Dapat ang tema ng aklat ay gusto ko rin. Tulad ng librong ito, hilig ko magbasa at gumawa ng tula. At siyempre, kilala ko rin ang isa sa mga may-akda. Pangalawa, dapat maganda ang “lay-out” at disenyo na kaaya-ayang pagmasdan ng ating mga mata at malinaw na basahin ang mga titik nito. Pangatlo, may mga mahahalagang aral na makukuha sa aklat at maghikayat rin na magsulat ang mambabasa. At sa huli, dapat kayang bilhin o mura ang aklat.

Sa unang buklat ko ng aklat, hindi ako nasiyahan sa sukat o laki ng mga litra. Gamit ko na ang aking mga salamin, ngunit nahihirapan pa rin akong basahin ang bawat linya ng mga tula. At dahil dito, nawawala ang aking sigla para namnamin ang bawat salita ng mga tula. Hindi po naghihikayat sa mga taong tulad ko o sa mga matatanda na hindi na 20/20 ang paningin at basahin ang mga ito. Kahit ganun pa man, sinikap kong basahin lahat ng mga tula – maiiksi at mahahaba. Napansin ko na lahat ng isinulat ng aking kaibigan na si Allan Catena, ay mga pawang maiiksi. Ito ay taliwas sa mga tula niyang naibahagi sa kanyang FB account. Sa sarili kong pakiramdam, “bitin” ako sa mga tulang ito! Maganda ang tema na ginamit ni Allan subalit, hindi ako sanay na magbasa ng “free verse” – maiiksi lamang at hindi lubos na naiibigay ang tamang mensahe at damdamin. Sa kabilang dako, ang isa pang may-akda na si Paul Rico de Lara, lahat ng kanyang mga tula ay mahahaba, taliwas sa gawa ni Allan. Ang paggamit ng “free verse” o malayang talata ay maganda dahil nabibigyan mo ng buong kuwento ang tula. At dahil sa pamamaraang ito, masasabi ko na isang maiksing salaysay lamang at hindi “tula” ang mga nabasa ko! Hindi ako nasiyahan sa pagbabasa nito, dahil nasanay ako sa mga tulang may bilang at may tugma (ng tinig) ang mga dulong salita, maganda ito bigkasin ng malakas at kaaya-ayang makinggan o marinig.

Para maging masigla o epiktibo ang pagbabasa ng mga tula/panulaan, sa aking palagay, ang bawat pahina ay may mga guhit (graphics or sketch) o larawan na may kaugnaysan sa tema ng tula. Sa pamamaraang ito, ang mambabasa ay magkakaroon rin ng magandang imahinasyon ayon sa kanyang pagmuni-muni sa nabasang tula. Ang mga larawan ay isa ring pamamaraan para magkaroon ng “interes” o pumukaw sa mga damdamin ng mambabasa.

Napag-alaman ko rin na ang paglimbag ng aklat ay hindi sa “commercial” na pamamaraan. Ang sipi ng aklat ay hindi mabibili sa mga tindahan tulad ng National Bookstore at Fullybooked. “Indie publication” ang ginamit ng mga akda. Sa halagang Php275, at sa dami ng pahina ng aklat, sa aking palagay, ito’y mahal. Marami na akong nabasa na pareho ang tema at mas marami pa ang mga pahina ng libro, at mga kilalang manunulat, ganito rin ang bentahan. Para mapaganda ang susunod na paglimbag (second edition), gumamit ng malalaking “teksto” at gamitin ang mga pahina ng lubusan, kasama ang mga “graphics” o larawan para maging kaaya-aya sa pambabasa. At sa huli, sa kabila ng lahat ng aking mga “puna,” ang aklat ni Allan Paul at Paul Rico ay nagbigay ng “motivation” at “inspiration”na ako’y magsulat muli at gumawa rin ng aklat – tipunin ang mga dati kong mga tula at ilathala sa tamang platform – “online or print”! Maraming salamat Allan at Paul!

2019 PIP-TRIP Zonal Orientation for SUCs, Tagaytay City, Philippines

My artwork: coloring with Johanna Basford’s drawings

Talk Series #2: Seminar on Earthquake Engineering & Disaster Risk Management, 22 Augus 2019, Romblon State University

12th year of blogging with WordPress

Seminar on Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Risk Management, 22 August, Romblon State University, Philippines

 

Taiwan Education Fair, 11 August, Megamall, Philippines

8.11.19. MANDALUYONG CITY (PHILIPPINES). Some of Taiwainese universities visited Manila to encourage Filipinos to pursue higher education and graduate studies in Taiwan, offering full grants/scholarships. One of the participants, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT) is offering affordable short term course in hospitality, “Summer Camp” being done every July.

 

Cinemalaya 2019: August 2-13, Philippines

This year’s full-length indie films that will grace the festival next month include Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario’s “Ani,” Joji Alonzo’s “Belle Douleur,” Maricel Cabrera-Cariaga’s “Children of the River,” Throp Nazareno’s “Edward,” Edwardo Roy Jr.’s “Fuccbois,” Theordore Boborol’s “Iska,” Arden Rod Condez’ “John Denver Trending,” Leilani Chavez and Danica Sta. Lucia’s “Malamaya,” Sheryl Rose Andres’ “Pandanggo sa Hukay,” and Xian Lim’s “Tabon.”

Manila Book Fair 2019: 11-15 September

Secure a free entrance pass from the National Book Store now!

The essence of forgiveness and healing… a true story

(NOTE: I want to share this inspirational story of a colleague of mine that despite his injuries after a vehicular accident, he was able to forgive and accepted that he will no longer be a hundred percent of himself. With full confidence that even if God gave him an 80 percent of a new self, he will strive to perform a hundred percent quality of that 80 percent that the Lord gave him.)

Thank you for the healing…thank you for the forgiveness…

On the 24th of March 2019 at about 8:00PM I met a vehicular accident. I was changing lanes when the motorcycle headlight I estimated was still far suddenly appeared in front at breakneck speed with horns blasting. A moment of hesitation had me caught on my side instantly snapping my left femur and also lacerating my left ring finger. The momentum was so strong that it threw me far from my motorcycle and I landed on my left shoulder blade before my head hit the pavement. I passed out and when I came to I asked for the driver who hit me afraid that he died in the collision. It must have been long before I came to as the onlookers have already brought the driver to the hospital. When my cousins who were near recognized me they at once called an ambulance that brought me to the Romblon Provincial Hospital (RPH).

At the RPH, the doctor ordered for an x-ray of my head and femur. Luckily my head suffered only minor concussion and had no crack but my femur snapped in two. It was a clean break as my cellular phone that was in my left pocket bore most of the impact. Were the phone not been there, a more serious injury might have happened. A cast was made on my left leg and rendered it immobile. The resident physician sewed up my lacerated finger but was unable to connect the tendons and muscles that were severed. At the emergency room I was relieved to learn that the driver who hit me was stable and safe; so do with his rider. I stayed overnight at the RPH. My wife was determined to bring me to Manila the following day as the orthopedic surgeon at the RPH was due on the 5th of April yet.

The following day we arranged for a trip to Manila via 2GO. Knowing that the ship was strict in taking in patients we took off the dextrose that was connected to me and made me appear well with only a cast troubling me. We nearly got rejected but the on-board nurse had us on a separate accommodation. The journey went well until we reached Batangas where I already had a slight fever. An ambulance took us from the port to Sta. Teresita General Hospital, a hospital near the Philippine Orthopaedic Hospital recommended by my cousin doctors. At the Sta Teresita I was again x-rayed to check my leg and for clearance of the other organs like the lungs that might affect my operation. Tuesday morning the doctors checked on my condition and had me cleared for an operation on Wednesday morning. Luckily the cardiologist was not around in the morning of Tuesday but arrived 11:00PM. When he checked on me he was surprised that I was cleared for an operation the following day when he heard something crackling in my chest; not from the heart but from the lungs. When they checked on my vital signs they were surprised: my oxygen saturation was only 51% and my blood pressure shot up to more than 200 over another high number. When the doctors ordered another x-ray they found that my lungs were full of fluids and the image was far from the image taken in the morning. They surmised that I regressed into ARDS; an uncommon complication but a life-threatening situation.

My cousin doctors who were with me all throughout recommended that I be sent to UST Hospital and referred me to a pulmonologist who was also an Odionganon. An ambulance whisked me to the UST Hospital. Along the way, I vomited 3 times and was almost in delirium. I was uttering incomprehensible words and telling my wife I can’t take it anymore. My wife who is a fighter boosted my spirit by telling me I would still care for our granddaughter and teach her how to swim yet. With these, she told me later, I somehow managed to fight on.

At the UST Hospital emergency room, doctors checked my vital signs and having found my oxygen saturation was very low, a respirator was attached to me. My O2 saturation improved and I felt better. We were admitted to my room Wednesday. It was supposed to be at the ICU where the plan was to put a tube in my lungs and drain the fluid but since there was no vacant room at the ICU I was placed in the Del Carmen ward – a place for critically-ill patients. I was coughing blood and phlegm for the next days but my condition was improving. By this time the edema in my left shoulder started to appear as a manifestation of the trauma I got falling from my motorcycle. By Friday my lot improved and when the ICU was made vacant with me as next in line a kind lady doctor ruled out the ICU as it would only weigh down on the finances of the family. However, my respirator was still attached to me. Over the weekend my condition further improved and when the x-ray showed my lungs have cleared, I was scheduled for my femoral operation Wednesday morning. By this time my fracture shifted a few inches even if there was traction applied to it. The shift may have caused internal bleeding necessitating blood transfusion. The doctors ordered 3 packs of A-negative blood – a rare blood type. Luckily one Red Cross branch had a pack ready in Caloocan and another one in Pangasinan. The third pack came from our student at the RSU-CET who voluntarily gave a piece of himself for his mentor.

Wednesday morning, at 6:30AM, I was brought to the operating room for my fracture. The operation took 9 hours. Anesthesia was applied to my armpit for the wound on my ring finger that had to be repaired; on my thigh and spinal column, for my femur. I felt numb but was awake the entire operation. I felt the tapping while the doctors drove the titanium nail through my femur. As they wheeled me to the recovery room, I heard the anesthesiologist say the operation was successful. I heaved a sigh of relief but I knew it was not over yet. I was finally brought to my room at 8:30PM. In the evening I could not sleep as student nurses kept checking on my vital signs on an hourly basis. This was on top of the regular nurses administering medicines and getting test samples of my blood. The struggle to sleep was real as every time a knock on the door was heard I was awakened. This may have weakened my resistance as I caught pneumonia five days after the operation just when we were about to be cleared for going home. The doctors again put me under the respirator and had to administer antibiotics for another 12 days. The few days extension was a blessing as my scrotum which was traumatized by the impact had by now swollen, blackened, and appeared herniated. Fungal growth appeared as lesions around it due to the diaper I wore before operations. A urologist doctor examined the area and cleared it of any serious injury but prescribed cortico-steroid for the fungus. My wife nursed it back to health and it returned to its original state. The will to go home was by now strong in me so we asked the doctors if we could go home Monday of the Holy Week. The doctors consented with the precaution that we should bring oxygen and that we had to be accompanied by a nurse who would administer medicine on board. By Monday, 22 days after I was brought to Manila, we finally sailed to Odiongan. I felt a lot better because my pneumonia was getting better. I also had a few sessions with the physical therapists and I managed a few steps before I left the hospital. We arrived home early Tuesday morning thankful to God that I made it thus far.

With the foregoing I would like to make an appeal to parents. While it is now tempting to gift our children with motorcycles brought about by very liberal installment terms, please think twice before you do so. Your child could have been in my place and may not have survived the ordeal, let alone the cost of hospitalization. Let us keep minors off the streets as they are the ones most vulnerable to accidents. If your child is of the right age and could already be bestowed a driver’s license, please make him/her fully aware of the traffic regulations and of his/her responsibility as a driver. Odiongan has a speed limit within the town proper and if properly followed, we could all advocate for safer Odiongan streets. Above all please do not let your kids drive drunk or under the influence of any substance.

A note of thanks. When God gives us trials He makes sure we could all go through it with help that He also provides. Above all He sent me a wife and daughter who were patient enough to care for me. He sent me the best physicians headed by Dr. Lanzona. My cousins Drs. Fajutagana were also there for me. He also sent me good Samaritans to aid our financial woes, my family, inlaws, relatives, co-workers and past co-workers, brods and sisses in the fraternity and sorority, classmates and friends in college and elementary, professors in college, and even extended friends of my daughter and the Governor’s family; I would have to thank you personally or in socmed. He also sent me friends who offered prayers and well wishes that He also heard. I learned from my wife that even multi-denominational groups have offered prayers and intentions in my behalf. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. On the day we were about to be discharged, a nun offered prayers for me, she started, “Lord thank you for the healing, thank you for the forgiveness..,” I broke to tears and stopped hearing the prayers after the second word realizing how such a sinful man like me could deserve so much grace from the Lord. If this was my Passion for the atonement of sins, then I gladly accept and be thankful about it.

Happy Easter everyone! I am now home and on the road to full recovery. I knew I could no longer be a hundred percent of myself but if the Lord gives me an 80 percent of a new me, then I hope and pray that I could perform a hundred percent quality of that 80 percent He gave me.

Book Review: “Dared to Survive and Recover” – an inspirational story

“Straightforward accounts of becoming a true-believer in the power of prayers! Coupled with faith in Divine Being and optimism to overcome obstacles in life, this inspirational book brings us to a level of self-realization that living a life gives us a fulfilling state of existence with a purpose; and able to acknowledge the best qualities in us in times of adversities.”

HONESTLY, I don’t read much of inspirational or autobiography type of books. The last book I have read (and this was recommended by a good friend) was the funny but heart-warming story of Trevor Noah – a South African comedian who tells his personal life while growing-up during the time of Apartheid in South Africa.

Few weeks after reading this book, I found out that my former boss was having a book launch. After years of no communication, I reconnected with her via FB – inquiring about her debut book. After a few exchanges of messages, we decided to meet-up and finally got a copy of her book entitled, Dared to Survive and Recover.

Unknown to me, sometime in 2011 she suffered a fatal hemorrhagic stroke, a few months before I first met Doc Alma Madrazo after finishing my PhD program overseas when I visited her office for a job interview. I did not have any suspicion of her serious medical condition. What I only knew that time of my visit was, I saw her “alalay” in the office minding of her needs! When I successfully got the job and directly reporting to her, she started telling me of her on-going therapy and why someone has to be with her all the times.

“This book also reminds us to be courageous, be patient, be thankful and always enjoy the moment that life would bring ever day!”

Going back to her book, I bought two copies, one with a personal message written on it and the other one bears a signature of her. We had a late lunch and we chatted happily on what we have done after we parted ways when I decided to resign from the company that she manages and also the things she has done after her retirement.

The book was written in such a way that a reader can easily follow through. Doc Alma (as close friends call her), immediately recalled her ordeal of the stroke and the events after that unexpected state of survival, and eventually towards recovery. Reading her story. it seems that she directly talking to you (as reader) – as if she is engaged to tell you on how she became part of the “statistics” of people suffering from hemorrhagic stroke in the country. It is not that she wants “sympathy” from us as readers but, she wanted to reminds us that “life” is so “fragile” that any time it will end up suddenly without warning.

“...her “renewed” faith in God somehow brings her back to life  – motivated to regain her strength and able to enjoy life to the fullest…”

Every page of the book tells us her optimism in life and became a true-believer in the power of prayers! It takes courage and strong determination to survive and recover, eventually be able to appreciate the things she love to do after that fatal condition. Aside from having an excellent team of medical people and family members who love and helping towards her fast recovery,  her “renewed” faith in God somehow brings her back to life  – motivated to regain her strength and able to enjoy life to the fullest which some of pages of the book showed images that after her stroke, she managed to travel again with her husband and children – enjoying being a mother, grandma, a wife and a devoted professor to her students.

Interestingly, Doc Alma also shares some of the highlights of her professional achievement particularly prior to her stroke. Being an achiever during her younger years, she became active in sharing her knowledge and expertise towards protecting Mother Earth. With her involvement in various environmental projects both locally and abroad, she is recognized as one of the empowered women in the energy and environment sectors. Indeed, she is blessed with intellectual prowess and beauty that any lady could wish for.

As a final note, Doc Alma emphasized through her book that life is not always a bed of roses, but we have to balance our life with healthy lifestyle, able to manage a stressful career; and not to forget to be thankful and enjoy the moment that God is giving us every day! And most importantly, her story reminds us that the strongest force to counteract adversities is PRAYERS!

Dared to Survive and Recover is written by Dr. Alma Bella Madrazo, PhD and it is now available at CentralBooks at Php450.00. Click the image of the book to purchase online.

BookFace: Dared to Survive and Recover, a strong faith to survive miraculously by Alma Bella Madrazo, PhD

The book is a personal account of Dr. Alma Bella Madrazo (my former boss/colleague) when she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke*** sometime in 2011 that brought her to a state of coma (deep unconsciousness) for more than a week.

Miraculously, she recovered and able to work again and enjoy the things she likes to do, as if she did not undergo this fatal condition. As quoted from the book cover, “…Every part of this book mentions about strong faith as the main driver of my recovery. Faith in everyone who helped in my journey to recovery and faith in God’s healing power to cure me physically and spiritually.”

*** A hemorrhagic stroke is when blood from an artery begins bleeding into the brain. This happens when a weakened blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the surrounding (source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317111.php).

The book will be launched on the 20th July 2019 and eventually it will be available at Fully Booked High Street in BGC (Taguig City) Fully Booked in Rockwell (Makati City), and Fully Booked UP Town Center (Diliman, Quezon City).

A brief campus tour at the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT), Taiwan

7.9.2019. THIS IS A SPECIAL CAMPUS TOUR! I suppose to join the other participants of the 2019 Taiwan-Philippines University Presidents Forum in the study tour organized by the host university, the National Sun Yat-Sen University as the culminating activity for the group. Since I have a separate accommodation from other delegates, I woke-up early just to catch the van but unluckily, I missed it, maybe just few minutes I arrived late at the pick-up area at the Ambassador Hotel. Not to be disappointed, I pursued with the other plan – to meet again Dr. Charline Chen, Dean of the International Affairs Office of the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT). I met her during the dinner party at the Ambassador’s Hotel and expressed her desire to tour me around the campus. Since I did not able to join the group’s planned tour, at least I have much time to prepare for this meet-up with Dr. Chen.

Using the MRT service, it was easy to reach the last station of Red line where Dr. Chen will pick me up. It was raining heavily so I took the opportunity to eat my lunch first near the station while waiting for Dr. Chen to come. Thankfully, after my meal the rain stopped and then few minutes past, Dr. Chen arrived.

She droved first inside the campus, showing me the main buildings, including the dormitories. She parked her car, and we proceeded to the ongoing Summer Camp class, where 11 young Filipino students are currently participating. The lesson on that hour of my visit was the appreciation of tea making – savoring the fragrance and taste of three kinds of tea available in Taiwan. After the lecture (with English translator), the class was brought to the table for the actual demonstration – preparation and tasting! I did the first sip of the refreshing tea! This was my first exposure in tea making! Well, Dr. Chen was happy to introduced me in the class, and greeted with my fellow Filipinos with those big smiles to greet me in our language!

We left the class and proceeded to the facilities/laboratories and amenities of the university. NKUHT is a government university and in my own observation during the visit, it has the complete facilities for tourism and hospitality programs in Asia. From pastry making to wine making, and restaurant and hotel management, the university has it for the faculty and students to interact effectively. It is not just a higher education institution, it provides a high caliber technical/vocational trainings that allow students to learn the real environment of tourism and hospitality – to prepare and equip them with the required skills and knowledge needed to have promising jobs not only in Taiwan but overseas. Dr. Chen happily discussed to me the importance of collaborations and partnerships with various agencies as one of the factors of the university’s success in providing high quality education in hospitality and tourism. It is not easy to maintain these facilities but with the support of several agencies, foreign counterparts, and the Taiwanese government, the university is one of the leading institutions in Asia to offer the best programs in hospitality and tourism.

My trip to Taiwan is an initial step for my own university able to send its students and faculty – experience and learn and to make them more competitive and skillful in the field they have chosen. In this way, it will also bring positive impact to our region, and the Philippines as a whole. There are more things to be done to make this partnership with a Taiwanese university will materialize that requires proactive mind and openness among our students and faculty. At the personal level, this experience will be used to encourage others to do the same. Sometimes, we have to spend our own personal resources or even create our own opportunities to bring us to another level of success in public service.

Thank you to the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and Taiwan Education Center in the Philippines (TEC) for organizing the 2nd Taiwan-Philippines University Presidents’ Forum in Kaohsiung City as hosted by the National Sun Yat-Sen University . Hope to see you in the 3rd Forum 2020 in Manila, Philippines.

For the press release of Taiwan News, CLICK HERE. You can click the image above.

BrainPH…Bawat Romblomanon Aasenso Iaangat Nayong Pilipino

2019 Taiwan-Philippines University Presidents’ Forum, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Dinner Party at the Ambassador’s Hotel, Kaohsiung, Taiwan on 7 July 2019.

 

Taiwan Education Fair 2019, 10-11 August, Mandaluyong, Philippines

Details for another year of visa-exemption for Filipinos travelling to Taiwan is extended until July 2020, CLICK HERE.  Additional information for the Taiwan Fellowship Scholarships 2020 is open until July 20, 2020.  CLICK HERE for the requirements for the said fellowship.

 

Siteseeing at Kaohsiung, Taiwan PART 1

Legend Hotel Pier 2, Kaohsiung Taiwan: One of its kind accommodation

 

The dining hall for the buffet breakfast

male dorm accommodation

inside the elevator

the facade of the hotel

hallway of the hotel

I BOOKED THIS ACCOMMODATION THRU Agoda website. Surprisingly, I got it at a cheaper price. This is my second time to Taiwan but first time to Kaohsiung – southern tip of  Taiwan – quite opposite end of Taipei. I was in Taipei last September 2018 for a conference. Indeed, one of its kind – clean cosy accommodation with wifi connection, a beautiful lounge with all the amenities for relaxation for young and adults, free flowing coffee and tea, and with self-service laundry area!

Legend Hotel Pier 2 is ideal place for both family and solo travellers. It is affordable especially for a short stay in Kaohsiung. The hotel is just few minutes away from the train station. Well, I love to walk even with heavy luggages on both hands, I still managed to reach the hotel in my own pace of walking as I also enjoying the environment. Still need to confirm this, but someone told me that few meters away from the hotel, maybe 10 minutes walk, I have to visit the old seaport area as one of the tourist attractions nearby!

So far soo good after spending a night here…looking forward to seeing more of the city landscape and what other interesting things it can offer!

I just want to share this note posted at the bedside…very interesting reminder to guests while enjoying the company of strangers in the room!

Dorm type accommodation is based on the concept of community to share, make friends but also “compromise” to reach harmony which may in some ways sacrifice your individual habits.

Please vote…The Freedom Memorial Museum Design Competition

(Source: https://www.thefreedommemorial.ph/) The Freedom Memorial Museum is the flagship project of the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission mandated by Republic Act 10368 to build a memorial that shall stand as a monument to the heroism of human rights violations victims during martial rule in the Philippines from 1972 to 1986.

Upon completion, the Museum shall serve as an information portal to a moment in history where state violence and oppression spurred the growth of a widespread resistance from all corners of the nation. It shall revisit a period of tyranny that bred reformists, revolutionaries and freedom-fighters from among farmers and professionals, workers and academics, students and religious activists. It aims to build an experiential tapestry of lives, ideals, courage and determination of the victims and, in the end, the heroes of freedom.

The Museum shall house memorabilia, artifacts, educational materials, audiovisual content aimed to immortalize the triumphs and sacrifices, the blood, sweat and tears of Filipinos and allies in the struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights.

It shall be a lasting symbol of the long-fought battle against authoritarian rule that culminated in the globally-acclaimed EDSA People Power revolt in 1986.

The Museum shall rise on an area inside the University of the Philippines campus located along C.P. Garcia Ave. adjacent to the College of Fine Arts.

MIMAROPA ESWM IEC Summit 2019, 24-27 June 2019 Bayview Park Hotel, Manila

Delegates from the province of Romblon

LGUs with Approved Sanitary Landfill

LGUs with approved 10-year ESWM Pan

Organized by DENR EMB MIMAROPA Region (Region 4B), the Environmental IEC Summit aims to promote the best available practices and techniques on ESWM and to provide the needed updates and information by the LGUs and stakeholders in the region towards effective and efficient implementation of their respective ESWM plans and programs.

 

University of Queensland (my Alma Mater)…soars high in the 2019 NTU ranking

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND, Brisbane, Australia…soaring high in the areas of agriculture and environment/ecology in the 2019 NTU ranking. I am proud to be an alumnus of this prestigious university.

The NTU ranking is focused on the number and impact of scientific publications authored by the University’s researchers and considers research productivity, impact and excellence. In NTU’s field rankings, UQ was first in Australia and fifth globally for agricultural sciences. For subject areas, UQ was number one in Australia in Environment/Ecology (fourth globally), Microbiology (14th globally), Social Sciences General (14th globally) and Agricultural Studies (16th globally).

UQ was ranked second in Australia in Pharmacology and Toxicology (14th globally), Plant & Animal Science (18th globally), Civil Engineering (29th globally), Biology & Biochemistry (30th globally), Chemical Engineering (42nd globally), Molecular Biology & Genetics (42nd globally) and Chemistry (72nd globally).

For more details of the ranking, CLICK HERE1, AND CLICK HERE2

My journey to become a fully-fledged Environmental Planner

THIS IS A LONG OVERDUE REGISTRATION. It started in the early 90s to become one of the first few registered Environmental Planners in the Philippines. Unfortunately, due to workloads and consultancy commitments, I was not able to comply with the non-exam requirements set by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). At that time, there was no examination given to be recognised as an Environmental Planner. The basis for registration were only proofs of professional experience and educational attainment in Urban and Regional Planning/Town and Country Planning.

I am a registered Civil Engineer but I did not follow the traditional path of practising my profession in the field of construction. I chose to become a planner cum manager (teacher at the same time). I was fortunate to be educated overseas and decided to return back to our beloved country to serve which is the very essence of receiving grants/scholarships; though that I worked hard for these grants – it was my own efforts, not from any organization or firms that I worked with. I do believe that pursuing higher education is one of the key factors that will improve our way of living + thinking.

The result of the recent licensure examination given last June 5-6 was only to mark my years of environmental practice and it is a self-worth accomplishment. Maybe I was really destined to take this examination considering that twice I was reminded by former senior colleagues to submit the necessary credentials in those early years of registration, and becoming an EnP was in vain!

But until 2019, it was ruled that allied courses (with planning experience) will be allowed to take for the last chance. Despite my current job in a university, I decided to have it a go! Thankfully, with stock knowledge, experience, positive attitude and having strong faith in God paved the way for me to passed the EnP licensure exam last June. Questions were difficult but easy to answer (always D if not sure of the answer…hahaha). I even questioned those questions given!

One of the other reasons of my readiness to take the board examination is that I am one of the moderators in a Facebook Group Chat dedicated for those who plan to take  the exam.  It helped a lot in my journey to become a full-fledged EnP of the country. My work as a moderator of this Group Chat provided me the opportunity to have a daily self review as I also shared to the group the knowledge I gained from years of experience. Eventually, it somehow helps others to learn in preparation for the said board examination. As I posted in the Group Chat, I reminded those who passed or failed.

For those who successfully passed, this is the opportunity to help our country, particularly our own community to be safer, healthier, and liveable place to live; and for those who did not make it, do not be dismayed, not having a PRC registration will not hinder you to help our country manage our natural resources. We can work together, big or small projects can truly bring positive impacts to our people. For the coming years, I will continue to share relevant reading materials and links to continue and sustain our life-long learning.

Having the licensure examination is not only marking my practise in environmental planning, but it is a continuing challenge to be an instrument towards improving our surroundings – how we manage our natural resources to making our communities liveable, healthier and safer to live.

My inspiration in life…

Senior Executive Seminar, 5th Philippine ESRI Education Conference, 29 May 2019, Shang-rila

The participants in this special session was by invitation. Together with one of my officemates, we were able to be invited to attend. One of the highlights of the session was the presentation from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – how the national agency used GIS to deliver its services and provide updated information to participating agencies nationwide in time of disasters and calamities.

 

5th Philippine ESRI Education GIS Conference, 28-29 May 2019, Shang-rila

Philippines: National Museum

 

Blog My Town 2019: Province of Romblon – the destination of choice

A special episode of GMA’s Kapuso Ko: Jessica Soho on the recent discovery of bones of early human inhabitants in the Province of Romblon. It also features some historic events in the discovery of shipwrecks found in Sibuyan Sea, including some of the beautiful white sand bars of Cresta de Gallo and Bonbon Beach.

Exploring Carabao (Hambil), Romblon, Philippines Part Two

Exploring Carabao (Hambil) in Romblon, Philippines, Part One

Up to 70% Booksale at National-Cubao

47th Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) General Board Meeting, Indonesia

Welcome to my eWorld…

Hello to my eWorld!

Well, this is not my first created blog but whatever journals written here will complement with my existing blogs powered by other free websites. Basically, this site will serve as the mother portal of all my personal accounts for easy management – updating, uploading and sharing.

My existing sites feature my interest in photography, travel, reading and writing or something worth exploring. In relation to photography, I included some of the images taken during my travels or just simply interesting places that capture my eyes through my digital camera.

In terms of moving around the globe, I joined several travel sites to share my experiences and provide assistance to other travellers making their future trips memorable and enjoyable, and be able to explore stunning places around the world. I also included my interest in writing reviews with my membership to ciao and dooyoo. Finally, my other accounts from free websites.

For quick links of these pages, just click the subheadings listed or the thumbnails images below:

My World : This section simply focuses on my fascination of Mother Earth – how we could protect and conserve its natural beauty for future generations. This also covers my academic world as an engineer, planner, manager and or an ordinary human being (social and spiritual being).

Travel Blog: Provides a list of my travel journals with images

Trivago: A travel site which I am getting extra income for posting of images, reviews and other travel info

Consumer site: Highlights my membership with dooyoo and ciao where I post reviews of products and services, anything that I want to share with the rest of the consumers worldwide

Atbp: Provides a space for my personal interests and hobbies, something worth exploring

Hope you enjoy reading my blog and please come again and I am happy to receive your comments. Again, click the photo thumbnails below for direct links to the rest of my blog pages. Best REYgards!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Other recommended interesting sites that inspired me to enjoy life and inspired other people to do the same…