BAMBOO ORGAN - Las Piñas, Philippines

For seven years now, Bacoor – Las Piñas – Sucat had been my daily route from home to work and vice versa. St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas is a landmark I recognized for heavy traffic during weekdays from morning to noon as students both from public and private high schools reign supreme on street, while on weekends expect funeral march accompanied by grand parade on slow motion tune. But, I also adore this area as Christmas season arrives, as the streets are lit with uniform parol lanterns and church  artistically draped with lights and during feast on May, the streets are lined with colorful banderitas which I find unique despite being urban.

St. Joseph Parish Church is most famous for it housed the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ – is a nineteenth century pipe organ made almost entirely by bamboo. The organ is declared a National Cultural Treasure of the country by the National Museum of the Philippines for its uniqueness and significance since 1992.The Bamboo Organ is described by many international organ masters as one of the finest old organs in the world. Its construction of bamboo is noted as being one of the major factors that gives it a truly unique and lively sound. Located some 10 kilometers from south of the center of Manila, a 10 minute taxi from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) just simply ask driver and they now it well. 

One Thursday morning, on my way home from completion of requirements for a new job, I decided to drop by at St. Joseph Parish Church to utter a simple prayer to show gratitude from above. However, it was closed and finding ways to enter, I ended up at administration’s office. I was informed that church is closed on weekdays and they offer me the adoration chapel, which, I find much appropriate. On my way out, I thanked the lady for her assistance and her reply was an invitation to visit their museum. Intrigued not knowing they have museum, I paid 50 php and instantly handed me a post card with Bamboo Organ on it as memorabilia and a gentleman walked me through history of Bamboo Organ

History

The museum was adorned antiques dated from oldest circa 1795 and greeting visitors was a bronze statue that according to our tour guide was Fr. Cera – the builder of both the church and the Bamboo Organ. Father Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen, a native of Spain, is a catholic priest under the Augustinian Recollects. He served as parish priest in Las Piñas from 1795 to 1830. Artifacts revealed that Fr. Cera was a gifted man – a natural scientist, chemist, architect, community leader, musician and organ builder as well. In 1816 Fr. Cera begun his work of constructing the organ out of bamboo and was completed and playable in later year of 1824. The choice use of bamboo as material was due to its abundance and aesthetic appeal; it was a practical choice showcased indigenous and artistic nature Filipino appeal.

Philippines being prone to natural disaster such as earthquake and typhoon had caused Bamboo organ to some major destruction and restoration throughout history. Fr. Cera was the first restorer of the organ but for years it had taken a toll and unplayable that it was transported in Bonn, Germany in 1972 for major restoration by Johannes Klais Orgelbau KG. In March 1975, the bamboo organ went home and was welcome with great honor and festivity. Since then, the church has been the scene of many concerts and festivals. General overhaul took place in September 2003 to November 2004 done locally by European-trained organ builders who are also tasked with maintaining the instrument for the future generation to experience the unique sound of a Philippine treasure.

Las Piñas Boys Choir

High light of tour was at second floor when I came face-to-face with Bamboo Organ (shall I say in flesh?), it was majestic how it was preserved and functional, admiring its craftsmanship I kept hearing voices like of angels singing, thought it was part of the presentation but later learned that it was the Las Piñas Boys Choir practicing. 

The Las Piñas Boys Choir – is a boys choir made up of scholarship students at the St. Joseph’s Academy between 8 and 12, and performs regularly in the annual International Bamboo Organ Festival and at the Parish of St. Joseph. The choir was initially known as the “Himig Kawayan Boys Choir of the Las Piñas.” This was attempting to make connection with the Bamboo Organ. The choir was founded by a Belgian priest and missionary, the Reverend Fr. Leo Reinier, who believed that the parish’s Bamboo Organ could achieve its fully glory if there was a good choir to accompany it. 

What can you have for 50 php?

My 50 php brought me back to history at Bamboo Organ Museum. The tour included my personal tour guide plus a memorabilia post card, internationally acclaimed Las Piñas Boys Choir serenades visitors while on tour and I gained some foreign friends – Sascha and Lila of Germany…. Better than two cones of Cornetto Ice Cream!

MT. PALAY PALAY - TERNATE, CAVITE

As part of course curriculum on Ecosystem Dynamics and Structure, I went field work at Mts. Palay-palay / Mataas na Gulod protected landscape at Ternate, Cavite. Objective of my visit is to give better understanding on population Ecology - distribution, dispersal, migration, growth and regulation. Mts. Palay-palya / Mataas na Gulod national Park was declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 1594 on October 1976 as Protected Landscape under NIPAS, located in Ternate, Cavite.

The IBA is in a range of low hills on the border between the densely populated provinces of Cavite and Batangas. The proposed National Park has three peaks, Palay-palay, Pico de Loro and Mataas na Gulod. The last remaining lowland evergreen rainforest in the Province of Cavite is on Mt. Palay-palay in the northern portion of the park, and this habitat is reported to cover 60% of the park. It is mainly forest on limestone. There are also areas of arable land, small settlements and rural gardens, and some kaingin.

Local communities are currently targeting some areas of open grassland and secondary growth for reforestation activities. there are waterfalls and creeks in the park, which gives it potential for increased use for recreation and tourism. Surveys are required in this IBA, to investigate both the extent and quality of the remaining habitats, and whether it supports important populations of threatened and restricted range of birds and other biodiversity. Part of my trekking is to identify species of study both plants and animals to determine population dynamics which includes factors how they grow, adopt, reproduce and means of survival.

As observed, the most dominating plant in Mt. Palay-palay are Guijo, Malapapaya, White Lauan, Palosapis and Alibangbang. According to 2000 Pollisco report, a study was done at Mt. Palay-palay, Mataas na Gulod, Ternate, Cavite, about the destructive sampling done on three year old dipterocarp rooted cutting and seedling/wilding planted to compare their root system and the species used were White Lauan, Guijo and Palosapis as possible reason of abundance to enumerated species in the area. It can also be concluded that Mt. Palay-palay is a young forest based on trunk diameters of trees. The oldest in terms of diameter was of Guijo tree standing tall along trek that can be embraced by two persons. In this case, this proves that in age distribution, the older the trees, the more dominant species in area.

in terms of Spatial Distribution, population of species was observed to be in pattern, less dense and not cluttered. Alibangbang trees are dominant at starting point with shrubs and grasses covering forest floor. Towering Guijo, Lauan and Palosapis was observed almost in heart of forest area, then Malapapaya was abundant in later part of Mt. Palay-palay. In terms of limiting factor, availability of sunlight energy was listed as factor - the area was less humid and very moist; growth of fungi / mushrooms was observed; stunted growth of some shrubs; and discoloration of leaves indicates less available energy being provided. 

Human interaction - Mt. Palay palay is open to hikers as it serves as gateway to Pico de Loro as camping site for mountaineers. The area being open to public exposes it from waste generation as observed along trails. In addition, boundary of Mt. Palay-palay was residential lot where locals despite prohibitions continually practice kaingin and hunting at area.

Ecosystem of Mt. Palay-palay exhibits inderdependence of biotic and abiotic factors; homeostasis - optimum condition and balance in nature; self-sustaining with continuous flow of nutrients and energy; and consisting of major communities. Mt. Palay-palay had provided exact requirements to sustain butterfly or moth species to complete its life cycle and signifies a diverse habitat for them. Butterflies plays important ecological role as flower plants were also noted in forest area. earthworms sighted at area were no ordinary in terms of sizes - worms help air and water to get into soil and this help plants grow because there is more of a chance that the plant root can get more oxygen and water making the soil of Mt. Palay-palay fertile and in good quality.

As reported, a snake was released by DENR at the area and I was able to retrieve skin remains. Snakes' presence or removal from an area directly impacts the health of an ecosystem particularly forest. Snakes are predators and feed on a variety of creatures. Snakes tend to control rodent populations in particular. Snakes also represent important prey species for other predators. On going development currently threatens the survival of snakes in many ecosystems. Overall, the animal species observed at Mt. Palay-palay exhibits of a normal terrestrial ecosystem. 3,900 hectares of the protected landscape is enough room for more species to propagate and the number of seen species was not enough to determine its age distribution and sex ratio.

Mt. Palay-palay is the last frontier of Cavite province and home of diverse bird species that includes threatened species. As protected area, i recommend that (1) there should be deputized officers or delegate from DENR or LGU to expedite implementation and enforcement of NIPAS act. Violations such as dumping of waste products detrimental to forest inhabitants were greatly observed; (2) In connection to above recommendation, administrative fees and fines as authorized must be collected for violations of guidelines, rules and regulations of NIPAS Act as this endanger the viability of protected areas; and (3) Since the area is open to hikers, there must be registration for visitors and fix prescribe reasonable NIPAS fee to be collected from agencies or any person, firm or corporation deriving benefits from Mt. Palay-palay.

   

 

  

A SECRET AFFAIR - Review

Typhoon Ofel had kept me home to the height of boredom, thus, I decided to watch a movie. I had seen Taken 2 and was torn between Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles and A Secret Affair. I remember great reviews on both films but because of Anne Curtis, I engaged with Secret Affair in 2D. I had seen No Other Woman and The Mistress and I was beginning to have “umay” factor on such theme but as some reviews mentioned – it’s an exciting offering from Viva films directed by Nuel Naval with a complete different plot, twist and turn as compared to No Other Woman.

LSF and audience count was at normal scale. After two hours watching A Secret Affair, hear I am translating mental notes of what I like and dislike about the film. On positive note: (1) I like Anne Curtis as she can be protagonist or antagonist and she delivers it effectively; (2) Rafi (Anne), Sam (Andi) and Anton (Derek) registers beautifully on screen; (3) Dresses are to die for which added sophistication; (4) Jacklyn Jose was believable and fun to watch; (5) sound track was appropriate and memorable; and (6) I enjoyed the facebook and twitter profile pictures moving as they deliver status updates and posing back idea. 

On negative note: (1) I have nothing against using English language in Filipino films specially if the role calls for it, but I was almost convinced it was a foreign film as 90% of script was written in English that at some point affected audience impact; (2) At many times, I could not decipher what Andi was saying as she either eats her word or speaks way too fast in particular to confrontation scene between Sam (Andi) and Rafi (Anne); (3) There is awkwardness seeing Andi with Derek doing love scenes, I believe it’s Andi’s first daring role and it shows; (4) Derek’s expression was on constant level whether proposing to Rafi, being harassed by Sam, winning Rafi back he looks sad and tired all through out the film; (5) I tried not to, but I find it as carbon copy of No Other Woman with the elements of bitchiness, injection of humor from mother of a grieving daughter, over acting socialite friends, rich spoiled brat getting whatever she desires, confrontation scenes and of Derek and Anne together again.

Watching A Secret Affair is was better than staying at home doing nothing with typhoon Ofel on rage; until the next mistress themed movie. 

MINI DACHSHUND

In 2009 when my half breed Labrador named Bitoy had grown enormous that playtime with him get physically tiring. Bitoy remained adorable but made me decide the next time I’ll have a dog should be of a miniature. On same year when a friend offered me a great deal of his male mini pincher that I could not declined. I visited his place to check on the pup for sale and observed it to be shy as he retreats from his box, plays coyly behind other puppies and hid his head under my jacket appealing to my protective instinct as I raised him. I remembered that in picking out a puppy, (1) I shouldn’t be hasty; the longer I study puppies, the better I will understand them, (2) to make transcendent concern to select a puppy that radiates good health and spirit and is lively on his feet, (3) He should have bright eyes and shiny coat, (4) and the important thing is that he should come forward eagerly to cultivate my acquaintance.

I went that night without the mini pincher but with a short brown haired coat mini dachshund I named Zac – I didn’t pick him, but Zac forthright picked me as soon he was released from his caged and eagerly came to me and at that very moment the feeling of attraction was mutual. After little paper works – transfer of ownership, registration material and immunization shots documents, Zac was legally mine.

I was not prepared of owning mini dachshund but I tried applying what I had learned when Bitoy was still a pup. Zac on his first night exhibits anxiety with his new environment I wanted to comfort him, but as a friend told me not to overly console giving him the “oh-you-poor-itsy-bitsy-puppy” treatment. Just be calm, friendly, and reassuring. I encouraged Zac to walk around and sniff over his new home. For his first night, my pup choose to sleep a top my laundry bin perhaps for the reason that my used shirt had strong in human scent, that Zac picked it out to lie on, thus furthering his feeling of security in the room.

Zac was born October 6, 2008 and turning 4 year older, he had grown still in adorable size and proportion that of standard to miniature Dachshund. I might have spoiled Zac in many ways but he deserves such treatment as a buddy he gives much loyalty, joy and love. Here are some facts, I had observed with Zac that might be helpful as you decide to raise Mini Dachshund as a pet:

1.       A Dachshund can share every family mood: exuberant when I’m gay; raring to go when I’m ready for a walk, a ride, or a boisterous game; happy to curl up near me when  I’m engaged in a settled occupation; and most responsive to every demonstration of my affection.

2.       It is not expensive to feed a Mini Dachshund; you can feed your Dachshund economically and keep him in perfect shape the year round. Fresh, cool water should always be available. This is important to good health throughout his lifetime.

3.       When a Dachshund’s skin and diet are right, it generates its own hair oil and rubbing or brushing brings the coat to a beautiful gloss. A smooth Dachshund coat (like Zac’s) requires no more care than to stroke it vigorously with the palm of your hand.

4.       Bathing a Dachshund regularly is not necessary or desirable. A dog’s body temperature is not regulated by perspiration on the skin, but is “air conditioned” by oral evaporation intensified by panting. Many Dachshunds has lived a long, happy and socially acceptable life without one bath. Dachshunds rarely need baths, but when they do they are cooperative and patient.

5.       Jumping up or down should be regulated or discouraged. Dachshund proportions and structure were developed to function on or under the surface of the earth, not in the air. They should be trained to carry their weight on all four legs. Jumping up to heights greater than their own may overdevelop hindquarters and cause the high croups which disfigure many Dachshund backlines.

6.       A Dachshund breed has a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, which is very promising for any dog!

7.       Dachshund is pronounced as doxhoont (oo as in foot). In German, dachs means badger; hund means dog; Dachshund thus means “badger dog.”

  

MT. MAKILING - AGROFORESTRY

Just after Jamboree site is an Agroforest protected area of Mt. Makiling which is under the supervision of University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB).  According to caretaker, the area is often used as field laboratory and experimental site for various thesis projects.       Walking in Mt. Making Agroforest had made me compare it in conventional agricultural systems. As observation, biodiversity is much higher at least several plant species were enumerated that creates a more complex habitat that can support a wider variety of birds, insects and other animals that includes human.

Following trail further, we able to collect fruits and vegetables – there were coffee beans sun dried ready for roasting, peppercorn, sili pari, sili labuyo, malunggay, papaya (both ripe and unripe), and cacao that I had enjoyed; later that night from our harvested materials, we able to cook “Tinolang Manok” that served as dinner.

In social dimension of Sustainable Development class I had, according to UNDP, one in every five persons in this world, including a significant majority of women and girls, is living below the poverty line – income of less than $1 per day, and one of every two lives on less than $2 per day. The most obvious aspect of poverty is physical such as hunger. Poverty, as defined by UNDP, takes in consideration the lack of essential human capabilities, notably literacy and nutrition; for the poor, there is limited funds be devoted to buying more food.

Agroforestry can be advantageous in terms of productivity, biodiversity, economic benefits, social outcomes and ecological goods and services provided: (1) Reducing poverty through increased production of agroforestry products for home consumption and sale; (2) Contributing to food security by restoring farm soil fertility for food crops and production of fruits, nuts and edible oils; (3) Reducing deforestation and pressure on woodlands by providing fuel wood grown on farms; (4) Improving nutrition to lessen the impacts of hunger and chronic illness; and (5) Augmenting accessibility to medicinal trees as main source of medication.

The first of the eight MDGs is to reduce by half the proportion of people earning less than $1 per day by 2015 and by half the proportion of people suffering from hunger, also by 2015. To achieve this first goal, countries and communities must set their policy environment, institutions, and programs focus along the lines under economic growth, population planning, and better distribution income. Agroforestry and enhancing accessibility to modern agricultural inputs is one way of reducing poverty as what Mt. Makiling Agroforest had literally shown me.

MT. MAKILING - FOREST ECOSYSTEM

Startled with my 5 am alarm, blinded with darkness, I decided to snooze off for more minutes. Energy penetrated from ozone casting light directly on face, I was petrified of the time. A text message from my classmate informed me that they left quarter past six and that I have to meet Joseph (another classmate) at Pala-pala, Dasmarinas as we both late from call time.

We arrived Calamba quarter past eight and directed to take jeepney with signboard either UPLB or Sta. Cruz; I asked the driver to drop us at Olivarez plaza and paid our fare. To no surprise, I found my companion Joseph, yet, asleep again. I was not expecting heavy traffic that early morning, but realized I’m on my way to Los Baños – endowed with numerous natural hot springs, which are the main attraction for local resorts and recreation facilities. About 200 private pools and resorts lined up, thus, explained the volume of private vehicles and men carrying signboard “private pool” drawing traffic.

From my window side, cannot help but notice the contour of Mount Makiling – that is said to be the sleeping/reclining profile of Maria Makiling. According to legend, the goddess Maria Makiling lives at the top of Mt. Makiling, the highest mountain in Laguna, Philippines. The Tagalogs, the predominant ethnic group in the area, consider her to be the guardian and protector of the mountain. In the legend, she once walked with the lowland people and helped them to meet their needs. She was venerated for providing bountiful harvests and other divine gifts. However, some people abused this kindness, thus, incurring her wrath, and she returned to the mountain peak, never to be seen again.

I further recalled, my scout master telling us during one of my boy scout camping that – the legend is much a part of the Tagalog culture as the mountain itself. But its cultural significance may become a thing of the past as degradation of the mountain becomes more serious over the years. The mountain’s fragile resources are endangered by land development, conversion and infrastructure expansion by private landowners and developers, Kaingin (shifting cultivation), illegal occupancy, poaching of wildlife and forest products, uncontrolled migration and rapidly increasing population.

Day dreaming and with sleeping companion reclined on his seat, we passed Olivarez plaza and dropped off on wrong destination. Waiting for our professor and classmates, Joseph’s intestines were on rage, thus, we scouted the area and found a stall offering Joseph’s indulgence – SIOMAI!

Included in our Itinerary is a hike from Flat Rocks, to Mud Spring and to Peak 2 of Mt. Makiling. Gloomy sky greeted us that Sunday morning; with such condition, our professor informed us that we could no longer climb up to mud spring for safety reason. Our professor being a homegrown talent of UPLB became a reliable tour guide on way to our hike – Mt. Makiling is part of UPLB’s land area, at the back of College of Forestry is the trail where our journey begun. After paying reasonable amount of 10 php, I immediately embraced reserve’s mysterious legend and captivating natural scenery.

It was raining, yet hot such condition promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi that is evident on various species of mushrooms we encountered on way to flat rock. There is great amount of diversity in plant species in Mt. Makiling, thick and forest floor covered with greens. In terms of plant adaptation, I observed some plants climb, on other plants to reach sunlight, while, some grow on other plants to reach sunlight. Flowers designed to lure animal pollinators since there is relatively no wind to aid in pollination.

Seed dispersal through human, animals and wind; on our way back, we collected various seeds and fruits on forest floor. There was feather – like structure, the kind of seeds that are often wind dispersed. There were also plant species that according to our DENR companion are animal dispersed seeds, like some have barbs that get tangled in animal fur or feathers, and are then carried to new sites. Other plants produce their seeds inside fleshy fruits that then are eaten by animals. The animals digest the fruit, but the seeds pass through the digestive tract, and are dropped in other locations. Lastly, seeds dispersed by human, like the Majestic Giant Toog – Indigenous tree species from Francisco, Agusan del Sur, were planted in the forestry campus as part of the ongoing reforestation and conservation program.

Several times, motorists going down trail an indication of human occupancy obstructed my meditation. Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve’s protected area status is supposed to ensure that it is free from human occupancy, cultivation and private claims. However, residents within and around the forest reserve largely view the mountain area as an economic resource. Almost 1,000 people – mostly farmers – currently live inside the reserve boundaries, according to UPLB researchers (Pulihin and Tapia). Farms, providing the main source of livelihood for these residents, now cover approximately 45 percent of the forest reserve’s total area.

Urbanization primary adversary of nature preservation, the growth of various commercial establishments, infrastructure and development of residential subdivision puts added pressure to forest reserve. “Urbanization itself is not so bad, but the changes that come with it may cause damage – wastewater disposal, other physical impacts include soil disturbances and increased in solid wastes.