Wonder COCO

If I were a tree…Why?

If I were a tree…I’d like to be Coconut Tree (Cocos nucifera). Have you ever wonder what’s unique about this particular plant? What are its edges compared to others? Our national tree Narra is durable which last for centuries and becomes more expensive as becoming old furniture. Mango tree bears fruits which even still unripe, we enjoy. Why not Santol? Not Durian, Lanzones? etc.

There was a story I heard from my fourth-grade teacher about a race among trees. I can’t remember the details anymore except that the ending is Bamboo won but it is not considered as tree because Bamboo is grass, tall grass. It’s a fiction story though, with Bamboo being the protagonist, so the story revolves around it. But if comparison among trees is to be made, I bet coconut will win. I have a reason which dictates why among others, coconut is my bet.

One reason could be that it’s widespread in this tropical country. And in this country with beautiful beaches, it’s incomplete to not to see a coconut tree. It gives the place more idealistic scenery, especially in a hot summer treat.

However, the very reason of which is that every part of this tree can be utilized. From the top part down to its roots, they can be used as primary resources.

I’ll start with its leaves. Coconut tree gives shade that blocks the direct sunlight, especially at noon time. Another, have you tried sheltering under a Nipa roof? Cool! Yeah it’s literally cool. Nipa roofs are made from coconut leaves. Even it’s raining it can still block the raindrops draining it down to the ground. It’s not durable against storms unlike metal roofs, but at least economical to those who can’t afford expensive roofing. Technically, the leaf has two parts. The flat, green one is commonly used to wrap rice, which we Filipinos call “puso”. Broomsticks are made from the collected stick which is found at the center of the leaf.

The fruit. Buko juice is prevalent in the city streets. There are even commercialized ones sold at a bit expensive price. In barrio fiestas, buko salads are present as deserts. In herbal terms, coconut oils are used for some massage therapies. How about the husk? Surely, others won’t throw that one even the technology will offer free vacuum cleaners and electric floor brushes. Simply, most of us really on coconut husk to keep our floors shiny. With a bit application of floor wax and a bit scrubbing, the floor will shine like a diamond.

I’m not an agriculture expert, so at this point I’m uncertain. I don’t know where that alcoholic juice from the tree is secreted. But surely it’s sweet and tasty; excess of drinking makes one drunk. And it’s where the famous lip-licking “Lambanog” came from.

A coconut tree can grow ranging from 12 ft to 50 ft. In an average, they grow 30-35 ft which is taller than other trees but relatively slimmer. Traditional construction of buildings requires woods for basic foundation. Builders prefer coconut wood above any others since it’s formidable yet cheap compared to others. It might not last long but at least, efficient enough as to save money.

Lastly, coconut root is said to be an herb. I just don’t know it works.

I just can’t imagine how amazing it is. Coconut is a wonder tree that none can be compared. But a tree is a tree. I have talked to a planter once knowing that like other trees, it will take long time to fully grow one. It would take 10 years or so before a tree can bear fruits since it’s planted. But in terms of business, the long wait is over when the patience starts to produce income. Especially, there are many ways which can be generated from a coconut tree.

Economical Mosquito Trap

Itchy, annoying, disturbing, irritating… yes THEY are!

According to a scientific research which I’ve watched in some channel in the past, they consider mosquitoes as the most notorious killer of man-kind ever since. We know the reason why – malaria, dengue, typhoid fever and other diseases. They maybe small but they kill millions annually. And because of their bantam appearance, we hardly notice them flying around transferring from one location to another, suddenly we feel irritating itchiness due to some bites on different body parts. They are everywhere. All around this world, mosquitoes are there to bug us.

These fast few days, I got bugged by these parasites; itches here, bites there, scratch, scratch… I got pretty annoyed. The quick solution was the most common mosquito repellant which can be bought at cheap price in most “sari-sari” stores. But I hated inhaling its smell, it makes me to cough. I remembered Mom bought a mosquito spray. It somehow worked for the mean time, just for the mean time. However, it’s uneconomical. It is expensive and yet it nears it non-bottomless metal container. Eventually, two nights, I sensed that they’re getting their revenge. “It’s payback time”. They were somewhat immune to the spray chemical; they just don’t die easily. What can I do? What am I going to do?

I’ve read lots of articles about troublesome mosquitoes and just yesterday I came across with articles about making a home-made mosquito trap. Comments say that it’s really effective. I never tried it yet but I’m positive to attempt making one. Here’s how to make it.

Materials:
1 empty plastic bottle of soda/softdrink
Scotch tape
Knife
1 packet yeast
Sugar or honey
Previously boiled water

Procedure:

• Just below the neck of the empty plastic bottle, cut it with a knife. It’s just like making a funnel about ¼ the size of the bottle. Keep both parts.
• Reversely put the funnel-like piece into the big mouth of the other piece of the empty bottle. Seal it with a scotch tape making sure that it can hold strong enough.

• In a separate container, with enough amount of previously boiled water, mix it with the yeast, and couple spoons of sugar. Stir, and gradually add water until the mixture is a bit sticky.
• Pour the mixture inside the bottle trap. Then, cover the trapper with a blue cloth.
• The mosquito trap is now ready. Place the trap in a dark humid place where mosquitoes hide and leave it for couples of days.







How it works?
As I’ve read, Yeasts are unicellular fungi that eat sugar and produce amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 from the container. When the mosquitoes get near, he sticky mixture webs them which traps and suffocates incapacitating them without escape. I also read an article that mosquitoes are attracted to color blue than in any other colors. Mosquitoes have poor eyesight. In so, blue cloth might help lure more of the parasites.

I just love to experiment. Soon, I’ll off to the mall to buy the necessary materials and make this mosquito trap. I’m glad that there are people who shared this. Instead of buying expensive mosquito repellant, sprays and traps, why not make one and have fun. This way, it’s economical. The idea is apparently from a school class in Taiwan. They invented the trap through trial and error.

I believe that this is not harming biodiversity or disturbing the balance of nature by killing these parasites, whatsoever. It’s just a protection; keeping safe and sound especially during this rainy season.

Source:
http://www.diyhappy.com/quick-and-dirty-mosquito-trap

I WANT CHANGE.

Numerous thought- to- be solutions to diminish environmental problems have been raised by various global activists. Effective or not, still we experience the agony there is when nature attacks.
The onslaught of typhoon “Ondoy” proved to be a very tragic and life changing experience for Filipinos. The traumatic event caused numerous lives, and eradicated infrastructures and properties in some part of the Philippines.
The media imposes varied reasons why such things happen in our country, the recent calamity said to be the most dreadful in typhoon history in the Philippines.
Aside from the haunting display of dead bodies in news and the tallied obliterated resources the Filipinos still catches up amidst the grief-stricken catastrophe.
In an interview with Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza called on Filipinos for a change in attitude and lifestyle in effort to address the various environmental problems besetting the country, including global warming and climate change.
I think everyone of us is capable of dissecting even a little change of phase in our ways, especially those that can trigger benefit for the whole. Blaming others about something will not help, what every Filipino needs now is a change of attitude towards the environment. Nature has ways of imposing his feelings and from the recent typhoon tragedy it only shows that mother earth had enough.
A change in attitude is what we need and it should start within ourselves. Throwing your trash in places you feel like tossing only contributes to environmental problems. If public waste management will just be realized then we can lessen the amount of waste that will go to drainage systems, water will flow through without any disruptions and thus minimizing flooding tendencies. Also proper waste segregation and recycling are just among the hundreds of ways to help and protect our surroundings.
It is of vital importance that Filipinos can embrace change even once in a while. Ondoy is gone but Pepeng has arrived, let these catastrophic events remind us not of the end but a redirection and a beginning to recreate the world into something better.

guimaras

August 11, 2006 dated the oil spill in Guimaras. I'm sure it sounds familiar. It was horrifying, labeled as Philippines' worst oil spill. It certainly was an “environmental catastrophe,” the “worst marine disaster.” The coasts of the island were blackened by the 2.1 million liters of bunker oil for transportation that spilled from the leak of the sunken tanker, MT Solar 1, owned by Sunshine Maritime Development Corp.
I felt sad by the news. First, because what a waste it was that the oil that underwent perhaps an intensive process and could have been beneficial, just leaked and spread through the waters of Guimaras, leaving disastrous effects in livelihood and the oceans. Second, it was because such a thing would happen to that place. Guimaras is somehow close to me because I've had trips there (some I don't think I still remember) as a kid. We went to a place to stay in an islet there, with cages in the vicinity. I fondly remember running my fingers through the blue-green water as we rode the pump boat. I was amazed by the large corals. So much for the reminiscence.
Then again, we talk about the effects and who's responsible. Of course, it should be Petron Corp. and Sunshine. I haven't heard from the news how they handled the responsibility. It all could have been avoided. Their rich marine life is of course affected, perhaps close to being devastated because of what happened. With oil in the waters, the mangroves, the crabs, the fishes—what could have become of them? Contaminated. Oil doesn't mix with water, and it could easily stick with the marine organisms (plants and animals) there.
They say it was an accident. But again and again and again. It's going to affect us and the planet! We're the ones who caused it; still, we are the ones who will get the effects. It affects marine life so badly. Environment is at stake, and so are we, in the long run, because we're the ones using resources from earth. Shouldn't we care? When we care, we are more determined to do something about it.
Effects were felt three years after, scientific studies showed. There was a decline in the growth and population of mangroves and seagrass, as shown in a study of a team led by Dr. Rene Rollon. In Dr. benjamin Vallejo Jr.'s study, there was also a decline in the mollusk population, like snails and slugs, some of which have even disappeared. Less food for the residents, or for us.
Please! As much as possible, people shouldn't let carelessness and apathy leave a disastrous mark on the environment. They should have double-checked their tanker for any holes. And in whatever ocean, lake, marshes, seas or any body of water in particular—let marine life there continue thriving, because it has a lot to contribute. Do we prefer being starred in the news and environmental critiques? It is such an easy way to give the company a bad name. Don't be in the list of the contributors of environmental disasters. Do it for the environment, especially the waters, and do it for yourself.
Can we do that? Yes, we can and we will.

Confessions on City Life

#88 Tiano-Mabini Sts., Cagayan de Oro City.

I’ve been residing here at my place for more than 6 years now. We moved here from our house in Macabalan when I was still in my first year high school way back year 2003. Unlike others who transferred because of studies then renting a room, the reason is somewhat different and practical. It’s not like other students who wanted to study away from home and venture an independent life. In fact, I live with my parents and one younger brother. We reasoned to minimize the cost of renting a house, while renting an office space; thus we decided to live in the city proper, so we can manage our business 24-hours a day if needed. So we cost cut the 3k per month of housing rental, now then living in a commercial area.

Counting advantages versus disadvantages, the city proper is not a good place to live for. Aside from the unfriendly social surrounding, where you see GROs at night, gangsters passing by, no place where you can let loose yourself – things like that – I don’t feel the grasp of a healthy environment. I never realized it until I became conscious of my health and the world’s health.

At the time when we transferred, I only thought of the benefits: malls are near; hospitals for emergencies; access of facilities; and more. Most of all, school is not a problem. I finished my high school at MOGCHS; the nearest school few blocks from our house. I walked to school everyday to save from transportation fare; however crossing the busy street of Velez, inhaling the smokes of crazy jeepneys speeding the roadway are its counterpart. Often times I met beggars who pull my pants begging for peso to buy food. I got used to it. My favorite past time then were surfing the net and playing pc games which was common ever since. I have distant friends, just a street away with the same bad habit just like me. Do it everyday, so it became a vice. Every weekend, I spent minutes to travel to my childhood place to hangout for a day. The place was fresh then; friendly environment and good atmosphere – unlike where I live. But life gets busier when you grow up; when I was in my third year, I then got to visit them just sometimes.

Time passed by and I started to be aware of what are around me. Reports on environment opened my eyes to reality. It keyed the locked part of my consciousness. Then I started complaining to myself – what’s going on WORLD?! I realized the differences when I was still younger and playing “dakup-dakop”, “dampa”, “patentero” – games like these – compared to what I have seen everyday after we moved. It’s not because I have grown-up; the reason is, I see nowhere in the corners boys and girls playing like what I did. At most, I see youngsters playing pc games in a not air-conditioned café and get amazed there for hours; I know because I was also there, stuck in a place where there is no proper ventilation. That kind of environment led to development of lung problems and complications. I got a feeling that it weakened me; much of my energy went to waste. And my body build tells it all.

At present times.

Every night before I go to sleep, I complain because I’m feeling that I’m still full of energy needed to waste. Four to six hours vis-à-vis with a computer really drains energy not but enough to get me to sleep. I sleep late at night when my body is totally exhausted.

I complain everyday when I woke up, at most times late for school since nowhere I can hear roosters crowing; no sweet bird sounds tweeting; and no morning gossips and footsteps. What I always hear are honks of cars, sometimes big tracks; broom sticks sweeping of city “janitors”; and footsteps of busy people talking about daily numbers.

Huh! Good thing that every year, we had time to travel for a grand vacation; to experience the freshness of nature in other places. It always reminds me of Bukidnon. I love to drink carabaos milk and eat durian pies while inhaling the atmosphere, seeing green fields, trees and mountains. Then for the rest, goes back to hell.

I realized these things when I went boozed recently. Two times I’ve been drank and compared my experiences. First was in my small air-conditioned room. Second, with my classmates at Balulang, a cold place matched for residential area. The former, I got wasted, and vomited what I had put into mouth. I felt really dazzled. The latter, was a GOOD MORNING WORLD! I slept around 3am but managed to wake up at 7am. That time I experienced the morning atmosphere from an excellent rest. The freshness of the morning lighted the thing they call “hang-over”.

How I wish we can moved to a residential place sooner; and get out of this hell. That’s possible in only one way – transfer to Heaven - but when – I can’t wait. A good news from my parents clinked into my ears. Few months from now and we’ll start the construction of our first dream house. That’s nice; love it! It’s like getting out of this Hades, and saying hello to Heaven.

Agriculture over the net

The oldest profession in this world has now become a new innovation. Agriculture which concerns of growing crops and raising animals to support the livelihood of humanity is not only mere business this days but a fun and exciting internet game which also allows people to socialize while learning much about farming. Thanks to Farmville which can be played through Facebook – a social internet program that connects people across the globe.

Unlike other hardcore and violent games, Farmville is a light and pure social amusement game which promotes agriculture. It is developed by Zynga and aims to educate people on farming at the same time enjoy the excitement of a game addiction. Since its installation in June 2009, it hit 10 million users in just one month. In my opinion, part of just playing the game, it only shows that there are people who look up to Agriculture as a noble profession that must be nurtured and developed over generations to generations.

Through the game, players feel the contentment of being a farm owner; the same as farming in real life. One must go through tilling the owned land, seeding, growing crops and raising animals in order to get more money. Another is that in agricultural practices, patience is a virtue. Crops could grow months, annual, biennial, or more before it can be harvested. However, since we are talking of the game here and not reality, good thing we only have to wait hours up to not more than two weeks to grow and harvest. The same principle applies on raising animals. Adversities are not excusing indolent farmers. It enforces to both reality and the game. Farmers who don’t care about there farm experience loss, decease of both crops and animals and game expiry. Maybe they are busy with another profession like managing a restaurant or playing as a passionate fashion model, blood-raging vampire, marooned pirate, Godfather of a gang or so. Well, agriculture is not the only profession present in this world. There are others too which concerns on maintaining the balance of economy, living and lifestyle.

Farmville is a one-of-a-kind game. Not just enjoying the gain of money through playing, one also enjoys the enhancement of social skills as gaining more friends especially from other countries. It’s the primary aim of Facebook; to connect people to people and make the world smaller.

Agriculture has been bashed with the inadequacy issue. It’s clear today that many people are hungry and unsatisfied; unfilled. Since the world population has grown to millions to billions, other professions are created. Technology and development has affected the diversity of jobs but in good terms as to balance the equilibrium. It divides the people to different passions in life and thus if more professions, the tendency is only few people concentrates to one specific occupation. Fewer farmers resulted to less production of foods and directed to poverty and hunger. In hoping to combat this major problem of reality, I hope playing Farmville would realize even just half of the gamers’ population that there is a greater need for agriculture and development. In hoping to combat this major problem of reality, and by the year 2015, I hope that Farmville is not just a game played by many of us, but an eye-opener to the public of what’s happening to this world.

Not a Waiter

“Dili man ko waiter diri Dong!”

With sarcastic manner, these words were spitted out on my face in front of many students. Damn! I was just asking to clean the scraps and get away with plates and utensils on the table so I could occupy the kiosk, continue studying while enjoying my ribbon fries. He walked away and continued sweeping those fallen dried leaves on the ground. Good thing he’s cleaning the environment. Bad thing he didn’t noticed those on the table.

I keep on wondering how he could say things like that to a student who is just asking for his help. I nearly concluded that he has no GMRC which suited best for his job as a janitor. But I don’t judge people that quickly; instead I analyzed the situation first. Tendency is maybe I was the wrong guy who asked a wrong person. So I calmed my self and contemplated for awhile.

“Kung gusto ka pagtawag ug waiter didto sa canteen” He added.

Officially he’s not a waiter who gets those plates and cleans tables. He’s just a janitor, in charge of cleaning the school grounds. That is just he’s only begotten job; no more and no less. However he has no right to say thse words sarcastically, especially that he was talking to one of the students who feed him. What’s the use of paying those miscellaneous fees?

In my thoughts, I could mess up with those plates, spoons and scraps, throw them on the ground so he could clean them forcefully. It’s a bad idea and not a model for a college student in a top-notch university. I refrained from doing that.

Eventually I annoyed myself too much. No! He annoyed me too much. I couldn’t concentrate to continue studying for my quiz. But I don’t have the right to complain because fine dining is not part of janitorial. How I wished that it was for that momet so I could complain to the management and kick the butt of that man. He should be penalized for his unethical manner. However I don’t want someone to lose a job because of that. So next time, I’ll ask waiters to clean table; not the janitors.

In the end I just endured being with those mess in front of me for an hour. I never complained, I never confronted anyone and never bothered him even though he troubled me too much. “Inana gyud diay ang mga janitor?” I questioned myself. One day he’ll be cursed for his ill-manners. And guess what happened next?

Few weeks after, we got the results from PAASCU. We don’t have a problem on our academics but we are considered top-notch university of befoulment. I believe not just the students should be blamed for this. Why are there janitors inside the campus? We see enough of them cleaning the rooms after classes but what about during the class hours, where are they? We considered them as heroes of the daily life. We looked up to them as beholder of one great trait that everyone must have. But they defiled us. They defiled the university.