"Too many cooks spoil the broth."

The Lighter Side of Human Nature
"Too many cooks spoil the broth."

"Too many cooks spoil the broth."
Adapted from a popular story by Dr Abe V Rotor

A teenage son bought a pair of pants too long for him by two inches, he had to have it cut and sewed. Not having the skill to do it, and even if he did, some one can always accede to his request - he is the bunso (youngest) child in the family and the center of attention and service.

But on this particular day, on this particular hour, every one he approached to shorten his pants said, “Later, after I have finished what I am doing.”

His sister was cooking, his mother ironing clothes, his grandmother feeding the chicken. And when each one had finished her work, it was siesta time.

But remembering her grandson's request, the grandmother took the scissor and cut the pants two inches off, sewed it and left for siesta.

Next, the mother remembered her son's request, took the scissor and cut two inches off, sewed it, then took a nap. The sister suddenly remembered her brother’s request, took the scissor and cut two inches off and sewed. When the teenage son woke up, he tried his new pants, now repaired to his expectation.

But alas, his pair of pants has become into a porontong (half-short half-pants)!

What is the moral of the story? ~

United Nations Parade

Photos by Dr Abe V Rotor

Can you identify the country each costume represents?

Two Roads

Two Roads 

Dr Abe V Rotor

Two Roads: A New Beginning (Acknowledgement:

The Congregational Church of West Medford, Internet)

If two roads lead to but one end,

would the pious take the less trodden?

They say little faith makes neither a saint

no matter which road he would take.~

Ode to a Stream on the Wall

Ode to a Stream on the Wall

Mural by Dr Abe V Rotor


Markus 1 (in stroller), with friends at home in Lagro QC, 2016

Flow gently, sweetly with the breeze
and sing with the little children;
whisper with the rocks and trees,
make every creature their friend.

Sing the songs of the forest deities,
the cheerful crickets and birds,
lullaby of Mozart, chorus of Liszt:
"Grow and be happy,” they urge. ~

Where has the fisherboy gone?

Where has the fisherboy gone? 

Dr Abe V Rotor

By the stream under a tree (wall mural detail) in acrylic by the author

By a stream on a rock ledge many a dream grew with the water flowing, the clouds rising, the breeze whispering in a nearby tree, its shade creating images of art and fantasy.

Hours lazily passed, but how short was a day fishing, from sunrise to noon and back again when the fish would return, the bamboo pole suddenly becoming heavy with a big catch.   

Other boys join the cheer, the louder the bigger the fish was, or fading with a whimper when it got away, and it was always "the big fish that got away," an adage of every fisher folk.

Away from town, away from school, away from home for a while - this freedom in innocence and adventure, the elders would call laziness, stubbornness and aimlessness in growing up.

Boys don't know the difference grownups want them to be, but wait for their own time, when childhood yields to the demands of the world, the world though big is "prison" to grownups. 

They too, were children before - the "man in the boy" comes later when there are no more big fish to catch, the tree has overgrown the rock ledge and other boys are longer around. 

Like birds migrating and returning, season after season in Vivaldi's refrain, and Mozart's lament, life goes on in rhythm, but time couldn't wait, while dreams sought for reality. 

There are many fish in the world, the biggest to catch always a dream - fame, ideas, wealth, sacrifice, honor, popularity - aiming at these to the end, in triumph, surrender or defeat. 

Years later a man in gray hair appeared, he saw a familiar boy fishing, his thoughts seemed far away, his fishing pole bending to his excitement, then snapped - it was the big fish that got away. ~

Spinning Top (Trumpo) - Endangered Native Toy

Spinning Top (Trumpo) -  Endangered Native Toy
Dr Abe V Rotor

 Traditional spinning top

 Modern versions of the spinning top

Anyone who grew up in the province in our time is familiar with the original spinning top. If not, imagine an oversize chicken egg, of that of the guinea fowl or bengala, its small end sharply tapering into a shank made of nail, one to two inches long. The tip is pointed to reduce friction for longer and more stable spinning. But we always made it sharp ready to nip or puncture the tops of our opponents in tournaments.

Because our town is famous for furniture making, we have lathe machine (pagturnuan Ilk) to make the best tops in town. Everyone could easily recognize a spinning top made in San Vicente, three kilometers west of Vigan, the capital. There were spinning top tournaments held on certain occasions and we would send our best players to the capital. To be a good player, first you must be accurate at marked target. But there is another kind of tournament - you should be able to immobilize your opponent’s top, by puncturing or chopping it out of shape. This is why the wood used in making tops is molave, better still kamagong, which is claimed to be the hardest wood in the world.

Exhibitions are part of the tournament. For example whose top makes the loudest humming sound? How balanced and stable is the spinning of your top? How long will it keep on spinning? Then there is the skill to “capture” a spinning top and have it continue spinning on your palm.

But how do you make a top without lathe machine? I still can recall my experience in making one. Cut a branch of molave, or any locally available wood such as guava or isis or Ficus ulmifolia, the tree that produces sandpaper-like leaves. Choose a branch at least three inches in diameter. With a sharp bolo, shape one end into a round peg, and drive through it a 3-inch nail, leaving half as the shank. Smoothen the wood with boy scout knife and sandpaper, making it even and balanced. Shape and cut off the upper part of the top with a saw or sharp knife.

An immature wood when it dries up has a tendency to crack. That’s why you have to look for a seasoned branch. The harder it is, the better - and the more durable is your top. For the rope or string to spin the top, get a pure cotton thread, numero ocho, that is 1/8 of an inch, and a meter long. Sometimes we would twist two thinner threads to make the standard spinning rope. To learn the technique of playing spinning tops, ask older boys - or us who were experts in our days.

Why don't you try making your own spinning top? It's a real test of craftsmanship, by how well it performs and chance to win in a tournament.

 Photos acknowledgment: Google, Wikipedia 

Native Games and Sports with Animals

Dr Abe V Rotor

Carabao race – Here is a joke in puzzle, “What is the first car race?” The children of my age then would think of Ford or Chevrolet. Sirit? “It’s car-abao race.” It’s a corny joke, more so today. But if you haven’t seen one, go to Paombong, Bulacan during the fiesta of San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers. It is like horse race, with the “jockey” riding without harness. So there’s a lot of skill needed to stir the animal to the finish line, galloping the carabao way.

Carabaos are known to be very docile. They say, you won’t be able to reach your destination on time with a carabao even if you use a horse whip. And don’t ever force the animal cruelly. In Thailand a carabao in the middle of a race broke away and attacked the spectators hurting dozens of them. An animal is still an animal however tame it is. The biological instinct is unpredictable.

Catching piglets (bi-ik) in mud. It takes a day or two to prepare the arena or pen, some 5 by 5 meters square, or bigger in area, and secured with interlink wire or wooden fence. To make the game exciting the ground is puddled like a rice field ready for planting. A smaller pen is made next to the big pen. The piglets – some ten are released per batch of contestants. It is a game of two or more contending groups. It could be a one-on-one contest in the final stage. The rule may be that he who catches the piglet either gets a prize or takes the animal home – like in the movie, Babe, a story of a piglet won from a fair by an elderly farmer who reared it to become a “sheepdog” and earned its place on the farm.

It’s a messy game; it is full of wit and skill. It is in catching the piglets and putting them into the adjoining pen within the prescribed time frame that determine the winner. Imagine the winner standing on stage receiving his prize – or piglet. Can you recognize him? ~

Kitchen Garden: Grow native onion leek at home

Kitchen Garden: Grow native onion leek at home

                               Dr Abe V Rotor

 

Native onion grown in pot provides ready fresh onion leek for a number of recipes like fried eggs, soup, omelet, kilawin, porridge (lugaw), arroz caldo.


This is one way to encourage kids to have a daily supplement of vegetables. Vary the use of leek in their diet. Onion leek is rich in vitamin K, A, C and B6, manganese, folate, iron, fiber, magnesium, molybdenum, copper, calcium, and potassium. It also contains thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, and antibiotic substances like Allicin and Alliin - from Allium, the genus of onion (A. cepa), garlic (A. sativum), kutchay (A tuberosum), and the original leek (A. ampeloprasum). Leeks generally have also high calorie value, and fair amounts of protein and fat. It is no wonder onion is the most important vegetable in the world.

 

Spouting bulb of shallot or bulb variety (Red Creole). Gather only what you need for the moment using scissor. Don't cut the entire stem - only mature leaves.

Grow leek where there is sufficient sunlight, preferably on an elevated place. It's easy to grow leek from shallot (Sibuyas Tagalog) and from bulb onions (Granex or Creole). Staggered planting assures continuous supply of leek for the family - and for neighbors too.

A pot of onion leek makes a unique gift to friends who love to cook, those in their senior years, and those convalescing. Don't forget to add a little ribbon and a personal message. Make this as project in school and community. ~

Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polytes)

Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polytes) 

Dr Abe V Rotor

 

 Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polytes) feeding on citrus leaves

Obnoxious I look and smell no one dares to get near,

much less to pick me neither by beak nor tongue,   

for my enemies are few, so my friends - if I know;

you see, if you are ugly and dirty no one bothers you,

like anyone else not excluding some humans;

but in my case Nature designed me this way, 

and she thinks I'm beautiful, to me it is a gift of life;

surviving a cruel world.  I rest now and someday

I'll metamorphose into something beautiful 

in the eyes of humans, so beautiful and dainty

no one will ever ask what I was before. ~

Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polytes)

Life Patterns for Survival Series 1: Shrew, smallest mammal and most voracious predator

Life Patterns for Survival Series 1:

Shrew, smallest mammal and most voracious predator

Dr Abe V Rotor

White-toothed pygmy shrew or the Etruscan shrew, Suncus etruscus Internet

This animal is the smallest mammal in the world, yet the fiercest of all fighters and the most voracious of all predators.  It spends its life hunting for food to supply the necessary energy released by its high rate of body anabolism (breaking down of substances for the release of energy}.  It dies of starvation after a day without food.  No wonder it dies old after thirteen months. 

Also known as the white-toothed pygmy shrew or Suncus etruscus, the Etruscan shrew is the smallest mammal by weight alive today. At 36–52mm long, excluding tail, it's larger than Kitti's hog-nosed bat. However, individuals can weigh as little as 1.5g, meaning the Etruscan shrew takes the crown. (Acknowledgement: Internet photo)

Life Patterns for Survival by A V Rotor
Faculty Journal 1967
Lyceum of the Philippines

Researches on Sustainable Development: 20th Annual Conference of the Philippine Society for Educational Research and Evaluation (PSERE)

Sustainability, but how distant, how frail! 

Abe V Rotor

Opening of Exhibits: Dr Teresa R Perez cuts ceremonial ribbon with other PSERE officers (left to right) Dr Melchor M Magramo, Dr Clarafe A Gonzales, Dr Consuelo C Callang and Dr Emily B Tan 

A.  Poster Exhibit

 

 

 

B. Plenary Papers 

Sabada, Rex B - Mangrove Conservation through Academe-Public Partnership.  University of the Philippines Visayas (Plenary 1) 

Pardo de Tavera, Ma Mara - Sustainable Development on Organics.  Organic Producers Trade Association  (Plenary 2)

Rotor, Abercio V - Culture and Sustainability: Guiding our Children to the Good Life in a Changing Environment. University of Santo Tomas (Plenary 3)

 C. Research Papers 

Torres, Milano and Aira Sharida H Villapando (2012) - Green Practices of Accomodaion and Lodging Establishments in Batangas Province.  First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities, Tanauan CXity, Batangas

Garrovillas, Eduardo P (2012)- Higher Education for Sustainable Development, Philippine Perspective. Jose Rizal University  

Perez, Teresa R  - Coastal-Based Resource Manmagement: The Centro Escolar University Experience CEU, Manila 

Magramo, Melchor M, Alimen RA, Howse V, Burtney R and MRG Esmaña - Growth Trends of Seagrass Species in a Four-Year Study in Igang Bay, Guimaras, Philippines. JB Lacson Foundation Maritime University Ecological Park, Guimaras

Esparas, Erica Joy, Fajardo AK, Calimbahin MC, De Leon MI, and Julieta Z Dungca (2012)  -  Isolation and Characterization of Multi-Drug Resistant and Lead-Tolerant Pink Pigmented Facultative Bacteria as Potential Indicator of Air Pollution. College of Medical Technology and School of Science and Technology, CEU 

Castroverde, Yolanda L - Development and Ecosystem Conditions of the Municipality of Del Gallego, Camarines Sur.  University of Nueva Caseres, Naga City 

Sarinas, Brian Gil S - Solid Waste Management Compliance, Practices and Destination and Impact among Merchant Vessels Docking in Port San Pedro and Dumangas Ports - A Step towards Eco-Friendly Shipping - JB Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Arevalo, Iloilo  

Torrigue, Ma. Lona T - Absorption Capacity and Biomass Concentration of Thraustochitrid in Bunker C Oil Using Different Cell Densities. JBLFMU, Arevalo, 

 Iloilo  

Baynosa, Ronald - Disaster Preparedness and Resiliency of the Top Twenty Corporations in Iloilo City. JBLFMU, Molo, Iloilo 

Pelasol, Rhona J - Iloilo River Eco-Park and Sustainable Development Inputs towards the Full Rehabilitation of the Iloilo River. St Therese-MTC Colleges , Molo  

Note: There are other papers presented in the conference, including the keynote speech of Dr Raul Bañas, provincial administrator, who represented Gov Arthur D Defensor, which are not available in my file as of the date of this post. Please accept my apology.  

Sustainability, but how distant, how frail! 

Dr Abe V Rotor

Sustainability, but how distant, how frail!

in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, biological to social to self-actualization,

having satisfied our needs, indulge in luxury and affluence -

progression sans end, sans satisfaction, nations believing in others

not their own, bequeathing to the future false reference,

parameters of the good life in capitalism in the guise of  consumerism;

how deceived, how trapped we are, senseless, powerless. 

 

Sustainability, but how distant, how frail! 

In Malthus' theory, the outstripping of the earth's capacity to feed

an exploding population, warning of the Apocalypse's coming -

oh, how man defied with tools of technology, opening new frontiers,

with industrialization the goal and pride, all nations dreaming. 

and East meets West second time around, colonization to polarization, 

leading to two world wars and a Cold War, oh, how deceiving!

Sustainability, but how distant, how frail!

In Einstein's theory of relativity, he defied the power of the sun, 

dethroning John Newton, broke the integrity of the atom;

what a promise of unending energy, self contained, self generating

in nuclear reactors, yet found its way to make the Bomb,

and having tested it to end conflict and restore world peace, brought

to life a Frankenstein monster, and in fear, we became numb.   

Sustainability, how distant, how frail!

In Crick and Watson illustration, double helix in ladder, each rung

the gene's secret - the DNA - Hallelujah, we pray;

the code of heredity unlocked, that of life, too, creators we became,

irrational, amoral, but Dolly, the sheep has opened the way:

baptizing new life lines and forms GMO, meet another Frankenstein,

the genius, dedicated (for whom?), knowing not his prey.   

Sustainability, but how distant, how frail:

In the cyberspace of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Google, and Facebook,

the world is wired, tied to all its ends, satelite imaging

every minute thing and movement, seeing what we've never seen

except the soul - where is privacy, the sanctity of living?

and more than we need, heaps of infollution of images and words

and codes deluge the mind into believing and unbelieving. 

Sustainability , but how distant, how frail!

In postmodernism, in which we live in a state of free fall, sans control

over more than necessity, yet we are always in search

for more; laden are our consciousness, our psyche, our feeling

in transience - globalization's new order, new birth,

where diversity leads to homogenization, to Utopia of man's dream -

Myth of a heaven, when we shall have failed on earth. ~

Iloilo Airport - a harmony of building structure and nature

Iloilo Airport - 

A harmony of building structure and nature

Photos and Verse by Abe V Rotor

    

Interplay of light and shadow adds to pleasant ambiance; atrium of indigenous  plants makes an indoor greenery; ergonomic  lounging chairs designed for privacy and comfort. 

Floating ceiling allows sunlight and air to enter freely, with pivot mounting to allow independent movement from the main structure during earthquake.

Free hallway, no corridors, no cubicles; decors are just for accent.

Movable blinds control light and wind entering the building, 

combines western and oriental architecture.

Lattice above your head through the sky;

Glass panes to the tarmac's full view;

From end to end the hall flows through,

Relaxing you while waiting to fly.

Goodbye aircon, thick wall and heavy door,

Carpeted floor and dropped ceiling;

The sound of dungeon its echo resounding,

In musky air, all of these to endure.

For whoever brought nature into the hall,

Is genius, eighth sense his doctrine:

Cutting down cost and art's extreme.  

And the burden of a weary soul. 

Nature brings man back to the prime of life:

In simplicity and true beauty,

When air and sun and space are free;

Pleasance to life even in strife. ~

   

Movie Parade at UST (1611-2011, Quadricentennial Celebration)

                                             Local movie on the life of Rizal, an alumnus of UST
   
Photos by Abe V Rotor                                         


Movies took over the stage,
created make-believe players;
from arena to theaters,
cinema to home screen
these hundred years.

How technology spanned
live drama and celluloid,
Charlie Chaplin and Lucas,
Carl Jung and Simon Freud,
the young and the very old.

Hollywood to Bollywood,
white actors to colored,
aristocracy giving way
to realism on the road,
in stories simply told.

This is not all. It is just
the start of the future
which we live in today -
postmodern culture
in cyber adventure.

Movies, movies, movies
defy classification,
on Internet, television,
from studio to home grown
video to animation.

Quo vadis, movie?
where are you headed for?
for whom are you made
as we had known before,
at the local shore?

Is this a sign of demise,
of the movie, the classical,
movie, the great adventure,
movie, the historical,
true and ideal?

Movie does not speak,
or we just can't hear anymore,
under the heap of this strayed art
yearning not for more,
but for some quality score. ~

A popular movie animae

Scary theme, musical treatment

Witches walk the campus

Alice in Wonderland

"Good triumphs over evil."

Shrek and Company

2012 - Year of the Dragon

Pirates of the Caribbean

Avatar