San Vicente Botanical Garden: Nature's Art in Plants

 San Vicente Botanical Garden

Nature's Art in Plants

Dr Abe V Rotor

 Ornamental Pineapple - Ananas comosus champaca

Purple Sampaguita

Luminescent inflorescence of Abaniko (Belamcanda chinensis)

Nail polished tip Bromeliad

Inflorescence of Caballero (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

glows at sunset

Inflorescence of Bromeliad

Velvety metamorphosed leaves appearing like petals around 

tiny flowrs of Dona Luz (Mussaenda Philippica),

Dehiscent Rosary Beads (Abrus precatorius) in action

Elephant's Ear Colocasia

Compound thorns of Cherry 

Transparent leaves of avocado (Persia Americana)

Radial symmetry of anahaw ( Saribus rotundifolius)

 Polygonal symmetry of  croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Living with Nature centerpiece: San Vicente Botanical Garden 

Wall mural inspired by the swarming of certain organisms like doves 

and butterflies. ~

Sinarapan – Smallest Fish

 Sinarapan – Smallest Fish

Dr Abe V Rotor

 Sinarapan fish in Lake Buhi

Sinarapan, scientifically known as Mistichthys luzonensis is the world's smallest commercially harvested fish and is found in Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region. Another goby, Pandaka pygmaea, also found only in the Philippines, is the smallest known vertebrate and may be endangered.

Sinarapan, from the root word sarap or tasty, is a rare fish species found only in Lake Buhi in the Bicol Region. It is the smallest fish in the world of commercial value.  Overfishing and deterioration of its natural habitat have placed sinarapan under the list of threatened species, a prelude to the category of endangered species, a step away from extinction.

What attracts buyers and connoisseurs other than curiosity?  

Well, like the dulong (ipon Ilk) it is indigenous which means it is a native delicacy, which not for long, it became commercialized. Dried sinarapan is quickly fried and served as shown in the photos. Its taste in not extraordinary, but you are eating the smallest commercial fish in the world and that’s something special. What with hundreds of helpless individuals in one bite!  Thousands in your plate, their large eyes focused on you. Personally, a first time experience is enough, and that would help conserved the species. ~

The Science and Art of Making Wine the Practical Way (Article in Progress)

The Science and Art of Making Wine the Practical Way 

Dr Abe V Rotor

Table wine from 10 different local fruits produced by the author 

in his home cellar in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur as shown below. 

 

Age appears best in four things: Old wood to burn, old wine to drink,

 old friends to trust and old authors to read. – Francis Bacon

 

Wisdom and Wit and Wine  - avr

Wine and friends are a great blend. – Ernest Hemingway.

Love, like wine, gets better with time.

Wine is bottled poetry. -Robert Louis Stevenson

A good day starts with good coffee, and ends with good wine.

The connoisseur does not drink wine but tastes of its secrets. – Salvador Dali

If a glass of wine is good for you, imagine what a bottle can do.

Wine is sunlight held together by water. – Galileo

Wine improves with age. The older I get, the more I love it.

Age appears best in four things: Old wood to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust and old authors to read. – Francis Bacon

I love everything that is old; old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines. -Oliver Goldsmith, The Vicar of Wakefield.

 

Art Expression with Glass and Rocks

 Art Expression with Glass and Rocks

Dr Abe V Rotor

The Unwilling Waterfall

Make the waterfall fluid, yet unwilling,

like Dali's Melting Clock;

then down escapes cascading and free,

for today's life is like that. 

Pebbles - Unending Treasure 

 Survivors of eons of grinding and polishing 

 into gems along the stream onto the shore,

I pick these pebbles for my indigenous art;

for orator Demosthenes, his voice culture;

 craftsmen an unending source of treasure.

Flow Gently Little Stream

 Flow Gently Little Stream

Treasured poem of Robert Burns in high school taught by Mrs Socorro Villamor, my teacher in literature in the late 1950s at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion (now Divine Word College of Vigan), to whom this book manuscript is dedicated. I find the melody and lyrics of the poem inspiring and soothing in bringing peace and serenity to modern living.  There are poems contained in this manuscript reflective of Burn's poem, which are accessible in this Blog  avrotor.blogspot.com and its extension naturalism - the eighth sense

FLOW GENTLY SWEET AFTON

           Robert Burns

Flow gently sweet afton among thy green braes

Flow gently I'll sing thee a song in thy praise

My Mary's asleep by thy murmuring stream

Flow gently sweet afton, disturb not her dream

Thou stock dove whose echo resound through the glen

Ye wild whistling blackbirds in yon thorny den

Thou greencrested lapwing thy screaming forbear

I charge you, disturb not my slumbering fair

How lofty, sweet Afton, thy neighboring hills

Far marked with the courses of clear winding rills

There daily I wander as noon rises high

My flocks and my Mary's sweet cot in my eye

How pleasant thy banks and sweet valleys below

Where wild are the woodlands, the primroses blow

There oft, as mild evening weeps over the lea

The sweet scented birk shades my Mary and me

Thy crystal stream, afton, how lovely it glides

And winds by the cot where my Mary resides

How wanton the waters her snowy feet lave

As gathering sweet flowers, she stems thy clear wave

Flow gently sweet afton among thy green braes

Flow gently sweet river, the theme of my lays

My Mary's asleep by thy murmuring stream

Flow gently sweet afton, disturb not her dream. ~

Make-believe Monster

Make-believe Monster

Dr Abe V Rotor

Living with Nature - School on Blog

Tagaytay Zoo

Painting fear and love in duality

     of a monster on the screen;

it's all money and the Academy

     and the viewers' scream.

Now the forest is forever silent,

     empty as it never had been;

man takes pride in this unholy event,

     denying his greatest sin. ~

Lesson on former Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid with Ms Melly C Tenorio 738 DZRB AM, 8 to 9 evening class Mon to Fri

Lost Poem of Shipwreck - Paul on His Way to Rome

Lost Poem of Shipwreck

- Paul on His Way to Rome

Mural Painting and Poem by Abe V Rotor

I am reprinting from my collection the poem (from the original draft) that accompanies this mural: Shipwreck - Paul on His Way to Rome. The mounted copy of the poem attached to the mural might have been misplaced when the mural was transferred out of the old museum to its new location - after fifteen years.

Shipwreck - Paul on His Way to Rome, by Dr Abe V Rotor

There are crossings ahead unexpected,

no light, no guide; to the lesser, the end

of dreams and riches told but ne’er granted;

but to Paul the beginning’s yet at the bend.

There is Caesaria where the laws of men

may deny the just. There’s a friendly Malta –

goodness begets goodness in every brethren.

and there, too, a Herod, an Agrippa.

On a stormy night for Rome, Paul’s last mission

to plant the Seed in the very heart of power,

was a grave at sea, but greater was his vision,

on the weathered rock a tree rose like a tower.

To live one must almost die is reference,

but is he willing to die that others might rise?

he is truly brave, and there’s the difference

to the one who deserves to walk with Christ. ~

Rarely can paintings stand by themselves, so to speak, and tell the viewer what it is in terms of characters and events in history. Owing to the subjective nature of art, it is not unusual to miss the message if the viewer fails to appreciate its historical background, and would rely only on his personal perception. This is often the case with most works of art, more so if the situation does not warrant adequate time and effort to study the particular piece. And to think of the explosion of art forms and styles that dominate our postmodern world.

On the other hand, it is also dangerous to rely on ones own interpretation based on personal experience, and bias. In The Gleaners (a favorite painting of the SPC congregation), for example, an early nineteenth century painting of three old women gleaning leftovers of wheat harvest at sunset - all that the painter, Millet, wanted to show was a rustic country scene that evokes a romantic feeling (romanticism). But years after, Markham a political analyst and socialist, interpreted it as a serious subject, a social issue of injustice and repression. Now this is crucial to being a professor in humanities, and a curator of a museum, two posts I assumed for fifteen years.

This mural is based on the life of St Paul, bold and daring and unstoppable in our present terminology, that nothing could possibly bar his way in propagating the faith. So deep was Paul's loyalty, yet he never met personally his Master, for He was already long dead when he became His faithful servant. This scene is a proof of Paul's determination - determination on a philosophical level, with a purpose - above all, a cause. Which is the essence of the last stanza:

To live one must almost die is reference,

but is he willing to die that others might rise?

He is truly brave, and there’s the difference

to one who deserves to walk with Christ. ~

Why the painting in the first place?

As caretaker of St Paul's Museum, I wanted to focus as centerpiece the works and teachings of St Paul. There must be some other meaning, more than responsibility. I wanted the young Paulinians to learn more about St Paul's life as the Paulinian way of life, to appreciate the meaning of courage and sacrifice, of service and scholarship. (Paul wrote practically a third of the Bible.) For fifteen years with countless guests and friends visiting the museum - repeatedly for many, mostly Paulinians - the mural became a visual aid - vision of the sense and vision of the future. ~

NOTE: In response to requests, this post can can be downloaded to serve as lesson, reference, and for whatever purpose it may serve, except publication.

13 Researches pave new uses of plants (UST Faculty of Pharmacy)

13 Researches pave new uses of plants

(UST Faculty of Pharmacy)

Dr Abe V. Rotor

This article is reprinted in memory of the late Professor Eduardo de Leon of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas. These 13 researches were conducted during his administration as head of the Department of Botany, with the author as thesis adviser. This post is also dedicated to the thesis students who are now professionals in the fields of medicine, education, science and technology. UST Pharmacy Garden; symbol of pharmacy PHOTO

These researches explore the vast uses of plants as food and source of useful products for pharmacology and industry. They offer alternatives to natural healing as well as in tapping the hidden wealth of plants as antibiotics, elixir and many other uses.

1. Yes, you can grow pechay and tilapia in an aquarium. Del Rosario L, De La Calzada GR, Javillonar C, and V Roquero

This research is based on palay-isdaan, an indigenous practice in low lying ricelands where rice and fish naturally grow together during the monsoon months. Thus, the researchers experimented on growing pechay (Brassica chinensis) in an aquarium medium, which can at the same time sustain the normal growth of tilapia (Tilapia nilotica). The result promises another aspect of urban green revolution where hobbyists can combine the growing of fish in home aquarium with the production of vegetables. The idea may be the answer to having fresh and safe food supply for the home and neighborhood, and in maintaining a balance aquarium with lesser cost.

2. Beware of Ganoderma food supplement

Africa MA, Abulencia HM, Bautista A and AM Bebanco

This shelf fungus comes as food supplement, mainly as pre-packed coffee and tea, and advertised in several names. White mice fed freely with the raw fungus died after a few days. Even those given with limited amounts showed adverse physiologic effects like loss in weight, thinning of hair, and progressive weakness. Many died after two or three weeks. The results indicate that the fungus has toxic effect. It will be recalled that among the most poisonous materials occurring in nature come from fungi, the classical example is the Amanita mushroom which when mistakenly eaten by humans can cause instant death. There is no known antidote of mushroom poisoning. At minimal dosage however, not exceeding 10 mg per 1 kg body weight, the test animals gained weight faster than those not given with Ganoderma. Thus the researchers recommend judicious use of the food supplement, as it may be deleterious to health contrary to the claims of its manufacturers and distributors.

3. Make your own Marker Ink from Mayana
Galang E, Cu MV, Constantino A and C Flores

Marker inks or colorants come in bright green, pink, blue and in different hues and shades. They are used to highlight keywords and sentences, terms or simply for arts and graphics. Commercial highlighters as these markers are commonly called, are imported from Japan, US, Germany and China. Local brands make use of imported colorants. Mayana (Coleus blumei) is a colorful annual plant, dominantly red, maroon, green pink, yellow in various patterns and combinations. The researchers extracted the pigment using volatile solvents. Comparing the different cultivars of mayana, they came up with two dominant colors. Flesh to brown color appeared to be the best among the colors tested. Drying time compared to the commercial brands is the same. The researchers recommend other possible plant colorants such as Carissa, duhat (Syzygium) and bright petalled plants like Hibiscus.

4. Is it true that Caulerpa seaweed eaters live healthier and longer lives?
Chua AG, Fancubit AL, Flores F and MR Liwag


Ilocanos in particular, who love to eat lato or ar-arusip are known to enjoy healthy and long lives. Is it a myth? The researchers found out that this green seaweed sold commercially in two species, C. lentelifera and C. racemosa, possess antibiotic properties. Raw extract has been found effective in destroying bacteria, such as Pseudococcus and Escherischia coli, common pathogens causing human ailments. Aside from this property, Caulerpa contains caulerpine that to many people has relaxing effect, but excessive intake of the vegetable may cause dizziness. It is the only known edible seaweed that causes this symptom. This active principle may be tapped for its tranquilizing effect.

5. Alginate from Sargassum can increase the shelf life of fruits
Tumambing K, Santok G, Seares A and V Verzola
If you happen to be walking along the beach those dry brown seaweeds washed ashore could bring in a lot of profit, not only as source of algin and alginic acid which are extracted for food conditioner and for industrial use. The researchers found out that by extracting the alginate substance by ordinary means, the extract is effective in delaying the spoilage of fruits such as mango, papaya and banana. The extract is diluted 5 to 10 percent with water before the ripe or ripening fruits are immersed, then allowed to dry. The alginate compound leaves a coating on the fruit that delays ripening from two to four days, at the same time protects it from microorganisms that cause rotting and spoilage.

6. Makabuhay and Neem tree extracts are effective in control cockroach (Periplaneta Americana)
Tenorio RW, Nudo L, Roxas R and AC Uichanco


Neem tree

Macabuhay (Tinospora rhumphii) is a liana that grows in the wild. Previous experiments proved that its extract is effective in controlling common rice insect pest and the golden kuhol. Could it be effective in controlling the tough and elusive cockroach? The same question was raised on Neem (Aziderachta asiatica), known as insecticide tree that was introduced into the country from India in the sixties. According to the researchers, extracts of both plants proved effective as direct spray on cockroach. Comparative effectiveness showed that the diluted extract of makabuhay gave a higher mortality that the pure extract, indicating the synergistic effect of water solvent, but only for makabuhay. Neem extract at low level dilution is more effective than that of makabuhay at the same level. While synthetic chemical sprays are more effective than these herbal extracts, the advantage of the latter is their being safe to humans and the environment and does not leave toxic residues.

7. Rat Poison from the Seed of Botong (Barringtona asiatica)
Perez R, Dela Cruz K, Rivera M and J Santos
If botong (Barringtona asiatica) is effective as fish poison, could it be effective as rat poison just as well? The researchers found it to be effective, but the problem to lure the rodents to eating the bait is a problem. This is because of the shy nature of rats and their oliphagous characteristic that is they eat a wide range of food under natural field condition. When starved rats may consume any available food and this may include poison baits. The advantage of using plant poison is its safe nature to humans and the environment. Presently used compounds include arsenicals, anticoagulants under the brand names Dethmor, Racumin, Dora, and the deadly “1081” a zinc phosphide compound which is now banned in the market.

8. Botong (B. asiatica) is safer poison against fish pest
Dequina MJ, Castro JC, Limtin R and J Patawaran
This is the rational of the experiment: Is there a safer compound than synthetic pesticides to clean up fishponds in order to eliminate fish predators at seeding time? It is a known practice among fishpond owners to use Malathion, Endrin, and other chlorinated hydrocarbon, as well as phosphate compounds to eliminate fish such as tilapia, dalag, and Poecillia after harvesting a fishpond. These remaining fish pose danger as predator of bangus fries raised in the next season. The researchers found out that the extract of botong seeds (Barringtona asiatica) is an effective substitute. Like other plant extract, it is environment friendly and leaves non-toxic residue to the incoming fries and fingerlings.

9. Antibiotics from papaya seeds
Casas JM, Cadiz RI, Calvelo AM and MC Cremen
With the increasing resistance of bacteria to the group of Penncilium antibiotics, scientists are looking into more potent antibiotics. Modern antibiotics however, are expensive and are not readily available particularly in the countryside. But natural antibiotics abound in nature. One such source is the ordinary papaya, specifically the native or solo variety. The researchers claim that the papain in papaya has an antibiotic property and the most likely part where the active compound is concentrated is the seeds, which are thrown away for no use except as propagation material. The seed oil is potent against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus. . This explains why papaya is a health food. Although the oil has also shown anti-fungal effects, the researchers recommend further studies in this aspect. They also recommend further studies in the preparation of the seed oil as antibiotic drop or ointment.

10. Mosquito repellant from bottle brush (Salix sp)

Clemente R, Landan RP Luquinario MI and P Padua

If there is a way to rid mosquitoes from attacking us without net or special paraphernalia, it is that advertised “Off” mosquito repellant. But the commercial products are synthetic compounds and reports claim that they are carcinogenic affecting not only the skin but internal organs as well since poison can be absorbed by the skin and into the blood stream and other tissue of the body. The researchers collected the volatile oil of the weeping willow which is also known as bottle brush for the formation and shape of the leaves. With ethyl alcohol as solvent, the preparation was tested against house mosquitoes (Culex pipens) in the same manner as the advertised commercial product is used. The results are positive.

11. How good are commercial organic fertilizers as claimed by their manufacturers? - Olivenza CR, King A, Reyes CJ and A Young

There are a number of organic fertilizers in the market manufactured from various raw materials. As such there is no standard set particularly for their nutrient content. They are advertised with various advantages which the researchers in this study say only by experimentation on at least one plant indicator can resolve – pechay (Brassica chinensis). The results of the experiment are varied and therefore support the theory that organic fertilizers in the market do not have standard effects on the growth and development patterns on the test plant. The researchers believe that fortification of organic fertilizers with chemical fertilizers improves the formula and helps solve nutrient deficiency.


12. Bunga de Jolo is a potential bacteriocide.
Villaluz MC, Enebrad K, Garcia R and V Guzman
Vetchia merillii, a palm relative of the bunga (Areca catechu) was found to have a unique potency against the bacterium, Bacillus proteus as well as others pathogens causing infection. Direct extract from the seed showed potent inhibition against the test organisms, a feat the control (Penncilium type) failed to show. This explains the usefulness of bunga de jolo as a substitute of Areca in the absence of the latter. Both produce nuts, which are used by older people for mastication with or without the betel leaf and the occasional lime that goes with the preparation.

13. Common moss as a practical source of antibiotics
Nabong W, Aquino M, Orlino C Ramos J and H Sumabit

The common moss often used in its dried form as substrate for orchids has a puzzling characteristic. It resists rotting and does not arbor the breeding of microorganisms that are pathogenic to the orchid. From this observation coupled by the fact that indigenous people use dried moss to cover wounds and skin diseases, led the researches to conduct an experiment on the antibiotic properties of mosses. The results are positive to bacteria causing skin infection, but the range of antibiosis has yet to be determined. The researchers recommend that further studies be conducted on methods of extraction, other than the use of ethanol, in isolating the active principle which is the key to the antibiotic property of mosses. ~