February 2025 is National Arts Month in the Philippines: “Ani ng Sining, Diwa at Damdamin” (Harvest of the Arts: Soul and Passion)

Integrated Arts in Our Times

February 2025 is National Arts Month in the Philippines.

National Arts Month 2025. This year's theme, “Ani ng Sining, Diwa at Damdamin,” emphasizes that our nation's artistic expression is deeply rooted in the collective passion and spirit of our people. Throughout the month, events all over the country focuses in showcasing the cultural heritage and arts of the Philippines and its artists.

Dr Abe V Rotor

Part 1a - Tour at the Living with Nature Center, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

Part 1b - The Living with Nature Center Library

Part 1c - Rock Collection: Art, Study and Hobby 

Part 1d - Lectures, Workshops and Researches

Part 1e - Botanical Garden and Ecological Sanctuary

Part 1f - Icons in the Garden

Part 2 - Features of the Living with Nature Center

Part 3 - Endearing Nature-Human Relationship in Paintings

Part 4 - Earth Day Celebration at the Garde

Part 5 - What students say about Humanities (Impressions and Impact)

Part 6 - New Horizon of Philippine Literature in our Postmodern World

Part 7 - Literature is the people’s collective masterpiece, their imprimatur.

Part 8 - The Therapeutic Effect of "Violin and Nature"

Part 9 -  Nature's Art - Cryptobiology: The Study of Nature Spirits

Part 10 - Bonsai is Nature's Art

Part 11 - Teaching Aids for Effective Teaching

Part 12 - Children's Art Workshop: Painting and Drama

Annex 1- February is National Arts Month in the Philippines.

Annex 2 - National Arts Month: Nurturing creativity and our shared sense of humanity

Part 1 - A Tour at the Living with Nature Center, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

UNP Coeds Visit the Living with Nature Center and San Vicente Botanical Garden

Part 1a - Art Gallery and Museum

Nature's art. A driftwood in the shape of a blackbird, reminiscent of Noah's Ark story - an emissary he sent to check the flood but didn't return. He sent another, this time a dove, the universal symbol of peace today.

Catch the fish if you can on the wall, painted into a mural depicting

the enigma of the bottom of the sea, for lack of knowledge seemingly

lifeless, yet full of life and challenge to the scientist.

 

Springs and waterfalls gently flowing open like curtain of a stage

revealing a beautiful landscape, subject of poetry, music, myths

and legends.

 

Painted broken jars given a second life, function to aesthetics, in our search for beauty and meaning of material things in our wastefulness and affluent living - brokenness after all is transformation, so with life.

 

Petrified wood of a primitive tree traces path of evolution and biodiversity; pyroclastic rock from Mt Pinatubo's 1991 eruption, link of past and present, reality and fantasy, nature and man.

 

A dragon emerges from a broken jar transforms into a myth in like manner dragons once walked the earth; burial jar fragments of an indigenous culture destined to the museum and archive.

 

UNP Coeds 5 trek the edge of the sea; frame a wall of cataract in

make-believe mural painted by the author. ~

Part 1b - The Living with Nature Center Library

Collection of Books and References

  

  

  

  

  

Part 1c - Rock Collection: Art, Study and Hobby

Petrified or fossilized wood. Carbon dating process traces

the origin, age, and habitat of the specimen.

Resin, exudate of Pine tree undergoing metamorphism into amber

Aggregate rocks in various compositions and structures.

Unidentified layered rock, indicating geologic

history.

This is not a fossil, but broken glazed jar often used to store sacred

objects and remains, like an urn in earlier times.

Soft wood fossil broken into two to find out what is really its interior made of.

Not so perfectly round but it served as canon ball in early times.

Picked from a dry river bed, this specimen is a result of continuous

and even abrasion as it travelled downstream.

Limestone undergoing metamorphism into marble which

may take a very long time under favorable conditions.

Rock collection of a student attracted by the diversity of the specimens.

Brain coral in its early stage of fossilization.

Operculum of a large seashell undergoing erosion by the elements.

Note the counterclockwise spiral, a unique find.

Shades of opal and glitter often make this petrified wood look

valuable when cut and polished, and made into fancy jewelry.

This chalky fossil looks like elephant's task.

Did elephants roam the countryside in prehistoric times?

Early stone age tools, crude and unpolished,

but they served the purpose of hunting.

Mt Pinatubo's pyroclastic rock mounted for the museum.

The rock formed while still very hot, forming a porous texture. ~

 

Floral arrangement of stones gathered from Bacnotan, La Union beach.

A collection of rock samples at author's home.

Part 1d - Lectures, Workshops and Researches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Part 1e - Botanical Garden and Ecological Sanctuary

 

 

 

 

 

Part 1f - Icons in the Garden

 

Rizal in Dapitan Shrine

The national hero as biologist and naturalist while he was

on exile at Dapitan.

 

Apo Baket' Shrine

Holder of time-honored tradition and values, passed on

from generation to generation.

 

The Unknown Nanny Shrine

A nanny works with babies, toddlers, and young children, focusing on their basic care needs and supporting their development. Her role in wartime is crucial to orphaned children and widowed mother. Throughout history the unknown nanny who is also considered on a higher scale governess is considered guardian and second mother in the home. In times of war she is the unsung domestic hero so to speak, like the Unknown Soldier in the battlefield.

 

Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine Emilio Aguinaldo fought for a free and independent Philippines, first against Spain and then against the United States. When the Philippines declared itself an independent republic in 1898 and Aguinaldo became its president, a significant milestone was reached in the struggle against colonial rule in Asia.

 

Apparition of Mary before Bernadette at Lourdes

Our Lady appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, 18 times from February through July, 1858. During the apparitions she told Bernadette to dig a hole which later in the day produced a stream of water, bringing about thousands of spiritual and physical cures even to this day. Replica of the grotto dedicated to the 1917 Marian Apparition that took place in Fatima, Portugal, in loving memory of the author's sister, Sr Venie V Rotor, ofs.

Part 2 - Features of the Living with Nature Center

Rotor Family Home

San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

Contact: Dr Abercio V Rotor avrotor.blogspot.com

1. Renovated old home (survived typhoons, earthquakes, other calamities, WWII) for four generations.

2. San Vicente Botanical Garden – living gene bank, shrine, outdoor classroom.

3. Living with Nature (Center), advocacy, hands-on, on-site learning

4. Community-based (visits, tours, workshops, research, practicum)

5. Refuge (respite, retirement, recuperation, balikbayan, childhood experience)

6. EcoSanctuary - Wildlife habitat, orchard, open field, local ecosystems

7. Natural for healthy and happy living (food, air, herbals, pets, sense of freedom)

8. Family museum (library, archive, souvenirs, achievements, paraphernalia)

9. “The Morning After Syndrome” - preparedness for the worst upheaval (COVID-19)

10. Exodus from the City (reversal from traffic, congestion, high cost of living)

11. Right brain shift (creativity, hobbies, nature-friendly)

12. Integrated and holistic (The Humanities, back-to-basics, skills development)

13. You are not alone (“So far yet so near,” the world at the living room)

14. Ecological prayer (Love God through Nature, Nature is God’s greatest gift)

15. Don’t be a victim of Instant Syndrome (DiY, home garden, cookbook)

16. Save, save from impulse buying, planned obsolescence, ostentatious living.

17. Be simple and practical (countryside living, bayanihan, kamag-anak)

18. The golden years of life (It’s not too late, you are missing life itself)

19. Yes, you can paint, cook, build your home, do the things you dreamed of.

20. Search for the meaning of life (Learn from Victor Frankl, Schweitzer, Rizal)

Globally linked on the Internet avrotor.blogspot.com in 5000 articles to date. Search topic, download, print for your educational use in your school, community, and organization. Linked with 12 books written by AV Rotor, Bannawag magazine, (Okeyka Apong), other websites. Welcome to the Living with Nature Center and San Vicente Botanical Garden. Contact - 09954672990

            Part 3 - Endearing Nature-Human Relationship in Paintings

"Everything else is silence. In silence there is a song. This is the essence 

of these paintings I did in peace and quiet." - avr  

This is a huge mural from floor to ceiling, midway over a balcony ledge.  View it from afar, from the top, across the receiving room, or when passing through the hallway. Either the view follows you or vice versa, in "sense-surround" feeling. It took me about a month to paint the mural on custom made canvas, and in installing it on-site to fit the architectural design of the mansion in an exclusive subdivision in Metro Manila. (Circa 2000)

"A place for everything, and everything in its place."

      My father would remind me to keep organized then;

 In nature, essential or not, everything has a place,

      In unity and harmony with a touch of heaven.

"Man-heaven-and-earth as Nature originally built," is the theme of this mural I painted for an urban residence.  The mural graces the living room with a grand piano in the middle.  Listen to Beethoven's Pastoral, truly a music of Nature, composed with the sweet sounds of a shy waterfall, running stream, breeze, and muffled lilting of young adventurers. 

Spelunking - a unique adventure for science and leisure,

tracing history back to our cave-dwelling ancestor;

home of the early Homo sapiens, onto  the vast pasture,

 a scenario today that tourists and artists treasure.  

First, I didn't know what my scholarly friend wanted  as a gift. It's not just a painting, of course.  He talks of philosophy and science. He writes; he is an artist in poetry.  I can't picture to him what is real, he goes more than that.  I can't do an abstract, it stirs argument.  I failed to finish the painting.  That's perfect, he said, and carried it under his arm. Was the Unfinished Symphony finished after all? 

Why do trees lean altogether like bandwagon,

     Yet the stream flows the other way around?

Why do leaves fall, the fields green in monsoon?

     Scene too small, too crowded, to know all.

Impressions on wood retain the shape and color of leaves and other parts; at the center  of the painting a splash of bright colors resembling in the likeness of a nest or aerial dwelling.  Everything else is silence. In silence there is a song. This is the essence of this painting I did in peace and quiet.  

    You can't see the birds in the tree, 

just listen.

You can't tell why they are there

    happy and free. ~

            Part 4 - Earth Day Celebration at the Garden                                      Ecology in the Unifying Element of World Peace 

Over the past decades, over 193 countries have observed the Earth Day celebration—empowering local communities, students, and governments to create a positive change for the planet, charging forward with the popular slogan, think globally, act locally. Internet

 

 

Ecological Ecumenism through Children's Art Workshop 

in expressing love and reverence in God and Nature.

Living with Nature Center, San Vicente Ilocos Sur

Art Workshop for Children before a wall mural by the author in his family
residence (Living with Nature Center) in San Vicente Ilocos Sur, 2017,

Part 5 - What students say about Humanities

(Impressions and Impact)

  

World War II Memorial at St Paul University QC

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The following findings were derived from the perception and reaction of students who took Humanities in the summer 2005 at SPU-QC, then an exclusive women institution. Humanities or Applied Aesthetics, formerly Introduction to the Arts and Music, is a three-unit subject offered in the second year as part of the general college curriculum. The findings will shed light to the general impression that Humanities is one of the least understood subject.s 

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Introduction 

As a professor in humanities, the author looked into how functional knowledge and skills derived from the course could be best cultivated, and how the historical and philosophical perspectives are inculcated in the student. 

He believes that this can be done by formulating an effective way of teaching this broad subject which comprises four major fields, namely visual art, literature, stage play, music and dance. 

One can only imagine how, in a semester’s time – or in one summer period - a college freshman or sophomore could imbibe the subject from the level of appreciation to actual application. But the author believes in the potentials of the course – if only it could be taught the “effective” way. 

The other consideration why this study was made is to determine to what extent can awareness in the arts be built in so short a period, and how such awareness would affect behavior and perception of the student, not only in the arts, but also about life itself. 

It would give both teacher and students the idea when appreciation begins so as to influence attitudes and values. 

• Does Humanities bring out awareness of culture and history as well? 

• To what extent does it influence ones perception about the environment, society and the changing times? 

• Is the syllabus of the course sufficient in bridging art’s traditional history and conventional styles with one that is progressive and liberal in keeping up with the call of the times? 

• If this is so, are the students prepared to critique art, not so much for art’s sake, but for its relevance and application in their lives?

Profile to the student-respondents

There are 43 students, all female, with a narrow age range of 17 to 20. The average age is 17.7

1. The students are in their second year taking up the following courses. 

IT (Information Technology) 31 (72%) 

HRM (Hotel and Restaurant Management) 8 (19%) 

MC (Mass Communication) 3 (7%) 

Biology 1 (2%) 

         Total 43 (100%) 

Of the 43 student-respondents, 26 of them or 60 percent are bona fide residents of Metro Manila, while 17 (40 %) have provincial addresses. 

Thirty (80 %) live with their parents, while 5 (12 %) live with their relatives. 

In general, the students belong to small families as shown by the computed average number of brothers and sisters, which is 1.69 and 0.87, respectively. This is equivalent to three children per family, two girls and one boy. 

Here are 10 major topics or activities in Humanities and how the students rated them.

1. Drawing and Painting - 4.52 Very Good There were two drawings and one acrylic painting made by each student. Subjects included on-the-spot, still life and imagery painting. 

2. Multiple intelligence - 4.31 Very Good. The students made a self- evaluation of the eight realms of intelligence: logic, language, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, kinesthetics, music and naturalism. This exercise serves in analyzing their strong and weak faculties, and to use them in self-improvement. 

3. Exercises – 4.14 Very Good. There are three exercises conducted, namely A. Make this three live again B. I am a sailboat C. My dream house

 4. Photography - 4.55 Very Good The score clearly shows the interest of students in photography as an art. Photography session was held on the campus, and the photographs were made into a photo-essay about SPUQ mounted on illustration board and exhibited at the museum at the end of the course. 

5. Drama Skit - 4.24 Very Good In spite of the limited period of preparation the students enjoyed the drama skit presentation held at the museum. Each group comprised of 5 to 7 members. Contemporary themes included campus scenes, and adventures of growing up. 

6. Poetry - 3.93 Good Poetry writing was rated good. Two poems were made, one accompanied their paintings and the other about Paulinian values. Generally the students preferred free verse style. 

7. Reaction papers - 4.0 Good Critiquing is an important aspect in the arts. The students were required to submit reaction papers for The Little Prince and My Fair Lady. Art criticism was also assigned to them for the murals and paintings. 

8. The Little Prince - 4.12 Very Good This film is based on Antoine de Saint-Exupery’ novelette of the same title. Two sessions were devoted in its analysis. Among the challenging questions asked was “Who is the Little Prince in your life?” 

9. My Fair Lady - 4.36 Very Good This film is a modern version of Pygmalion involving the transformation of an adolescent into a fair lady through the guidance of a phonetic professor. The story imparts a lesson about growing up in contemporary society. 

10. Story of my life - 4.36 Very Good This is an autobiography. Other than writing about oneself, the student explores her world, expounds her life’s philosophy and explores her future. 

What Students say about the effects/ impact of Humanities 

Are there effects of the subject on the lives of the students? What are they and to what extent? These are their perceptions: 

1. Self worth/ self esteem 4.19 VG 

2. Attitude to studies 4.29 VG

3. Attitude to family 4.36 VG 

4. Friends and acquaintances 4.36 VG 

5. Spiritual life 4.14 VG 

6. Personal values 4.02 G

7. Social values 4.04 G

8. Environment and nature 3.64 G 

9. Determination/outlook in life 4.24 VG 

10. Cultivation of talents/ faculties 4.14 VG

The course has the greatest perceived impact on the improvement in attitude to family and friends with 4.36 (Very Good), followed by improvement in attitude toward studies (4.29 Very Good), and better outlook in life, greater determination to live, higher self-esteem. The students gave the lowest scores (Good) to three aspects: outlook on the environment and nature, and improvement of social and personal value. This is because transformation of values is more difficult to attain than transformation of attitudes.

Conclusion and Recommendation 

Humanities can be made an interesting and enjoyable subject by enhancing the following conditions. 

1. Conducive venues - classroom, museum, Eco-Sanctuary, Instructional Media Center, and the like. 

2. Effective teaching methods and techniques – lecture-demonstration, hands-on, on-site instruction and research, group dynamics, film viewing and critiquing 

3. Effective teacher - competent, good attitude, and profession 

4. Appropriate topics/subjects to include wider coverage of spatial arts, literature, and performing arts. 

5. Impact and influence on character and behavior – personal, social and spiritual values 

The following constitute some areas in improving the subject and its instruction: 

1. Greater involvement of the school in the community on activities related to humanities, such as poster making contest, literary contest, wall mural painting, quiz bee, and the like 

2. Extensive use of the library and audio-visual resources. 

3. Allocation of more time in creative activities, hands-on, etc. 

4. Visitation of institutions, such as art centers and scenic spots. 

5. Getting guest resource persons. 

Comments of Students 

1. Arts and humanities is not just a plain subject. It is life! 

2. It was a very different experience. I never thought of enjoying summer class like this. The teacher, is so good, he knows how to teach and touch our lives in a very different way. 

3. I find this subject fun and I really learn a lot from it.

4. This subject has tackled a lot about life and arts - and being happy. 

5. I really enjoyed this humanities class. I loved the lectures regarding life. The hands-on activities like drawing, paintings and photography are really enjoyable.

6. The subject is so challenging, it helped me develop my determination in life.

7. Humanities a great experience. The professor always brings out the best in us and our hidden talents. And that is humanities. 

8. More film viewing even non-classics (contemporary) 

9. I’ve learned so much from this subject, especially about the finer things in life. 

10. I’ve learned so much on the side of poetry. 

11. More elaboration of topics is needed. 

12. The subject was taught well. The only problem was the discussion period. It was lengthy. 

13. Humanities was really a great experience. It is not only that I’ve learned the subject but the deeper side of the subject. 

14. Thank you for teaching us how to express ourselves, and in cultivating our talents. 

15. Well done Sir, you are so patient and very considerate to your students. I really love your way of teaching. Keep up the good work. 

16. More hands-on activities. Clear in teaching and explaining. 

17. Give us time for preparation in same activities, specifically in a stage plays. We cannot do it in just one day to finish everything. Thank you! 

18. More time to discuss topics and more time to practice for the play. 

19. I had a very good experience in humanities. We did not focus in the classroom only but even outside of the class room. It helped me to appreciate the beauty of nature. 

20. The class is very interesting but there were moments I got tired because of many activities. 

21. “No man is an island; he has his own role and purpose in life.”

22. It was a wonderful experience to study humanities because we had a lot of fun during the activities. ~

Part 6 - New Horizon of Philippine Literature in our Postmodern World

Literature has come a long way through the traditional test of time until it inevitably entered into a sudden acceleration of change along other fields of endeavor. We are caught in a fast changing world brought about by breakthroughs in science and technology, the explosion of knowledge on the Internet, communication networking through social media, and globalization of nations and cultures into one homogenous village, so to speak.

Philippine Literature Today: A Travelogue Approach by Abercio V Rotor, PhD 

and Kristine Molina-Doria, EdD.  235 pp with CD, C and E Publishing Co., 2015                    

This is the era of Postmodernism, which literally means “living tomorrow today” where everything seems to be moving in an “free fall,” borrowing the words of Dr Florentino H Hornedo, a foremost Filipino social scientist and UNESCO Commissioner.

Philippine Literature Today: A Travelogue Approach takes us into a journey along the path on which literature has come a long way, evolving with richer diversity in so short a time that generations, old and new alike, are brought together closer through the beauty and bounty of the subject of literature.

· Literature has come a long way from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables to Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere to Martin Luther’s King’s I Have a Dream;

· from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at Laura to Spielberg’s Jurassic Park;

· Aesop’s Fables and Grimm Brothers’ Cinderella to Severino Reyes’ Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang to Disneyland’s animated characters.

· Ben Jonson’s Song to Celia to Leona Florentino’s Rukruknoy to Telenobela;

· Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to Pedro Bucaneg’s Biag ni Lam-ang to Flash Gordon and Starwars; and

· from Nostrodamus: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow to Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock to Higg’s Boson: Link of Energy and Matter. 

Philippine Literature aims at guiding students, in the light of present day trends, to trace back the foundation of literature’s basic tenets and principles and preserve its integrity and true essence. Four pillars of Philippine literature stand sentinel to help the students answer the question “Quo vadis?” To where are we heading for? 
                                             

                          Vanguards of Philippine Literature

Four great Filipinos are acclaimed vanguards of Philippine Literature. The cover of the book, conceptualized and made by artist Leo Carlo R Rotor, depicts the theme of the book - travelogue in literature with these heroes.

· Jose Rizal on politico-socio-cultural subjects, including ecological, Rizal being an environmentalist while in exile in Dapitan, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao;

· Francisco Baltazar or Balagtas on drama and performing arts in general, fiction novels and plays, evolving into stage show and cinema;

· Severino Reyes or Lola Basyang on mythology, children’s stories, komiks, and a wealth of cartoons and other animations; and

· Leona Florentino, the Philippines’ Elizabeth Browning, Ella Wilcox, Emily Bronte et al, epitomizes the enduring classical literature. 
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Philippine Literature – A Travelogue Approach is a sequel to Humanities Today – An Experiential Approach by the same authors and publisher, literature being a major field of humanities, and that the teaching-learning approach adopted in both books is  experiential and exploratory, and largely, on-site and hands-on. It is recommended that the latter be used as a reference in this subject. 
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These great Filipinos contributed immensely to the making of a distinct kind of literature we proudly call our own. It is linked to a larger realm - the literature of the world, which embodies universal principles and values.

Literature is a conservatory of language and culture, and of the humanities. It is a repository of folk wisdom, beliefs and superstitions. It keeps alive the quaintness of social life. It is a treasure of any society.

But literature first of all, must be a "living" one. It builds ideas and thoughts. It strengthens character and instills discipline. To do so it must be understood by the people down to the grassroots – not for entertainment alone but for enlightenment and realization of life’s meaning. Literature indeed is, for and by the people.

.Literature is a builder of leaders - literary greats are leaders with the power of the pen, power of conviction with words, charisma akin to the “singer, not the song.” Or the “the master behind the masterpiece,” to whose name his work is named after. (Shakespearean, Aristotelian, Darwinian). Leaders are looked up to, in building other leaders as well, who continue the task, to carry on the torch and “guide the nation and people through the night ‘til dawn,” in the epilogue of Rizal’s great works.

· Literature is tested by time and change. It is a refuge to the lost, a way back home for a Prodigal Son. A lighthouse in a stormy sea, birds signaling an island must be near somewhere. It is a breeze in doldrums.

                                   Literature in changing times 

We are being swept by the currents of geometric progress. We face a deluge of information that makes separating the grains from the chaff more difficult, so to speak. And how much more picking only the grains we need? Thus we are being led deeper into a maze that takes us farther in our quest for truth.

With the multi-tasks magic palm-size electronic gadget we call in different names like tablet, i-Pod, and smart phone, the world is now virtually in our hand. Never have we been serious in analyzing William Blake’s Auguries of Innocence, which in part is quoted as follows:  

"To see the world in a grain of sand.

     And a heaven a wild flower;

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand ,

     And eternity in an hour."

It is a world shrunk in time and space in one’s lifetime and generation – because technology and affluence have overtaken us at the pace we are used to.

Fortunately we still trace Philosophy back to Socrates, idealism to Plato, Naturalism to Aristotle. We precious independence from colonial rule in Rizal, emancipation of slavery in Lincoln, militancy in women in Tandang Sora and Gabriela Silang, and constitutional reform in the trilogy of the French Revolution - Egalite’, Liberte’ Fraternite’.

Around a bonfire we listen to Aesop, Homer, Scheherazade, Grimm brothers, come alive in vernacular language and costumes. The lament in Shakespearean tragedies, lilting laughter of Jose flying a kite (Saranggola in Pepe), the lyrical melodious pleading of Kudiman (Filipino love song), the dirge of Pasyon (Passion of Christ) – all these take us to a travelogue back to our roots, to the keepers of that Temple which Rizal, Balagtas, Florentino, Reyes, et al built and guarded dutifully and zealously.

                                         Literature and Media

But in today’s capitalism fueled by consumerism, we find the art of literature besieged in a free market where profit is generally the lure and rule. Literature is trapped in this huge market, and if it holds on merely to its past – or just drift aimlessly, then, we may lose its essence, and therefore its treasure.

We must be vigilant to the preservation of literature as the fine art, sensitive to ethics and morality as guide to human actions and behavior, against such issues as pornography, euthanasia, graft and corruption, and issues on the environment that threaten to destroy our living planet. We must regard literature as a powerful tool in preventing war and keeping lasting peace and harmony in society, in keeping faith in our institutions, and our relationship with our Creator, fellowmen, and Nature. It is a travelogue toward the redemption of values and preserving it, indeed a journey on a very rough road.

Commercialization of media has many undesirable consequences to literature, shrouding our thinking and imagination, with the border separating fantasy and reality being eroded. Many creatures are projected with untrue images; while we protect the endangered species, media is making them enemies of mankind – Anaconda, King Kong, The Birds, Jaws rake profits generated by fear, animosity and curiosity while leaving false impression especially to the young. Whole forests, mountains and lakes are destroyed to flush out enemies and bad spirits, or to appease a god of wrath.

But there are, in fact, more positive contributions of literature and media in this aspect in the likes of Black Beauty, Babes, Fly Away Home, Free Willy that elevate human consciousness towards understanding animals and other creatures often rising to the level of moralism in Aesop’s fable, Kipling’s Jungle Book and George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

New horizon of Literature 

Literature rides on multimedia today, in a horse-and-carriage relationship. With the conservative print and broadcast journalism on one hand, and the computer and its state-of-the-art versions on the other, the whole world today is “wired,” theoretically speaking.

But the role of each one in this analogy is not simple and clear cut. Their shared domain is a complex one that needs a definition of their boundaries. But the other school of thought is more of establishing a synergistic relationship which means that more can be gained through cooperation and unity with humanity as the ultimate beneficiary.

This is crucial for the fact that millions of people are bypassed by technology, education, healthcare and other basic necessities for which reason riches particularly generated by computer technology are now channeled philanthropically to the underprivileged.

If literature and media are to support this movement, what could be their roles, and how can they join hands to reach the masses? We are gladdened, at the same time challenged, by a number of developments such as the following:

· Popularization of literature to the understanding of the people. Noli the Musical, translated Rizal’s masterpiece into entertainment education for the TV and cinema. In like manner Oliver Twist’s musical version Oliver, Oliver reached as many people as those who have read the novel.

· The Great Books, among them Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables and Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace now have popular versions for bigger audiences, following the footsteps of The Bible.

· Publishing whether in print or electronic is no longer a business monopoly, it can be done in home workshops, so with documentaries and movies. With the computer one can be an author, publisher, critic, marketer, rolled in one.

· The combination of literary and technical forms, with today’s technology, is bringing into our homes dramas of the living world, reenactment of historical events, stories of the different cultures, and many others. This made National Geographic, Discovery, History and other TV series, very popular.

· Scientific discoveries have found literature a tool for dissemination outside of the conventions of science. Titanic, although more fiction than fact could not have been made without the discovery of the ship’s wreckage at the bottom of the sea. An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary film won for Al Gore, the expert on environment and author, the prestigious Academy Award.

· There are animations and cartoons in print or on screen that are gaining merits to be classified as literature. Finding Nemo, Ice Age, Land Before Time, Disney, Barney and Friends and Jim Jam series are among the most popular of this kind. There are homilies, speeches, conference proceedings, diaries which have literary qualities to be classified as pieces of literature. 

The unquantifiable volume of Information has generated waste, in fact pollution – infollution. This is exacerbated by social networking, and continued increase of wireless technology tools and users.

· Literacy rate may have increased but computer literacy is but “coded literacy” which is not true knowledge. This leads us to the question what constitute the genuineness of a work.

· Neophytes and experts now play the same game on the same playground with multimedia. Exclusivity of clubs, imprimatur of quality granted by select groups, stringent criteria of evaluation, and the like will have to undergo scrutiny and eventual innovation. 

If words, the beauty of words; if plot, the proper organization of chapters; if characters and their superb acting make the story alive; if advanced technology the provider of quality and magic – if these are the parameters of acceptance, and not to consider other factors, we may not be exploring a new horizon of literature. We shall miss the opportunity to face a brave new world of literature.

But we have to look back now and then to that temple built by four great Filipinos and their kind. The flickering light through its window gives us courage and comfort when we see no star in the sky. Dawn is a child coming. ~ 

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About the Cover

The concept of literature by the artist* is viewed from classic-tradition to post-modern movement, which spans over a long period and vast undefined area. It leads to the question, “What is literature today – Philippine literature to be specific?”

Literature, akin to the definition of good government, is of, for and by the people. As a binding force of a culture, literature is about people, their history, their beliefs and ideas.

Literature is the mouthpiece of the people that carries their stories alive and beautiful from generation to generation. It is the people’s collective masterpiece, their imprimatur. Literature is agent of change, never passive, never submissive; it is a pathfinder, a sailing vessel that brings in “the promise of the tides.”

The artist’s idea is in seeing Rizal alive today through his ideals bearing fruits in a free world, Lola Basyang keeping children happy like in his time with mythology’s eternal magic, Balagtas in a new Renaissance in cinemas and the Internet, and Leona Florentino, the muse of Philippine literature as the keeper of the “literary flame.”

- Leo Carlo Rojas Rotor, BSFA-ID (UST), MIT (AdMU),
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Part 7 - Literature is the people’s collective masterpiece,

their imprimatur.

Dr Abe V Rotor

1. Three words for a book title, Philippine Literature Today,

The essence of three elements: space, subject and time;

Yet subjective and elusive to the critical eye and mind

But courageous at the frontline, gentle over our clime.

2. What is literature to the old is also that to the young;

Bridge of generations, continuum of race and culture;

Heroes of old, heroes of new, and those awaiting, too,

Living book, not archive or litany, to love and treasure.

3. Dawn the prelude to sunrise, brings in a new sentinel,

New to the learned, to the unlearned, to the new born,

Sunset not the end of day and coming peace of night;

But rage, for to settle down is sin when the flag is torn.

4. Wonder the sun rising late and dying young in smog;

Wonder a high rise cast its shadow to hide a shanty;

Wonder ostentatious shows, courtesy of the needy;

Wonder literature thriving on romantic dichotomy.

5. Icons, masters, the pedestal too crowded for a few;

Names branded by fraternity, laurel or olive wreath;

Vanity and fancy, in language beautiful in the clouds,

Cordon sanitaire that wisdom is barred to bequeath.

6. While the world moves on by leaps from a small step,

In quantum of knowledge beyond the brain can hold;

Cyberspace the blackboard that was, now unlimited,

Makes the old torch a lightning bolt its power untold.

7. Literature its profile from Baby TV to Disney to HBO
Its domain epics and tales to history, science and ad;
Access on the palm and wrist, biometrics and robotics;
Quo vadis literatura? The canons are now old and sad.

8. Talk about Black Death, talk about COVID, both dreaded;
Angels and astronauts; about Noah’s flood and Yolanda;
Tenants in the field and condominiums they don’t own;
Man-made islands and deserts, the mall and talipapa.

9. No part truly speaks of the whole, comprehensive it may,
For literature defies science; unlike happiness multiplies
When divided in the magic of synergy and imagination
Above reason like rainbow that often comes in disguise.

10. Pathfinders at the heels of the world’s men of letters,
Universal truth in Rizal, genius put to test in martyrdom;
Reyes the Lola Basyang, relived fairies and the dwarfs
By the hearth and tamed the giants in faraway kingdom.

11. The doyen, Leona in Philippine poetry past, preserved
The endangered classics of the west tuned in vernacular;
Balagtas brought on stage Shakespearean drama alive;
Four pillars stand over our literature like shining star.

12. To our shores came Aesop, Homer, the Grimm brothers,
Stories from far north and south, and across the globe,
In times war and peace, in colonial days and in liberty;
An invisible hand guided our destiny from the cold.

13. What now from millennia past, in postmodern age -
The atom a ticking bomb, the life’s secret in DNA code?
The world has shrunk into a gadget, now owned by all
At fingertip’s command, at anytime, by young and old.

14. The second Big Bang that in cyberspace never sleeps,

Rousing and prodding, intruding, unyielding to our right,

Where computer and literature on busy feet moving,

Like a river of no return, rushing aimlessly in the night.

15. Humbly this book presents a less trodden way, perhaps nil;

Footsteps it lays ahead on a long journey on the horizon

By pioneers unknown, untested, theirs not of the glory

But courage and joy beating a path to a promising zone. ~

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Lesson on former Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid (People's School-on-Air) with Ms Melly C Tenorio. 738 DZRB AM Band, 8 to 9 evening class, Monday to Friday

Part 8 - The Therapeutic Effect of "Violin and Nature"

Violin and Nature is an experimental approach to music therapy  

Music must be elevated from the level of entertainment and expression of skills to one that brings the listener to a state of catharsis, relieving him of the stresses and tensions of daily living. Music therapy is now recognized as part of alternative medicine. There are musical compositions that bring about the so-called Mozart Effect, named after Amadeus Mozart whose compositions are acclaimed by scientists to be the most therapeutic of all musical compositions, even among his contemporaries in the classical and romantic schools.

This article is the result of a research conducted by the author with his class at the UST Graduate School as respondents to the hypothesis that the combination of Violin and Naturesounds has therapeutic effects to the listener. And if so, how? What aspects of our body physiology, mind, psyche, and spirit are affected? In what ways, and how do we measure such effects?

Cover of tape, later copied into CD. Shorter versions are available: Violin and Birds, Violin and Waves

Can auditory art be developed by converting word to music, and re-create the sound of nature to accompany it? The idea is to find a compatible blend of science - the prosaic and formal, with humanities - the entertaining, cultural, and the sounds of nature, definitely a rare experience that takes place in the inner vision of the mind. Violin and Nature is a CD recording or 32 extemporaneous popular and semi-classical compositions played on the violin by the author with accompaniment of birds, insects, wind, waterfall and running stream.

People say, “ Relaks lang” or “just do it” as part of daily conversation. Either it is taken as advice or compliment, the message is clear: life today is growing tenser. “ Take it easy” has a reassuring note that everybody must learn to live in a stressful world.

Both the poor and rich are subject to different forms of stress, so with the city and village dweller. Ironically, stress does not spare growing affluence. In fact, it persists invariably throughout life, virtually from womb to tomb.

The idea of dealing with tension or stress is how one is able to reduce it effectively so as to enjoy life and get rid of its complications from headaches to various psychosomatic symptoms- and eventual health problems, if it is not checked on time.

One proposal is the use of therapeutic effects of music and nature, thus the rationale of this experiment that employs the combined soothing sound of the violin, and the harmony of nature.

Music is well known to reduce tension. Pipe-in music increases work efficiency in corporate offices, takes out boredom in otherwise monotonous assignments, and fosters proper attitude and disposition, when correctly applied. In fact, scientists have established the biological basis of music by being able to increase the production efficiency in poultry and livestock with the use of background music. The key is the reduction of stress in the animal. The same result has yet to be established in plants.

A stressful life builds tension in the body. Headache, wakefulness, palpitation, indigestion, trembling and many other symptoms, which wear away the life force, accompany tension. Tired nerves need rest and quiet, as nature needs time to recuperate her exhausted energies.

What is tension? It is the effort that is manifested in the shortening of muscle fibers. Physiologists compare muscle tension with “neuromuscular relaxation” to differentiate popular interpretation of relaxation as amusement, recreation, or hobbies. To be relaxed is the direct physiology opposite of being excited or disturbed.

Neurosis and psychoneurosis are at the same time physiological disturbance, for they are forms of tension disorders. Therefore, the key to treatment lies in relaxation.

Who are victims of tension? Everybody is a candidate. These are models of tensed individuals: the “burnt out” housewife, the tagasalo in the family, the gifted child, the dominant lola, the authoritative patriarch. These persons themselves are not only victims of tension; they spread tension among people around them.

Multitudes long for a better life, but they lack courage and resolution to break away from the power of habit. On the other hand, many escape from the harsh realities of life by taking alcohol and drugs.

Hypothesis

The whole idea of relaxation is in disciplining the body to budget life’s energies, and to immerse oneself to relaxing moods. Music and nature are a great inexhaustible source. Plato and Confucius looked at music as a department of ethics. They saw the correspondence between character of man and music. Great music, they believed, is in harmony with the universe, restoring order to the physical world. Aristotle on the other hand, the greatest naturalist of the ancient world supported the platonic view, which through the Renaissance to the present dominate the concept of great composition. Great music has always been associated with God’s creation.

Nature on the other hand, produces calming effects to the nerve. Sightseeing, picnic and camping are a good break to prosaic city life. Different from ordinary amusements in the park or theater, the countryside is one arena of peace and quiet. Features on TV and print media provide but an alternative scenario. Today “canned” Nature is being introduced in many forms such as traveling planetarium, CD-ROM Nature Series, Ecology Village, and the like, to illustrate the growing concern of people to experience the positive effects of Nature in an urban setting characterized by a stressful modern life.

This experiment is based on the premise that the combined effects of music and Nature help reduce tension in daily living, particularly among working students in the city.

Conceptual Framework

A- Tension tends to dominate the body to relax, resulting in tension build-up in the muscles;

B- Music (violin solos) and Nature’s sounds( birds, running stream etc.) make a composition which provides a rare listening experience in varying intensity; and

C- The experience enhances relaxation, reduces tension and its physiologic effects in the individual.

Methodology

The Violin and Nature recorded in compact disc (CD) was then presented for evaluation to students in Research Methodology at the UST Graduate School on two aspects, namely, the content of the tape and the perception of the respondents. Physiologic response was determined by measuring the pulse rate before and after listening to eight sample compositions from the tape for thirty minutes.

These are as follows:

1. Serenade by Toselli (semi- classical)

2. Meditation, from the Thais by Massenet (classical)

3. Lara’s Theme (sound track of the movie, Dr. Zhivago)

4. Beyond the Sunset (ballad)

5. Paper Roses (popular)

6. A Certain Smile (popular)

7. Fascination (popular dance music)

8. Home on the Range (country song)

Respondents Profile

This is the profile of the 42 respondents, which made up one class in research methodology. They are predominantly female students (81%), employed (86%), with ages from 21 to 29 years old (76%).

Content Analysis

The respondents counted eight tunes or pieces, of which 5 are familiar to them. They identified three non-living sounds (running stream, wind, and waterfall, aside from the violin), and two living sounds (mainly birds).

Physiologic Response

The average pulse rates before and after listening to the tape are 79.47 and 73.29 per minute, respectively, or a difference of 6.18. Statistically, the difference is significant, thus confirming the relaxing effects to the respondents after listening to the CD.

Perception

The ten criteria used in rating the perception of the respondents are ranked as follows, adopting the Likert Scale. Note: A scale of 1 to 5 was used, where 1 is very poor, 2 poor, 3 fair, 4 good, and 5 very good.

Criteria Rating Rank

1. One has the feeling of being

transported to a Nature/Wildlife scene. 4.48 1

2. Listening to the tape creates an aura

of peace and serenity. 4.39 2

3. The composition is soothing to hear,

Has calming effect on the nerves. 4.24 3

4. The composition creates a meditative

mood. 3.95 4

5. It brings reminiscence to the

listener of a past experience. 3.64 5

6. It helps one in trying to

forget his problems. 3.59 6

7. One has the felling of being

transported heavenward, to Cloud 9. 3.55 7

8. There is tendency to sleep while

listening to the composition. 3.52 8

9. It brings about a nostalgic feeling. 3.19 9

10. The composition makes one

sad and melancholic. 2.55 10

Analysis and Interpretation

The means the first three criteria fall between good and very good, while the others, except the 10th, are between fair and good. This finding supports the positive relaxing effects of Violin and Nature.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Listening to Violin and Nature slows down pulse rate significantly, thus reducing tension, and brings the listener closer to a state of relaxation. The effects are measured as based on ten criteria. Topping the scores which are classified Very Good are:

1. One has the feeling of being transported to a Nature /Wildlife Scene;

2. Listening to the tape creates an aura of peace and serenity; and

3. The composition is soothing to hear, and has calming effect on the nerves.

There are six other parameters that support the hypothesis that the CD is relaxing. This is different from its effect of bringing nostalgia, sadness and melancholy that received the lowest scores and rankings.

However, there is need to improve the quality of the compositions, and their recording. It is also recommended that similar evaluation be conducted on other age groups and people of different walks of life who are similarly subject to stressful life and environment. ~

Part 9 -  Nature's Art 

Cryptobiology: The Study of Nature Spirits 

Cryptobiology is a controversial field of study at the border of science and superstition, thus scientists call it pseudoscience. It is however, gaining acceptance and support from scholars and people in general.

There are two fields of cryptobiology, one concerning animals (cyptozoology) and the other, plants (cryptobotany). The former took off with the discovery of strange creatures like the Coelacanth fish thought to have become extinct millions of years ago.  On the other hand, the search of legendary and fiction characters like Loch Ness, Bigfoot, and the Abominable Snowman, continues to draw attention. 

A collection of Nature Spirit remains which resemble unique features of creatures and objects, a subject of pseudoscience called cryptobiology. On display at the author's residence at the Living with Nature Center in San Vicente Ilocos Sur.

Search for the Incredible 

Media with the advancement of science and  technology have embellished  findings and reports about a "third world of creatures". The platypus is among nature's most unlikely animals. In fact, the first scientists to examine a specimen believed they were the victims of a hoax.  If the Red Wood (Sequoia) was not discovered, no one would believe in its enormous size compared with high rise buildings. How many creatures completely unfamiliar to most of us live in a drop of pond water?  In terms of biological diversity, 90 percent of living things remain unknown and unidentified, more so if we include the prototype and extinct organisms since life appeared three billion years ago. 

Driftwood representing a Philippine eagle, hawk (lawin), and a dragon in biblical times and in fairy books. Displayed as a table top figurines, subject of curiosity and subsequent exchange of stories among young and old alike.   

 

This figure of an aquatic creature apparently swimming, was discovered in an estuary. Old folks claim the creature once lived where sea and river meet, a unique habitat of many strange creatures, animals and plants as well.  Mural background adds to the queer ambiance of the figure. 

Horned duck with wings half-spread ready for takeoff, gives a fantasy image of a strange creature, which kids relate with cartoon characters and unique specimens like the Pterodactyl, an extinct genus of pterosaurs.

 

 

Top photos: Half-serpent, half-avian with distinct eyes, beak and crown (palong Tag); yelping puppy in a greeting pose.  Lower photos: Long legged reptile emerging from a broken jar seems to be telling story fit for a horror movie. 

    

Augury is the practice from ancient Roman religion of interpreting omens from the observed behavior of birds. A white dove means “peace”. A black dove means “war”.  It could also pertain to matters of the heart, relationships, luck, misfortune, death, Remember the emissary bird in the biblical Noah's Ark? Have you seen a black dove in our real world?

  

Out of this world creatures haunt the forest, playing the role of guardian against poachers and loggers.  Nature spirits are friendly to environmentalists and are believed to be protecting Nature's resources against abuse.  

Cryptobiology is traced to our ancestors, and carried on through history, treasured in  primitive societies, religious organizations, and time honored beliefs and tradition conveyed in documents and folktales.   

Cryptobiology, Keeper of Values and Tradition

One time I asked a man of his true name.  He said when he was a boy he was sickly.  To overcome his condition, his nickname was changed with one stroke of a bolo (Taga' sa punong kahoy.)  To this day Mang Kapok (kapok is cotton tree, Ceiba pentandra), now a senior, is heathy and strong, thanks to the spirit of the place and the village herbolario.  

Beginning of Crypto communication

With the breakthrough in cybercommunication, it is evident that soon we will be communicating with Nature more directly than before, more than mere fantasy and imagination, over and above, inferential and psychological.  

Cryptobiology and Conscientization

Conscientizatrion  conveys the idea of developing, strengthening, and changing consciousness. Consciousness leads us to think further than knowledge in the pursuit of values, truth and the ideal.  Here is a piece I wrote for a university lecture on Nature and Literature. ~

Part 10 -  Bonsai is Nature's Art

Natural bonsai is Nature's art, that has for centuries inspired man to create miniaturized landscapes that fulfill his yearning for a connection to nature.

  

 Manicured bonsai tamarind trees. Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

When I saw the tamarind bonsai, it flashed into my mind the story of a wise man from the Orient who was asked, "What tree lives the longest?" to which he confidently answered, "The bonsai."

About the same time a scientist from California was asked of the same question. To which he replied with scientific authority, "The Sequoia."

For a long time the world debated about the issue. I found myself a fence sitter in my college days. Until I became a biologist.

Centuries old bonsai trees grace many parks and homes in China, Japan and Korea, the origin of the art of dwarfing plants into what we know today as bonsai. They are of course minuscule to the giant Sequoia or redwoods in western United States which stand twenty to thirty storeys high.

Some of these trees were already bearing cones at the time of Christ. That's more than 2000 years ago. So these trees held the record for a long time. Until...

The record gave way to gnarled dwarf trees, among them the Bristlecone, living on windswept rocky shores in the Mediterranean and other parts of the world where conditions of survival are extremely difficult.

Which brings about the puzzle - what really is the key to longevity?

I examined the tamarind bonsai in Thailand. Why they are pampered with care! By man, under the rule of monarchy.

I read extensively about the redwoods. Why they are pampered by nature! They dominate the ground, space and sky. They are the monarchs of the forest.

And neither gives the convincing answer to the puzzle.

 

It is because the longest living tree, the Bristlecone (PHOTOS), is left all by itself to fend itself against the extreme conditions of the environment.

This strengthened by belief that natural resistance is the key to survival and longevity. It is natural resistance that enables the organism to survive and to live long. And here are the premises.

1. Controlled growth reduces need for food, water, space and nutrients.

2. Metabolism is slowed down when these requirements for growth and development are placed under restrictive control.

3. Extreme conditions "temper" organisms. Tempering is hardening of cells, tissues and organs, basically the protoplasm.

4. Tropisms are likewise honed under extreme conditions. Roots penetrate deeper to reach the source of water. Phototropism encourages the plant to reach out for the sun, chemotropism triggers survival tools such as chemical secretion. Latex and resin are protective substances.

5. On the cell level, slower cell division lengthens life. Fast multiplying cells are shorter lived than slow multiplying ones. Chromosomes get shorter every time the cell multiplies, their telomeres shrink every time the cell divides. This leads to faster senility and early demise of the cell. These premises I believe, hold the key to the so-called "green thumb" in the bonsai expert.

These premises are found in the giant Sequoia, although its size is deceiving. The truth is that the old Sequoia, like the bonsai, has reached virtual dormancy. Any organism in a state of dormancy or torpor undergoes very slow metabolism, which contributes to long life.

  

Beside, the Sequoia (PHOTOS) has other advantages in its natural habitat. It produces resin as a survival tool sealing off its attackers and healing the wound that they inflict. Here too, the Sequoia exhibits natural rejuvenation. It can recover from injuries to a point that a new tree may grow from the trunk and roots of a fallen one, like a tiller arising from its parent. It is natural tissue culture. Which leads us to the question, When does longevity end, when does it start?

I examined the bonsai tamarind trees and made reference to these factors. Well, I estimated their age to be about two centuries or so. Which is confirmed by the history of the Grand Palace. I compared them with the two bonsai tamarind trees at home which have shrunk into two-foot shrubs. An kindly old lady entrusted them under my care fifty years ago. Under natural condition tamarind grows into a very large tree.

This comparison points out that organisms of the same species don't only grow into different sizes in nature - they are actually controlled. More food and they grow fast and big, probably lanky and weak. On the other hand, starved them and they will become dwarf. Hardened and tough, and they live long.

On hind sight, does this hypothesis apply to animals? To humans? If so, then deprivation and exposure to adverse conditions - and not a bountiful life - is the key to long life.

Indeed, longevity is a mystery. ~

Part 11 - Teaching Aids for Effective Teaching

"We will ensure that teachers and educators are empowered, adequately recruited, well-trained, professionally qualified, motivated and supported within well-resourced, efficient and effectively governed systems." ... Incheon Declaration, WEF 2015

Relics and fossils as teaching aids 

Transform for advertisement. Stone elephant  welcomes guests in a Cove Resort

As you wait your order, witness the state-of-the-art  coffee brewing. 

Pirates of the Caribbean  costume - parade and stage play

Farm implements for farmers' workshop, NFA Grain Industry Museum

  

Listening to the sea with a conch - a make believe approach to teaching   

Graded project on recycling - skills development  

Giant wooden xylophone accompanies ethnic dance 

Students in biology used nails, paper clips, tin can, buttons and anything one can pick around, to make a giant Dileptus, a microscopic one-celled animal found in pond water.

Transforms stimulate both hemispheres of the brain, and they make the students become more aware and sensitive to the things around them. Imagine a series of nails glued along the side of the organism. It is a perfect illustration of cilia that the organism uses for locomotion, and to think that nails have another purpose and have nothing to do with biology. Short of saying that this approach is ethnic art, in many ways the students feel at home in the learning process. It is indigenous and simple. It makes use of discarded materials. It is dollar saver because we can do away with imported models that are expensive and may not even apply to local conditions. Many materials around us are waiting to be transformed into something useful if we know how.

These are kinds of transforms and their applications. Many of these are found at the biological laboratories. 

1. Examples of transforms in chemistry are models of atoms of elements and molecules of common compounds. These can be made of styropore, plastic and paper materials, better still wood.

2. Size, distance and positions of the planets in the solar system can be conveniently shown in a transform. This is perhaps the most common project in general science for high school.

3. In geology, soil profiles, cross-section of the earth, and cross-section of a volcano, are relatively easy to make.

4. Plant morphology, taxonomy and various growth stages, are popular models to make.

5. Embryology is best studied with models, so with the human body.

6. In literature, Shakespearean plays provide a wide choice of scenarios to choose from.

7. For history, significant events are re-enacted through transforms. So with the important people in history. The wax museum in Madrid houses life size personalities and fiction characters.

8. Puppet shows are among the first applications of transforms and dioramas. Remember, the scene of The Lonely Goatherd in Robert Wise’s Sound of Music?

9. Perhaps the biggest transform, if I call it as such, is the giant bird of Nazca. It is so huge you can only decipher the figure from an air plane.

10. The boundary of transforms and specimens in many cases is a thin line. Sometimes they are but one. A stuffed bird with simulated environment is a perfect example.

Toy as Transform

When is a toy a transform, or an educational tool? As a child I loved making toys and playthings out of simple things and without spending much. For example, a wooden thread reel makes a fine road buggy self-propelled by rubber band that serves like the spring of an old fashioned watch. There is no need of battery and there is no such thing as depreciation. Well, it is because it has few parts and there is virtually no cost involved.

The invention fascinated the kids in the neighborhood. Soon they had their own buggies, of course a shade of the Tamiya toy race car. The invention may not be worth patenting, but with the exorbitant price of cars and spiraling cost of fuel, there is good reason to think of re-inventing the wheel, so to speak.

Children don’t learn much from toys anymore.

Today’s toys come handy with a rich variety to choose from. There is no more effort to play a toy, more so to understand how it works. Inside the toy is unknown, a mystery that a child would like to find out and explore. It is the dismantling and subsequent destruction that satisfies his curiosity – if ever at all. Even knock down models do not offer the fresh feeling of success. So with toy models on the computer. Seldom does a child today grow wiser and more mature because of toys. During my time as a child when one made a toy that works, it was victory. Making toys is learning and a part of growing up. It is earning for oneself a trophy.

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Before, one made his own toy and he knew how it works. Today one unwittingly destroys a toy to find out how it works. Before, the element of function is the test of ones skill, such as in making a top or kite. Today, function is the realm of the manufacturer. Ready-made toys simply cater to the child’s curiosity, and incidentally to his learning. Modern toys create demand through style and sophistication that are not basic to functional design and value.

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Transforms are Evolving with the Times

It is the impact and value of a transform that one must look for. It is the relevance to present day situation that makes these tools valuable. As science and technology progress by leaps and bounds, many educational models have become outdated. For example, in genetics, limiting the model to the structure of the gene, and only to this level, would not sufficiently explain the new science of genetic engineering. One must know the Crick and Watson model and its latest version showing the DNA splitting and re-organizing in order to understand how Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are made.

If we consider transform in its highest form, think of simulation. The laws of physics are best illustrated here. Gallileo climbed the leaning Tower of Pizza to demonstrate the relationship of mass and gravity. Darwin used transforms and actual specimens to illustrate his theory of evolution. Aerodynamics is studied in wind tunnels and weightlessness in gyroscopes.

Hands-on with Computer is a Different Experience

Computers are known for rapid processing, wide coverage, versatility and virtual reality. It has wired the world and shrunk it within the reach of every user of the tool. In fact the box and the user are one, so to speak. But it is this very dependence on the computer that leaves very little room for the user to seek basic knowledge and learn basic skills.

Computers cannot totally replace transforms, audio-visual aids, and other educational tools. In the natural world the senses are very important. They must be honed. They are man’s connection to nature. Development of a skill is an actual activity, and it takes time to perfect it. Values are gained with good company. Innovation emanates where there is necessity. It is like saying necessity is the mother of invention. Feelings are conveyed and shared in a very personal way. Which reminds me of a person who asked the computer what is the meaning of love. The reply was prompt and came in a hundred definitions. Not satisfied, he asked the computer to illustrate the feeling of one in love. To which the machine labored for the correct answer. Finally it gave up and replied, “Sorry, I cannot feel.”

Not with transforms. One must use his senses fully, a sixth included - a sense of appreciation that comes from the heart. “It is only through the heart that one speaks clearly,” said the fox to the Little Prince in the novel, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery’. It is true. True learning comes not only from the mind, but also with the heart.

Transforms – Ever Ready Teaching Aid

A geometry teacher appeared at a loss. There was no blackboard; she was holding class under an acacia tree. “All right class, our lesson is about geometric figures,” she said simultaneously taking out a handkerchief. Every student took his handkerchief out, and the simple piece of cloth became a versatile educational tool.

As a farmhand I used to count chicken as they queued out in the morning from the shed. Because there were many, I would position myself at a vantage point to insure I counted them all with a simple devise. By breaking the stick every count of ten, then add the number of breaks when all the fowls are out, it was not at all a difficult task. Then I would compare the result with the stick I used the day before. Transforms serve as aids in measuring things where conventional or modern instruments are available. What other transforms of this kind do we know? Have you heard of the Pace Factor? Compute for your pace constant and you know how far you have walked or ran. Use it in determining the length of a corridor or dimensions of a hall or area of a rice field.

Fr. Jerry Orbos in one of his homilies used a new pair of chopsticks to drive his message. “You cannot use these chopsticks while the pair is still joined,” he said, and then broke the pair apart. “Now you can use it.”

Indeed transforms are important in bringing us back to our senses. •

*In celebration of Teachers' Day, October 5, 2015 “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies” is the World Teachers' Day slogan for 2015.

Lesson on former Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid (People's School-on-Air) with Ms Melly C Tenorio 738 DZRB AM, 8-9 evening class Monday to Friday

12. Children's Art Workshop: Painting and Drama

"I am what my brush and colors take me,

to where the boundless world that be." avr

Of Brush and Colors

I am what my brush and colors take me, 

    to where the boundless world that be;

beyond the sky or in the depth of the sea 

    beyond the boundaries of what I see.   

  Art Workshop 

To each his or her own now, and time to waste,

     if idleness in art means any less;

and growing up a matter of chase and haste,

     heed not, for the clay is still fresh.

Children's Art Exhibit

It's open house to view our children's art;

    Amazing!  And who wouldn't agree?

For the young fills something on our part,  

    We who were once talented and free.

Ribbon Cutting on Exhibit Day

Ritual we may say, or just ceremony,

     Cheap on today's print or TV;

It's all about money and personality.

     Save the young while still early.

Early Masterpieces 

When is pride humility?

Showing to the world beauty,

Handmade, and telling it good

As a good child really should.

Deities of Nature - A Drama Skit

Good spirits - they are deities of Nature,

     in forests, rivers, lakes and seas,

keepers of our land, air and water pure,

     night and day, at ease and peace.  

Best Artist Award

Single out the best, make them meek,

     with medals to wear and  keep;

that others may also strive to seek,

     what they have failed to reap.

Art Instructor

 (Author as organizer and art instructor)

Give me your children's gifted hands

     to hold the brush this summer;

and paint the glowing rainbow's bands

     that bring in a sudden shower;

make the canvas come alive from the sands

     of time, to a beautiful flower.

(Children's Summer Art Workshop, Filinvest Homes QC, 1996)

Workshop Graduation 

It's not an end, but a beginning,

From one chapter after another;

For life has no end or beginning,

In one's own lifetime to another.~

Annex 1

 February is National Arts Month in the Philippines

National Arts Month 2025. This year's theme, “Ani ng Sining, Diwa at Damdamin,” emphasizes that our nation's artistic expression is deeply rooted in the collective passion and spirit of our people. Throughout the month, events all over the country focuses in showcasing the cultural heritage and arts of the Philippines and its artists. Google, Internet

1. Exhibitions and Art Shows: Galleries nationwide display paintings, sculptures, and installations, providing a stage for artists.

2. Performing Arts Festivals: Dance, theater, music, and film festivals celebrate diverse artistic expressions.

3. Workshops and Seminars: Educational initiatives foster skill development and knowledge-sharing among artists.

4. Cultural and Heritage Tours: Tours promote awareness of the Philippines’ cultural treasures, engaging the public with artistic legacy.

5. Street Art and Public Installations: Festivals and installations transform public spaces, making art accessible to all.

6. Literary Events: Book launches, poetry readings, and discussions celebrate Filipino writers and their literary contributions.

7. Film Screenings and Festivals: National Arts Month showcases classic and contemporary Filipino films, promoting cinematic achievements.

8. Community Art Projects: Collaborative projects involve local communities, focusing on social issues and fostering shared creativity.

9. Artisan Markets: Markets feature handmade crafts, showcasing local artisans and allowing direct sales to the public.

10. Public Art Initiatives: Mural painting and street art competitions beautify public spaces, involving local artists.

National Arts Month unites Filipinos, fostering appreciation for diverse artistic expressions that enrich the cultural tapestry of the Philippines.

Check museums, convention centers, art galleries, movie theaters, schools, and even malls for arts, crafts and cultural events.

A simple search using the term “national arts month Philippines” on Facebook gives you numerous activities to check out. Find one near you today! Acknowledgement and gratitude: Google, Internet

ANNEX 2

National Arts Month:

Nurturing creativity and our shared sense of humanity
BY Manila Bulletin
Feb 8, 2025 00:03 AM

Since 1991, February has been designated as National Arts Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 683, signed by President Corazon C. Aquino. This month-long commemoration underscores the importance of nurturing and recognizing local artistry as a vital part of nation-building and cultural identity.

The theme for NAM 2025, “Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin” (Harvest of the Arts: Soul and Passion) aptly captures the flourishing state of Philippine art. After years of pandemic-related challenges, the local art scene is now in full bloom, ready to showcase creative works that speak to the heart and reflect the passion of Filipino artists.

Art, in its many forms, whether visual, performative, architectural, or literary, serves as a mirror of society. From paintings and sculptures to music, theater, and even digital media, art captures the complexities of human experience and preserves the soul of a nation. The creative process itself embodies freedom, imagination, and resilience, values that Filipinos have long demonstrated.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) opened this year’s NAM with a ceremony held in front of its newly decorated building inside Intramuros, with its façade decked in intricately designed bamboo inspired by Bulacan’s Singakaban festival.

The NCCA spearheads numerous events this month, in collaboration with both public and private institutions. The activities include a parade, free tour at Museo de Intramuros, a light display at the Metropolitan Theater, workshops, and art shows. Art Fair Philippines is among the highlights, moving this year from its traditional venue at The Link carpark to the more expansive Ayala Triangle, offering new experiences for art enthusiasts.

Moreover, galleries and museums nationwide, including the National Museum of Fine Arts and the recently renovated Ayala Museum become hubs for cultural immersion. The National Museum of Fine Arts provides an immersive survey of local art history and houses Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium,” a most precious example of Filipino fine art.

It is time to bring the family to visit a museum or two. Visiting these spaces offers us a chance to connect with our artistic heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for contemporary expressions of creativity.

Art is often misunderstood as a luxury reserved for the elite. However, its impact is far-reaching. Throughout history, Filipino artists have used their craft to advocate for social justice, document the struggles of everyday life, and envision a better future. Art gives voice to what words sometimes cannot express and reveals truths that actions alone cannot convey. It fosters empathy, challenges perspectives, and inspires change.

This month reminds us of the essential role art plays in shaping our identity and collective memory. Pausing to engage in artistic activities — whether attending exhibits, watching performances, or simply creating something ourselves — nurtures not just our individual creativity but also our shared sense of humanity.

As our nation continues to evolve, art will remain a vital marker of its growth and maturity. National Arts Month serves as a reminder to celebrate the soul and passion that define us as a people. Let us continue to support and uplift Filipino artists whose works inspire, provoke, and unite us. In doing so, we contribute to a vibrant and enduring cultural legacy that will shape generations to come. ~

Acknowledgement with gratitude: NCCA, Google, Manila Bulletin, Internet, AdMU, Usapang Bayan.