TATAKalikasan Apolaki Caldera (Lesson Outline and Reference) - Article in Progress

Lesson on TATAKalikasan, Ateneo de Manila University

87.9 FM Radyo Katipunan, every Thursday, 11 - 12 a.m. Nov 6, 2025

Host, Fr JM Manzano SJ, with Dr Abe V Rotor, Prof Emoy Rodolfo, AdMU, and Prof. Pauline Salvana Bautista, Ateneo School of Theology

Guest: Prof. Jenny Anne Barretto, discoverer of Apolaki Caldera

The Apolaki Caldera was discovered in 2019 by Jenny Anne Barretto, a Filipino marine geophysicist, and her team. This caldera is recognized as the world's largest, located within the Benham Rise.

The World’s Largest Caldera 

Discovered in the Philippine Sea

By David Bressan, Senior Contributor. Oct 21, 2019.

A 150 km wide depression discovered during a survey in the Philippine Sea may be the world's largest volcanic caldera.Google Earth/Barretto et al. 2019

A team of marine geophysicists recently published a paper describing a large igneous massif east of the island of Luzon, located on the bottom of the Philippine Sea. Based on the morphology, the research suggests that the submarine mountain massif represents the remains of a volcanic caldera with a diameter of ~150 km (93 miles), twice the size of the famous Yellowstone caldera in Wyoming (U.S.).

Gravimetric analysis shows that the Benham Rise, as the submarine mountain massif is named, consists of a nine miles thick layer of magmatic and volcanic rocks. Rock samples comprise ages of 47.9 to 26-million-years, when volcanic activity build up the massif. Sonar surveys of the seafloor also revealed the morphology for the first time.

The Benham Rise is rising from the 5.200 meters (~17,000 ft) deep seafloor to ~2500 meters, roughly 8,200 ft, beneath the sea surface, with a depression in the central portion, which likely is a volcanic caldera. When large volumes of magma are erupted over a short time, a volcano may collapses downward into the emptied or partially emptied magma chamber, leaving a massive depression at the surface, from one to dozens of kilometers in diameter. The circular depression on the Benham Rise is surrounded by a crest with scarps as high as 100 to 300 meters (300 to 900 ft). It may be the world's largest known caldera with a diameter of ~150 km (93 miles). For comparison, the famous caldera of Yellowstone in Wyoming is only about 60 km (37 miles) wide. The researchers named the caldera Apolaki, meaning “giant lord”, after the Filipino god of the sun and war.

Brainstorming - Framework for Group Session

  Brainstorming - Framework for Group Session

Brainstorm ( Geistesblitz in German) is flash of inspiration, brainwave, scintillation, flash of genius. Brainstorming makes every member of the organization feel important.

Dr Abe V Rotor

Professor, University of Santo Tomas 

 

Brainstorming - Class in Developmental Communication 

under the author, UST Faculty of Arts and Letters.

Brainstorming is a popular group interaction in various settings - community, academic and business - in a workshop style. It is a group creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution of a problem, or analysis of a situation.

Four Rules in Brainstorming

1. Encourage freewheeling expression.

2. Reserve criticism on anyone’s ideas.

3. Generate good, workable, profitable ideas.

4. Combine ideas for strength.

Code of Conduct

1. Encourage the ideas of others.

2. Make positive constructive comments.

3. Encourage the participation of all members.

4. Solicit input from others in the department.

5. Ensure that credit is given to those to whom it is due.

6. Maintain a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere.

7. Attend all scheduled meetings.

8. Rotate tasks on a voluntary basis.

9. Mail the minutes of the meeting within a reasonable time.

10. Assist other group members as necessary.

11. Follow the rules of brainstorming.

12. Follow Robert’s Rules of Order.

13. Maintain equality among all members of the group.

14. Accept the decision of the majority.

Conduct of Session

1. A warm-up session, to expose novice participants to the criticism-free environment. A simple problem is brainstormed, for example, Prevent Dengue in the Community.

2. The facilitator presents the problem and gives a further explanation if needed.

3. The facilitator asks the brainstorming group for their ideas.

4. If no ideas are forthcoming, the facilitator suggests a lead to encourage creativity.

5. All participants present their ideas, and the idea collector records them.

6. To ensure clarity, participants may elaborate on their ideas.

7. When time is up, the facilitator organizes the ideas based on the topic goal and encourages discussion.

8. Ideas are categorized.

9. The whole list is reviewed to ensure that everyone understands the ideas.

10. Duplicate ideas and obviously infeasible solutions are removed.

11. The facilitator thanks all participants and gives each a token of appreciation.

The role of the rapporteur is vital. He is in charge of the proceedings, noting the salient points. Electronic recording may make the work easier. In either case, it is important that the proceedings are properly transcribed, edited and presented as minutes. This may serve as agenda material for follow-up meetings, or presented as reference for project development, and even policy formulation.

Now the most important thing. Things are easier said than done. Implementation is the proof of the success of the brainstorming. Ideas are translated to action.

Brainstorming is key to group decision and action, and collective responsibility, irrespective of whoever thought of the idea, or who did not agree with it.

In all its practicality, brainstorming makes every member of the organization feel important, although the process may not necessarily arrive at the best solution to a problem.~

References: The New Publicity Kit by J Smith; Philippine Journalism by J Luna Castro; Principles of Extension (Moshav and Kibbutz); Journalism for Filipinos, by A Malinao; Brainstorming, Wikipedia~ 

The 8 Dimensions of a Brainstorm Session

Most people think brainstorming sessions are all about ideas -- much in the same way Wall Street bankers think life is all about money. Internet image

While ideas are certainly a big part of brainstorming, they are only a part.

People who rush into a brainstorming session starving for new ideas will miss the boat (and the train, car, and unicycle) completely unless they tune into the some other important dynamics that are also at play:

1. INVESTIGATION: If you want your brainstorming sessions to be effective, you'll need to do some investigating before hand. Get curious. Ask questions. Dig deeper. The more you find out what the real issues are, the greater your chances of framing powerful questions to brainstorm and choosing the best techniques to use.

2. IMMERSION: While good ideas can surface at any time, their chances radically increase the more that brainstorm participants are immersed. Translation? No coming and going during a session. No distractions. No interruptions. And don't forget to put a "do not disturb" sign on the door.

3. INTERACTION: Ideas come to people at all times of day and under all kinds of circumstances. But in a brainstorming session, it's the quality of interaction that makes the difference -- how people connect with each other, how they listen, and build on ideas. Your job, as facilitator, is to increase the quality of interaction.

4. INSPIRATION: Creative output is often a function of mindset. Bored, disengaged people rarely originate good ideas. Inspired people do. This is one of your main tasks, as a brainstorm facilitator -- to do everything in your power to keep participants inspired. The more you do, the less techniques you will need.

5. IDEATION: Look around. Everything you see began as an idea in someone's mind. Simply put, ideas are the seeds of innovation -- the first shape a new possibility takes. As a facilitator of the creative process, your job is to foster the conditions that amplify the odds of new ideas being conceived, developed, and articulated.

6. ILLUMINATION: Ideas are great. Ideas are cool. But they are also a dime a dozen unless they lead to an insight or aha. Until then, ideas are only two dimensional. But when the light goes on inside the minds of the people in your session, the ideas are activated and the odds radically increase of them manifesting.

7. INTEGRATION: Well-run brainstorming sessions have a way of intoxicating people. Doors open. Energy soars. Possibilities emerge. But unless participants have a chance to make sense of what they've conceived, the ideas are less likely to manifest. Opening the doors of the imagination is a good thing, but so is closure.

8. IMPLEMENTATION: Perhaps the biggest reason why most brainstorming sessions fail is what happens after -- or, shall I say, what doesn't happen after. Implementation is the name of the game. Before you let people go, clarify next steps, who's doing what (and by when), and what outside support is needed.

Acknowledgement: References - Living with Nature book series, Internet 

Bioethics: Science as Critique of Society

Bioethics: Science as Critique of Society

Can man lead a life that allows him to see and appreciate 

the true beauty of living?

Dr Abe V Rotor

Living with Nature - School on Blog

Specter of Armageddon - Smog at Sunset.  

San Vicente, Ilocos Sur. Photo by AVR circa 2002  

First, I wish to point out three keywords from the title and theme of this article - society, critique, and science – in this order.

Human society today is a global village. We expect the boundaries – scientific, cultural, language, political, and the like - to continue to dissolve towards a homogenous pool even at a faster rate with the rapid development of transportation, communication, trade and technology. This is the society that is the focus in this article.

The other keyword is critique. To critique is to relate things with standards. Here the question is, “How prepared are we in facing the consequences of development? What and how much shall we give up in becoming a “citizen of the world?” What can we do, other than what we think and believe? Let us consider these parameters.

o Family solidarity
o Values and Tradition
o Peace and Unity
o Environmental Preservation
o Integrity of the Human Species

The third keyword is science. We talk of a kind of science today that was futuristic yesterday. We progressed through leaps and bounds with science and technology, but “Quo vadis?” This is the essence of science critiquing society.

Here are scenarios no one is spared to see and think about seriously in a fast changing world we live in.

o Genetic diversity is shrinking. This is not only true to plants and animals; it is also true to humans.

o West-meets-East, now on its third episode or “marriage” is creating a homogenous human genetic pool. What is the consequence of this biologically and socially? Having more genes shared could mean better understanding and cooperation among the members of the species, according to sociobiology (E.O Wilson). Sharing of genes could be the key to world peace. Is communication carried out at the gene level? What helped in the dissolution of colonial rule as in the merging of warring tribes, was apparently in part, if this is the case, a natural blood compact.

o Biologically, with the human genome project (mapping of the 46 chromosomes and their component genes), and through genetic engineering, we have broken the code of heredity (the DNA). This means we can now look into what kind of stuff is the human being made of. Pretty soon we will be carrying a diskette in our pocket that tells us of our intelligence (for job placement), of our well-being (for the doctor and insurance), even of our potentials and dispositions, including addiction, fidelity, and the like. Virtual loss of privacy is coming of age.

West-meets-East intensifies and the scenarios of our society, apparently simple as they seem, are actually complex and the consequences are many and far-reaching.

o Mixed blood, a result of multi-lateral and accelerating intermarriages (human hybridization), is dissolving the racial lines, so with political, cultural and apartheid boundaries. To illustrate this many entertainment idols of Asia are mixed bloods, and the movies the play are East-West hybrids. Does this strike us in the malls, advertisement boards, hotels?

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The most effective factor of homogenization of races ever since prehistoric times is human migration. - Dr. AS Cabigan

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Human Society and Mankind: An Auto-Evolution

Given this premise, as a teacher, father, and grandfather, I seek for answers to many questions raised about the future of our society, and that of mankind. Internet image  

The essence of critiquing through introspection other than historical and empirical basis is to be challenged, particularly in the academe. Will the trend of homogenization necessarily follow in the field of politics and government, religion, education, humanities, science and technology, culture, trade and industry?

Progress and developments are indeed useful in enriching scenarios of this topic. They provide the rationale and background of very serious issues. To critique however, is not only difficult; it carries a responsibility, particularly because we critique at something which directly involves us in one way or the other as respectable members of society. To what extent are we knowledgeable about these global issues?

o Gains – Progress through science
o Science and Technology for Poverty Alleviation
o Millennium Development Goals
o Need of Partnership

But these do not tell us of the looming modern Frankenstein of science and technology - Frankenstein disguised in progress and fraternity. The presentation of facts and events may not necessarily enlighten us on many issues. Let us look at science-and-technology-at-large.

o Frankenfood, genetically engineered plants and animals we call GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) has reached our table. All may be quiet on the Western Front, so to speak, but even among the progenitors of this technology are cautioning us of its revolutionary nature and the unknown consequences of tinkering with the genes. Yet GMOs continue to invade the market and homes of both rich and poor nations. We have allowed local production of Bt Corn and the development of Golden Rice, while more and more countries are closing their doors to genetic engineering.

o Through Genetic Engineering man is creating new forms of life, and soon new species of organisms, God forbids. Today there are 80 man-made amino acids. There are only 20 natural amino acids that are the building blocks of protein, and that of life. These 20 units have been more than enough in making highly complex and diversified life forms in the geologic and evolutionary past and today. (We have identified so far a measly 10 percent of all living organisms to date.) Imagine how chaotic could be the result of 80 amino acids in virtually endless combinations! And all these are done on the Seventh Day.

o Now we have Human Cloning, following the success with Dolly, the sheep. (Dolly, the first cloned animal, died of pre-mature aging.) It seems that a cloned human will live only biologically. And like Dolly, there will be only three stages of his life – birth-growth-senility – all packed in so short a chronological period. I am sure no human being would like to be cloned because his clone or clones will never have the joys of childhood, discovery in adolescence, adventure in youth, responsibility in maturity, and fulfillment in age? He will have only a body – and in spite how perfectly it may be made – it will not possess a soul. He will be a monster, never a human.

o Loss of natural relationships like the monster in Frankenstein novel. He wanted a wife, a family, friends. He wanted acceptance. He wanted to belong to society. But the doctor-creator failed him. In short he failed in creating Love. And without love the monster turned his back on him and ultimately man. In a cloned society who is father, mother, sister, cousin, etc? And where is that love Frankenstein failed to give?

Environment – Today’s Revolution

Environmental awareness should be emphasized at home, school, and community, with government and private sector, with young and old alike.

Two worlds we live in by AVR 2025

Population, agriculture, economics, industry – science and technology, for that matter, are interlinked with environment. Population-food-environment is one controversial issue today. The frontiers of these three areas are looked upon differently, depending on who is talking. But the issue must be taken holistically.

o To illustrate, I mentioned tragedy of the commons, citing overfishing the oceans, an activity man still retains his nomadic-hunter culture. Another example is communal pasture. A herdsman added “one more head” to his herd for economic advantage (return on investment). Another herdsman did the same, and another. Now whole herds are added! The land suffers of overgrazing, soil erosion and nutrient depletion, and ultimately the community plunges into poverty.

o Here science and technology comes to the fore revitalizing the carrying capacity of the pasture. But increased production triggers increase in human population. There is, and must be, a limit to growth, because it is nature that ultimately subsidizes man’s growing needs. And contrary to what many people believe, the resources of the earth in general are finite, mostly non-renewable and are therefore, subject to depletion.

o The rate of doubling of the world's population, now nearly ten billion, is alarming. Every year we need a space as large as the whole of Great Britain to accommodate this yearly addition.

What I am presenting as a question is, for what purpose should man live on the racetrack? Do we have to and why? What is this race we seem to be locked up at always racing? Can man return to a life that allows him to see and appreciate the true beauty of living?

Where is the soul of science? If we cannot find it, can we give it one? Then we must look deep into the good nature of man – as sapiens, faber and jugens, above all, spiritus or God-fearing.

If we can do this, I believe it is man and his society that should be the critique of science. ~

Landscape in the Sala in acrylic by AVR 2022

“The ultimate test of any civilization is not in its inventions and deed, but the endurance of Mother Nature in keeping up with man’s number and his ever increasing needs.” –AV Rotor, Light from the Old Arch UST 2000

* Published ad Veritatem, UST Journal of Graduate Research ~