erutcetihcra

3D modelling with Google Sketchup

2012-02-13T23:04:00.003+04:00

Airport terminal building concept model

preliminary concept model of modern battle tank

point and shoot:palm fruit

2012-02-03T22:49:00.000+04:00

point and shoot : the visitor

2012-02-03T22:39:00.003+04:00

point and shoot: canna indica flower

2012-02-03T22:23:00.002+04:00

point and shoot : golden grass

2012-02-03T22:11:00.001+04:00

photos taken at Zabeel Park, Dubai, UAE

design inspiration: modern loft living

2012-02-03T22:05:00.000+04:00

design inspiration: Modern Contemporary Interior Design

2012-02-03T21:57:00.000+04:00

design inspiration: modern house in Australia

2012-02-03T21:49:00.001+04:00

Vaucluse House by MPR Design Group:

“The concept for this dwelling was to reflect the topography and landform of the Sydney Habour basin. The house is expressed as a series of horizontal layers – the sandstone clad base echoes the stone cliffs that hug the inlets of Sydney Harbour.
The upper stories of planar white rendered forms respond to the strong northern light found in the southern hemisphere. Between the cantilevered white planes, full height low-E glazing captures the dramatic harbour views whilst maintaining a thermally efficient internal environment.
There was a conscious decision to contrast precise man made materials such as steel and glass with natural materials such as the locally hewn sandstone.
Located in a small scale suburban street, the four storey residence incorporates its primary living areas on the top floor taking advantage of 180 degree views of the city and harbour. With exposure to the north and west and the ability to open up completely to the outside, the house has effective cross ventilation negating the use of air conditioning.
The house is connected by a light filled stair shaft with entry via a double height foyer located on the bedroom level. A seamless transition between internal and external spaces means that living areas flow to outdoor balconies and covered terraces.”

design inspiration : a clean, modern design with color and character

2012-02-03T21:44:00.000+04:00

Mark Tracy describes the design as, “a clean, modern design with color and character to serve as a weekend getaway in the heart of San Francisco.” This five-story townhouse on San Francisco’s famed Lombard street, is designed level by level, each having it’s own distinct feel. The fifth and top floor is a bright, artistic, modern design anchored by a custom HZL Henzel rug on metallic silver hardwood floors with direct views of Alcatraz and the bay. The fourth floor offers a sleek modern kitchen with Scavolini cabinets, beside a lounge with a fireplace surrounded by Italian red porcelain tile. Exposed concrete flooring extends from the kitchen and lounge to the dining area which sits beside a party terrace with views of the city. The third floor hosts the master bedroom and bath, while the first and second floors open to a dance-club-like party area. The stand-out features include a steel catwalk with glass flooring, 160” retractable movie screen, bar with built-in 80’s-style arcade game, RGB LED dance club lighting, and fifteen 60” squares of custom art and mirrors which float up the walls and ceiling, each back-lit with LED lighting. Design by Chemical Spaces

design inspiration: contemporary home

2012-02-03T21:38:00.002+04:00

South Yarra Residence by LSA Architects:
“A broad mix of architectural styles characterizes this densely populated South Yarra street, from traditional pitched-roof weatherboard terraces to flat-roofed rendered block-work apartment buildings. Narrow buildings sit tightly side-by-side along the one-way street.
The project aimed to provide a residence that makes a statement within the eclectic streetscape, capturing your gaze and holding your attention as you approach, enter and explore the home. Light-filled spacious internal spaces maintain strong connections to the exterior of the building and the home’s multiple courtyards, blurring internal/external boundaries.
The methodology employed to meet these aims included implementing voluminous forms, building to the site perimeter wherever possible, installing glazing to multiple and varied planes, and applying colour to engage the viewer and provide continuity and connection between internal and external spaces.
An orange ‘box’ that is the first floor can be observed from as far away as the end of the street. Upon entering the house, the white ceiling abruptly gives way to the overhead insertion of this form, reminding the viewer of their connection with the coloured volume. Arched glazing either side of the dining area physically separates interior from exterior, yet enables views of the orange-clad ceiling wrapping to form the external walls of the first floor, increasing connection to the exterior and the building as a whole.
Focusing on volume, colour and natural light admission, rather than on implementing expensive materials, positively impacted the project budget. Costly finishes were kept to a minimum, and where used, their effects are maximized by complementary less expensive treatments. Application of colour to the built form encourages the inhabitants to explore further implementation of colour through furnishings and artworks.
Budgetary limitations prevented inclusion of basement car-parking. A clever design met all other client requirements, including off-street parking, 4 bedrooms, and an open plan living / dining / kitchen which opens up to a large rear courtyard.
Architect and interior designer worked collaboratively to provide a home with integrated internal and external spaces. The builder worked closely with the architect in resolving complicated construction details, and the structural engineer assisted the builder in finding an agreeable way to work with the large steel beams specified.
The project site is north-south oriented, necessitating a design that minimises direct sunlight penetration yet maximises admission of natural light. The first-floor ‘box’ is cantilevered over the rear courtyard, providing fixed shading from direct summer sun to the open plan living room and kitchen. Upstairs the north facing retreat windows are recessed back within the orange volume, creating a balcony with inbuilt shading.
Court-yards on the east and west boundaries serve a double purpose, admitting light to central rooms and also allowing air flow into and through the house via open-able windows, increasing natural ventilation and decreasing the need for air-conditioning.
The abundance of natural light coupled with the installation of electricity-generating solar panels (which also supply electricity back to the grid) serves to reduce the home’s energy consumption, and double glazed windows and fully insulated walls minimise heat loss and gain.”

design inspiration- stacking green in Vietnam

2012-02-03T21:32:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: Modern House Design On Small Site

2012-02-03T20:39:00.002+04:00

design inspiration : small but beautiful

2012-02-03T20:32:00.001+04:00

Located off a walk street with views of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu coastline, this residence is an exercise in careful space planning. Working within the confines of a narrow 30 x 60-foot envelope, the design team pushed the house to the limits of height, width, and depth, which left little perimeter space to satisfy the client’s desire for a garden.

The solution was to create an open green space in the center of the structure, at the ground floor level. On one side of this are the children’s rooms, on the other are the master bedroom and bath, which open to what has become an interior Zen garden.

design inspiration: kitchen ideas

2012-02-03T20:26:00.000+04:00

design inspiration- a holiday houses on the coastline of Peru

2012-02-03T11:25:00.000+04:00

design inspiration-outdoor living

2012-02-03T11:22:00.001+04:00

LC House by ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

2012-02-03T00:35:00.000+04:00

Mexico City-based studio ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea has designed the Casa LC project.
Completed in 2011, this 7,588 square foot two story residence is located in Mexico City, Mexico.

Casa LC by ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea:
“This house is located inside of a very exclusive residential development in Mexico City that has an excellent golf course. It is situated in one of the areas with more economic growth in the last years, but the design allows maintaining the needed privacy to have security and tranquility for the residents. The site of the house is privileged and surrounded by a fantastic landscape.
The remodel project for this house was a big challenge that combined the integration of in and outdoors with important alterations to make a warmth and contemporary ambiance for the whole space. There was also a modification on the architectural program to add a bedroom. The original design had great windows that were left to make the most of the views and have natural light.
The main façade had important changes to give more privacy. Some elements were added to restrict the access inside the premises. The garage was modified with a T shape metal structure and a canopy also made in metal. Two columns made of archeological stone were also incorporated to have a geometrical composition in front of the large windows.
The main access has a corridor with a water mirror that runs towards the house and communicates vertically – with a window that was placed on the façade – to enhance the invitation to this peaceful space. The combination between elements and materials in the exterior resulted in the new image the house required and a perfect balance between harmony, sensibility and warmth.
The interior has generous double height spaces, which combined with the grand windows in both facades, give excellent natural light and views. The staircase leads to a bridge that separates the public and private areas. Towards one end of the bridge the main bedroom is located and to the other the rest of the bedrooms and a family room.
The finishes selected for the interiors keep the coherence with the combination of materials used in the exterior, as well as it attains excellent contrast in all the spaces. Materials such as marble, wood, glass and some metallic elements, stand out going around the splendid interiors of the house.
One of the most attractive spaces is the living-dining area. In the living room the double height and grand windows direct the view straight to the back garden and the lake. In this space the harmony was achieved with the perfect selection of colors for the walls, as well as the shades of wood and drape materials that is complemented with a precise lighting design. The space is divided by a chimney that frames the entrance to the dining room. The furniture was selected according to the activities done in this area and to highlight the contemporary atmosphere of the whole project.”

design inspiration: Contemporary Villa in Phuket

2012-02-03T00:29:00.002+04:00

Spotted on Sotheby’s Phuket, this beautiful four bedroom, six bath contemporary villa is located in Ao Po, Phuket, Thailand.
With 6,026 square feet of indoor space and nearly 4,200 square feet of terasse space, this house sit on a 0.8 acre lot offers stunning views overlooking the Phang Nga Bay.

Broker’s description:
“This unique and innovative four bedroom villa sits on a hillside, 65 metres above sea level, with stunning 270 degree views of Phang Nga Bay and the rainforest covered mountain of Phuket’s National Park. The villa sits on a 3,200 sqm land plot and has 560 sqm of covered living space and 950 sqm of built up area with a 18m x 4m lap pool. Fair faced or form faced concrete has been used extensively for wall and ceiling surfaces both internally and externally providing a rustic, relaxed, yet refined ambience. The inherent textures and contrast of the concrete surfaces come alive at night when illuminated. This tropical contemporary villa was designed with sustainability in mind, maximising natural light and ventilation and featuring passive cooling, recycled timber, rain water harvesting, efficient air conditioning (when necessary) and solar hot water.
Three of the four bedrooms contain open-air ensuite bathrooms and large terraces with incredible sea and rainforest views. The master suite is located on the pool level and opens on to the large pool deck and garden area. Apart from the gorgeous views, the villa’s location provides for some unbelievable weather watching. Dramatic storms can be seen forming in Phang Nga Bay long before they arrive at the villa and often clouds and mist can be seen moving through the bay, the valley below and through the rainforest. Simply amazing.”

design inspiration- Dune House project by Stelle Architects

2012-02-03T00:25:00.001+04:00

Dune House project – it’s a two story contemporary home is located in Bridgehampton, New York, USA.

Dune Road Residence by Stelle Architects:
“This low-key two-story house is sited on a classic ocean front site. The original house, slated for demolition, was built into the dune before current coastal construction standards requiring a much higher elevation. The goal was to keep the existing scale and dynamics of the site and design a residence that reflected the footprint and spirit of the original home.
Materials for the new house include Alaskan cedar shingle panels interspersed with glass sections. The home has three levels: one for the owners, one for their guests, and one for living and dining. A simple glass and shingle pavilion overlooks a negative edge pool while a path from the garage leads through a natural seaside landscape along the pool and up to the house.
Solar control is achieved though the use of overhangs in the southern exposures. Extra thick walls allow for superior insulation, and a geothermal system is employed for cooling.”

design inspiration- The Floating House in South Korea by Hyunjoon Yoo Architects

2012-02-03T00:21:00.001+04:00

The given land has beautiful scenery facing the Bukhan River in the north. In the meanwhile, lots of restaurants and motels are seen in the south and decadent neon signs are seen from here to here creating visual pollution.

The clients are a couple in their fifties and sixties who run an elegant Korean restaurant which was built in a traditional Korean style. They wanted to build a house for them in the given land about five minutes away from the restaurant. They wanted to overlook the river from a high level, at the height of the third floor. His close Feng Shui specialist had advised them not to make a door facing east and not to let people live in the southwest. They wanted to have a study room, a barbeque place, and a guest house for their daughter’s family who sometimes visit them. They also wanted to make a big yard to play and jump about and a low-leveled swimming pool for their grandchildren. The wife wanted a design that gives a heavy and magnificent feeling.

Interesting Facts About Landscape Design

2012-02-03T00:11:00.001+04:00

Manila Bulletin

January 16, 2011, 1:52am

Some facts that you should know about landscape design are that it focuses on landscape planning and the implementation of the design plan, it may involve collaborating with other disciplines, it combines nature and culture, it is different from landscape architecture, it considers various objective factors, and it may be learned at educational institutions.

Gardens and parks with beautiful landscapes don’t just happen on their own. In fact, some of them can take years of planning, designing and integrating of various design elements, as well as planting and tending to the plants. Professionals who are trained and skilled in Scottsdale landscape design are hired to do these tasks. These professionals can transform gardens or parks into works of art and pay close attention to colors, textures, function, form and other design elements. Here are additional facts you should know about landscape design:

It focuses on landscape planning and the implementation of the design plan

Landscape designers focus on the planning of a garden or landscape and mapping out the consecutive steps that should be taken to execute the plan. Planning is necessary in order to come up with a cohesive landscape design. They may ask for input and instruction from the property owner, draw inspiration from various sources, take photographs of the property, make sketches and apply various drafting tools. They will also measure the property and come up with a list of materials and tools necessary for executing the plan. Landscape designers then implement the plan by applying their technical expertise. The landscape plan and execution will include components from fields like aesthetics, horticulture and design.

It may involve collaborating with other disciplines

From the planning phase to the actual site construction, landscape design may involve the overlapping of various talents and technical expertise. Landscape designers may collaborate with other technicians from disciplines like civil engineering, botany, horticulture, craftsmanship, surveying and others. They may also integrate technologies such as computer software to help them plan more accurately and efficiently.

It combines nature and culture

Landscape design aims to combine various cultural features with natural elements. Landscape designers will make decisions about modifying the landscape, replacing it, and which natural features should be retained or changed. These professionals will also work closely with their clients in order to come up with a cohesive design plan that harmonizes nature and culture, as well as the client’s own preferences and needs.

It is different from landscape architecture

There is a basic difference between landscape design and landscape architecture although these two share many similar technical functions and terms. To put it simply, landscape architecture is broader in scope compared to landscape design. Landscape architecture includes not only the design phase but also the engineering aspect like integrating drainage and irrigation systems, soil climate and other engineering works. Also, landscape architects are typically required to have a professional license for their practice.

It considers various objective factors

Apart from the artistic elements involved, landscape design also takes into consideration objective factors like the location’s climate and microclimate, drainage system, topography, surrounding infrastructures and facilities, lighting system, natural plants present in the area and many other measurable factors.

It may be learned from educational institutions

In the past, landscape designers were only trained through apprenticeship. It was not until the early 1900s that the first institutional education for landscape design was introduced. Over the years, the program became available at many levels. Some universities also have their own departments devoted to landscape design and offer relevant minor programs like landscape engineering, landscape design history, fine arts, natural resources, horticultural botany and many others.

Landscape design is evidence that culture and nature can indeed coexist.

Common Philippine Flowers and Garden Plants

2012-02-01T21:46:00.001+04:00

Tagalog --- English

adelfa - (klase sa buwak) oleander n.
alangilan – ilang-ilang , ylang ylang n. , perfume tree n. laing termino: ilang-ilang
antuwanga – Rose of Sharon n. laing paglítok: antulanga
asusena – tuberose n.
bayoleta – (klase sa tánom) sweet violet n.
bombil - Bougainvillea
kadena de amor – pink vine n. ; coralvine n.
kalachuchi – frangipani n. , pagoda tree n.
kamias – garland flower n.
kapa-kapa – rose grape n. medinilla n.

kosmos – (klase sa bulak) pot marigold n. , Scottish marigold n.
gumamela – China rose n. , rose of China n. , hibiscus n. , Chinese hibiscus n.
hasmin – Spanish jasmine n. , Spanish jessamine n. scientific name: Jasminum grandiflorum (jasmin=tag.)
ilang-ilang – ilang-ilang , ylang ylang n. , perfume tree n. Scientific name: Cananga odorata laing termino: alangilan
manan-aw – moth-orchid n. moth-plant n. Genus:: Phalænopsis
olibo – sago palm n. scientific name: cycas revoluta itandî sa: lumbia
pitogo – queen sago n.
romero – (klase sa tánom) rosemary n. scientific name: rosmarinus officinalis
rósal – (klase sa tánom) cape jasmine n. , cape jessamine n. gardenia n.
sabila – aloe vera n. scientific name:
santan – ixora n. , flame of the woods n.
sampagita – Arabian jasmin n. sampaguita n. laing termino: manul
tapay-tapay – chenille plant n. scientific name : acalypha hispida
tsitsirika – periwinkle n. , Madagascar perwinkle n. , cape periwinkle n.
walingwaling -walingwaling

Unique Parks and Botanical Gardens

2012-02-01T20:54:00.001+04:00

Unique Parks and Botanical Gardens (repost)

Intricately shaped topiaries, ponds full of lily pads and koi, greenhouses brimming with dazzling arrays of exotic flowers, strange and fascinating sculptures – these 14 botanical gardens, private gardens and parks around the world show off the beauty of cultivated nature. Representing a fusion of the wild, untamed natural world and the architectural genius of humans, these parks are the closest to paradise that we can craft with our own hands.

Claude Monet Foundation at Giverny, Normandy, France

Immerse yourself in the landscape that inspired some of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s most beautiful and celebrated works at the artist’s former estate. Walking through these gardens, it’s almost as if time has stood still, as you can view what seem to be the very same lily pads that the artist saw and painted. Giverny is located 50 miles outside Paris, on the banks of the River Seine.
Kirtenbosch National Botanical Garden, Western Cape, South Africa

Founded in 1913, South Africa’s Kirtebosch National Botanical Graden may just be the most beautiful botanical garden in the entire world. In this preserve you can view live samples of plants that grow in five out of South Africa’s six biomes and a stunning selection of 'protea' flowering plants, all within view of Table Mountain.
Villa Lante, Bagnaia, Italy

One of the most important gardens in Italy, Villa Lante was in the possession of the Lante family from the 17th century, when it was already 100 years old, until the 20th century, when it was opened to the public. Bordered by two nearly identical homes, the garden is characterized by beautiful stone fountains, lush grottoes and intricate patterns of hedges.
Jardin Botanique de Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The Montreal Botanical Garden has such extensive collections and facilities, it’s considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the world. An indoor greenhouse holds a wide variety of labeled plants, and four themed outdoor gardens including the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, the First Nations Garden and the Alpine Garden showcase the indigenous flora of various cultures and locales. In fact, Montreal boasts the largest Chinese garden in the world, outside of China.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey, UK

A part of the Heligan estate in Cornall, England, these gardens fell into disuse in the 1970s and were forgotten for decades – hence the name. But when ownership of the estate transferred to a trust, a group of enthusiasts revitalized them, planting hundreds of varieties of plants, a vegetable garden, a walled garden and a ‘jungle’. A stroll through the gardens will reveal fanciful ‘creatures’ covered in grass and moss including ‘The Mud Maid’ and a ‘Giant’s Head’.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia

View both downtown Sydney and the infamous Sydney Opera House from the Royal Botanic Gardens, located on the site of Australia’s first ever farm, which was established in 1788. Centuries of improvements to the soil have enabled a gorgeous array of plants to flourish, including many that grow inside the Pyramid Glasshouse. Up until May 2011, a colony of over 22,000 flying foxes – a large species of fruitbat – called the gardens home, but the bats killed dozens of trees and were eventually driven out.
Byodo-in Temple, Oahu, Hawaii

Surrounded by Oahu’s greenery-cloaked mountains, the Byodo-in Temple is a replica of a historic Kyoto, Japan, temple of the same name, but it has many merits of its own – especially its gardens, which include two acres of koi ponds. Stone paths cut through emerald-green lawns and Zen-style gardens.
Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters), Bomarzo, Italy

A large monster, referred to as the ‘Door of Hell’, opens its mouth to admit you into a dark, cramped space with a small table. A watchtower tilts at a rather disturbing angle. Mythological creatures and unidentified monsters leer at passersby. The Parco die Mostri (Park of the Monsters) in Bomarzo, Italy is so surreal it is said to have greatly inspired the artists Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau. The chaotic style of the gardens, which were created in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini in honor of his beloved deceased wife Giulia Farnese, may be an intentional contrast to the orderly symmetry of the nearby Villa Lante.
Monte Palace Garden, Madeira, Portugal

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a surprising glimpse of Asia found in Madeira, Portugal. Once a hotel, the gardens have been open to the public since 1989 and include a collection of ceramic tiles from the 15th – 20th centuries and various gardens that highlight both indigenous and exotic species. A group of educational panels explain the reason for the oriental gardens, telling of “The adventures of the Portuguese in Japan.”
Kew Gardens, London, UK

More than 30,000 live species of plants can be viewed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in southwest London, England – and if you think that’s impressive, consider this: inside the glassed ‘herbarium’ are over seven million preserved specimens. The Kew Gardens are well-deserving of their worldwide fame, thriving despite locally unfavorable growing conditions. In addition to the outdoor gardens and greenhouses are a number of educational and research facilities and architectural features like a treetop walkway and a 49-foot-tall pagoda.
The Gardens of Las Pozas, Xilitla, Mexico

More of a surrealist sculpture park than a garden, Las Pozas is the playground of British poet Edward James, a patron of the arts. James was a passionate supporter of the Surrealist art movement and his love for the stile is evident in Las Pozas (the pools), which includes more than 80 acres of natural waterfalls and pools as well as concrete sculptures. The spindly, strange sculptures were built between 1949 and 1984; the whole project cost James over $5 million, which he raised by selling his considerable collection of Surrealist art.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York

Manhattan may have a botanical garden of its own, but it’s eclipsed by that of Brooklyn, a 52-acre garden located near the Prospect Heights and Park Slopes neighborhood. Putting on a jaw-dropping display of cherry blooms in the spring, the park also includes climate-themed plant pavilions, an aquatic plant house, a bonsai museum and an art gallery. Themed gardens include the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, constructed in 1915, and the Shakespeare Garden which exhibits over 80 plants mentioned in the bard’s plays and poems.
Francisco Alvarado Park, Zarcero, Costa Rica

Abstract shapes, arches and the faces of strange creatures grow out of the courtyard at Parque Francisco Alvarado, found in the town center of Zarcero in Costa Rica. The park’s topiary garden has been shaped into these fascinating shapes by the same man since the 1960s.
Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland

A private garden created by Charles Jencks, the Garden of Cosmic Speculation at Portrack House, near Dumfries in Southwest Scotland is opened to the public for just one day each year. Science and mathematical concepts, like black holes and fractals, inspired the complex arrangements and sculptures contained within the garden.

Poison Plants- Cute Killers

2012-02-01T20:49:00.000+04:00

Most plants contain some level of toxins (like alkaloids) for defense. After all, they’re plants. They can’t go anywhere. Through millennia of trial and error, both animals and human beings have figured out which plants are safe, which are lethal, and which are somewhere in between. For example, did you know that many grain-bearing plants contain a toxin known as lectins? And that the African staple, cassava, must be thoroughly boiled and soaked to separate it from its poisonous compound, cyanide? Even the humble lima bean has been bred to contain less cyanide. Cherries, potatoes, peaches and apple seeds are all toxic – eat enough of the latter, in fact, and it will prove fatal. Fortunately, artificial selection and cooking methods have all but eliminated the threat of toxins in everyday foods. But you may be surprised to find out the incredibly lethal plants often hanging around the neighborhood park – or gracing your tabletop in the form of a centerpiece.

Castor Bean

Castor oil – for anyone unlucky enough to have been force spoon-fed this healthy yet disgusting fluid as a child, you may be surprised to learn that an ingredient in the castor bean just happens to be the deadliest plant poison on earth. Literally. Just one tiny castor bean is enough to kill an adult within a few minutes. Castor oil is made safe (but not palatable) with the removable of the lethal compound known as ricin. Amazingly, castor bean plants are grown for decorative purpose all over the place, particularly in California.

Rosary Pea

As if a deadly legume weren’t bad enough, the pulses aren’t so benign, either. The rosary pea may sound sweet and downright pious, but it’s actually one of the most dangerous plants on earth. Its seeds contain a particular lectin known as abrin; if chewed and swallowed, death will follow shortly. The seeds are easily identified with their distinctive bright red jacket and single black dot (almost like a reverse Black Widow spider). Abrin, which does its damage by inactivating ribosomes, is one of the most fatal toxins on earth. After the vomiting, fever, nausea, drooling and G.I. dysfunction but before the bizarre hyperexcitability, edema and fatally convulsive seizures, renal tubular degeneration, bladder and retinal hemorrhage and widespread internal lesions typically develop.

Monkshood

Another unassuming plant – until you learn that the nickname for monkshood is actually “wolfsbane”. That’s owing to its once common use by farmers as a very effective wolf extermination tool. (Not to be left out, fowl are also fatally affected by the related hensbane.) The monkshood has the distinction of evidently being the bane of many creatures: its nicknames include womensbane and leopard’s bane, though it is also known as blue rocket and devil’s helmet. It is technically part of the aconitum genus, of which there are more than 250 species. The wolfsbane used to be a popular werewolf detection tool, by the way. (Status was determined by holding the flower near the alleged’s chin; a yellow-tinged shadow on the skin was thought to be confirmation.)

Bushman’s poison

The aptly-named Bushman's poison has famously been used by the Khoisan of South Africa to poison the tips of their arrows. Though the plant produces pleasantly scented flowers and a tasty plum-like berry, the milky sap can be fatal. The leaves, however, have medicinal properties. Bushman’s poison is also known as the wintersweet.

Angel’s trumpet

What could be sweeter than the sound of an angel’s trumpet? Perhaps the moaning agony of a trip that won’t end. Related to petunias, tomatoes and potatoes, the angel’s trumpet (datura stramonium) is a highly effective hallucinogen, but should not be consumed for recreational purposes as it can also be lethal. According to wikipedia: “The active ingredients are atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine which are classified as deliriants, or anticholinergics. Due to the elevated risk of overdose in uninformed users, many hospitalizations, and some deaths, are reported from recreational use.” This common plant also goes by many other names, including jimson weed, stink weed, loco weed, and devil’s snare. One 18-year-old who was house-sitting alone for his uncle recounts how he decided to prepare some angel's trumpet tree in curiosity and almost died (a friend burst in on him convulsing on the bathroom floor and the authorities assumed he was on an acid trip).

Water hemlock

The poison hemlock famously drunk by Socrates is deadly, but the water hemlock is just as fatal. According to the USDA, water hemlock or poison parsnip is “the most violently toxic plant in North America”. The flowers and stems are safe, but the stalky roots contain chambers that are full of a deadly sap containing the convulsant cicutoxin. Grand mal seizures are followed by a quick death if even a tiny amount is consumed.

English Yew

The English Yew, or taxus baccata (“taxus” meaning toxin), is one of the deadliest trees on the planet. The evergreen has a majestic and lush appearance and is fairly common in forests of Europe. The yew is considered by scientists to be an odd and primitive conifer along with the monkeu puzzle tree of Chile and Gingko biloba tree of Asia. The yew has a rather sad history. All parts – save for the flesh of the berries – are extremely poisonous. Because the toxin causes convulsions and paralysis, it was once used as an abortifacient. Apothecaries would dry and powder the leaves and stems and give desperate women minute amounts in the days before birth control was available. Unfortunately, death would often result. The yew has been quite popular throughout history for a number of medical purposes at extremely dilute levels, but it is deemed too dangerous in modern medical practice to be of use. The yew’s primary toxin is taxine, a cardiac depressant. The yew acts rapidly and there is no antidote.

Snakeroot

snakeroot is most dangerous for livestock such as cattle and sheep. When cows consume the attractive fluffy white blooms and stems of the snakeroot, their milk and bones become saturated with the toxin tremetol and humans who consume these contaminated animal products will develop milk sickness (tremetol poisoning). In fact, milk sickness is what killed Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks.

Strychnine tree

Queen Cleopatra famously forced servants to commit suicide by means of a strychnine tree’s fruit seeds, which contain lethal levels ofstrychnine and brucine, in order to determine if it would be the best means for her own suicide. Upon seeing their agony (which included painful vomiting, facial contortions and convulsions) she opted for the apparently less horrific choice of the asp. (The asp was actually an ancient term for any number of poisonous snakes, but experts think it was probably the cobra that Cleopatra chose to end her life.)

Moonseed

A otherworldly name and a plant with often fatal effects. The seeds of this Eastern North American drupe (stone fruit) are extremely toxic to humans, although birds can eat theMoonseeds first cause paralysis but are fatal in larger doses and/or if treatment is not sought immediately.

Daphne

This plant, also called the spurge laurel, is a favorite ornamental shrub in Europe. This drupe-producing evergreen with waxy, attractive foliage and gorgeously fragrant blooms is also highly toxic. Consumption of the leaves or red or yellow fruits will first cause nausea and violent vomiting, followed by internal bleeding, coma and death. The daphne plant is rich in the toxin mezerein.

Narcissus

Narcissists are toxic enough when they come in human form, but the plant for which they are named, also called the daffodil, is highly poisonous. Poet’s narcissus is more toxic than daffodil, but in both cases it is the bulbs, not the flower or stems, that cause illness. One famous fatal case in Toulouse in the early 1900s occurred when the bulbs were mistaken for onions and consumed. According toBotanical . com, “Socrates called this plant the ‘Chaplet of the infernal Gods,’ because of its narcotic effects. An extract of the bulbs, when applied to open wounds, has produced staggering, numbness of the whole nervous system and paralysis of the heart.” Yet, there are medicinal properties, and some cultures even believe they can cure baldness and serve as a potent aphrodisiac. (Do not try at home.)

Oleander

The oleander is the most deadly plant in the world. It is also tremendously popular as a decorative shrub. Just one leaf can kill an adult, and fatal poisonings have resulted from minimal exposure to the twigs, blooms and berries. The plant contains numerous toxins, including nerioside, loeandroside, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. Though native to parts of the Mediterranean and Asia, it is now widely cultivated throughout the world. Fatalities among horses and other livestock are common. Once ingested, oleander goes to work simultaneously on the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the digestive tract.

Rhododendron

The toxic rhododendron, a stalky tree-like evergreen shrub with large, brilliant blooms, is famously seen throughout much of the Pacific Northwest and is the state flower of Washington. Its relative, the popular garden shrub azalea, is also poisonous. Both plants contain andromedatoxin, which can cause severe pain, lethargy, depression, vomiting and nausea, progressive paralysis, coma and eventual death. All parts are deadly.

Choke cherry

Chokecherry, or wild cherry, is a North American plant that is known for its large sprays of tiny white flowers. The cherries are small and not eaten. The plant’s woody stalks and leaves are full of hydrocyanic acid, which is fatal if consumed. The poison affects the respiratory system, and rapid breathing, choking and asphyxiation result.

Nightshade

Also known as the devil’s cherry, black cherry, great morel and belladonna, the nightshade is toxic from tip to top. Containing atropine, a deadly alkaloid, those who ingest even a small amount of the plant will soon notice they have lost their voice. Respiratory trouble and convulsions follow. The plant is problematic because its cherries are so sweet and children are frequently attracted to the wild fruit. Strangely, horses, birds, sheep, goats and pigs seem to be immune to the effects of nightshade. Nightshade poisoning is treatable with an emetic if treatment is sought swiftly. Plutarch spoke of armies being wiped out by nightshade, and legend has it that Macbeth’s soldiers poisoned the invading Danes with wine made from the sweet fruit.

There are many, many more toxic planta, but these plants were chosen for inclusion in this post due to their their incredible characteristics.

Lofted Forest Home

2012-02-01T20:30:00.004+04:00

Lofted Forest Home by Robert Harvey Oshatz

The curving organic forms and natural materials of this structure by architect Robert Harvey Oshatz seems as if it could have grown out of the forest, calling to mind knots of wood and twisting branches. The curves, in fact, are strategically placed to take full advantage of the space in between the trees that surround the building, giving it the feel of a huge treehouse.

the beauty of bamboo architecture

2012-01-30T23:02:00.001+04:00

Never regret a day in your life

2012-01-30T22:48:00.002+04:00

Never regret a day in your life

One day I decided to quit...

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...

I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God ", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds,

I took very good care of them.

I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth.

Its brilliant green covered the floor.

Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.

"In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

"I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time

you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots"

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said.

"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern.

Yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give ME glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and bring back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness;

Bad days give you experiences;

Both are essential to life.

Dubai skyline

2012-01-28T21:38:00.000+04:00

Dubai aquarium-close encounter with the giants

2012-01-28T21:19:00.003+04:00

point and shoot-morning walk along Shk. Zayed road

2012-01-28T21:10:00.000+04:00

the first thing i saw in the morning of January 27, 2012. i just loved shooting skycrapers along Shk. Zayed road. so i just click my camera and shoot everything. here's the outcome...just pictures!

gentle Koi

2012-01-28T20:53:00.001+04:00

natuwa naman ako sa mga Koi na ito, sobrang amo nila halos puwede mo na silang hawakan.

nasa isang maliit sila na pond sa loob atrium ng isang building sa Dubai. halos hawakan ko na nga sila dahil hindi sila mailap.

design inspiration : modern + traditional

2012-01-28T00:38:00.001+04:00

design inspiration : amazing contemporary house

2012-01-28T00:33:00.003+04:00

design inspiration : Asian contemporary home

2012-01-28T00:26:00.005+04:00

design inspiration: a mountain retreat house

2012-01-28T00:22:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: private paradise

2012-01-28T00:12:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: gorgeous ecohome-from salvage materials

2012-01-28T00:07:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: stone hideaway

2012-01-28T00:03:00.000+04:00

design inspiration: refreshing simplicity

2012-01-27T23:57:00.002+04:00

design inspiration: a little piece of heaven

2012-01-27T23:51:00.000+04:00

design inspiration: ultramodern mountain house

2012-01-27T23:41:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: subtle and colorful

2012-01-27T23:36:00.003+04:00

design inspiration: luxury resort

2012-01-27T23:32:00.005+04:00

The villas are simple concrete cubes, lavishly lined with a thick layer of richly oiled wood. Indeed, the architects maintain that the art form of Cubism has been a big influence on their work.

design inspiration: serene house

2012-01-27T23:28:00.003+04:00

calming and sophisticated masterpiece of minimalist restraint.

design inspiration: tamed and the wild- simple yet modern design

2012-01-27T23:24:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: modern tropical house

2012-01-27T23:10:00.000+04:00

design inspiration: Architecture as a work of art

2012-01-27T23:00:00.002+04:00

design inspiration: 360 degree view

2012-01-27T22:56:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: parking as art

2012-01-27T22:53:00.000+04:00

design inspiration: simple yet perfect- beach house in Philippines

2012-01-27T22:48:00.000+04:00

design inspiration: perfect for the tropics

2012-01-27T22:42:00.001+04:00

concrete in the desert

2012-01-27T22:37:00.000+04:00

Almost like a sand dune baking in the hot sun.

design inspiration: modern guest house

2012-01-27T22:33:00.004+04:00

design inspiration : white modern house

2012-01-27T22:22:00.001+04:00

design inspiration: beautiful lake house

2012-01-27T22:18:00.004+04:00

design inspiration : contemporary home design

2012-01-27T22:15:00.000+04:00

it's more fun in the Philippines

2012-01-25T21:31:00.000+04:00

A symbol of Filipino ingenuity...ride on!

the Pinoy jeepney

2012-01-25T21:18:00.002+04:00

The jeepney is the most popular means of transportation in the Philippines. They are all over the country. You will find them in every street corner. It is no wonder that the jeepney has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Philippine culture.

never give up...

2012-01-24T22:34:00.002+04:00

The worst mistake you can make is to give up on yourself and stop challenging yourself for fear of failure. Keep moving forward with a firm eye on the future, telling yourself

“I’ll start from today!”

“I’ll start afresh from now, from this very moment!“

Never Give Up!

be positive...

2012-01-24T22:30:00.002+04:00

The best thing in life one can do is to remain positive. Anything and everything can be achieved with a positive frame of mind.

“Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we will find the way.”

Think positively, stay focused, and do all you can! Stay Blessed!

Architect's humor...

2012-01-24T21:42:00.000+04:00

2012-01-24T21:32:00.002+04:00

an Architect works 24 hours!

in architecture...everyline counts

2012-01-24T21:30:00.002+04:00

Almost everyone knows what an architect is and does. In the engineering and technical terms, it is called design; an architect designs a space that is comfortable to the user, in more than one sense. In the layman’s terms, it is a scribbling of lines, which, to my utmost amusement, I have heard several people to this day easily say “That’s so easy, even we can do it!” Whether you’re sitting in the hallways of your university campus from morning to evening producing sketch after sketch in first year, or sitting in the studio in third year all day long scribbling designs and concepts, shuffling between creativity and standards and trying to find common ground between design and the client’s conditions, or whether you’re staying up day and night for two weeks before the final date for submission finalizing and polishing your work till you’re satisfied; to the world out there, all an architect does, as the world sees it, is draw lines.

What’s funny is not that people ridicule our work and efforts like that, but that they close their eyes to the effort and work that has actually been done in the backdrop of those “lines”. Undermining the efforts of an architects work like that is the same as ridiculing an artist for his paintings that “never make sense”, or a doctor of medicine for prescribing medicine that “anybody could prescribe”. No work in the world can be measured on a scale of easy-hard or good-bad in comparison to others. Every work has its own essence. A fireman may not be the most wanted job for people, but do those who have never come across this profession realize the danger firemen put themselves in every time they are called to put out a fire and have to walk in it? Even the most basic of mannerisms requires that a person polite to another, no matter their background or status. Rather than demeaning and undermining the work and effort that has been made for the achievement of architectural feats, its best to leave each profession to be critiqued by its own experts who know the backstage as well as the back of their hand! Making jokes makes the whole scenario even more interesting; After all, architecture is a fun job and fun comes in all forms. Most architects make jokes themselves regarding their profession, yet on a closer look, those jokes are rather harmless and creative. After all, injecting a syringe into a patient may seem like the easiest task a doctor has to undertake when giving medicine or taking blood, yet a slightest mistake in it can cause the patient a lot of pain and bitter memories. A small mistake on the architects behalf can bring about chaos in the form of loss of life or collapse of design. Conclusively, whether its an architect, a doctor, a fireman, a clerk or a simple mailman, no job in the world is simply “easy” or “not really needed” or something that any other person of another profession can perform.

As the wise say; “If you seek respect for yourself from others, give them respect first!”

Lychee

2012-01-24T21:24:00.001+04:00

masarap pero mahal nga lang dito sa UAE....kaya picture ko na lang para di maubos

2012-01-23T22:03:00.001+04:00

Feng Shui 2012 Horoscope Forecast for Rooster

The lunar years of the Rooster are 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017. People who were born in these years take on the traits of being headstrong and hardworking, as well as responsible, full of courage and self-confident. You are sensitive and attentive to friends. However, Roosters often tend to becoming reckless, careless, selfish and sometimes even self-destructive, due to their overly arrogant nature. Those with the Rooster Zodiac are always sure of their own success, and so sometimes come across as boastful and vain. The suggested professions for those born in the years of the Rooster are traveler or travel writer, publicist, soldier or restaurant owner.

Your good fortune luck is shining bright this year. The year of the Dragon 2012 is going to be eventful and wonderful for Rooster born - so many good things and opportunities appear on the horizon just waiting to manifest for you. It's going to be quite benchmark year - definitely a year to expand and move into new levels of achievement and to pursue almost anything you wish as it's almost certain that it will turn out successful. Wealth luck is good and it's going to be a turnaround year for you as you are well supported by lucky Feng Shui winds namely the 8 Prosperity Star and the Yi Duo Enhancing Star, which when combined, brings abundance and every kind of good fortune. Some of you may even enjoy a sizable windfall of some sort. It would be a shame for you to not take fullest advantage.

The only thing that mar your otherwise perfect year is the Yearly conflict stars which appear in many spots in 2012's annual chart. This indicates some conflict with people close to you but you will be able to ride through them with focus and your high chi essence and life force. You will need to watch your temper and do not allow anger energy to degenerate into violence. Your indications of luck are so good it would be a waste to throw these away by getting involved in petty conflicts.. With this, you can say goodbye to the challenging and depressing year of 2011 and indulge in your ambitions to the fullest. Love, romance and marriage luck is good, happy and satisfying when the conflict stars are taken care of.

Your zodiac allies are the Ox and Snake while your horoscope secret friend is Dragon. Your horoscope allies are friends whom you are connected and enjoy their company. A secret friend is someone you can always depend on, and will stand by you during tough times.

point and shoot CanonG7- # 1

2012-01-21T23:54:00.000+04:00

Random shots of fireworks along Heritage Village at Dubai Creek during Dubai Shopping Festival.

taken with Fireworks mode Canon G7

classic car...nice model

2012-01-21T23:16:00.000+04:00

spotted this old classic car on my way to Mirdif

rediscovering Pangasinan...my province

2012-01-21T22:34:00.001+04:00

the good old days...buti pa noon may train

Manila Dagupan railway.

Photo: Passengers posing in front of the "Ferrocarril de Manila a Dagupan" (circa 1885).

On June 25, 1875, under a royal decree issued by King Alfonso XII of Spain, the required Inspector of Public Works of the Philippine Islands was requested to submit a railway system plan for Luzon. The plan, which was submitted five months later by Don Eduardo Lopez Navarro, was entitled Memoria Sobre el Plan General de Ferrocarriles en la Isla de Luzón, and was promptly approved. A concession for the construction of a railway line from Manila to Dagupan was granted to Don Edmundo Sykes of the Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan on June 1, 1887.

The Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan which constitutes much of the North Main Line today, began construction in July 1887 with the laying of the cornerstone for Tutuban station. The railway was 195 kilometers long at the time of its opening on November 24, 1892, running from Manila to Dagupan City in Pangasinan.

November 24, 1892 - The first railroad line in the Philippines, covering a distance of 195 km. from Manila to Dagupan, was opened on this day (during the waning years of the Spanish colonial period); The Ferrocarril Manila-Dagupan (Manila-Dagupan Railroad), is said to have been built by the British, and is one of the three railroad lines proposed by the colonial Spaniards, with the second and third lines to be realized under the American rule.

Pangasinan...then and now

Calasiao Church

Calasiao’s greatest treasure is its Spanish-era church. Also known as the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul, the church of Calasiao houses valuable antique and other centuries-old artifacts.
Built in the 17th century, it is the second oldest church in Pangasinan (next to the San Carlos church) but is considered the most well-preserved.

Bolinao Parish Church
400 year-old church at the town proper of Bolinao, Pangasinan

Binmaley Church

This town already existed as early as 1614 as part of San Carlos. In 1672, the Capitular Acts of the Dominicans assigned the first vicar of the town, Father Tomas Gutierrez.

The church has been constructed in the 16th century and finished by Fr. Barrozo, O.P. in 1754. Its church bell is one of the three biggest bells in the Philippines, cast in 1804 weighing 4,130 pounds. It was damaged during the World War II. The church was destroyed and only the walls and the tower, partly damaged, were left by the shelling of the American warship from January 7-9, 1945.

San Fabian Church
The Dominican Fathers worked for the foundation of San Fabian for two reasons: first, to make it, on account of its climate, as a place of infirmary for their order and second, for the conversion of the Igorot pagans then living near the Christian settlements. To effect its founding in 1717, the main settlement in Barangay Anguio was moved to the site of the present church.

Fray Francisco Ferrer is credited as the architect of the original construction of the present church erected after the British invation (1762-1765). Burned in 1856, it was rebuilt under the supervision of Fr. Juan Gutierrez, OP between 1857 and 1860. Together with the convent it was damage by earthquake of March 1892 and again during the Hispano-American war in 1898 and the American liberation in January 1945 when the belfry was destroyed. In 1952, it was renovated for the Diocesan Christ the King celebration in the town. Further improvements were done for the Christ the King celebration in 1977.

Church of Alaminos, Pangasinan

the Aguilar Church

the Manaoag Church

typical countryside scenery

Pangasinan from above...

Alaminos,Pangasinan

Hundred Islands,Alaminos, Pangasinan

Sual, Pangasinan

Rosales,Pangasinan

Mabini,Pangasinan

Lingayen, Pangasinan

San Fabian, Pangasinan

Philippines is Asia’s friendliest nation and world’s 8th best

2012-01-19T23:22:00.001+04:00

An HSBC survey, reported on Forbes Magazine reveals the Philippines is Asia’s friendliest country and ranked 8th best in the world in the list of the “World’s Friendliest Countries” in the “Expat Explorer Survey 2011.”

The survey by the global banking giant showed that hospitality is the greatest asset of the Philippines in the tourism industry.

The survey conducted in 100 countries worldwide between May and July 2011 rates countries based on the preference of expatriates to make them “their second home.”

The 15 friendliest countries in the world, starting from the highest rated, are New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Canada, United States, Turkey, United Kingdom, Philippines, Spain, Malaysia, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, and France.

Expatriates perceive the Philippines as a country that “is friendly on wallets,” with 47 percent of the respondents reporting “an increase in access to luxuries” such as domestic staff, swimming pools, and owning properties.

In the survey, the Philippines trails behind United Kingdom where expatriates find integration into the community to be relatively easy, though expressing concerns on the high cost of living.

The Philippines ranks ahead of Spain where expatriates “fit in well,” many of them reporting to have integrated well into their community, enjoyed the local culture, made friends, learned and used the language, and have experienced a better work-life balance than in their home countries (which included the UK, US, France, and the Netherlands.)

HSBC surveyed 3,385 expatriates in 100 countries but only 31 were ranked for the survey. This is because countries with fewer than 30 respondents were deemed statistically insignificant.

Bermuda, which ranked highly last year, was not included in the list this year because it had too few respondents.
Countries were rated in four categories:ability to befriend locals, success in learning the local language, capacity for integrating themselves into the community, and ease in which they fit into the new culture.

These factors, according to New York-based coach for expatriates Heather Markel, are “among the biggest challenges when relocating.”

On top of the survey is New Zealand, Australia and South Africa where it is “easiest to befriend locals, learn local language, integrate into the community and fit into the new culture.”

New Zealand scored highly in all four categories. Seventy-five percent of the respondents reported that they integrated well into the local community. In this criteria, Australia scored 77 percent while South Africa scored 79 percent.

New Zealand natives “seem like happy people, and that translates into friendly, helpful and kind people,” American expatriate Kim Brinster was quoted in the survey.

Brinster, who owned a bookstore in New York City, relocated to Waiheke Island, off Auckland to be with her New Zealander partner.

She also admires the Zealanders’ “pitch-in-and-help mentality” as well as the navigable government and health care systems.

The United Arab Emirates was rated as the least friendly country for expatriates, while countries that are most challenging for expats were Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia and India.

India was ranked in the last place for the second year in a row. Survey respondent Pia Mollback-Verbic, originally from Denmark, was quoted as saying that India “is simply a minefield of relentless mental, emotional and practical daily challenges for most non-Indians.”

(Story courtesy of Artemio Dumlao of the Philippine Star)

just for laughs...

2012-01-19T22:37:00.001+04:00

just do it....jerks!

japanese packaging

kungfu bear

spiderkid

pencil tree

no to piracy

Pinoy cooks, crew of sunken cruise ship hailed as heroes

2012-01-19T22:00:00.003+04:00

Published : Thursday, January 19, 2012 00:00
Written by : Bernice Camille V. Bauzon, Reporter
The Manila Times

THE Filipino crew of Costa Concordia, a luxury cruise ship that sank off Italy last weekend, saved several passengers by helping them get onto lifeboats amid the chaos and panic.
A French passenger, one of those rescued, revealed the heroic sacrifice of the Filipino workers four days after the maritime accident.

“Those who helped us were cooks and stewards, all Filipinos. They roped themselves together to help us get down on the lifeboats. We were able to get in at the last moment,” the grateful passenger said in a statement.

Costa Concordia had about 1,000 crew, 300 of them Filipinos.

Magsaysay Shipping Corp., the manning agency of the Filipino crew, was all praises for the workers after being informed of their “brave efforts.”

“We are proud of our crew,” the manning firm said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also lauded the Filipino crew for their “heroic act.”

“Filipinos are good at what they do. We are helpful and we go out of our way to extend a helping hand to anyone in need,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez told The Manila Times.

“We are natural heroes,” he said.

About 100 Filipino crew of the luxury liner are set to arrive today.

Hernandez said that they would be arriving via a Cathay Pacific flight at 10 a.m. and via Thai Airways flight at 3 p.m.

“Both the Philippine Embassy in Rome and Magsaysay Shipping Lines have confirmed their arrival,” he said.

The Foreign Affairs department said that the ship’s owner had assured that it would pay full compensation to all the Filipino crew members and replace their lost belongings.

Three Filipino crew members were injured in the accident and are still hospitalized.

MV Costa Concordia was carrying 4,000 people when it hit a reef that made a 70- to 100-meter gash in its hull hours after it set off on Friday from Civitavecchia port near Rome.

The ship quickly listed, leaving it half-submerged in shallow waters near the island of Giglio off the west coast of Italy.

Bagong taon, bagong panata, bagong pag-asa

2012-01-10T13:30:00.000+04:00

Bagong taon, bagong panata, bagong pag-asa

Marahil ang bagong taon madalas na nagbibigay lakas ng loobpara harapin muli ang mga nakaambang pagsubok sa buhay.

Sabi nga sa sermon noong nakaraang biernes, ano naman kayakung tingnan na lang natin lahat na positibo ang mga pangyayari sa atingpaligid, sa pagsubok sa buhay at tingnan kung ano ang maidudulot na pagbabagosa iyong buhay.

Oo nga naman, para maiba ang takbo ng buhay tumingin namantayo sa mga pangyayari sa ating buhay mabuti man o hindi.

Wala naman mawawala, at hangga’t may pag-asa sa ating buhaygawin lang natin ang nararapat at ikabubuti n ating buhay.

Kaya ngayong taong ito, wala akong panata…simulan lang ngpositibo ang lahat ng gagawin at kung ano man ang ikabubuti nito ay huwagkalimutang pasalamatan ang mga taong naging bahagi ng iyong buhay at PoongMaykapal.

kain muna ako ngarud....tapos balik trabaho ulit...

The Filipino as world-class managers-(Global Filipino,Philstar news)

2012-01-10T13:15:00.000+04:00

The Bagong Bayani Awards pay tribute to the country’s outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers as the new heroes of our time. Among the 2011 awardees, one proves that working abroad can be a career choice for Filipinos and not just the only option for a high-paying job.
Marco Torres, an associate director in KRA International, a leading Asia Pacific architecture and design firm, is proof that Filipinos abroad can compete vis-à-vis other foreigners in leading and managing in the workplace.

Marco was walking on air upon receiving the award, “I am real thrilled to receive recognition from my country and do my family, friends and my alma mater, proud. I share this with all of them as well as the rest of the Filipino community in China. With so many gifted and very capable Filipino workers abroad, I am sure many are equally or more deserving. I am just grateful I was selected. “

Marco believes Filipinos have what it takes to be world-class leaders and managers, “The Filipino is well-equipped for the global workplace. Aside from our excellent mastery of the English language, being technically adept and multi-talented, we have the right attitude to work harmoniously with people of all nations.”

“In my 5 years living outside the Philippines, I have met many foreigners who speak very highly of the Filipino worker. Filipinos are proactive, take the initiative and are willing to learn. We are also very amiable which makes us great team players. In a world of collaboration and communication, we have what it takes. People are happy to work with us.”

“They are also fascinated by our positive energy. We bring sunshine to the workplace. I remember meeting a Korean GM (general manager) who was once stationed in the Middle East. He shared me this story. One Christmas, instead of being depressed for being away from their families, Filipino workers were merrily singing to a guitar. With nary a drop of alcohol which was prohibited, he was amazed that people could be so in such high spirits. Such is the Filipino worker, he chooses to be happy in any circumstance. "

“Fact is, we are not as wealthy as our Asian neighbors. However, our people, both rich and poor, are always able to smile. Our fareast Asian neighbors are so much more progressive. It is a reality though that there is so much pressure for them at work. These pressures have led to depression, and perhaps, the main reason they have relatively have higher suicide rates. On the other hand, Filipinos may be in dire straits but everyone can still smile. It is this spirit of positivism that we bring in the workplace. One never really realizes how happy and blessed we are as a people until one lives outside.”

Marco, who has a master’s in business administration degree from the Ateneo Graduate School and an architecture degree from the University of Santos Tomas, was a torchbearer during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He arrived in Beijing many years ago with no connections and no Chinese-speaking skills. However, because of his commitment to do a good job, his hard work paid off. Aside from multiple promotions, he is now his company's global ambassador. “I am the person they send to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong if we need to meet with top-level clients. In any given day, I meet with directors of Morgan Stanley or the general manager of Publicis.” To have a Filipino who is able to stand face-to-face such senior people confidently, we should all be proud of Marco.

"My previous employers have asked me before, ‘Do you know of more people like you in the Philippines who can work for us?" As a worker, this to me is the biggest compliment both to me and my country. I hope I can continue to be a good role model for the Filipino worker. In so doing, I can continue to help place others in good positions in the region from Beijing to Shanghai, to Honking and Singapore.”

In closing, Marco wishes to be able to use the recognition to achieve a better end for his kababayans. "In the end, such recognition is only truly meaningful if they can be used for a higher cause. Hence, I hope that I can use it as a tool to inspire others in working together for a better Philippines. After all, I was born in the Philippines for a reason. I am and will always be proud to be Filipino. I wouldn't have it any other way."The Bagong Bayani awards gives due recognition to the significant efforts of overseas Filipino workers who foster goodwill among people of the world and enhance the image of the Filipino as a competent and responsible worker.

The other 2011 Bagong Bayani awardees include an educator, who helped bring the professional mechanical engineers board exams to Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries, seafarers who kept their vessels afloat during Japan’s 9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami, and caregivers who showed “heroism and loyalty” in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

point and shoot- shades and shadows

2012-01-03T20:33:00.001+04:00

point and shoot : Shade and Shadows

location : Al-ain Palace Museum

just another way to translate poetry thru photography

its how i appreciate things around me before they're gone...

for tomorrow will never be the same again.

its another way to start the new year...to appreciate the beauty of things around you.

point and shoot inspiration

2012-01-03T20:00:00.000+04:00

last sunset of 2011

2012-01-03T00:20:00.000+04:00

point and shoot - last sunset of 2011

taken at Al Safa Park, Dubai, UAE

December 31,2011

new year...new haircut

2012-01-02T23:42:00.002+04:00

the first thing i did for the new year...to have a new haircut together with my son.

ang una kung pananghalian sa 2012

2012-01-02T23:38:00.001+04:00

eto ang aming unang pananghalian sa bagong taon...pritong tilapia, adda pay kasurot na nga padigo nga mechado ken luppo ti turkey...nagimasen ...mangan tayun !

welcome 2012 !

2012-01-01T21:38:00.000+04:00

we are given 365 days in a year...so live one day at a time and enjoy every moment !

(Burj Khalifa fireworks, January 1, 2012)

wishing everybody a Happy New Year...

life is....

2011-12-31T14:09:00.000+04:00

that's life "its a matter of getting used to it ! just enjoy every moment and be thankful always!

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL !

IMAGINE a world at peace...no religion...people living as one!

2011-12-31T13:21:00.000+04:00

good morning!

2011-12-30T15:37:00.000+04:00

i woke up this morning with a great breakfast....thanks Luvs !

countdown to 2012 ...in a couple of hours we say goodbye to 2011...thank you !

THANK YOU 2011 !

2011-12-30T15:30:00.000+04:00

what a great year 2011 was...all i can say is thank you Lord for always being there with us. another way to thank all those people behind me during the 365 days of struggle..my family, friends, workmate . . .we did it ! we survive! the most important thing is the determination to go move on and go ahead to enjoy life at its best no matter what. a lot of changes and fulfillment for 2011, i guess it was the most challenging phase of my life and career as well. well 365 days is just enough to make things work. people comes and goes, and jobs as well but with optimism and positive thinking, future will always have will to go ahead whatever happens. anyway life is good! without struggle it would not be a sweet life after all...so welcome the 2012 with determination and full of hope! peace on a restless world !

a souvenir photo at the market

2011-12-30T15:11:00.000+04:00

bulls!

can't imagine the eyes still open....

this is how to say goodbye 2011 !

bulalo!

bye! bye ! bull !

Architects are sexiest...walang kokontra

2011-12-29T14:01:00.000+04:00

found this floating around the internet...enjoy... funny things about Architects

2011-12-29T13:52:00.000+04:00

thinking of what really is an Architect...

What happens when you type in "Architect" into Google images? It's kind of a running joke in the profession of how the general public views Architects versus what a real Architect ACTUALLY is.Let's start with the standard "blueprints with rulers, triangles, and hand drawing" images.

Image #1:

1. Try drawing a straight line on a triangle without holding the other side. It doesn't work.
2. This is a printed drawing from a computer. He is drawing on it. He is obviously stupid.
3. There is an eraser on the table. Again, this is a PRINTED drawing.
4. They couldn't find a better hand model for this picture? Was bigfoot unavailable??

Image #2:

1. Yet again this is a printed drawing. Is EVERYONE stupid??
2. Apparently this guy needs TWO scales to measure stuff. He likes to stack them on each other for maximum measuring power.
3. What Architect DOESN'T stack library books from the 1960's on their drawings?
4. Exactly what is this guy using to draw? could he not find a normal pencil?
Image #3:

1. All Architects draw circles, lots and lots of circles. Of course on blueprints.
2. Notice the standard pencil, triangle, compass, and protractor.

Let's move on to Architects on job sites (mostly pointing):

Image #1:

1. "Yeah this isn't right at all...KNOCK IT DOWN!...oh wait, this is just my grocery list..."
2. Architects tend to stare really hard at drawings while on job sites because they have no idea what they've been working on for the past 4 months.

Image #2:

1. Apparently these guys weren't allowed on an actual construction site for this photo.
2. All Architects point and smile at their work.
3. Hard hats are definitely required while standing by a finished building.
4. You must always wear a pin-striped suit to a construction site. I mean what are the odds you'll ruin it?
Image #3:

1. The building is behind you.
2. "Look at that bird!"

Image #4:

1. Either this is a very large woman, or they couldn't find a large format printer for this stock photo.

Now for some Architect's offices:

Image #1:

1. First of all, WTF?
2. Architects always stand while drawing, holding random drafting utensils in an awkward way.

Image #2:

1. Apparently Architect pimps DO exist.
2. I think they misunderstood when the photographer wanted the Architect looking at models.

Finally...This is what an ACTUAL Architect usually looks like at their desk:

1. Stressed out of their mind.
2. No pencils, triangles, protractors, scales, or compasses.
3. Slouched over a desk on a computer.
4. On the phone with their mom who's asking if Frank Lloyd Wright is their favorite Architect.

an Architect

2011-12-29T13:31:00.000+04:00

A man who works w/ his hand is a LABORER
A man who works w/ his hand and head is a CRAFTSMAN
A man who works w/ his hand,head and heart is an ARTIST
A man who works w/ his hand,head,heart and soul is an ARCHITECT!

kapag bulag ang aArkitekto

2011-12-28T13:47:00.000+04:00

di ko lang maimagine kung bulag ang isang Arkitekto. siguro dito na mapapatunayan kung ang isang disenyo ng straktura e maganda o pangit. siguro kakaiba ang kalalabasan ng design. paano kaya ito maiguguhit, di naman siguro ng gaya sa larawan na kinakapa lang hanggang sa makabuo ng isang plano.wala lang siguro nga ganun na talaga katalino ang tao minsan parang wala nang imposible sa mga ginagawa at nalilikha. pero wala namang masama kung makakalikha ng kakaiba..diyan nahuhubog ang isang magaling na arkitekto.

patawang arkitekto...

2011-12-28T13:35:00.000+04:00

architecttall...

2011-12-28T13:28:00.000+04:00

so this is it....time to go up..up..up and away ! so architecture is making a history again.

IQ Test For Smart Architects

2011-12-27T13:40:00.000+04:00

a mathematical challenge, and it’s been said that:

If you’re an engineer, you should be able to solve it in (under) three minutes,

if you’re an architect, in three hours;

if you’re a doctor, in six hours;

if you’re an accountant, in three months and

if you’re a lawyer, probably never.

Terry Jack -Seasons in the Sun

2011-12-27T13:34:00.000+04:00

The song “Seasons in the Sun” spent more than three months on the U.S. charts and more than four months in Canada. Its accumulated sales topped more than 11 million copies, making it one of the best singles in the world. “Season in the Sun” wrote by Terry Jacks.

As a youth, Jacks resisted family pressures to turn him into an architect. Favoring music instead, he joined the Vancouver-based Chessmen, playing guitar and providing vocals on a pair of singles.

If his family had succeed in turning Terry Jacks into an architect, then today nobody will remember him, he’ll be just like us – ordinary. If you still don’t know the song “Season in the Sun”, either you don’t listen to music or you’re from planet mars. Westlife sang the song also, a recompose version with a faster beat to it. Read – So you want to be an architect?

Gusto mo talagang maging Arkitekto- basahin mo ito (grab from the web)

2011-12-27T13:30:00.000+04:00

So you want to be an architect? Well, alot of people says that their dream is to become an architect, but what kind of architect they want to be? If you’re talking about building a virtual world then I am sure that you know the guy from the matrix movie – The Architect.

I don’t know why did the Wakiki Brothers name him simply as The Architect, but what I couldn’t understand is that how in the world did the people from the computer industry monopolise the definition for architect. Simply do a search for the keyword “architect” and chances are you’re likely to get a lists of computer related websites. No wonder Bill Gates called himself Chief Software Architect. Now, that is the kind of architect I want to be – filty rich.

daftsavant mention to me once that Tsutomu Nihei the Japanese manga artist (image below) who did Blame! and Snikt! (Wolverine manga variant) for Marvel Comics was an architect. Read his rant about ArchiCAD and AutoCAD at his recent post: “CAD Redux”.

I think that is an interesting article to blog – architect changing profession. This reminds me of the previous blog entry about an architect drawingcomic as a part time hobby – maaik.com. Read his comics at his blog. Another architect turn comic artist would be Louis Hellman, he publish his comic in architecture journal.

Gerry Alanguilan (image above) is another example of architect graduate turn comic book artist. A filipino by nationality, he is the artist being the comic “wasted”. Working for DC comic, he has an impressive portfolio that hardcore comic readers should look out for.

So, we got architects turn comic artist, how about truck driver / boxer turn architect? Tadao Ando has led a storied life, working as truck driver and boxer before settling on the profession of architecture without having taken formal training. Just in case you are lookng for his official website, I’m sad to say that there is non, read my previous entry on Tadao Ando Official Website for more information.

That is about it, anyone out there with a different list of architects turn comic artist or something like that? I’m yet an architect, but I do know that somehow I’ve metamorph into something else. From an architecture student into Cad Monkey then into Calvin-bot. Working life is so routine. Wake up – Work – Eat – Go Back – Eat – Read Papers – Sleep. Then its the same thing all over again and again.

the evolution...

2011-12-27T13:25:00.000+04:00

as an Architect-go after what interests you (grab from the web)

2011-12-27T13:13:00.000+04:00

While reading the morning newspapers a few weeks ago I came across the headline "McCain Is Now Running Just to Stay in Place". If anyone besides me was closely following the American election in 2008 saw the incredibly rough landing of the McCain Campaign as he fumbled, stumbled and bumbled making one fundamental mistake after another, and another.

He has long built a public image as a man of solid moral character. He doesn't play dirty, he is a veteran, former P.O.W. that would rather let his fellow P.O.W. colleagues be freed before him, etc. Then when Obama's numbers began to rise he outrightly stated "I am going to play dirty" and followed up with a slew of dirty political ads and misleading accusations. It went against everything he had branded himself as up until that point. But he figured it was a gamble he had to take. It barely got him a bump in the polls, followed by a dip which further torpedoed his campaign down like a sinking anchor.

Now that the campaign is over and he is up for re-election to keep his senate seat. He comes to the challenge with a long standing reputation and brand built around what his calls "maverick"; his ability to negotiate between parties and make alliances across political ties to get bills passed, even if it irks his own party. It told the world he was an independent thinker and has the ability to stand above politics. However when things got tough, he willingly threw all that out the door. The political climate in America now with the Republicans and the Tea-Party movement in full swing, is very hostile to the Democrats. In order to gain some immediate popularity McCain told a reporter that he never really considered himself a maverick. He was lampooned in the media and jeered on late night talk shows for days. He eventually went on to keep his senate seat. But for someone who was the presidential candidate for their party it was an embarrassingly close election.

The lesson I extract from all this is that it is really bad to change who you are fundamentally, your core values (or what you branded your self as) for any short term gain. It is just dumb.

Why am I bringing it up in this context?

Because it has everything to do with handling your career as an architect; especially a famous architect who's career is in the spotlight and is closely followed by the rest of us.

One of the best advice I have ever heard any starchitect gave was from Frank Gehy when he said

"Dont look over your shoulders, be yourself, find your own way, become an
expert in your own work."Your best work is your expression of yourself. When you do that, you become more of yourself. To me that means a commitment to finding your own core values and building on them and expressing it. Finding out what is interesting to you in architecture and following it relentlessly and passionately no matter where it takes you.

I also heard Diller+Scofidio say that in this interview. when they said

" We always found things that interested us and that's where we went."
Joseph Campbell the famous mythologist puts it squarely when he coined the phrase-

follow your bliss

He spoke of the character in Babitt who famously proclaimed 'I have never done a thing that I wanted to do in all my life.' Because he was doing all that society expected of him in order to climb the social ladder. He dutifully conformed to society but never followed his bliss.

The opposite of following your bliss is to go away from what you are really interested in, to go away from the thing that made you excited about being an architect in the first place for some immediate gain.

There is always a big temptation especially with a professon like architecture that is very suceptible to fads and waves of styles to jump on to.

The temptations are many:
-Oh that style is more popular right now so l am going to do XYZ because thats
what everybody is excited about and wants.
-We want to have more money - no one can argue with that we all want more money.
But in the end is it what makes us happy?
I sometimes see articles with titles like "10 hot careers that pays $100,000 a year or more and are in demand". My thoughts are always why would I want to dedicate a major chunk of my short life on this planet to doing something just because it is hot and pays $100,000 a year? Would I not just have a lot of expensive toys and an sad and hungry soul?
Don't get me wrong, money is good. I am not one of those who claim that money is the root of all evil - that's just crap. What I am saying is that you should not go into a career with the major reason being that it pays well. I say go after what you love to do, go after a career that makes you happy, and if it pays well too then great, if it doesn't then figure out a way to make money with it - if that is important for you.

I realy believe that the architects that are really successful or famous are the ones who stuck to their guns, who followed their bliss, and did what made them happy and excited about architecture and branded that interest so well that everyone else thinks it is cool.

It requires an unwevering conviction. If you don't have it get it. Some people are born with that conviction and thats good for them. For others it is developed. What ever you have to do, do it. Find what makes you passionate about architecture, believe in it, stick to it, and convince everyone else around you that it is the best thing since slice bread.

my alma mater-University of Pangasinan

2011-12-26T13:51:00.000+04:00

This used to be the old building of UPang. The highest floor is where college of architecture is located.
College was one of the memorable moments of my education. This is where I had the most exciting and funniest moments of my life with friends. Life was so simple then and if you want to recall all those moments, I guess 5yrs is not enough to tell all the stories...hahahahaha! and the journey continues..coz until now we're still intact, connected and having te best our lives. It doesn't matter who we rae right now, the best thing is we had the friendship ever that would be treasured for the rest of our lives.

Biuilding (above) we used to pass everday going to 5th floor...kung may nakita kang mga nakatambay sa shade sigurado mga Arki na yun, ngem di gingined nagtataray da amin awan nabati...

the entrance..this used to be the Nursing bldg.

the main building (below), the highest floor is where the college of Architecture is located.
Fronting the building used to be the basketball court and parade ground, at present is a landscape area where students can relax while waiting for the next class. At 5th floor, one can experience the cool breeze and spectacular view of neighbouring Dagupan villages and fish ponds.
But the greatest feeling is when you'ra at 5th floor...owww this is my place! viva arkitektyur!
By the way, no. 1 rule..." just be yourself "

mountain biking at Camp John Hay

2011-12-24T20:04:00.000+04:00

Inang Tatang- Ilokano version

2011-12-24T20:02:00.000+04:00

inyaramidak man ti ilokano version daytoy nga surat....

UAP UAE Arkitekto Pasko na !

2011-12-24T20:00:00.001+04:00

simbang gabi sa St. Marys Catholic Church, Dubai, UAE

2011-12-24T16:00:00.000+04:00

with Fr. Tom Veneracion...the parish priest that inspires thousands of Filipinos thru his sermons. I wonder why so many Filipino catholics are flocking every friday to attend to mass and simbang gabi. Truly a God sent servant...thank you father for the inspiration.

simbang gabi crowd

2012 calendar

ang belen

Christmas tree

pagkaing pinoy