The Lions Sleep Tonight Video

One of the most magical moments of the Idaho International Choral Festival came last night when Lithuania's Boys’ Choir DAGILĖLIS transformed the concert hall into a rainforest during their performance of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." With astonishing precision, these world-class singers recreated the sounds of falling rain, rushing wind, birds, insects, monkeys, and other wildlife using nothing but their hands and voices. The audience was completely captivated before erupting into thunderous applause! Here's the video:

https://fb.watch/IvlOmF53L9/

The Boys’ Choir "Dagilėlis" from Šiauliai is one of the most prominent choral groups in Lithuania and the Baltic regions. Founded in 1990 and directed by Remigijus Adomaitis, the ensemble is renowned for its diverse repertoire spanning classical music, contemporary works, and lively international arrangements. 

The choir is a regular presence on the international stage, having toured extensively across Europe, China, and the United States. Over the years, they have collected top prizes at prestigious events such as the International Choir Festival in Grado, Italy, and the International Youth Music Festival in Bratislava, Slovakia. They also hold Lithuania's highest choral award, the "Golden Bird". 

Another Impressive Choral Interpretation: 

https://fb.watch/IvpDETFQPv/   and

Monti's Czardas- Violin Solo:

https://fb.watch/IysU9ZMdLY/

Mount Olympus and the Timeless World of Greek Mythology

Mount Olympus and the Timeless World of Greek Mythology: A Journey to the Home of the Twelve Olympian Gods

For the last three  years, one of the most enjoyable activities here at The Heritage Downtown (THD), my senior living community, has been participating in our bimonthly Sunday Trivia Games. The questions cover almost every imaginable subject, history, geography, literature, science, sports, music, current events, general knowledge and, quite often, Greek mythology.

Whenever the subject of Greek mythology comes up, I immediately think of one place, Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the Twelve Olympian Gods.

Recently, I learned that Mount Olympus is receiving renewed international attention because of efforts to recognize and preserve its extraordinary cultural and natural significance. Whether through its existing protected status or future international recognition, Mount Olympus remains one of humanity's most treasured landscapes, where mythology, history, and nature meet.

As someone who has spent a lifetime learning, from my days as a chemistry student at the University of the Philippines, to my career as a pharmaceutical chemist with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and now as a retired senior citizen who enjoys writing daily blogs, I have always believed that learning never ends. Greek mythology continues to fascinate me even in my nineties.

The Legendary Mount Olympus

Standing nearly 9,600 feet (2,918 meters) above sea level in northern Greece, Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in the country. To ancient Greeks, however, it was much more than a mountain.

They believed it was the magnificent palace where the Twelve Olympian Gods ruled over the world from above the clouds. The gods were thought to observe humanity, reward noble deeds, punish wrongdoing, and occasionally interfere in the affairs of mortals.

Whether these stories are viewed as religion, folklore, or literature, they have shaped Western civilization for over 2,500 years.

Meet the Twelve Olympian Gods

Here is a brief introduction to the famous residents of Mount Olympus.

Zeus – King of the gods and ruler of the sky and thunder. His lightning bolt remains one of history's best-known symbols.

Hera – Queen of the gods and protector of marriage and family.

Poseidon – God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, carrying his famous trident.

Demeter – Goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility, whose stories explain the changing seasons.

Athena – Goddess of wisdom, knowledge, courage, and strategic warfare. The city of Athens proudly bears her name.

Apollo – God of music, poetry, healing, prophecy, and the sun.

Artemis – Goddess of the hunt, wildlife, and the moon, and protector of young women.

Ares – God of war, representing its fierce and violent nature.

Aphrodite – Goddess of love, beauty, and romance.

Hephaestus – God of fire, blacksmiths, craftsmanship, and invention.

Hermes – Messenger of the gods, known for his speed, intelligence, and guidance of travelers.

Hestia (or in some traditions Dionysus) – Hestia represented the hearth and home, while Dionysus became the god of wine, celebration, and theater in later traditions.

Why Greek Mythology Still Matters

Some may wonder why stories written thousands of years ago continue to be taught today.

The answer is simple. Greek mythology is filled with timeless lessons about courage, wisdom, justice, pride, ambition, jealousy, love, loyalty, sacrifice, and perseverance. Although the gods possessed extraordinary powers, they often displayed very human emotions and weaknesses.

These stories remind us that human nature has changed very little throughout history.

Many words we use today, scientific terms, astronomical names, works of art, literature, psychology, architecture, and even modern movies continue to draw inspiration from Greek mythology.

NASA has named spacecraft after Apollo.

Medical symbols trace their origins to Greek mythology.

Countless books, films, and television programs continue to retell these ancient stories.

A Perfect Topic for Trivia

I can certainly understand why Greek mythology remains one of our favorite trivia subjects at THD.

Questions such as:

• Who was the king of the gods?
• Which goddess represented wisdom?
• Who ruled the seas?
• What weapon did Zeus carry?
• Which city honored Athena?

always generate lively discussions among our residents.

Trivia games are much more than friendly competitions. They stimulate our memories.

They encourage lifelong learning. They bring smiles and laughter.

Most importantly, they remind us that curiosity has no age limit.

Learning Never Ends

At 91 years old, I continue to write daily because every day presents another opportunity to learn something new.

Whether I am writing about artificial intelligence, world cuisines, scientific discoveries, my Filipino heritage, sports, family memories, or ancient civilizations, I find that every topic expands my understanding of our remarkable world.

Mount Olympus may belong to mythology, but the lessons found in its stories remain very real.

They remind us to seek wisdom like Athena, communicate honestly like Hermes, build creatively like Hephaestus, appreciate beauty like Aphrodite, and lead responsibly like Zeus.

Those are values that remain just as meaningful today as they were thousands of years ago.

As our Sunday Trivia Games continue here at The Heritage Downtown, I look forward to the next Greek mythology question. Who knows? Perhaps the next answer will inspire another blog.

After all, learning is one of life's greatest adventures—and that adventure truly has no finish line.

Meanwhile, the AI Overview

Mount Olympus, rising 2,918 meters (9,573 feet) as Greece’s highest peak, was revered by ancient Greeks as the mystical home of the Twelve Olympian gods. Veiled in eternal clouds, this celestial realm served as the setting for epic myths, immortal rivalries, and sweeping tales that have shaped Western civilization's storytelling.  

The Olympian Pantheon

At the peak of divine power sat the Twelve Olympians. Each deity held specific domains and was famously portrayed with deeply human flaws, making them both revered and relatable: 

Zeus: The King of the Gods and ruler of the sky and thunder. His throne resided atop the highest crags of Olympus.

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Hera: Queen of the gods and the fiercely protective goddess of marriage and family.

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Poseidon: Brother of Zeus, he commanded the sea, storms, and earthquakes.

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Athena: The strategic goddess of wisdom, civilization, and warfare.

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Apollo: God of light, music, prophecy, and healing.

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Aphrodite: The captivating goddess of love, beauty, and passion. 

The Cultural Impact

The legends associated with the mountain were foundational to ancient Greek civilization, dictating rituals, laws, and cultural identity. Immortalized in epic literature like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the myths of Olympus are collected in seminal anthologies like Edith Hamilton's Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. 

Mount Olympus Today

Today, the mountain is not just a myth, but Greece's first National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Climbers and hikers from around the world frequently explore its sprawling forests, alpine meadows, and the highest peak, Mytikas. You can explore the history of the mountain and its mythological status through UNESCO World Heritage Sites or the Britannica Mount Olympus Guid

I learned a New Thing Today- Creating a Poster Blog

The above image and blog photo, I created today via ChatGPT Image Creation Apps.

It took less than 2 minutes. The Prompt: Under: Create a Photo, Write a Blog Post in the attached photo based on what you know about me. Make the Photo the Center Piece.  Here's a blog post based from the above poster. 

The Journey Behind the Smile

A Life of Gratitude, Family, Service, and Purpose

When people see a photograph, they often notice only the smile. They see a pleasant expression, a neatly pressed jacket, and perhaps someone who appears content with life. What they do not see are the decades of experiences, challenges, sacrifices, and blessings that shaped that smile.

The portrait accompanying this article represents far more than my appearance today. It tells the story of a young boy who grew up in the Province of Iloilo in the Philippines, surrounded by parents who believed that education, integrity, faith, and hard work were life's greatest treasures. Those values became the foundation upon which I built everything else.

My journey eventually led me thousands of miles away from my homeland. Like millions of immigrants before me, I arrived in the United States carrying little more than hope, determination, my education, and the dream of building a better future. Looking back, I realize that every challenge became another lesson, every setback another opportunity, and every success another reason to be grateful.

Science became my profession and public service became my calling. After earning my doctorate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, I devoted my career to research, drug development, and eventually to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There I had the privilege of working with exceptionally talented scientists whose shared mission was to help ensure that medicines reaching the American public were safe, effective, and of the highest quality.

While I take pride in my professional accomplishments, I have learned that careers eventually come to an end. What remains are the lives we touch, the people we encourage, and the example we leave behind.

That is why family has always occupied the center of my life.

I was blessed with a loving wife, Macrine, my partner for sixty-three wonderful years. Together we raised four remarkable children who have each built meaningful lives of their own. Today, I also enjoy the blessings of grandchildren and great-grandsons who remind me that life's greatest legacy is not measured in titles or awards but in generations inspired by love and good values.

Now, at ninety-one years of age, I reside at The Heritage Downtown Senior Living Community in Walnut Creek, California. Many people imagine that life slows dramatically in one's nineties. My experience has been quite the opposite.

Each day continues to bring new opportunities.

I still write my blogs, which have reached readers in more than 150 countries around the world. Through these writings I have discovered that ideas know no borders. Whether discussing family, health, food, travel, history, science, aging, or current events, I have been fortunate to connect with readers from many different cultures and backgrounds. It is one of the greatest blessings of my retirement years.

I continue to enjoy Bridge and Mahjong with friends, daily walks, exercise, weekly massage therapy, and the companionship of my two beloved cats, Batman and Robin, who faithfully remind me that joy often comes in the simplest moments.

My Roman Catholic faith remains my compass. It has guided me through seasons of success, disappointment, celebration, and loss. Faith has taught me that gratitude is not merely an emotion, it is a way of living.

As I reflect upon my life, I recognize that I have been blessed far beyond anything I imagined as a young student in the Philippines. Yet I also recognize that none of us succeeds alone. Every teacher, mentor, colleague, friend, family member, and even those who challenged us have contributed to who we become.

If there is one message I hope my worldwide readers will take from my journey, it is this:

Never stop learning. Never stop being curious. Never stop serving others.

Age does not diminish our ability to make a difference. As long as our minds remain open and our hearts remain compassionate, each new day offers another opportunity to encourage someone, solve a problem, share a story, or simply bring a smile to another person's face.

The photograph above captures only a single moment.

The real portrait has been painted over more than nine decades, through family, education, immigration, scientific discovery, public service, friendship, faith, gratitude, and the privilege of growing older.

The smile you see today is not the smile of a man who has lived a perfect life.

It is the smile of someone who has learned that life's greatest riches are not found in possessions, but in purpose; not in recognition, but in relationships; not in the number of years we live, but in the gratitude with which we embrace each day.

To all of my readers around the world, thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you. Your encouragement, thoughtful comments, and friendship over the years have made blogging one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.

May we all continue to live with grateful hearts, eager minds, and hopeful spirits.

"Grateful for yesterday, excited for today, hopeful for tomorrow."   

Lastly, Do you Know the Scientific Names of Common Animals and Plants?