Paintings on the Three Floors of the Plaza Building (THD)

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In my previous blogs, I posted the Paintings decorating on all the Three Floors of the Fairmont Building as wells as all the four Floors of the Heritage Building. This article is the painting on all the Floors of the Plaza Building.  Here are some photos and Christmas Door Decors on the First Floor:

Here are the Decor in the Second Floor:

Here are some of the Paintings in the 3rd Floor: 

My Next posting will be on the Paintings on all the three Floors of the Liberty Building

Meanwhile, Did you know that Bohol's world-famous Chocolate Hills are actually ancient coral formations?

Geologists believe these iconic mounds were formed millions of years ago when the area was underwater, and erosion eventually sculpted them into the hills we see today.

But that's not all! Local folklore has its own captivating explanations. Some stories claim the hills are the result of a giant's tears, while others say they are the remnants of a defeated beast's dung!

Lastly, here's a list of Ongoing Resident Led Activities here at THD.  

If Trees Could Speak, I wonder what Stories it Could Tell

From My Readings the other day, I saw several photos of giant trees.  I was so amazed by the beautiful photos of giant, twisted, and old trees, I am inspired to share it with you in this posting. The only label you have to keep in mind while looking at the following photos, is this Question.  "If Trees Could Talk, I Wonder what stories It Could Tell".  Here are the photos for your viewing pleasure.

     Meanwhile here's the iconic Blood Dragon trees endemic in Socotra Island, Yemen

And the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree

The Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) is a striking tree known for its multicolored bark, which peels away in patches at different times, revealing bright green layers that gradually age into shades of blue, purple, orange, and maroon. This process is a natural adaptation that protects the tree from pests and disease while contributing to its unique, ever-changing appearance. It is one of the few eucalyptus species that thrive in tropical rainforests, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

Lastly, here's my favorite Poem on Trees by Joyce Kilmer:

and the Ancient Tree and the Baobab tree endemic to African countries

All You want to Know About the Philippines But Were Afraid to Ask

| The Philippines! A beautiful archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredibly delicious food. It's a country that's full of warmth, hospitality, and a unique blend of influences.

Here's a glimpse into what makes the Philippines so special:

Island Paradise:

- 7,641 Islands: The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,641 islands, creating a diverse landscape of mountains, beaches, rainforests, and volcanic peaks. It's a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beach bums alike.

- Pristine Beaches: The Philippines is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, making it a haven for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and island hopping.

- Diverse Landscapes: Beyond the beaches, you'll find lush rainforests, active volcanoes like Mount Mayon, rice terraces, and stunning waterfalls.

Warm Hospitality:

- Filipino Hospitality: Filipinos are known for their warmth, generosity, and genuine hospitality. You'll be greeted with smiles and a sense of welcome.

- Family-Oriented: Filipinos place a strong emphasis on family, and you'll often find large extended families living together.

Rich Culture:

- Colonial Influences: The Philippines has a fascinating history, influenced by Spain and the United States, which is reflected in its language, religion, architecture, and cuisine.

- Spanish Legacy: You'll see traces of Spanish influence in the beautiful churches, colonial-era buildings, and traditional dances.

- American Influence: The Philippines has a strong American influence, evident in its language (English is widely spoken), its cuisine (American fast food is popular), and its pop culture.

- Indigenous Traditions: Despite outside influences, the Philippines retains strong indigenous traditions, reflected in music, dance, art, and festivals.

Delicious Food:

- Savory and Sweet: Filipino food is a delightful blend of flavors, often combining savory and sweet elements.

- Adobo: This classic Filipino dish features meat (chicken or pork) braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns.

- Sinigang: This sour and savory soup is made with tamarind, often with pork, seafood, or vegetables.

- Lechon: Roasted suckling pig is a popular dish, often served with a variety of sauces.

Festivals and Celebrations:

- Sinulog Festival: This vibrant festival in Cebu City is a colorful celebration of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).

- Ati-Atihan Festival: This lively festival in Kalibo, Aklan, is a celebration of fertility and abundance.

- Feast of the Black Nazarene: This massive religious procession in Manila is a testament to Filipino devotion.

The Philippines is a country of incredible diversity, warmth, and beauty. It's a destination that will captivate you with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food.

Meanwhile Did You Know that......

The Ivatan people of Batanes share DNA with Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, proving an ancient Austronesian migration route that took place thousands of years ago!

Archaeological evidence and linguistic similarities link them to the seafaring peoples of Taiwan, who navigated vast ocean distances using advanced boat-building skills.

Their unique culture, from stone houses to vakul headgear, reflects this deep heritage

Lastly Did you Know That.....

I had Pancit as a Special Dish During MY 90th Birthday last December 20, 2024

Some Filipinos Believe That Eating Pancit on Birthdays Ensures a Long Life? I don't, but I follow the tradition.

In Filipino culture, eating pancit (noodles) on birthdays is believed to bring long life and good health. This tradition comes from Chinese influences, as many Asian cultures associate long noodles with longevity. The idea is that the longer the noodles, the longer the life of the person celebrating their birthday. Because of this, it is customary not to cut the noodles while cooking or eating them, as shortening the noodles is thought to symbolize shortening one's lifespan.

Pancit dishes such as pancit canton, pancit bihon, and pancit malabon are commonly served during birthday celebrations, family gatherings, and special occasions. Many Filipinos continue this tradition, believing that enjoying a hearty plate of pancit on their birthday brings good fortune and a prosperous year ahead.

The Alignment of the Seven Planets Today after Sunset

Events for Today

On the evening(after sunset) of 28 February 2025, all seven of the other planets in the Solar System will appear in the night sky at the same time, with Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars all lining up in a neat row – a magnificent sky feast for the eyes known as a great planetary alignment.

It’s not uncommon for a few planets to be on the same side of the Sun at the same time, but it’s less common for most, or even all of the planets to align like this.

Any number of planets from three to eight constitutes an alignment. Five or six planets assembling is known as a large alignment, with five-planet alignments significantly more frequent than six.

Seven-planet great alignments are, of course, the rarest of all.

A PLANETARY PARADE will take place in just three days, with Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars all lining up in the evening sky. This combination will not happen again this decade.

Four of them (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars) will be visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope. Saturn will be the hardest to see due to its proximity to the Sun at this time.

To observe this event, it is recommended to choose a location with minimal light pollution and clear skies. The planets will appear just after sunset.

How to watch

Whether you will be able to see the alignments, at what time the planets rise and set, and in which order, depends on where in the world you’re viewing from.

There are tools you can access to get those times and sky locations.

Time and Date has an interactive tool that allows you to set the date you want to view, showing the rise and set times for each planet, where in the sky they can be seen, and how difficult they will be to see.

Stellarium has a similar web tool that shows you the positions of all the planets.

Sky Tonight is a free mobile app that uses your phone’s hardware to gauge where you are located, and shows you real-time positions of celestial objects on a map of the sky above. There is a good list of other options here, too.

You will need some binoculars or a telescope to see the planets in all their glory, so if you haven’t already, start planning now. And keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!

Meanwhile, Here's a short video Of Carenna ( youngest grand daughter ) riding a camel in Morocco, the other day with her college friends from Paris, France 

Lastly, here the latest news about Alzheimer's research from CNN(2-27-25)

CNN — 

Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly widespread, affecting more 

than 55 million people worldwide — a figure that’s expected to nearly triple

 by 2050.Despite the disease’s prevalence, few know the history of research

 on Alzheimer’s and the role played by an important yet long-overlooked

 figure: Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, the first Black psychiatrist and 

neurologist in the United States. Fuller’s work “not only advanced the 

understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, but also exemplified how diverse

 backgrounds and perspectives in medical research can drive scientific

 progress and improve patient care across different communities,” said

 Dr. Chantale Branson, associate professor of neurology at the Morehouse

 School of Medicine in Atlanta.

Fuller was born on August 11, 1872, in Monrovia, Liberia, to Solomon 

Fuller, a coffee planter and local government official, and Anna Ursula

 James. His paternal grandparents were formerly enslaved in Virginia

 before they bought their freedom and then immigrated to Liberia in 1852.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/27/health/alzheimers-disease-solomon-carter-fuller-wellness/index.html?utm_source=cnn_Evening+Newsletter+-+Thursday%2C+February+27%2C+2025&utm_medium=email&bt_ee=Fapvf4x4k2d3zREsbV7hbg6Hba5aYzSQ7JmF91tovQNyN%2BFn%2BNhz9%2B9InW6DIDqc&bt_ts=1740696619460

Imee Marcos Case- Daughter of Ferdinand Marcos-Philippine Dictator

From My History Readings This Week

On this day in 1977, a student named Archimedes "Archie" Trajano asked a question. A question that cost him his life. In an open forum held in the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Trajano challenged a then 21-year-old Imee Marcos’ appointment as the director of the National Youth council.

“Must the Kabataang Barangay be headed by the president’s daughter? She would not have gotten the position if she weren't the daughter of the president."

That would be the last of when Trajano would be seen. He was then ejected from the forum, blindfolded, and beaten by Marcos’ bodyguards. For approximately two days, he was missing. On September 2, 1977, his body was found dead. His corpse had indicated he had suffered beatings and torture. His body and face were left severely mangled. His own mother described him as ‘black and blue’. At the time, all media were controlled by the Marcos administration, no new reports or articles were ever made about the situation. His death was covered up as a ‘college hazing’.

To this day, Imee Marcos denies having any hand in Trajano’s death. She claimed to have no knowledge and power as she was only 16 at the time despite records proving her wrong. In a court case in 1991, she was sued by Trajano’s mother in Honolulu, Hawaii. Imee was on the record saying:

“Yes, Archimedes Trajano was tortured and killed, but it's none of your business.”

Imee was found guilty of violating fundamental human rights and was sentenced to pay Trajano’s relatives an astounding 4.16 million dollars excluding attorneys’ fees. Tarajano’s relatives have not yet been paid as the Philippine Supreme Court barred the decision. To this day, attempts have been made to collect the amount, yet Imee has somehow evaded or delayed all judiciary summons.

The bottom line: Archimedes Trajano is one of the many victims of Marcos’ tyranny and has yet to receive any justice. All the while, Imee remains free and currently acts as a senator. Where did this country go wrong, and when will the Filipino people ever learn?

- Carl Recto

Sources:

"G.R. No. 130974". Sc.Judiciary.Gov.Ph, 2017, http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/.../G.R.%20No.%20130974.htm.

Mendoza, Meynardo. "Is Closure Still Possible for the Marcos Human Rights Victims?" Social Transformations: Journal of the Global South 1, no. 1, 2013, p. 127. doi:10.13185/st2013.01106.

“Death in the Campus.” Bulletin Today, September 1, 1977.

Robles, Raïssa. "OPINION: Imee Marcos told US court – yes, Archimedes Trajano was tortured and killed but it's none of your business". ABS-CBN News.

Steinhardt, Ralph G. "Volume 20 Issue 1 Article 3 1995 Fulfilling the Promise of Filartiga: Litigating Human Rights Claims Against the Estate of Ferdinand Marcos" (PDF). Yale Journal of International Law. 20 (1), 1995.

TheABSCBNNews. “Imee Marcos on Death of Archimedes Trajano | Anc.” YouTube, 29 May 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFmoMwFqQ1g.

Meanwhile, Did you Know that IRRI’s most famous creation, IR8 or “Miracle Rice”, doubled yields and revolutionized rice farming worldwide!

In the 1960s, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines developed high-yield rice strains that dramatically boosted rice production across Asia. These innovations, part of the Green Revolution, helped prevent famines in countries like India and Vietnam, ensuring food security for millions.

By improving rice resistance to pests, diseases, and harsh weather, IRRI transformed global agriculture. Today, the institute continues to develop sustainable rice farming methods, keeping the Philippines at the forefront of agricultural research.

Lastly, Did you Know That....

The Philippines was once a major textile producer, supplying fabrics to both local and global markets. The industry thrived for decades, providing jobs to thousands and supporting local cotton and abaca production.

However, the rise of cheap textile imports, lack of government support, and outdated technology led to its decline, forcing many mills to shut down and leaving thousands unemployed.

Today, efforts to revive local weaving and sustainable textiles are growing, but the industry remains a shadow of its former self.