Nut shells become 'canvas' in this Mabini exhibit

"Madonna and Child" is one of the "bao paintings" on display at the A-Bao Nut Art Exhibition at Museo ni Apolinario Mabini-Polytechnic University of the Philippines. (Photo by Bernadette Solina-Wolf)

MANILA -- In line with the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month, the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini in Sta. Mesa, Manila launched on Friday its first nut art exhibition dubbed as "A-Bao Nut Art Exhibit".

Rosana Misolas, museum curator, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that most Filipinos think only of the Independence Day celebration come the month of June.

"In my opinion, people forget that June is also the celebration of environment month, that's why we held this exhibit which shows the artistic youth that “bao” or nut shells like these can be recycled and recreated into a piece of art," she said.

Misolas added that the exhibit also aims to show that nut shells can serve as canvas for painting which usually cost cheaper than the usual media available in the market.

The exhibit showcases the classic painting skills of freelance artist Bernadette Solina-Wolf which convey a Filipiniana theme.

The exhibit offers 21 nut shells which hold painted images of Philippine birds, games, indigenous groups and sea creatures. Beside each of the "bao painting" is a short description explaining the subject of the art piece.Misolas said the items are displayed in different places like the Ayala Museum, Museum of Political 

History in Bulacan and Emilio Aguinaldo museum in Cavite.

The exhibit is open to the public for free and it will run for the whole month of June. It is located beside the entrance staircase of Bahay ni Apolinario Mabini.

The Philippine Environment Month celebration is mandated by Proclamation no. 237 signed in 1998 by then President Corazon Aquino.

It aims to enhance world ecology and recognize the importance of environmental awareness and concern among the various sectors of the Philippine society. (PNA/By Ma. Teresa Montemayor )

EU honors F. Sionil Jose for boosting EU-PH cultural ties

F. Sionil Jose receives the award from Ambassador Franz Jessen at the Europe Day Reception in Makati City. (Photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA-- Francisco Sionil Jose, the country's National Artist for Literature, was conferred an award of distinction for strengthening the cultural links between the European Union (EU) and the Philippines.

At the EU Reception Day in Makati on Wednesday, Ambassador Franz Jessen, who handed the award, said Sionil Jose's acclaimed writings brought closer the people of Europe and the Philippines.

Sionil Jose, one of the living literary treasures of the Philippines, thanked Jessen for the recognition.

"I am not going to be coy about it. I'm 93 years old and after all these many years of hardwork, I know I deserve this award. It's not only I who deserves it, however. There are others in my generation who do– Nick Joaquin and Salvador Lopez and beyond them – the Spanish writer of the early 1900s, Rafael Palma, to Marcelo del Pilar and most of all Jose Rizal," he said.

"I also add to this distinguished list our vernacular writers who, like most of us, were rooted in the profound humanist tradition of the West."

During his speech, Sionil Jose left a strong message before the audience, composed of both locals and more than 50 other nationals.

He started with recounting the Japan Meiji Restoration in 1869, which saw Yukichi Fukuzawa, one of the movement's leaders, advance the program of Datsu-A, commonly translated as "Leaving Asia."

Sionil Jose said this essentially proposed that for Japan to modernize, it must reject Asia, because it meant "backwardness."

Though, the renowned author clarified that he does not suggest for such rejection of Asia, or of "us being Filipinos." 

He said that the essence of Asian tradition is harmony and respect for hierarchy, whereas Western tradition enshrines revolution and freedom.

"I propose instead that we look deeply into our Western heritage, and perceive the strengths that have made 

Europe endure. 

Therein lies the answer to the many problems we face today and why this award should have more meaning, not only for me but to all my countrymen."

"Beyong the strong nation state that we are to build are the great possibilities that harmony with our neighbors brings-- the same harmony that the European Union has achieved and nurtures."

Most of Sionil Jose's novels have been translated into European languages.

After receiving the distinction, Sionil Jose said that his first brush with Europe was not with a country on the continent, but with a fellow Filipino, who became his major inspiration as a writer-- Jose Rizal, who, he described "was Hispanized and Europeanized, and reached intellectual maturity in Germany."

Sionil Jose, who is also a publisher and lecturer on cultural issues, was bestowed the Cultural Center of the 

Philippines Centennial Honors for the Arts in 1999; the Outstanding Fulbrighters Award for Literature in 1988; and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts in 1980.

His latest award given by the EU marks the celebration of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage. (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

DPWH 6 completes 851 classrooms in time for school opening

ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of 381 school buildings equivalent to 851 classrooms, as classes opened on Monday.

The classrooms were funded under the 2017 Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEEF) of the DPWH together with the Department of Education (DepEd) amounting to PHP 1.189 billion.

Engr. Al Fruto, DPWH Assistant Regional Director for Western Visayas, said the projects were fast tracked to be completed in time for the opening of classes.

“With these additional school buildings, our government will be able to address the need for more classrooms, considering the increasing number of enrollees both in elementary and secondary as well as the senior high schools students,” he stated.

The projects are intended for elementary and secondary schools, as well as workshop/laboratory buildings for senior high schools.

“This will help our students especially those in the far-flung areas. They will have comfortable and spacious classrooms with better ambiance for studying. DPWH will continue to support the program of our government to address the shortage of educational facilities,” said DPWH 6 information officer, Vivian Tan.

Meanwhile, DPWH data revealed that 503 of the 618 school building projects funded under the 2016 BEEF are already completed, 105 are still ongoing, while eight are yet to be started.

The 2016 BEEF has a total budget of PHP7.445 billion. (Caihra Santillan and Rosilfa Mallada WVSU-OJT/PNABy Perla Len)

A walk in the clouds: China's natural heritage sites

 JIANGXI PROVINCE, China--The People’s Republic of China is not just all about temples and modern edifices such as the famous Bird’s Nest, the national stadium where the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics were held. The fourth largest country in the world is also home to many natural heritage sites.

Notable among these ancient heritage sites is the Mount Lu in Lushan County, Jiujiang City; and the Sanqingshan Mountain in Shangrao City; both in Jiangxi Province. A magnificent view from the top of these mountains is like conquering the world.

During the 2018 Seminar for Information Officers and Journalists from the Philippines, the 21-member delegation experienced some of the most unforgettable visits into China’s hidden natural treasures, away from the busy capital city of Beijing.

On May 25, the seminar organizers and the Philippine delegation flew to Nanchang in Jiangxi, a highly-industrialized province, yet a place of many scenic views and ecological sites. The visit to the heritage parks is part of the study tour to enable the participants have a glimpse of China's culture.

In an almost three-hour drive from Nanchang, the delegation passed through the long and winding roads to the top of Lushan Mountain where old villas of early inhabitants exist--some of them abandoned and others turned into tourist accommodations.

Fresh, cool air greeted the delegation as they got off from the bus to spend the night at the old villas of former government officials.

Temperatures dropped but the cool environs blended well with the warm summer air.

Of gorges and gullies

The delegation left early the next morning for a long walk in Mount Lu in Lushan County, one of the best well-known cultural tourism counties in China.

First stop was the Violin Lake known for its gentle ripples. True to its name – the lake is shaped like a violin with the Dalin Temple in the middle.

From the bridge of the Violin Lake, one can see the Blossomy Valley located at the intersection of Dalin Peak and Tianchi Peak. From afar, it is obviously not a place for people with wobbly knees, as looking down on the deep ravine can strike fear even to someone who does not harbor fear of heights.

Down and up the concrete path of Mount Lu are more ravines and gullies. One site was overlooking the Jiujiang City.

About two kilometers walk before exiting the mountain, the delegation was told that the valleys in Mount Lu were formed by Quarternary Glacier.

Driving down the mountain, one can see rows of shops and a cinema, which was honored in the Guinness World Records for having the longest run of a film showing in one cinema. The movie, "Romance on Mount Lu”, has screened every day since its first opening in 1980.

Mount Lu has an area of some 302 square kilometers and is thought to be famous since ancient times with its flying streams, dense forest, peaks, canyons and waterfalls.

It was once a summer palace of the national government, known in ancient time as Kuanglu.

It was also here when the Communist Party of China held many meetings since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Mount Lu was included in the World Heritage List in 1996.

Rocky mountain

From Lushan is a seven-hour drive to Shangrao City, famous for its three world natural heritage and two world geological parks.

Shangrao is a tourist and a transport hub in the Eastern China region. Expressways, well-paved road, tunnels, and bridges up the mountain led the delegation to the foot of Sanqingshan Mountain.

Yu Honghu, the Director of Sanqingshan Information Office, said Sanqingshan has huge tourism resources that are waiting to be developed.

The delegation took the cable cars and ascent to the over 1,400 feet above sea level where the cable stops. Down are the lush forest, ravine, rocks and gorges.

Some parts were covered by clouds but the view was splendid. Sanqingshan is in the UNESCO Global Geopark list since 2015.

The pathways and steps are paved that make it easier for visitors to climb farther and go around about two kilometers.

On the way, stops are made for best photo shoots. One area is full of red ribbons with Chinese characters and locks – the only trace that you conquered the mountain.

Some trees are labeled with its scientific names, including an ancient tree halfway from the cable car station.

The rest stations with scenic views, is dotted with a cozy tea shop.

The walk around Mount Lu and Sanqingshan is quite a wonderful experience.

Lawyer Tristan de Guzman of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the head of the delegation,said it was hard going up the mountains, "but it's all worth it".

The two natural heritage sites are not only attractions but are the gates to the rich cultural heritage of China that has been preserved for many dynasties until the present generation.

Just like these breath-taking scenic views, the warm hospitality and generosity of the Chinese are among the qualities that attract many people to China. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)