How to Start Terrarium Making Workshop by Cedarhills

Cedarhills Garden Center

Terrarium is getting popular in many modern day homes, apartments, condominiums even offices and schools.  In this fast phase lifestyle people who do not have time taking care of house plants, terrariums work well for people with busy lives or those that struggle to keep plants alive due to lack of care.

dish garden and terrariums

Having a terrarium, vivarium landscape set-up is also becoming popular for those who who have small insects, reptiles and amphibians creating a mini-ecosystem. Hobbyists will incorporate landscaping into their breeding cycles. Plus of course, there is the obvious aesthetic benefit.

dish garden with accesories

Materials Needed:

1.) Glass Vase , Goldfish bowl, Cookie jar, Pickle jar, Vase with a broad bottom, Brandy Snifter or Aquarium – These can be bought at Cedarhill Garden Center or stores which sells glass vases like EDSA Garden House along EDSA corner Times street.  ( one can choose from different types, shapes and size )

2.) Small Scooper- This are use to scoop potting media, pebbles into the vase.

carbonated rice hull

3.) Carbonated rice hull (CHR) is first layer of the vase. CRH neutralizes the odor and absorbs excess water. It also allows air retantion, that is needed by the plant’s roots.

4.) Dibber- a wooden tool used to flatten the surface of your media- One can improvise by using any kind of wood.

5.) Tissue paper- used to dry the inner surface of your vase after spraying the media with water.

6.) Pinatubo Pumice – They act as your terrarium water drainage. They also aid in air retention because plant roots needed the oxygen to convert nutrients into plant food.

7.) Klassman Peat Moss- This type of medium is PH neutral, making it the safest media to use for your terrarium plants. It is also not as compact as compared to ordinary garden soils, which allows your vase to look more polished.

8.) Cacti and Succulents- When choosing plants, remember to consider water and sunlight requirements to make sure that all your plants have the same maintenance requirements.

9.) Accessories- driftwood, jarlets, smooth white stones, figurines- These are needed as additional accent in your terrariums / vivariums ( they add color and animation to the overall landscape) They can be bought in garden center, toy shops or Japanese thrift stores.

10.) Stirrer- Use to clear out, smoothen or position the driftwood, jarlet, smooth white stone and the plants in a precise position.

11.) Assorted stones and pebbles ( one can buy them at any garden center or pebble stores) They can be bought per pack or per sack.

12.) Sprayer- Sprayer is used to water the terrarium gently between three times to four times a week – or depending on the exposure to sunlight.

a richly decorated terrarium

Workshop

Kuya Gerry

We were greeted by Kuya Gerry, he is our mentor for the terrarium and dish garden workshop, The workshop started at around past 10:00 am, some of the participants are first timers and have some knowledge in cacti and succulent. A short introduction and briefing, We introduce each other and a little background on our hobbies and interests.

animal figurines

The group was given a short briefing on the materials needed and on how to make our own terrarium. a short audio video presentation. It took us between 30 to 45 minutes just to complete the set-up.

participants

We enjoyed the terrarium and dish garden workshop, We learned a lot. There were a mini contest among the participants. The next workshop will be held next week April 13, 2019 Saturday from 9:30am to 12:00 noon. Do not miss this opportunity.

terrariums

terrarium set-up at the recent flora filipina 2019 expo

Cedarhills Garden Center

Cedarhills Garden Center is one stop shop located in 57 Mother Ignacia Street, Diliman, Quezon City . It is just beside Saint Mary’s College and near ABS-CBN channel 2.

Operations: Mondays to Saturdays -9:30am to 6:30 pm

Sunday -CLOSE

Landline : 926-2707

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cedarhillsgardencenter/

 

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A Collection of Wooden Urna Containers for Religious Icon

Wooden urns or locally called” urnas” is loosely translated into “religious shrines,”  “wooden niches”, ” wooden altars” that were intricately carved wooden housing for santos, or religious icons.

late 19th century urnas owned  by a private collector in Quezon City

Religious Art Form

This is a form of religious art which was introduced by the Mexican-Spaniards towards the late 16th century and usually made from wood. The design varies from one province to another. Those coming from Bohol, Leyte,Central Visayas, Ilocos, Pampanga and Bulacan are some of the highly sought after by collectors.

different kinds of religious containers for sale ( photo courtesy of Mr. Edgardo Gamo)

With opening of the country’s trade and direct rule by Spain towards the beginning of the 19th century, There were a lot of European styles and influence coming from Macao, Goa and Cochin in making of local wooden containers.

simple wooden urna ( photo courtesy of Mr. Edgardo E. Gamo Jr.)

Most of those frequently encountered were the mass produce ones from the late 1930’s to mid-1990’s. These became common features in most Catholic homes all over the country and these are mostly sold in commercial religious stores or custom made in some wooden furniture stores.

wooden urnas ( about 4 feet tall and made during the middle part of the 20th century)

Premium Wood

Premium religious containers were usually made from hardwood tree species like narra,yakal, molave, tanguile, batikuling, ipil or kamagong.

 seated Christ the King inside the wooden urna

Some would use the common acacia, mahogany, palo china tree species. These are far cheaper by at least 20% to 50% from those premium hardwood species. Prices would also vary with additional carvings, inlaying process, gold leaf ornamentation, installation of glass, paintings, cost of labor and transportation. These tend to further increase the prices of these containers.

processional wooden urna

The ordinary box-type wooden altars that were simply varnished or painted and tend to use plywood at the back. Front side were carved with decorative details such as Jesus Christ’s, Blessed Virgin Mary or “AVM” monogram. Having gothic, neo-gothic design motifs, crosses, art nouveau or art deco ornamentation depending on the era or designs popular among customers were used.

( photo courtesy of Mr. Edgardo E. Gamo Jr. )

Mass Produced

Many of these mass manufactured wooden urnas still survived today, although it is getting hard to come by as wood is getting scare. The art of making them also entails a lot of time and labor. According to a wooden furniture maker based in Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City, They would only get a handful of commission work for these types of wooden containers. Most are from devoted Catholics or parishes with expensive life-size religious statues.

A simple 20 inch tall wooden container could cost as much as Php 5,500 roughly US$105, using ordinary wood.

34 x 13 x 13 height inches tall with 19 x 12 inches glass ( photo courtesy of Mr. Edgardo E. Gamo Jr. ) This was made from narra and plywood and was sold in May 24, 2018

Some would opt using acrylic glass or glass display for their religious icons.

simple wooden urna affixed in an old house in Sampaloc, Manila

foo dogs, tea ya kong and religious items were placed inside this wooden urna

The wooden urna above is the center piece at a religious store located in Blumentritt, Santa Cruz, Manila. It is not for sale and was made at least 30 years ago.

According to the staff, the shop stop selling this type of commercial wooden urna for at least a decade.

These are just few of the different types of wooden urnas, People would regard then as part of our religious heritage.

 

 

 

Modern townhomes at Cuenco Street, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City

Modern town homes with state of the art amenities are some of the features of a new development within Santa Mesa Heights in Quezon City.

These townhouses are located at #78 Cuenco street within Santa Mesa Heights in Quezon City- This an elevated property and with 4 storey concrete townhouses. The target date for turnover is February 2019.

modern and stylish townhouses

These stylish compound type homes lot area are between 90.2 square meters to 112. 2 square meters with facade area of between 293.65 square meters to 298. 50 square meters.

Each unit had full elegant lights, general electric, individual septic tanks, cistern and main solid steel high-fence gate, laminated floors, security guard house with comfort rooms and cctv cameras  and automated lighting.

GROUND FLOOR

There is a 2 car garage, foyer, maid’s room with toilet, service area, Sto./pump room and garden space for those with green thumb and into gardening.

SECOND FLOOR

There is a living area which can accommodate between 4 to 6 people, dining area , kitchen, a Powder Room, and balcony area. The balcony area can be a great site for viewing the Metro manila skyline and skyscrapers.

THIRD FLOOR

There is a Sub master’s bedroom with walk-in closet, toilet and bathroom , Bedroom 1 with toilet and bath , Light court.

FOURTH FLOOR

Master bedroom with walk in closet, toilet and bathroom, Bedroom 2 with toilet and bathroom , Light court.

Elevator Features

photo courtesy of HD Homelift Solutions

1. Uniquely designed elevators from Sweden to fit your Home. No need for elevator pit and installed with its own glass shaft.
2. Take your home to the next level. Elevators from Sweden that provide comfort, functionality and design to your Home.
3. Customized elevators from Sweden to fit your Home. Space saving elevators that require minimal renovation for existing buildings.

Strategic Location

Senator Mariano J. Cuenco street is near Banawe street ( Quezon City’s- Chinatown) Suki market , Dapitan Arcade, Santo Domingo Church, Thousand Buddha temple, SM Santa Mesa, Fisher Mall, Araneta Avenue and within few kilometers away from the University Belt, Manila.

Contact Person:  Ms.Angie Sze

Contact : 0917 8662019

Office : 2439174 ; 3136494- Office Hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

HD Homelift Solutions:  http://www.hdhomelift.com/

Ymaz Builders: ymazbuilders.com

 

 

 

 

 

Tales of Fu Luk Shou: Three Chinese Deities

Fu, Lu Shou (Chinese Mandarin ) , Fuk Luk Shou ( Cantonese language)or Hok Lok Siu ( Hokkien language)  are three gods that are sometimes collectively called the “Three Star”, “San Xing” or “Good Luck Deities” with the meaning of blessings, prosperity and longevity. For this reason, it is clear that why these one are a very popular symbol to display in Chinese homes, offices or even business establishments.

My first encounter with these deities was during my childhood days. One Filipino-Chinese neighbor had a three piece set of the Fu Lu Shou  . They are normally placed in living rooms, entrance and on eye level.

San Xing deities were around 20 inches tall and probably bought from Taiwan or mainland China. I would sometimes recall that they would sometimes put small offering on the deities whenever it was a special day. Spotted some San Xing deities last holy week during a short tour on Pasay City.

Where to Place the Fu Luk Shou Deities

According to Feng Shui experts and believers , It is thought to be disrespectful and unlucky to place the deities on low surfaces such as kitchen, bathroom or even bedroom. Do not place the deities on windows and area with low beams.

Daily incense burning candles offering  fresh or artificial flowers are usually offered to these three wise men in hope of them bestowing their gifts on humans.

Some would create a separate altar for these three minor deities.

Origin

Three Lucky Gods in Chinese mythology or in Chinese Taoism.

Fu Xing

The star of Fu Xing is dedicated to Jupiter which is considered very auspicious. The legend tells a story of a government official named Xang Cheng and served at the prefecture of Daozhou during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and had the personal name Yang Gong  or Xang Cheng.

He lived in a village inhabited by midgets or small people in which the emperor discovered this village and was truly fascinated when he visited the place.

The emperor found it too much trouble to revisit the village. Instead he ordered steady groups of short people be sent to his palace every year. These villagers were not allowed to return home.

Xang Cheng took pity on the villagers. He did something brave and almost unthinkable. With great confidence Xang Cheng approached the emperor and pleaded him to stop taking the little people from their homes. He wrote a convincing petition which he then handed loved to the emperor.

Eventually he was immortalized as Fu Xing. Star god of happiness, prosperity and good fortune. Fu is the bringer of good luck.

Lu Xing

Lu is dedicated to the sixth star of the Wen Chang cluster, in the West known as Ursa Majoris. Lu refers to salary and thus he is the star god of social status.

There are different legends or folklore concerning who Lu Xing originally was. One legend is that he was Kuo Tzu-I also known as the Prince of Fen-yang Wang. He was one of the most honored Chinese generals. He died in 781 AD at the age of 84.

Another account was the God of Status is identified with Immortal Zhang  who was probably the same person as Zhang Yuanxiao who lived in Sichuan during the Five Dynasties period  (907-960), lived on Mt. Qingcheng .

In another account, He used to represent a former wise men or a person with imperial background and benevolent.

Shou Xing

Shou Xing is easy to recognize with his long forehead. He carries the peach of longevity and a staff.

Legend has it that Shou Xing has the power to fix the date of every person’s death. He decides beforehand how long every human will live. The digits cannot be changed but they can be tampered with as one story shows.

Photo credit : Mr. Edgardo Gamo Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Reasons to Visit WorldBex 2017

WorldBex 2017 is one of the biggest construction , architecture and supplies trade show in the country. The event started with an impressive opening ceremonies held last March 15, 2017 at the iconic World Trade Center ,  PTTC and SMX Convention Center in Pasay City , Metro Manila.

World Trade Center

Every year, there is an estimated between 90,000 to 120,000 people who visits this annual show. Due to limited time, The author was only able to visit WTC and PTTC . There was a shuttle service provided by the organizer. The annual trade exhibit would attract more than 1,000 booth . More than 60% are Filipino owned companies and about 40% are Foreign Multi-National companies .

L-R Jill Ang (Managing Director, WSI); Albert Fan (Manager, Taiwan Trade Center); Nizelle Sy (Representative, French Embassy); Henry Lee (President, Philippine Hardware Association); Benjamin Ziga (1st Secretary, Czech Republic Embassy); Rene Ramos (Director of WSI); Sewwandi De Silva (2nd Secretary, Embassy of Sri Lanka); Joseph Ang (Founding Chairman, WSI);Khanka Nit (Commercial Councilor, Thai Embassy); Sec. Mark Villar (DPWH) ; Kok Li Peng (Ambassador of Singapore); Usec. Ruth Castelo (DTI); Dir. Nick Ni Teco (Taiwan Economic Cultural Office); Senate Secretary Atty. Lutgardo Barbo representing Sen. Koko Pimentel; Archt. Francisco Flameno (Executive Director WSI); Daniel Ching (VP-External Affairs); IDr. Tessa Prieto-Valdez; Hero Yu (PESA President); Levi Ang (Co-Founder, WSI); Tessie Roque (Director, WSI); Stephen Wong (President of PHFI); IDr. Archt. Rogelio Caringal; Marjorie Aguinaldo-Muñoz; JR Ang (Marketing Director, WSI) Photo courtesy : WorldBex2017

Here are the 8 Reasons to Visit WorldBex 2017

8. Sustainable Forest Management –Arctic Forest Products had been in the country for several years , The company uses sustainable forest products which are harvested at the average age of 70 years for high density (hard texture) and beautiful wood grain in Finland . This is just one of the companies which exhibit their sustainable forest timber products at the expo.

Address: 22 Tandang Sora Ave., Brgy. Sangandaan
Quezon City 1116, Philippines
Telefax :       (02) 453-7746
Telephone:   (02) 453-0367
Mobile : (+63) 917-824-9878
Email : infoarcticforestproductsinc@gmail.com

Website: http://www.arcticfp.com/

7. Myriad of Colors -This is an example of a colorful booth , This is not surprising coming from a paint company.

6. Creative Arts –Prado is an example of Filipino Artisan is a world renowned manufacturer / exporter of hand crafted home and garden décor, lighting and furniture.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pradofilartisans/

Address: Greenwood Executive Village, Cainta , Rizal province

+63 8802528

5.Technology – There are a lot of innovative technologies to be seen at the event . There are also daily lectures and talk from leaders within the industry .

4. Cosplayer and Mascot – There are a lot of exciting , mascot which attracts the crowd

3. International Companies -Several international companies made their present at the trade fair.

2. Interior Design and Concept -Stylish , Modern and Chic designs are also exhibited at the PTTC building , They are designed by well-known architect, interior designers and professional companies.

Akari Lighting 

1.Sales and Promos – There are a lot of companies which offered a limited sales and promos . Since this is a trade show event , Visitor should not come home empty handed.

WorldBex 2017 is open from 10:00am to 8:00pm until March 19, 2017 Sunday

Note: the author pre-registered few weeks ago at the website . Walk-ins are accepted and proper dress code must be observe.