15 Fun Facts about Pothos

Pothos or Epipermum aureum and related species is now in demand. This a member of the of Aracea family that includes Caladiums, Colocasia, Xanthosoma which originates from Central and South America.

This highly ornamental plant is making a comeback, with dozens of new hybrids and variegated ones in the market.

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Epipermum aureum or golden pothos at a plant stall within Goodwill Homes 1, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City

Prices used to be in between Php 25 to Php 75 for small hanging basket in Tabang-Guiguinto plant stalls in Bulacan. Almost the same price in Silang, Cavite few years ago, until the demand for indoor plant skyrocketed last year.

Some plant center in the province would give cuttings as freebies whenever one will bring large purchases. Plant enthusiasts sometimes called plantiquarians, plantitos, plantitas,halamanmoms, plantaddicts whatever would you prefer calling them, would swear that having pothos is on their bucket list of plants.

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Pothos grown in large cement vat within Goodwill Homes 1, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City

15.) It is called “money plant ” by people living in the Indian subcontinent, Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai and some Southeast Asian countries. People believe that having one potted pothos can brings good luck, money or attracts positive chi inside one’s premises. This is also good in offices, condominiums and apartments which have minimal spaces.

14.) One can grow pothos indoors, preferably with bright indirect light, although it also will tolerate low-light conditions. Pale leaves means too much sun, and loss of variegation means too little.

13.) Pothos likes to have its soil dry out between watering. For potted plants dislikes soggy condition.

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Epipermum aureum or golden pothos cling on branches on an acacia tree

12.) One can fertilize pothos on weekly basis with water soluble fertilizer brand that is available in the market preferably 1/4 to 1/2 the strength diluted. This is done after watering the plant. One can also apply Naturamin which is distributed by Harbest Agricultural Business Corporation based in Pasig. Another way to apply small amount of slow release fertilizer that is commercially available.

11.) This had various common names like golden pothos, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, money plant, taro vine, Ceylon creeper, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, marble queen, water vine among others.

10.) It is also referred to as devil’s vine because it is quite impossible to kill the vine. This plant can tolerate low light levels. Some areas like in Florida, Hawaii, Southeast Asia,Tropical America, India, Sri Lanka the Epipermum aureum completely overgrows the forest floor as well as the trunks of trees and block the natural vegetation.

9.) Epipermum aureum, the golden form of the species use to be native over Mo’orea in the territory of French Polynesia. Epipermun pinnatum is native to many parts of the country and south This is under the family of Araceae.

8.) This is now one of the most common house plant and was introduced in many parts of the world due to human activity. The plant became naturalized in many tropical,sub-tropical area all over the world. Among the big farms includes Costa Farm in the United States of America.

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Pothos growing on a large tree within Philvirra Homes, Barangay Tandang Sora, along Road 20 Project 8, Quezon City

Locally, one can buy varieties of pothos in several online sites and established farms like Unigreen Farm in Batangas, Bulacan Garden, Tabang-Guiguinto plant stalls, Araneta Farmers Garden, Mindanao Avenue Garden Center, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Cedarhills Garden Center in Mother Ignacia Avenue,White Plains, Cartimar Plant Center, Neopolitan in Fairview, Pasig among others.

7.) NASA and other scientist made studies in the 1980’s on the effects of pothos indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, trichloroethene, toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon monoxide and dust.

6.) Other genus like Scindapsus pictus commonly called satin pothos/ silver pothos or silver vine are also lump as pothos. This vine is widespread in many southeast asian countries. Some small leaf philodendron are also mistakenly sold as different cultivar variety of pothos.

5.) The vine can be propagated via nodal cutting planted in aquariums, placed on top of the aquarium and allowed to grow roots in the water. The plant roots can filter some nitrate.

For those living in Calumpit, Bulacan One can contact Mrs. Vivian Sumilang (0920-915-8975) or ( 0922-819-6414). She also have other ornamental plants for sale.

4.) It is popular in the Philippines with many schools, make shift altar, cemeteries, family shrines have pothos planted in clear bottles as water plant. According to some old time local horticulturists and backyard hobbyists. They have encountered this vine way back in the early 1950’s and was extensively featured in several magazines.

3.) The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) listed this plant as mildly toxic when ingested to pet dogs, cats and small mammals. Avoid letting your pet animals chew the leaves or any parts of the plant.

2.) Avoid constant touching the leaves and stems of Epipermum pinnatum and Epipermum aureum since parts of the stems and leaves contains calcium oxlate crystal which may cause general skin irritation.

1.) Leaves are used in general flower arrangement, ikenobo arrangement and adds color.

Sources, References, Bibliography, Interview:

Personal interviews – with Ms. Charita Gunao, Mrs. Leticia Cabiao, Mr. Lebon Ong, Mrs. Marilyn Montemayor, Professor Purita Marquez, Mr. Allan Marquez , Mrs. Vivian Sumilang

Royal Horticultural Society

Wolverton, B. C. How To Grow Fresh Air, Penguin Books, New York, 1997.

Wolverton, BC (1996) How to Grow Fresh Air . New York: Penguin Books.

Sawada, Ayako; Oyabu, Takashi (2008). “Purification characteristics of pothos for airborne chemicals in growing conditions and its evaluation”. Atmospheric Environment. 42 (3): 594–602.

Nauheimer, L., Metzler, D. and Renner, S.S. 2012. Global history of the ancient monocot family Araceae inferred with models accounting for past continental positions and previous ranges based on fossils. New Phytologist, vol. 195, p. 938-950.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Madulid, Domingo; Winner, National Book Award, Science, 1995. Revised Edition, 2000 with 388 pages. Araceae Epipermum aureum pages 89 to 90, Bookmark, Makati, A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamental Plants.

Steiner, Mona Lisa, PHD;Care, M &L Licudine Enterprises, First Edition 1952, Second Edition 1960, Third Edition 1986, Atlag, Malolos , Bulacan. Gabi Family page 142, Philippine Ornamental Plants And Their Care.

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Cooking Charcoal Grill & Shabu-Shabu at Nikuya- Estancia, Pasig

Cooking and Grilling your own food, are the best dining can  experience at the newly opened Nikuya at Estancia Mall at Capitol Commons in Pasig City .

The is Japanese-Korean themed restaurant just recently opened last December 8.

The name is the Japanese word for “butcher” and as such, its main specialty is meat – Wagyu Beef to be exact. Their wagu beef is not of the ordinary kind . It is one of the few Japanese restaurants in the country to have a Grade A5 Wagu Beef !

certification

Beef cattle is classified into four categories: Japanese Black, Seed Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. It is Japanese Black of which number of breeding is the largest among them.

There are some grades for WAGYU beef, including the meat of Japanese Black, and A5 is the highest grade given only to the finest beef.

The standards of grading beef consist of Yield Grade and Quality Grade. “A” of “A5” means the yield grade, while “5” shows the quality grade.

Japanese paper lantern

This is consistent with the Japanese Zen philosophy of simplicity. The only decoration is a painting of a samurai . The ceiling has Japanese-style lanterns made of paper  hanging like chandelier or white flowering trees. The restaurant had a sitting capacity of between 60 to 80 people at any given time.

Here are the three set of appetizer dishes :

These includes dried deep fried Devi’s anchovy ( dilis ) coated with sweet style flavoring  tossed in corn syrup , pickled cubed radish and kimchi . The most favorite among the appetizers is the dilis . This remind us of our favorite sweet and a little bit spicy red colored fried dilis sold in packs .

Korean style pancake 

 Korean version of the Japanese okonomiyaki. The main ingredients are beaten eggs,   scallions (green onions) , seaweeds , seafood mix ,  Then topped with bonito shavings (Katsuobushi ) and black sesame seeds. MUST TRY

soup broth 

The darker tone soup broth is beef  while the lighter colored one is pork .  Beef is sold at per 100 grams, so be sure to order just right amount . One can enjoy cooking your own shabu-shabu mix using different types of ingredients.

shabu-shabu ingredients

The ingredients are egg noodles, potato noodles, manju (Korean dumplings), chopped carrots, fish balls, tofu “skin,” two types of mushrooms , tofu , bok choy , carrots , sliced onions , Chinese Cabbage (Baguio Pechay). One can add more spices like bird-eye chilies , finger chilies to the soup . Thin slices of pork  meat and beef wagu meat can be cooked . ( depending on  customization of orders. )

Triangular crispy onigiri with bits of Wagyu Beef

crunchy savory cake-like snack with minimal effort, these triangular yaki onigiri are a must-try. Yaki onigiri, or  charcoal grilled rice triangle . The charred wood adds flavor to the rice .

Choice Omni Wagu Beef Choices 

Chateuabraid at Php 1,688 ,  Ribeye per 200 grams cost Php 1,618.00 , Top Round at Php 999 . The prices are well advertised and written in a traditional black board .

charcoal grill with charcoal briskets / briquettes

The charcoal briskets / briquettes are made from environmentally safe material such as coco choir and does not emit unpleasant woody smell.

We had a variety of meat to eat – ox tripe, pork and chicken thigh (Yakitori). The most appealing is the Uzura Buta Yaki (Quail egg wrapped in Bacon meat) .

Uzura Buta Yaki and Chicken Yakitori 

One can add different kind of sauce mixture , depending on one taste preferences. Sesame leaf or lettuce leaf with grilled pork and gochujang(chili soy bean paste ) . The restaurant also had a good selection of Japanese and Korean wines.

For quality meat and food that is being served at Nikuya – A little bit pricey , But that is the closest quality that one can find in Japan or Korea. I will surely come and invite more friends and co-employees at the restaurant. Definitely worth a visit .

 Note : The prices quoted in this blog are subject to change without prior notice by the restaurant management , Please try to visit the FB page for more information .

Address : Nikuya Restaurant , Ground Floor Unit L-1-130 , Estancia Mall in Capital Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Avenue , Barangay Oranbo , Pasig City 

Facebook Page:

For inquiries and reservations, you may call or text 0927-1442881.

 

 

 

Meralco Traditional Christmas Lightning at the Liwanag Park

Liwanag Park , Meralco Compound , Pasig City -Philippines

life-sized Christmas village complete with railroad tracts and train greet visitors to the Liwanag Park

Meralco officials and executives led by Manuel V. Pangilinan , employees and their families ,  Meralco Bolts,  Philippine Volcanoes and some ASKALS were at the ceremonial Christmas lightning of the Meralco compound .

Meralco Bolts and their coaches 

The park in recent years has been a popular Christmas destination and a tourist spot not only in Metro Manila but among foreign tourists and expats living in the country.

larger than life- nativity scene

The park features light displays and attractions like Christmas figures made of scrap copper wire, a mini train ride for visitors, the Toy Town and a bazaar, among others.

I like the way the MERALCO creative team have used the scrap copper wires and old lines in giving them new lease as pieces of art works.

It looked like organic materials ( like cogon grass ) until you try to go near the nativity scenes.

night bazaar

There is also the nightly bazaar called dubbed Liwanag Bazaar were there are over 2 dozen stalls selling native delicacies like bibingka, puto bumbong, barbecue ,clothes,  souvenir items, t-shirts , toys and accessories.

Meralco t-shirts 

In recent years, the park has been recognized as a must-see Christmas destination in the metropolis.

Started in 2006, the “Maliwanag ang Pasko” program seeks to encourage Meralco’s customers to light up and decorate their homes, establishments and cities to spread the beauty and joy of Christmas in their communities.

invited guests marveled at the Christmas lights and fireworks display

Department of Education- Secretary Brother Armin Luistro also graced the lightning ceremony and received , on behalf of DepED , a donation of 2,000 solar lamps from MERALCO employees , partners and customers.

The donation is the result of One Meralco Foundation’s ” One Child , One Lamp ” campaign launched in November to raise funds to donate solar lamps to public schools in mountain and island villages without electricity.

Liwanag Park Rules and Regulation

Liwanag Plaza within Meralco compound is open to the public from December 2 until January 6, 2015

Time: 4:00pm to 10:00pm – Weekdays

           4:00pm to 11:00pm – Weekends and December 25 to Jan. 1

The park will be close on December 18 for Meralco Corporate Christmas Party

Noted : I would like to Thank Ms. Millet for the invitation to the event.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meralco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meralco/

Website: http://www.meralco.com.ph/

Meralco Bolts: https://www.facebook.com/meralco.bolts/

Philippines Representatives to the International Robotics Olympiad in China this November 2014

5th Floor, Oakwood Hotel , Ortigas Center, Pasig City-Philippines

electronic poster of the 16th International Robotics Olympiad to be held in Beijing , China

The 16th  International Robotics Olympiad this coming Nov. 5-9 at Shijingshan Gymnasium, Beijing, China.   It is sad to know that the parents and private individuals have to shoulder the expenses for the kids just to join the competition when they are the ones to bring prestige to our country once they win.

Mr. Anthony Y. Gabitan , Ms. Judith Tan,  Dr. James Tan , Ms. Kimberly Gamboa, Ms. Ana Isabelle Chua , Mr. Warren Ong Pe, Ms. Melanie Tizon

  We were invited to a press conference yesterday August 15, 2014 and unveiling of new line-up of Digital K12 equipments and materials that facilitate positive teaching and learning experiences. I have met Dr. James Tan -President of Grace Christian College and his wife Ms. Judith Tan . Our previous encounter was the 60th anniversary of the stamp launching of Grace Christian College few years ago.

Related article link : https://renz15.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/grace-around-the-world/

 Grace Christian College

Ms. Kimberly Gamboa is a High School 4th year student section 6 while Ms. Ana Isabelle Chua is a grade 9 section 6 student . They are the winners of Break OUT Challenge which was held at the Philippine Trade Training Center grounds in Buendia ( Senator Gil Puyat Avenue ) last January 23, 2014. The two students also represent the school in the intentional robotics olympiad .

Ms. Laila Chikadora of TV channel 5

They proudly showed their award at the last National Robotics Championship and the students were able to represent the country in the international robotics olympiad . The event was well-covered by the traditional media like Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin , TV channel 5 , ABS-CBN channel 2 and GMA channel 7

Data Science and Technology Corporation

Data Science and Techonology Corporation, one of the major sponsors that provide assistance to the Philippine student representatives.  DSTC has partnered and provided equipment to over 300 schools all over the country, trained over 2M students and 2,000 teachers, and imparted 1,001 ways of using technology for learning and living.

1.LabDisc—a laboratory that fits in the palm of your hand! It is a complete laboratory for K12 Science Experiments, with up to 14 built-in sensors, equipped with GPS technology, compact, wireless, perfect for indoor & outdoor science-related activities.

2.Digital Microscope—your modern version of Microscope, a must for all science classrooms. Connects to PC or MAC, with Camera, Video, and Time-Lapse Functions. Focus and Project for the whole class to see.

3.Robotics Program for Schools—a comprehensive Robotics Learning package for schools, complete with curriculum, robot kits, and training support.

4.Robot Kits— we carry several types and models of Robots like INEX, Pop-Bot XT, and RQ Huno Humanoid

5.K12 Computer Courseware— market-relevant computer subjects for K12

6.Multimedia Resources—instructional materials for Science, Mathematics, English and local academic subjects like Araling Panlipunan, Filipino and MAPE.

7.Mobile Planetarium—a portable and inflatable planetarium dome complete with Air-condition Unit. The dome can accommodate up to 60 students at a time, with various astronomy shows for full enjoyment of all students.

8.3D Printer—the first Philippine-made 3D Printer. Inventor is Mr. Justin Gabitan of Puzzlebox.

 Mr. Melvin Matulac

Mr. Melvin Matulac of Pinoy Robot Games Founder and Director explained to the people inside the room how they select participants to international robotics competition.  Every year there are 300 plus school teams that participates in the National Robotics Competition. The champions from these competition are the ones who will qualify to the International Robotics Olympiad.  Only a handful of students get a chance to represent the country to the Olympiad.

There are many different robotic categories  that an individual/ group of students can participate:

Sumobot:
The match is fought between two teams, each team having 2 members. Only one team member may approach the ring. In accordance with the game rules. Each team competes on a Dohyo (sumo ring) with a robot that they have constructed themselves.

Line Tracing:

The objective of Line Tracing is for your autonomous robot to complete the course in the shortest period of time while accurately tracking the line from START to FINISH.

Mission Challenge :

These are games with required accurate movements and behavior of robot. The students are tasked to develop a program and build robots with precision. Example mission is the break-out challenge.

Break-Out: A natural disaster has occurred and the mission of the robot is to find or make a path to the trapped individuals. The trapped individuals are at the cell which marked END in the map.

Humanoid Challenge:

A Humanoid Robot to behave according to the given task. One example gaming event for this category is Humanoid Prison Break. The objective of Robot Prison break is to build a robot that performs its best sensor usage by predicting the obstacles to understand a robot’s autonomous movements . This is one of the hardest challenges in the competition.

ROBO-Soccer:

This is a robot game that mimics human soccer. Participant will control humanoid robots to score more goals in opponent’s net. Understanding of humanoid’s mechanics and strategy is important and cooperation with teammates is required.

In the previous 15th IROC held in Denver Colorado last December 16-20, 2013 ,the Philippine Team brought home many awards and recognitions. , This is the first Robotics Team in the country that won GOLD Medals in a Regular Category.

2 GOLD Garcia, Nicole John – Letran Calamba and Calderon, Hans Simon – Letran Calamba

6 SILVER Aguila, John Raphael – Letran Calamba, Maningas, Sean Vince Ruel – Letran Calamba, Gener, Czareen Elen – Letran Calamba, Santiago, Sabrina – GCC, Ngo, Arvy

Daniel – GCC, Imperial, Eian david – GCC 5 BRONZE Co, Davenson – DLSZ, Ramos, Raphael Manuel – DLSZ, Dela Cruz, John Sebastian Gerald Julian -DLSZ, Co, Davenson – DLSZ, Ramos, Raphael Manuel – DLSZ 7 SPECIAL AWARDS Tan, Heart Bernice – GCC, Tan, Heidi Kristine – GCC, Uy, Jeremy Lance – GCC, Gamboa, Kimberly Klaire – GCC, Ng, Calvin Alexander GCC, Dela Cruz, John Sebastian Gerald Julian -DLSZ , Chua, Alvin Ken Steven Jr. GCC

Ms. Maria Rona Beltran is one of  the lucky winners of the on-the spot raffle

After the sumptuous late afternoon snacks, there was a mini-raffle draw for the bloggers and traditional media that were present during the event.

bloggers and freelance journalists took group photo

 On December 13th,2014 ,  the National Robotics Competition will be held at Don Bosco,  Makati City.  The Asian Robotics Competition  is schedule in the middle of 2015 will be held in Indonesia.

Note: I must “Thank” Ms. Dems Angeles for the invitation to this event.

 Address: Unit 307 Bonaventure Plaza, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills , San Juan City

Telephone # (632) 722-0549/ 661-88-86

Fax : (632) 661-88-18

 Website: http://www.dstc.com.ph/

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

Book For Less BIG Discount SALE

The Books for Less Warehouse Sale

August 1 to 31, 2014; 8 am to 5 pm (except Sundays and Holidays

Books start at Php10.00

#643 Mercedez Ave., Brgy. San Miguel, Pasig City

Tel. No. 633-8554 and 0917-630-9999

Note : The sale will start on August 1 until August 31 except during sundays and holidays . The warehouse is just in front of La Consolacion College , Pasig

Website: http://www.booksforless.ph/