Dusk and Dawn

After spending an hour inside the wellness cubicle in Elizabeth Mall, I drove through the Main North Road and took the Gawler-Mallala-Balaklava Roads to get to Port Wakefield—where I live.  Before finally heading home, I wanted to catch up with some friends who were having a dinner party in Balaklava this evening, so I was driving at the max speed of 110 km/hr.  Susan Boyle’s Album was actually playing, and the lyrics of her version of I Dreamed a Dream and You’ll See were reminding me of my own ambitions, as well as my current heartaches. 

Suddenly, on the left side of the road, I saw the setting sun over the vast rolling plains, with its rays penetrating through the thick clouds!  I pulled out, grabbed my Nex-5 and took a series of photographs...

Sunset; Gawler-Mallala Road, South Australia. March 25, 2011.

Sunset is the time to relax, and dream.  It is the time to savour our accomplishments and achievements for the day; and if there are failures and frustrations, the dusk has the power to end it all.  As darkness falls, there’s always a promise of a brand new day- the sunrise... a new beginning so we can get up and continue our journey... an opportunity to work hard and achieve our ultimate goal in this life.   

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Greener Pasture

Lower Light and Wakefield Regional Council, Port Wakefield Road, South Australia

It was a cool, gloomy, early autumn afternoon...  I was driving from the city and was traversing the boundary of Lower Light and Wakefield Regional Council when I spotted this herd of beef cattle taking a good rest under the eucalyptus trees just beside the hill. They didn’t seem to care about the hustle and bustle of the road, though they’ve actually managed to stand as I moved closer to frame my shot.  A few weeks ago the pasture was awfully brown and dry, and after a few soaking showers in the past days it has apparently turned into a thin carpet of a literally green pasture.   Last summer, when there was no greener pasture, even on the other side of the fence—these animals were left grazing in the auburn plain, and hand fed with hay and concentrated grain. 

Take it easy.  Stay, and be patient.  And save not only for the rainy days, but also for the sunny days. 




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Discover, and learn...

Not only humans have the capacity to learn. Animals, too. And so do machines. This June, we chose 'learning' as our theme to celebrate the opening of classes in the Philippines. Being the month of weddings, we also featured a couple of articles about love and marriage. And what can be fitting this month than to honor a fellow blogger who happens to be teacher, too! We are also proud to present to you an article written by a kabayan teacher in Thailand. True, there's so much to learn from this issue.

-the KaBlogs Journal 3rd issue

Explore the pages of the KaBlogs Journal and be part of it! It's not mine, it's not yours. It's ours! Enjoy reading...

Pita

Jollie by the River Torrens
Elder Park, Adelaide City, South Australia

Para kay Jollie...

...ang aking pinakamalapit na kaibigan dito sa Australia na binigyan ko ng kopya ng pinakapaborito kong akdang Desiderata- na nakadikit sa isang maliit na pirasong tabla,

...subalit ang nais ay ang Filipino version nito.

Sana'y magustuhan mo ang salin kong ito. Print mo nalang, bro.

Sa gitna ng maingay at matuling takbo ng buhay, maging mahinahon at palaging alalahaning may katiwasayang hatid ang katahimikan. Hangga’t maari, sa abot ng iyong makakaya, makibagay sa lahat ng tao.

Ihayag ng matahimik ngunit malinaw ang iyong mga paninindigan at pananaw, at makinig sa panig ng iba, ang kanilang mga kwento'y iyong igalang, kahit ang mga musmos o di kaya’y mangmang. Iwasan ang mga taong maingay at masalita, magagambala lamang nila ang iyong maayos na diwa.

Huwag ihalintulad o ihambing ang iyong sarili sa iba, maaari mo lamang matuklasan ang iyong mga kahinaan at tuluyang mawalan ng kabuluhan; sapagkat sa mundong ito may mga taong sadyang mas nakaaangat at mas mababa kaysa sa iyo.

Ikalugod ang iyong mga natamong tagumpay, at magalak sa iyong mga hangarin. Mahalin ang iyong hanapbuhay at ipag-imbot ang iyong pinag-aralan nang may kababaang-loob; sapagkat sa patuloy na pag-ikot ng gulong ng buhay ito’y mananatiling iyong pag-aari.

Maging maingat sa lahat ng mga bagay na iyong papasukin sapagkat ang mundo’y nababalot ng paglilinlang. Ngunit patuloy mong buksan ang iyong mga mata sa mga kabanalang nariyan; marami namang mga taong nagsusumikap gumawa ng kabutihan at kahit saan ay may nagpapamalas ng kabayanihan.

Magpakatotoo. At higit sa lahat, huwag magkunwaring kumakalinga o 'di kaya’y nagmamahal. Huwag mapagduda pagdating sa pag-ibig; sapagkat sa gitna ng kalamlaman o samaan ng loob, pilitin mo man itong lipulin ito’y parang damong paulit-ulit na sisibol.

Tanggapin ng maluwag ang mga pangaral ng nakaraan, habang maayos na isinusuko ang mga bagay ng kamusmusan sapagkat kasabay ng pag-inog ng panahon lumilipas din ang kabataan.

Pangalagaan at panatilihin ang kalakasan ng loob upang may panangga sa mga ‘di-inaasahang kasawian. Ngunit huwag pahirapan ang iyong sarili sa pag-iisip ng mga bagay na walang kabuluhan. Maraming mga pangamba ang nag-uugat sa kapagalan at kalungkutan.

Habang isinasagawa ang mga itinakdang panuntunan maging banayad sa iyong sarili. Ikaw ay katangi-tanging nilalang ng sansinukob, katulad ng mga puno sa kabukiran at mga tala sa kalangitan hawak mo rin ang karapatang ipamalas ang angking kagandahan at taglay na kinang. Malinaw man o hindi ang bagay na ito sa iyo- walang pag-aalinlangang ang sandaigdigan ay sadyang likas na puno ng kagilalasan.

Kaya maging malapit sa Maykapal, anoman ang pagkakakilala mo sa Kanya. At habang patuloy na nangangarap at nagsisikap sa gitna ng nakalilitong takbo ng buhay, panatilihin ang kaayusan ng iyong tunay na pagkatao. Sa kabila ng mga kasinungalingan, kapahamakan at kabiguan, siguradong mananatili ang likas na kariktan ng sanlibutan.

Mag-ingat at magalak. Sikaping maging maligaya.

-ni Max Ehrmann, 1920's

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The Parable of the Chook-minder

Chicken harvest has started for a week now, and it will take another three sleepless weeks before we can totally empty the chicken sheds. This is the reason why The Chook-minder’s Quill hasn’t been scribbling anything for the past seven days.

*****

...but of course I didn't miss the bout between Pacquiao-Cotto. As a Filipino blogger, I obliged myself to subscribe the ‘pay-per-view’ of the said fight. So last Sunday, I sat in front of the telly for more than 4 hours as I waited with pessimism... but ended up happy and proud because I was able to witness how the People’s Champ engraved history in the boxing world!

*****

The movie 2012 is also the ‘talk of the blogosphere’ nowadays, so I watched it this evening. Huhmn, I commend the visual effects of the movie. That’s it, nothing more. But hey, I believe that the release of the movie was really planned to coincide with the Scripture readings last Sunday, and I think these are all related to what I have been doing lately—the chicken harvest.

With the company’s up-to-date knowledge in poultry genetics, health and nutrition; plus the husbandry skills of the poultry farm workers and the modern amenities of the chicken sheds, only 94-96% of the flock pass the standards of the harvest crew and the dressing plant. Part of the remaining 5% dies, and others are condemned along the growing cycle because they are sick, small or skinny. During the final night of the harvest, chicken catchers would set aside and leave all the substandard birds behind.

Then it’s the responsibility of the chook-minder. All the poor-performing or unproductive chickens are condemned- their head and neck joint is skilfully dislocated. The dead birds are then placed in a wheelbarrow, tipped in a tractor bucket parked outside the shed and finally dumped in a 6-foot deep mortality pit!

TagumPIE

Paano kung ang papaitan walang halong apdo?
O 'di kaya'y ang adobo kung walang suka't toyo?
Masarap ba ang kalderetang walang anghang ang sarsa?
O 'di kaya'y ang tapang salat sa asin at paminta?

Sa paggawa ng ice-cream ang pangunahing sangkap ay asin-
kahit choco-frosting kailangang painitin, haluin;
Nakakatakam na leche flan, matagal pinasingawan!
Gulaman sa buko-pandan, nabuo nang pinakuluan.

Kung ang nais sa buhay, tagumPIE ay malasap,
'Di dapat magulat kung may pasakit at hirap,
Sa kabila ng lahat, tuwa't sarap ang katapat,
'Pag may t'yaga at sipag, tiyak may hain sa hapag!










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Sa lahat ng mga kaibigang sumuporta sa aking akdang The Keynote- na kalahok sa 2009 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!

WiSHum GRANTum

It was 6:58 a.m. and the sun hadn’t risen yet. The dark eastern horizon had been gradually turning into a streak of cherry-red band, while the wide, lush, green wheat field was still obscured by the remaining darkness of the dawn. He felt the cold winter breeze biting his cheeks and this nearly freezing temperature never spared to penetrate even his glove-encased palms!

He quickly entered the first of the six control rooms which had been individually annexed beside the six chicken sheds. He was there to check the digitally-recorded data and to adjust the computer settings to make it suitable for the current growth requirement of the flock.

He almost leapt, as his heart was pounding, to see an odd object partly covered with a white cotton cloth standing right in front of him! He was surprised because for the past fifteen months of working there, he hadn’t found this kind of thing in the middle of this narrow and dusty room, or anywhere inside the farm’s confinement.

Curious, he hastily pulled the cloth off; and a magnificent life-size mirror with an antique, wooden frame was instantly unveiled!

He moved slowly towards the classic furniture, stood in front and looked at it but he couldn’t see his own reflection! He was startled.

He took a deep breath, and his anatomical heart beat more heavily. He felt the wintery draught creeping from the horizontal gap between the door and the floor to his feet up to his legs... He was about to open the doorway so he could immediately leave the haunted room but suddenly, a diffused vibrant ray started to dazzle out from the mirror!

The light had faded slowly, and the mirror started to display some moving images... He saw himself in an oath-taking ceremony together with other men and women of different nationalities, with a ‘Blue Ensign defaced with a constellation and a Commonwealth star’ emblem as a backdrop! The representative of the immigration department handed him his new passport- with a black cover and an outline of a kangaroo and an emu on the front. There was a ‘fast forward’... he then saw himself standing in front of his students in a university classroom Down Under holding a bony pelvis of a White Leghorn on his left hand, and a bony pelvis of a Beagle on his right. Finally, the mirror reflected him inside a teaching veterinary surgery room sharing the tricks of ovariohysterectomy to five eager-to-learn surgical teams.

He had been extremely captivated by those enchanting scenes, and he completely forgot all about his task for the day! He was very excited to tell his mates about the magical mirror so he went out of the control room and rushed to the lunch room to see Farshid and Roger.

AT 7:59 A.M. THE BALL OF fire hadn’t shown itself; instead, it kept on hiding behind the low, dark and visibly moving clouds just above the township of Port Wakefield that day. Strangely, a myriad of seagulls was hovering and perching all over the place!

Meanwhile... out of nowhere, a very old man wearing long robes and purple cloak suddenly appeared inside the control room! He was tall and thin; and his long grey hair, moustache and beard were all tucked into his leather belt—which was obviously made of a rooster skin. He waved his wand and said, “wishum grantum!”

The old man and the enchanted mirror vanished right away.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s ‘Mirror of Erised’- a chapter in her book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The Mirror of Erised is a magic mirror, which, according to Albus Dumbledore, shows the "deepest and most desperate DESIRE of our hearts".

"Men have spent so much time looking in the mirror; they became mad, that they have forgotten to live."

-Albus Dumbledore explaining the danger of the mirror to Harry Potter

Mona Lisa's Smile

I had risen early today and found multiple little swamps in the yard, contrary to what I wished and prayed for last night—to see a pile of fluffy crystalline water ice on the ground this morning. I am sure that God gave me a continuous drizzle overnight instead of a gush of flurries which, all these years in my life, I’ve been dreaming to see!

Actually, this is not the first time He did it to me; when I'm asking for something, He was providing me another thing. ...lately, my requests seemed to be always put on hold. I don’t know why.

In my day to day quest for just a sign or an answer I’ve met men and women in my neighbourhood who, somehow, have opened my eyes and reminded me that the troubles of others are always greater than my own. These friends had and have been facing various and even more complex challenges than what I have but they could still manage to face the world with a smile!

I am inspired by their bravery to deal with all the difficulties they have in life. Frankly, I am overpowered by shyness to ask them about their source of exemplary courage and strength but one thing is certain: they have helped me believe that, really, there’s always a reason to smile.

10 July 2009

(Midwinter Down Under)

From LEFT to RIGHT: Siony, Nati, RJ, Gem, and Juliet

Siony is apparently a glittering gold at 50; an Australian citizen; 8 years in Australia; the 5^th wife of an 82-year old Dutch-Australian named Charles who’s currently confined in (and has been in and out of) the hospital because of diabetes and heart problem.

Nati has just turned 59 last month; an Australian citizen; 23 years in Australia; was married to Abdul (a grandson of one of those Afghans who brought the first camels in Australia) but has been a widow for 2 years now; currently working as a caregiver in the nearby town-Balaklava, and is living alone in her house.

RJ will be exactly on his 3 decades of existence in August; 2.5 years in Australia; a working visa-holder, a poultry farmer and a blogger. (You can browse through the pages of The Chook-minder’s Quill to know more about him.)

Gem is, obviously, still small (but terrible) at 41, young at heart and in mind; a poultry farm manager working for more than 2 years in Australia; has been granted of his residency visa for 2 months now; married and blessed with 2 sons but he is still living alone in the farm house while continuing to convince his wife to come back here in Australia (after she decided to go back to the Philippines with their children when she felt she couldn’t meet the demands and face the challenges of the outback Australian life).

Juliet was, incidentally, once married to a Filipino (now deceased) named Romeo! ...has just turned 61; an Australian permanent resident; more than 2 years in Australia and is currently married to a 74-year old British-turned-Australian divorcé named Norm who's currently having chemotherapy because of a certain cancer. Juliet is financially supporting her 2 sons in the Philippines who were unfortunately denied of an Australian 'dependent visa' earlier this year.

Glenelg, South Australia

Paulit-ulit

Pagkatapos madala lahat sa dressing plant ang aming mga alagang manok noong Lunes ng umaga, kanina (Miyerkules) ay naging abala na naman kami sa paghahanda ng manukan dahil sa Biyernes ay darating na naman ang susunod na laksa ng mga sisiw! [Tuwing ika-60 araw paulit-ulit lang itong aming mga ginagawa: maghanda ng sheds, tanggapin ang mga sisiw, mamumulot ng mga namamatay na mga manok, at kapag malalaki na sila- magha-harvest...]


Hindi tulad sa Manila na nagiging 18'C ang temperatura o sa Benguet na umaabot ng 8'C sa kasalukuyang panahon, lumalampas 30'C na ang aming temperatura rito, 41'C pa nga kahapon! Dahil sa init ng panahon dito, mas natutuyo at mas lumulutang ang mga mapipinong hibla ng tinadtad na dayami ng trigo na aming ginagamit bilang banig ng mga sisiw. Ang resulta mas lalo kaming nangangati habang nagsasabit ng mga kurtina at naglalagay ng mga bakod sa loob ng manukan! Whew!

Pero kahit pagod sa loob ng manukan, pagpasok ko rito sa aking caravan at masilip ko sa dashboard na may mga nag-iiwan pa rin ng puna sa aking mga paulit-ulit na mga hinaing tungkol sa aking trabaho, nawawala na rin ang lahat ng sakit ng aking katawan. Ganito pala ang pagba-blog, parang katumbas pa nito ang dalawampung Paracetamol (salamat Abou sa paghahambing na ito).

Isa sa mga updated na blogs kanina ay ang Life's a Twitch ni Yanah kaya 'yon ang una kong narating. Habang binabasa ko ang entry niya tungkol sa mga fairy tales ay na-realize kong ang mga suliranin ng ibang tao ay totoo ngang mas mabigat pa kaysa sa ating mga sariling problema. Gusto ko sanang mag-comment pero napakahaba ang nais kong isulat, kaya ini-link ko nalang siya sa dati kong post na tungkol din sa mga fairy tales.

Kaya du'n sa mga nagsasawa na sa aking mga paulit-ulit na posts, pasensiya na pero habang ako'y hindi pa nakakagawa ng panibagong entry para rito sa The Chook-minder's Quill heto ili-link ko kayo ulit sa dati kong post, ang Fantastic Reality. Ito ang sagot ko kay Yanah sa kanyang fairy tales. Kung medyo mahaba ang panahon niyo sa pagbabasa, pwede niyo itong basahin.

Doon sa mga nakarating sa at nakapagbasa ng isiningit kong post na Monetary Pharmacology (a metaphor), pasensiya na kung dumugo ang inyong ilong. Post ko rin dati ito sa kabila, at dahil nagkaroon ng mga virus (?! sariling term ko lang 'yan) comments na paulit-ulit (mga 300 comments na siguro), binura ko ito doon at isiningit ko rito. Nasasayangan kasi akong mawala itong bunga ng kalikutan ng aking utak. Sa mga naka-appreciate, Meow at Mightydacz, maraming, maraming salamat!

Ako'y magbabalik... kaagad!

Multiple Choice

Sa buhay, araw-araw akong may mga pagsusulit! Napakaraming mga sitwasyon at mga katanungan, at napakarami ring pagpipiliang mga kasagutan! Pero iisa lang ang tama at pinakamainam gawin.
------------------------------------

PANUTO: Piliin ang tamang sagot. Eyes on your own paper, no cheating; however, you can consult your close friends during the exam.

1. 4:30am pa lang gising na ako. Pilit kong ipinipikit ang aking mga mata pero hindi na talaga ako makatulog. Ano ang gagawin ko?
a. Bumangon na at sumilip sa internet.
b. Huwag bumangon, higa nalang muna, at mag-isip.
c. Pilitin uling makaidlip at managinip.
d. All of the above
SAGOT KO: A

2. Bumangon nalang ako at nagbukas ng internet. Anong blog kaya ang una kong sisilipin?
a. Manikang Papel para matawa habang maaga
b. Mundong Parisukat para makapag-Kopi Breyk
c. Mayaman Pa Sa Daga para sumigla ang katawan at kaluluwa
d. unahing basahin ang pinaka-updated at manood ng Bandila (ABS-CBN) sa SBS-Australia
SAGOT KO: D

3. Anong ihahanda ko para sa breakfast?
a. Garlic fried rice at smoked ham with egg.
b. Croissant, pan bread with butter at strawberry conserve, plus orange juice.
c. Breakfast cereals at avocado-strawberry in cream.
d. Toast at hot chocolate drink.
SAGOT KO: B

4. Alas dose ng tanghali pa ang pasok ko, yun ang oras ng pagdating ng 250,000 chicks ngayong araw. Ipinlano kong kumain ng pananghalian ng alas onse bilang paghahanda sa matinding bakbakan. Ngunit 10:30am pa lang, dumating na ang libu-libong mga sisiw na dala ng chick van! Di pa ako nakakain, haharapin na ang katakut-takot na gawain. Ano kaya ang mabuti kong gawin?
a. Tawagan at pagalitan ang taga-hatchery dahil mali ang ibinigay nilang schedule.
b. Huwag nalang pumasok dahil na-bad trip at gutom. Magbasa nalang ng mga blogs.
c. Papasok ngunit pagbuntunan ng galit ang mga sisiw at mga kasamahan sa trabaho.
d. Magtrabaho kahit gutom, magpakabait, ngingiti nalang sa lahat, at paglaruan at halik-halikan ang mga sisiw na kunyari masaya akong dumating na sila.
SAGOT KO: D

5. Tumunog ang roaming mobile phone ko. Nang binuksan ko ang mensahe, galing ito sa isang taong minsang nagpasama ng loob ko. Humihingi ng tawad, at nanghihiram ng pera.
a. Matuwa pero huwag nang mag-reply.
b. Matuwa, magpatawad at mag-reply ng, “OK sige, pahihiramin kita. o",)”
c. Magalit at burahin ang mensahe at contact sa phonebook.
d. Magkunwaring walang mensaheng natanggap.
SAGOT KO: B

6. Nag-drive ako papuntang bayan gamit ang farm vehicle upang mag-check ng Post Office Box. May nadaanan akong ibinebentang Toyota Camry 2000 model, Au$4,500 ang halaga. Maganda pa ang makina at nang sinubukan ko itong i-drive, maayos pa itong tumakbo sa kalsada. Kailangan ko ng sariling sasakyan, ano ang gagawin ko?
a. Bibilhin na kaagad kahit na maubos ang aking savings.
b. Huwag na munang bumili ng sasakyan dahil baka may mga agaran at mahalagang pagkakagastusang darating.
c. Kalimutan na muna ang Toyota, at unahin na ang digital SLR camera.
d. Ilaan ang pera sa pamamasyal sa Melbourne at Brisbane ngayong Disyembre.
SAGOT KO: B

7. Napakainit ng panahon (37’C), patay na ang lahat ng mga damo. Maraming dayami dahil tag-ani, at tinatangay ng malakas na hangin ang mga mapipinong hibla ng mga nalantang dahon at natuyong bulo ng bulaklak ng mga halaman. Napakakati! Maalikabok! Hatsing ako nang hatsing!

Nais kong dalawin si Jollibee sapagkat miss na miss ko na ang kanyang palabok. Gusto ko ring mag-All You Can Eat sa Cabalen.

Sarap makita, mayakap at mahalikan ang taong minamahal ko at nagmamahal sa akin.

Bad trip sa trabaho dahil ang chick delivery, mali-mali ang scheduling.

Ano ang mabuti kong gawin?

a. Huwag na huwag mag-resign! Manatili na muna rito sa Australia.
SAGOT KO: No Other Choice, A

Bukod-tangi

Gustong-gusto ko sanang magsulat ngayon tungkol sa pagkapanalo ni Barack Obama bilang pangulo ng Estados Unidos, subalit alam kong napakarami nang maisusulat at maririnig na mga opinion at kurokuro tungkol dito. Kaya nagpasya akong magsulat ng something special para sa aking blog.

Umangal na si Paperdoll, napansin na ni Hiraya at si PCHI pag kumain sa KFC ako ay naalala. Minsan na rin akong tinawag na “Manok” nina Batanggero at Chico Kunejo. Kaya paninindigan ko na, heto...

Sana’y hindi kayo magsasawa sa mga kakaibang bagay na itong tungkol sa mga ibon o manok. Huwag po munang lumipat ng webpage! Heto’t sisimulan ko na:

1. Sa halip na buhok, balahibo (feathers) ang tumutubo sa balat ng mga manok. Walang balahibong tumutubo sa kanilang kilikili o sa puno ng kanilang mga pakpak.

2. Hindi pinagpapawisan ang mga manok. Kapag mainit o maalinsangan, sila ay humihingal at sa pamamagitan nito, napapalamig nila ang kanilang buong katawan.

3. Kung pito (7) ang mga buto sa leeg ng tao, labing-apat (14) naman ang nasa mga manok. Ang hugis ng leeg nila ay tulad ng letrang “S” at kapag piliting ituwid ay kanilang ikamamatay!

4. Uropygial/preen gland ang tawag sa mamantikang parte ng manok na makikita sa ibabaw ng buto ng buntot o pygostyle (hindi balahibo ng buntot) nila. Ito ay ginagamit nila sa pagpapaganda o pagpapapogi lalo na sa panahon ng pagpaparami. Dito nagagamit ang mahaba nilang leeg—upang maabot ng kanilang tuka ang “feather conditioner” na ito at maihaplas sa kanilang balahibo sa buong katawan. Ito lang ang gland na makikita sa kanilang balat, walang sweat gland, at walang mammary gland.

5. Walang bone marrow ang mga buto ng manok, sa halip hangin ang laman nito. Dahil dito magaan ang kanilang mga buto, kaya sila ay may kakayahang lumipad. Kapag na-fracture ang isa sa mga butong ito, ilubog mo man sa tubig ang ulo ng manok, makakahinga pa rin sya basta iwan mong nakalitaw ang bahaging may fracture, dahil konektado ang kanilang mga 'pneumatic bones' na ito sa kanilang respiratory system..

6. Kung ang buto ng hita (femur) ang pinakamalaki sa tao, ang buto ng dibdib o pitso (sternum/keel) naman ang pinakamalaki sa manok. Dito makikita ang malalaking lamang ginagamit nila sa paglipad (flight muscles), ito rin ang pinakamalaking lamang makikita sa katawan ng mga ibon. Walang ganitong buto at mga laman ang mga rhea, ostrich, emu, cassowary, at iba pang mga ibong hindi nakakalipad (ratites).

7. Ang mga sisiw, bago pa man mapisa, at matapos itong mapisa mula sa itlog ay mayroong egg tooth na makikita sa ibabaw ng kanilang tuka. Sa tulong ng egg tooth at complexus (hatching muscle) nakakaya nilang basagin ang itlog sa oras na handa na silang mapisa. Ang egg tooth ay nawawala makalipas ang ilang araw pagkatapos nilang lumabas dito sa mundong ibabaw.

8. Walang ngipin, walang mga labi at walang ngalangala (hard palate) ang mga manok na tulad ng sa mga tao o sa iba pang mga hayop (ang gulo ano? Iba po yung egg tooth). Sa halip tuka (beak) ang makikita sa kanila.

9. Sa mata (eyeball) ng mga manok ay may 45-60 na mga butong nakapalibot, ito ay tinatawag na schlerotic rings.

10. Walang diaphragm ang mga manok. Ito yung lamang humihiwalay sa mga lamang-loob ng dibdib (thorax) at tiyan (abdomen), at may naitutulong sa normal na paghinga, etc. ng mga tao at iba pang mga mammals.

11. Kahit walang diaphragm ang mga manok at iba pang mga ibon tulad ng parrot may kakayahan pa ring silang umawit. Ito ay dahil sa kanilang syrinx at syringeal muscles na makikita sa dulo ng kanilang daluyang hangin (trachea o wind pipe). Ang syrinx ay cartilagenous at maihahalintulad sa larynx ng tao.

12. Kapansin-pansing walang mga daliring makikita sa pakpak ng mga manok. Dahil sa pagkakadikit-dikit at kaliitan ng kanilang mga daliri, nakakaya nitong alalayan ang kanilang paglipad.

13. Tulad ng mga aso’t pusa, tatlo ang talukap-mata ng mga manok. Itong pangatlong talukap (nictitating membrane) ay makikita sa isang gilid ng matang malapit sa butas ng kanilang ilong. Ito’y ginagamit nila sa pagkisap-mata (blinking). Ang talukap na ito ay transparent kaya nakakakita pa rin ang mga manok habang sila ay kumikisap. May kakayahan din ang nictitating membrane na ipikit ang kanilang mga mata habang lumilipad, kaya sa mga ibong malayo ang nilalakbay, hindi natutuyo ang mga mata at hindi rin sila napupuwing!

14. Kailan ma’y hindi mahihirapang mangitlog ang mga manok at iba pang mga ibon. Ito ay sa kadahilanang ang kanilang pelvic bone ay hindi buo ang pagkasarado sa bandang ilalim, kaya wala silang tinatawag na pelvic opening.

15. Ang kaliwang ovary at fallopian tube lamang ng mga manok ang gumagana, ang kanang bahagi nito ay maliit at walang silbi (rudimentary). Samantala, dalawang bayag (testicles) naman ng mga tandang ay gumagana, ngunit hinding-hindi ito mahihipo at makikita habang sila’y nabubuhay sapagkat ito ay nasa loob ng kanilang katawan, malapit sa kanilang mga kidneys.

16. Magkasabay na inilalabas ng mga manok ang kanilang ihi at dumi. May tatlong bahagi ang excretang ito: ang kulay puti na anyong chalk (urates), ang kulay berde o kayumanggi (na siyang dumi nila), at ang malinaw na likido (na siyang ihi nila).

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Sources:
1. Veterinary Anatomy notes, College of Veterinary Medicine-University of Southern Mindanao
2. http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/anatomy.html
3. Structure and Function of Domestic Animals by W. Bruce Currie, Currie Bruce Currie

Boundless Odyssey

Hughes Engine House, Copper Mining c.1862, Moonta, S.A., Australia

I’ve been in this journey for almost three decades, yet I haven’t discovered what I’m travelling for. I am extremely exhausted at this moment! My water receptacle is almost empty, and there’s nothing left in my purse except some breadcrumbs.

My tattered winter clothes have been gradually torn by time, and my flimsy woollen blanket has lost its power to insulate me from the cold breeze overnight!

During the day, the sunshine is becoming brighter and its rays are painfully skin-penetrating! I’ve been exposed to countless sandstorms, and had encountered vicious typhoons!

Am I really destined to travel this relentless journey?

I've been inspired by this structure I found along the way... It has been there since 1862. It had served its purpose and had been abandoned after which. Amidst the tests of times, it is still standing brave and strong, and has never been forgotten by every generation! Despite its physical senility, it still allures the attention of all travellers, and is being captured by the lenses of countless photographers.

Celebration!

The Chook-minder's Dinner
Originally uploaded by Chook-minder's Lens

I've turned 29 today! There's a sign to shine, still fine at twenty-nine!

(there's more about this soon!)

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Twenty-nine Years

(as promised above) 27/08/2008

I’ve known my parents who have guided me through the years.
I’ve known my siblings who are always the reason of my laughter and tears.
I’ve known my grannies, my uncles and aunties who have given all their cheers!
I’ve known my cousins who were once my playmates and now my ‘Cavaliers!’

I’ve met my mentors who are clever on the subject matter and on the moral of real life.
I’ve met my classmates who revealed the realism of individual differences and strife.
I’ve met my friends who showed the importance of camaraderie, and the value of genuine service.
I’ve met plenty of enemies who challenged my patience and had tested my forgiveness.

I’ve encountered various bosses who believed in my ability and had commended my job.
I’ve encountered some subordinates who ignored my authority and had rejected my views.
I’ve encountered workmates who tried to put me down and had driven me to sob.
I’ve encountered co-employees who have been very supportive and exceptionally virtuous!

I’ve been to different places that are just once in my dream!
I’ve eaten a range of cuisine from the modest relish to the deliciously supreme!
I’ve read the greatest books and have seen the best movies.
I’ve endured the humblest lifestyle and have enjoyed the world of techies!

Twenty-nine years seem so long for my body and mind to grow strong.
Twenty-nine years is so short to send out love and extend support.
Twenty-nine years of learning means lifelong years of sharing!
Twenty-nine years persevering, twenty-nine years of believing—
Means many more years of achieving!

SOMEBODY is Watching

Despite having a very hard day inside the chook sheds today, I’ve been staying awake until late evening tonight because I am watching the finale of Big Brother Australia—2008 on TV. I am quite sad and lonely because there's nobody here whom I can share my opinions and analysis about the show. If I am only in the Philippines right now…

I instantly remember those days when I was very devoted in watching the Philippines’ version - Pinoy Big Brother. I am well-aware that many of my ‘friends’ out there have raised their eyebrows before (or maybe until now) why I was madly hooked with the show, but I didn’t care, because I know I am getting much lessons in life out of it daily.

I’ve actually written an article about Pinoy Big Brother last October 13, 2005 but unfortunately it was not published (I submitted it to one of the Philippines’ respected daily newspaper). Anyway, I am happy that at this very moment, I have the power to share it to the world! Be careful because…

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BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!
By Ruel P. Pagoto


I was proudly wearing my white T-shirt printed with Pinoy Big Brother logo when I dropped by the CD shop in the mall. Suddenly, I saw one of the salesgirls making some gestures (after she had noticed the print on my shirt) to the lady behind the cashier... They smiled and put a CD on their player... three seconds later the MTV of the now famous Pinoy Ako song eventually filled the air inside the shop.

Every shopper, who was by then very busy browsing for CD’s smiled and was delighted—as reflected on their face. All eyes were then focused on the monitors hanging on the walls of the store. While those who were just passing by the shop started to mumble the song as the MTV continue playing.

The young boy (maybe 6 years old) suddenly laid a finger on his mom’s arms and pointed to the logo on my shirt. Indeed, almost everybody in the country already knows “Kuya.” Only few were left innocent about this reality show—others are so curious and are finding ways to come across the PBB house through Big Brother’s cameras... while others have chosen to stay ignorant about this talk-of-the-town show without knowing they are missing a lot of fun, excitement and much lessons to learn.

Pinoy Big Brother is a respite after a long day work. As we laugh (or even shed tears with the housemates) it brings relief after hearing all those dreaded political, economic and environmental issues concerning the country and the whole world.

Perhaps, it is worthwhile to join Jayson and Franzen as they take life so easy amidst the pressures around... or we can accompany Sam as he strums his guitar amidst the communication barrier between him and the other housemates. Choosing to be as smart as Nene as she considers every situation as part of the game is equally admirable. It is not an issue if we wanted to be frank like Uma, or as tactless and unreasonable as Cass... Falling in love with somebody, like JB and Say is normal, while admitting our faults and making countless ways to go over and fix it, like Rico is somewhat exceptional. Of course having self-confidence, courage and determination while conquering all the hurdles along the way just to win the battle of life, are only few but inspiring values of the other PBB housemates.

Just like the PBB housemates, every task assigned to us, whether great or small, is equally significant and should not be taken for granted. It doesn’t matter if in the end we fail to accomplish it. What is more important is—we have the virtue of camaraderie and teamwork while extracting every talent, skill or ability we possess every time we work on the responsibilities entrusted to us. If every Filipino embraces the value of esprit de corps, the dream of becoming a strong republic is within stone’s throw.

Having the freedom to confess everything we think and feel is really great! It only shows that even inside the PBB house, the housemates aren’t deprived of democracy.

Nomination Night reminds us that everybody has the ability to identify and has the right to choose somebody who does not belong to the group. It reminds us that our character really matters because it determines our fate in this real world—whether we can continuously survive or be evicted right away. Perhaps the essence of self-discipline is very important if we wanted to thrive in this real game called “life.” We should start knowing our limitations so we can draw a line between our neighbor’s expectations and our attitude towards them without compromising our real personality.

We sometimes, if not often, neglect someone close to us. At times, we ignore those who love and care for us, we become insensitive to their needs, or we even disregard our feeling of affection towards them. We only come to realize they are special to us when we know they are leaving or when they are gone.

Perhaps, those tears during eviction nights will serve as reminder to us that every imperfect person has his own significance if we only exert extra efforts to discover it.

The twelve housemates were once very conscious of their languages and gestures because they were well-aware of the microphones and the cameras around them. But as days passed by their alertness had deteriorated and now they have started to act and speak naturally. We, sometimes, are offended and irritated by their actions and words so we want it to undergo proper censorship. We are very much concerned of our children because we are afraid that younger generations might be ruined by the biting realities showcased in this reality show.

Indeed, the show is very effective... it has been gradually opening our eyes and now we have seen our own reflections inside the Pinoy Big Brother house. We have discovered and are scared by the beauty and the beast within us...

Much as we want the PBB housemates to be extra careful of their actions and words because the cameras of Big Brother are monitoring them, in this real world (which is more likely the real ‘Big Brother’ house) it is worthwhile to be extra careful too... because Somebody up there is also watching us!