TELESCOPE HORNSNAIL | BAGONGON

The telescope hornsnail, scientific name Pleurocera walkeri, is a species of freshwater snail with an operculum, anaquatic gastropod mollusk in the family Pleuroceridae.

The Horn Snail Shell family (Potamididae)(gastropods) has only a few species. They are seen across the Indo-Pacific region from the Indian Ocean east to the Northern Australian/New Zealand shores. 

They prefer mangrove swamps and mud flats. Some species may gather in the thousands.

The color is light brown, white or gray banded. The bands of lighter color sometimes relieves the shell's uniform dark brown color. The tips of the snail are usually blunted.

  

·       Species: Telescopium Telescopium Linnaeus. This is a heavy tall straight sided shell. It can be mistaken for an elongated top shell. The flat base is separatedfrom the columella by a deep channel. Its uneven aperture descends in a sweeping curve with a basal projection. It has a shallow suture and is difficult to distinguish from the edges of the flat spiral ribs encircling the whorls. One narrow rib and three wider one per whorl. It is rare to see this species have more than 16 whorls.

·         The color is light brown, white or gray banded. The bands of lighter color sometimes relieves the shell's uniform dark brown color. The tips of the snail are usually blunted.

special thanks to :http://www.vinaseashells.com/telescope-snail.html

MT. ARAYAT

Mount Arayat is an extinct stratovolcano on Luzon Island, Philippines, rising to a height of 1,026 metres (3,366 ft) There is no recorded eruption of the volcano, and its last activity probably dates to the Holocene era.

The volcano is located in a flat agricultural region at 15°12′N 120°45′E. The southern half of the mountain lies within the municipality of Arayat, Pampanga, while the north half and the mountain summit lies within Magalang. Ten miles to the west of Mount Arayat is Angeles City and the former Clark Air Base. Mount Pinatubo is located a further 26 km (16 mi) west. The Volcano is a popular Tourist destination for people visiting the central plains. About 10 km (6 mi) to the north west is the "Angeles City flying club" that offers pilots education and sightseeing flights to Mount Arayat with ultralight airplanes. The territory is called "Woodland Air Park" and belongs to the city of Magalang.

The mountain is considered a mystical one, the legendary home of Aung/Aring Sinukuan/Sinkuan/Suku or the Fairy known as diwata Mariang Sinukuan depending on which version of the story the readers or listeners prefer, but in ancient Kapampangan folklore as well as the research known to have been gathered by Kapampangan students ofHenry Otley Beyer, it was and is the abode of Apung/Aring Sinukuan, rival of Namalyari of Mount Pinatubo, who is in varying versions, the son of Cargon-Cargon who was mortally wounded in a fight with a giant from the Zambales Mountain Range which is said to be the home of Apu Namalyari.

Mount Arayat stands in the middle of the flat Central Luzon Plain, consisting of rice paddies and a typical elevation of about 15 to 35 metres MSL. The mountain is topped by a circular volcanic crater about 1.2 km in diameter, much of which has collapsed on the western and part of the northern rim due to erosion. This has resulted in a breached crater which opens in a west-northwest direction. This area is the apparent source of a major debris-avalanche deposit that forms hummocky terrain beyond the west and northwest sides of the volcano. The 1026-metre summit stands on the northeast side of the breached crater, known as North Peak, while the 984-metre Pinnacle Peak is located on the southeast crater rim.^[2] Post-collapse activity formed an andesitic dome known as White Rock in the collapse amphitheater

There are no cultural records of historical eruptions. However, weak steaming is currently present in some of the heavily eroded vents on the North Western side of the summit. The ancient eruptions were said to have caused the formation of a Lava Dome on the Western Slopes of the mountain known as White Rock which makes a nice tourist destination and is usually a field trip destination for students of Pampanga Agricultural College. The Arayat amphitheatre is said to have been caused by the summit's collapse on the western side but a much deeper crater is present on the eastern side, it was said that the mountain was once a volcanic island, until eruptions covered the surrounding area with soil, eruptions were said to be the possible cause of a theorized re-route of Pampanga Riverwhich is said to have once passed on the western side rather than eastern side where it currently moves

Arayat in Folklore

The Mountain is said to be the home of the god/sorcerer named Sinukuan/Sinukwan or Sucu, which could mean "The end" or "he who others have surrendered to." The mountain was said to have been located in the swamp to its south but relocated because of the evil ways of those who lived there, in addition to which, the people of the swamp were made to suffer numerous misfortunes. Sinukuan is believed to be able to transform and do as he pleases at will, his only real rival being Namalyari ofMount Pinatubo. The waterfalls at Ayala in Magalang, Pampanga is said to be his bathing quarters, and it is often visited by tourists and natives alike. Sinukuan is said to live at the White rock, a Lava dome possibly formed by the last eruption, where its glimmering properties were most likely to have inspired the legend. Contrary to reality, the mountain is believed to be several mountains merging at the center including the tallest two peaks.

In other legends, Sinukuan is said to have bested Makiling of southern Luzon almost effortlessly unlike his arch rival Namalyari. Sinukuan is believed to have daughters who come down only during time of grace and are disguised as humans, Sinukuan himself can be disguised as human. The day he comes back is believed to either be when he responds to the attack of Namalyari on Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption or when the time to call his servants upon the end of the world has come.








special thanks to  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Arayat

Coconut Tree (Cocos nucifera)

The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). It is the only accepted species in thegenus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The spelling cocoanut is an archaic form of the word. The term is derived from 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish coco, meaning "head" or "skull", from the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features.

Found throughout the tropic and subtropic area, the coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many uses of its different parts. Coconuts are part of the daily diets of many people. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of "water" and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. When mature, they still contain some water and can be used as seednuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. 

The endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut "flesh". When dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying; coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics. The clear liquid coconut water within is potable. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. It also has cultural and religious significance in many societies that use it

Cocos nucifera is a large palm, growing up to 30 m (98 ft) tall, with pinnate leaves 4–6 m (13–20 ft) long, and pinnae 60–90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly, leaving the trunk smooth. Coconuts are generally classified into two general types: tall and dwarf. On very fertile land, a tall coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year, but more often yields less than 30, mainly due to poor cultural practices

special thanks to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut

TOOTHPICK

     A toothpick is a small stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. A toothpick usually has one or two sharp ends to insert between teeth. They can come in both wood and plastic, and can also be used for picking up small appetizers (like cheese cubes or olives) or as a cocktail stick.

American wooden toothpicks are cut from birch wood. Logs are first spiral cut into thin sheets, which are then cut, chopped, milled and bleached (to lighten) into the individual toothpicks. Maine used to be the leading producer of toothpicks for theUnited States. The last toothpick plant in Maine closed in 2003

The toothpick is known to predate the arrival of early modern humans. It is the oldest instrument for dental cleaning. The skulls of Neanderthals, as well as Homo sapiens, have shown clear signs of having teeth that were picked with a tool.

In 1986, researchers in Florida discovered the 7500-year-old remains of ancient Native Americans and discovered small grooves between many of the molar teeth.One of the researchers, David Dickel of Florida State University, said "The enamel on teeth is quite tough, so they must have used the probes quite rigorously to make the grooves.

Toothpicks are well known in all cultures. Before the toothbrush was invented, teeth were cleaned with hard and soft dental woods. Toothpicks made of bronze have been found as burial objects in prehistoric graves in Northern Italy and in the East Alps. It was also well known in Mesopotamia.

There are delicate, artistic examples made of silver in antiquity, as well as from mastic wood with the Romans.

In the 17th century toothpicks were luxury objects similar to jewelry items. They were formed from precious metal and set with expensive stones. Frequently they were artistically stylized and enameled.

The first toothpick-manufacturing machine was developed in 1869, by Marc Signorello . Another was patented in 1872, by Silas Noble and J. P. Cooley.

Nowadays other means of dental hygiene are preferred such as dental floss and toothbrushes.

Toothpicks are also used for festive occasions, and are commonly used to spear appetizers. Often, these toothpicks are decorated with plastic frills or small paperflags.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toothpick

BASELLA ALBA

(A variety of Basella alba with deep red and purple stems in the Philippines.)

Basella alba is an edible perennial vine in the family Basellaceae. It is found in tropical Asia and Africa where it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. It is known under various common names, including Pui, vine spinach, red vine spinach, climbing spinach, creeping spinach, buffalo spinach, malabar spinach and ceylon spinach among others

Basella alba is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, reaching 10 metres (33 ft) in length. Its thick, semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavour and mucilaginous texture. The stem of the cultivar Basella alba 'Rubra' is reddish-purple.

Basella alba grows well under full sunlight in hot, humid climates and in areas lower than 500 metres (1,600 ft) above sea level. The plant is native to tropical Asia. Growth is slow in low temperatures resulting in low yields. Flowering is induced during the short-day months of November to February. It grows best in sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with pH ranging from 5.5 to 8.0.

Typical of leaf vegetables, Malabar spinach is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It is low in calories by volume, but high in protein per calorie. The succulent mucilage is a particularly rich source of soluble fiber. Among many other possibilities, Malabar spinach may be used to thicken soups or stir-fries with garlic and chili peppers.

In the Philippines the leaves of this vegetable is one of the main ingredients in an all vegetable dish called utan that is served over rice.

special thanks to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basella_alba

PINES

PINES

Pines are one of the most recognizable trees on the planet. Closely associated with Christmas and other festive holidays around the world, these majestic and fragrant trees from the Pinus genus, are real crowd pleasers. Fortunately, they are also easy to plant and maintain, which makes them a popular pick for professional landscapers and homeowners alike.

Pines are among the most well-known coniferous trees in the world. They thrive in temperate mountainous regions, but can also survive in tropical spots in the northern hemisphere.

Among the most popular types of Pine trees are:

• Scotch Pine: Commonly found in North America where it is commercially grown as a Christmas tree, the Scotch Pine is known for its beautiful bluish-green needles and full shape.
• Ponderosa Pine: Popular among landscapers, the large Ponderosa can grow up to 80 feet tall. Its pyramidal shape and long needles make it an excellent choice for a windbreaker on large properties.
• Bristlecone Pine: Known for its long life, the Bristlecone is among the shortest types of Pine trees. On average it grows to about 20 feet. Its short stature makes it an outstanding addition to a rock garden.
• Black Pine: Also known as the Austrian Pine, this highly attractive tree is a top pick for homeowners looking to add a Pine to their property. The tree is easy to maintain, doesn't exceed 60 feet in height and features eye-pleasing dense, dark green foliage. 

Botanists estimate that there are close to 125 species of Pines worldwide. Their height ranges from 45 to 135 feet with some Ponderosa Pines exceeding 250 feet. Despite their differences in height, Pine trees share a host of common characteristics that make up their familiar appearance:

• Needles: Instead of traditional leaves, Pine trees feature needles that are thin and pointed. Individual needles range in length from one inch to up to six inches. The needles typically grow in clusters and are traditionally dark green in color, though some trees feature green needles with a light blue tint. Pine trees are evergreens which mean their needles don't change color in the fall and don't shed in the winter months.
• Bark: One of the ways you can decipher the age of a Pine tree is to look at its bark. A young Pine has a smooth, greenish-brown bark, while older trees feature thick, dark brown bark covered with cracks and crevices. The one exception is the Scotch Pine with bark that turns reddish-brown as it ages.
• Cones: You won't find fruit growing on Pine trees. Rather, the towering trees produce cones that contain seeds. The scaly cones are used throughout the world as decorations in wreaths, centerpieces and floral arrangements.

Most Pines live between 100 and 1,000 years, though some have survived to nearly 5,000 years old. The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is recognized as the world's oldest living organism having lived to roughly 4,600 years old.

http://www.2020site.org/trees/pine.html

CANDLE

A candle is a solid block of wax with an embedded wick which is ignited to provide light, and sometimes heat, and historically was used as a method of keeping time.

A candle manufacturer is traditionally known as a chandler. Various devices have been invented to hold candles, from simple tabletop candle holders, to elaborate chandeliers.

 For a candle to burn, a heat source (commonly a naked flame) is used to light the candle's wick, which melts and vaporizes a small amount of fuel, the wax. Once vaporized, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a flame. This flame provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning via a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the mass of solid fuel; the liquefied fuel then moves upward through the wick via capillary action; the liquefied fuel finally vaporizes to burn within the candle's flame.

As the mass of solid fuel is melted and consumed, the candle grows shorter. Portions of the wick that are not emitting vaporized fuel are consumed in the flame. The incineration of the wick limits the exposed length of the wick, thus maintaining a constant burning temperature and rate of fuel consumption. Some wicks require regular trimming with scissors (or a specialized wick trimmer), usually to about one-quarter inch (~0.7 cm), to promote slower, steady burning, and also to prevent smoking. In early times, the wick needed to be trimmed quite frequently, and special candle-scissors, referred to as "snuffers" until the 20th century, were produced for this purpose, often combined with an extinguisher. In modern candles, the wick is constructed so that it curves over as it burns (see picture on the right), so that the end of the wick gets oxygen and is then consumed by fire—a self-trimming wick.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candle

St. Michael the Archangel Parish- Mexico,Pampanga

St. Michael the Archangel Parish- Mexico,Pampanga;

St. Martin de Porres Chapel - Arayat, Pampanga

St. Martin de Porres Chapel - Arayat, Pampanga