New Maria Makiling Statue in UPLB

University of the Philippines Los Baños has got a new beautiful Maria Makiling statue. It was donated by the Sigma Delta Phi Sorority on 31 March 2012.

It is located between the popular fertility tree and the College of Veterinary Medicine of UPLB. Maria's statue is positioned in the middle of a fountain.

Now, here is the dedication in front of it:

Marya Fountain is our tribute to women

who exemplify commitment to honor,

excellence and service.

Hereon, Let generations of women who

come to UPLB draw inspiration from Marya.

Father and Son

Something inside tells me to post this pic and I realized maybe because of Fathers Day celebration.

In this candid photo, Kuya Rico looks and smiles as he holds Joaquin and the cute baby stares at him in return.

Kuya Rico is a father and Joaquin is a son but they are not related by blood. Kuya Rico is just carrying a friend's son during a wedding reception at Boston Cafe, Los Baños, Laguna.

The picture proves a photography tip I read recently. There is more connection and feeling between the subjects when taking picture of people looking at each other, instead of them looking at the camera.

Malunggay Leaves in Los Banos

Got this new Horseradish tree leaves screensaver just this previous long weekend from the yard of my apartment in Los Baños, Laguna.

It is known as Malunggay in Tagalog, Marunggay in Ilocano, Kamunggay in Visayan, Malungge in Kapampangan, and Kalunggay in Bikol Language.

Recently did I know that Senator Loren Legarda campaigned the popularization of Moringa oleifera in 2007. Weight per weight, the Bureau of Plant and Industry stated that
Moringa leaves have the calcium equivalent of 4 glasses of milk,
the vitamin C content of 7 oranges,
potassium of 3 bananas,
3 times the iron of spinach,
4 times the amount of vitamin A in carrot, and
2 times the protein in milk.

Interesting!

The UPLB Main Library

The Main Library obviously houses the biggest number of books among the libraries in the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) campus.

The structure resembles the Cultural Center of the Phillippines (CCP) building as they are both designed by the same person Leandro Locsin, a proclaimed National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture.

I remember getting updated with free, offline news there during my undergraduate times as they are subscribed to a number of national newspapers and international magazines.

I believe many UPLB students share a lot of memories with this house of books as it is utilized both inside and out. Students read literatures inside and sometimes even use the calm surroundings to spend time sleeping at a library desk while waiting for their next class. Outside the library is another good ambience while reviewing undergrad notes, holding meeting with project team mates and conducting Bible studies.

The sculpture of the bold Pegaraw is located in front of the library. It was created by Napoleon Abueva, a Philippine National Artist for Sculpture. The term Pegaraw is a portmanteau of the two words "pegasus" and "tamaraw".

Not sure if it is still during Friday that they allow visitors to enter the building by just showing their identification card. Anyone who is currently not enrolled, even a UPLB alumnus is already considered a visitor. It was three years ago and I still wonder when can I enter my favorite building in UPLB again.

Plant Pictures at Los Baños, Laguna

These white squash (upo in Tagalog) sprouts remind me of the time I was planting its family member squash at the backyard of my house in Isabela. Only one of the squash seedlings survived and it produced only one successful fruit but I think it's the best squash I've ever tasted.

The cone shape of this ornamental plant right beside the UPLB Navigators Center caught my attention while strolling around. I'm sure it already spread the next time I visit Los Baños again.

After looking for this pink flower for a couple of months, I finally saw it again. The first time I saw its kind was when I took a picture of the post entitled Wild Flowers at Los Baños. Saw it twice already and too bad I still don't know what name the plant is called.

Outside Faucet at Batbu, Los Baños

Just a faucet found at the front garden of the UPLB Navigators center also called Batong Buhay (Batbu). Being outside, these pieces of metal pipes endure both rain and heat of the sun all year long. :) (Wala akong ibang masabi eh)

Greenhouse at IRRI, Los Baños

This is a picture of one of the greenhouses at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) at Los Baños, Laguna.

Who cannot notice the symmetry of the structure and the bright & beautiful, blue sky at the background.

Marigold in Los Baños, Laguna

Just saw this marigold flower while walking along a road near Bangkal Street, Los Baños, Laguna going to a friend's house for a meeting.

Mount Makiling View from Los Baños Bayan

This is the view of Mt. Makiling from Los Baños Bayan. Picture was taken near Laguna Lake near the back of Los Baños Municipal Hall.

Santa Claus in UPLB

Come and see this Santa Claus and his nine-reindeer sleigh at the University of the Philippines Los Baños this Christmas season.I never knew he has nine until I saw this Christmas decoration at the campus.

House Display at Contilu

Took this photo while celebrating thanksgiving with fellow church mates at Contilu, Los Baños, Laguna.

Just took this house display out for a shot while no one was watching me that time.