FEATURES

Kung nanghihina na ang katawan mo, ngunit sinabihan ka ng mga eksperto na maaari pang pahabain ang buhay mo kung ililipat ang ulo mo sa katawan ng ibang tao, papayag ka ba?

Ito ang ideya sa likod ng BrainBridge, ang pinakaunang konsepto ng head transplant system na layong magbigay ng pag-asa sa mga pasyenteng may mga karamdamang walang lunas.

Gamit ang advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), at real-time molecular-level imaging, ililipat ang ulo ng isang pasyente sa malusog na katawan ng isang brain-dead na donor.

Katulad ng pangkaraniwang surgery, bibigyan muna ng anesthesia ang pasyente at donor. Papasukan sila ng tubo sa kanilang trachea bilang respiratory support.

Matapos nito, palalamigin sa temperaturang 5 °C ang dalawang katawan at saka dahan-dahang pupugutan ng ulo gamit ang specialized surgical technique na magpre-preserba sa spinal cord at mahahalagang blood vessels.

Specialized AI algorithms naman ang tutulong sa pagkakabit ng ulo ng pasyente sa katawan ng donor sa pamamagitan ng pag-track sa muscles at nerves.

Unang ikokonekta ang nakahiwalay na ulo sa circulatory system ng bagong katawan nito upang mapanatili ang blood flow. Isusunod rito ang pagkakabit ng spinal cord, esophagus, trachea, nerves, at iba pang tissues gamit ang ultra-precision surgical instruments.

Matapos ang surgery, maiging babantayan ang pasyente sa isang intensive care unit (ICU) at mananatiling comatose ng isang buwan upang maiwasan ang misalignment ng kinonektang organs.

Konsepto lamang ang BrainBridge, ngunit ayon sa lumikha nito, posibleng magawa ang pinakaunang head transplant surgery sa loob lamang ng walong taon.

 Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), in collaboration with Cavite Tourism and supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) CALABARZON, has launched the first-ever Cavite Tourism Passport.

The launch event was graced by Amadeo Mayor Redel John Dionisio, tourism officers of Cavite, and various lifestyle content creators and media partners.

The Cavite Tourism Passport aims to encourage tourists to explore the rich heritage, culture, and diverse destinations within Cavite.

Through this innovative passport program, participants can collect stamps from various attractions and tourism categories for a chance to win exciting tokens from MPT South and its partners. The program will run from May 24, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

The passports may be redeemed at partner establishments, tourism offices in Cavite, and the CALAX Customer Service Center.

During the launch event, guests received their own copies of the passport and enjoyed a modern cultural dance performance by the Reyna ng Turismo candidates. Program partners also expressed their support for the initiative:

“With the development of the “Biyaheng South Tourism Passport,” we have revolutionized local tourism. Travelers can feel even more motivated to discover and engage with Cavite’s beautiful landscapes, and diverse selection of products and services, which also provides opportunities for our local businesses to flourish,” said Mr. Ariel Iglesia, Regional Director of DILG IV-A. “As the Regional Director of the DILG IV-A, I offer our continued support. Know that we are equally as dedicated to reach greater heights and provide meaningful experiences not just to travelers and tourists, but also to the local communities whose livelihoods are impacted by these initiatives,” he added.

“The Provincial Government of Cavite and the Office of the Provincial Tourism Officer extend its gratitude to all stakeholders and partners who are working with us to further boost the tourism industry of the province. Together with MPT South, the Biyaheng South Cavite Tourism Passport is projected to increase travels to Cavite and contribute to our local economic development,” said Ms. Elinia Rozelle Sangalang, Provincial Tourism Officer of Cavite Tourism.

“This passport symbolizes our collective commitment to promoting tourism in Cavite,” said Ms. Arlette Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management “Through the Biyaheng South campaign, we are highlighting our toll roads and the rich cultural and natural attractions of the South. We hope this initiative inspires more people to explore and appreciate the beauty of Cavite.”

This program is part of the Biyaheng South campaign of MPT South, an award-winning tourism advocacy program active on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. It promotes the toll road network CAVITEX, CAVITEX C5 Link, and CALAX as gateways to the sensational sites and attractions in the South. With over 30,000 combined followers on digital platforms, Biyaheng South has generated more than two million views on TikTok, increasing vehicle traffic along its expressways and helping boost the economic growth of Cavite and Laguna provinces.

MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). Aside from the CAVITEX and CALAX network of toll roads, MPTC also holds the concession for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector Road, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

Dahil sa mabilis na pag-iisip at pagkilos ng isang batang lalaki mula sa Brazil, isang inosenteng buhay ang nailigtas mula sa tiyak na kapahamakan.

Sa CCTV footage, nakita ang batang si Thiago Magalhães na sumakay sa isang elevator kasama ang kanyang alagang asong si Milú.

Ngunit sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari, naipit ang leash o tali ni Milú sa pagitan ng mga pintuan ng elevator at mabilis na nahila pataas!

Mabuti na lamang, mabilis ding umaksyon si Thiago at natanggal agad ang tali mula sa kanyang aso.

Palabas sana sina Thiago at Milú mula sa kanilang building upang maglakad nang mangyari ang insidente sa elevator.

Ayon kay Thiago, nakaramdam siya ng desperasyon at takot nang makitang nakabitay na ang kanyang pinakamatalik na kaibigan.

Sa kabila nito, ginawa pa rin niya ang lahat upang mailigtas si Milú, kahit siya mismo, hinihila na rin ng elevator.

Aniya, hindi niya alam kung saan niya nakuha ang kanyang tapang; bigla na lamang siya kumilos.

Nang matanggal niya ang tali ni Milú, pareho silang napabagsak. Matapos ng ilang sandali, nanghingi ng emergency assistance ang bata.

Ligtas namang nakalabas ang dalawa.

Ayon sa ama ni Thiago na si Rodrigo, natakot siya sa nangyari dahil seryoso ang naging sitwasyon na maaaring humantong sa kamatayan ng aso at ng kanyang anak.

Ngunit dahil sa ipinakitang katapangan at kabayanihan ni Thiago, matagumpay niyang nailigtas ang pinakamamahal niyang kaibigan mula sa kamatayan.

Isang sikat na destinasyon para sa mga turista at pilgrims ang Karni Mata Temple sa India. Marami ang bumibisita sa templong ito, hindi lamang upang magbigay-galang sa diyosang si Karni Mata, kundi upang silipin ang mga daga rito.

Mayroon kasing naninirahang higit sa 25,000 na daga sa templo na itinuturing ng mga deboto biglang sagrado.

Ayon sa alamat, reincarnation ng mga kamag-anak at ng mga tagasunod ni Karni Mata ang mga daga. Dahil dito, inaalagaan silang mabuti ng mga deboto. Malaya rin silang nakakagala sa loob at labas ng templo.

Kung bibisita ka rito, kailangan mong alukin ang mga daga ng prasad o religious offering.

Bawal na bawal din ang pananakit sa mga daga, at kung aksidente man itong masaktan, dapat mo itong palitan ng rebulto na gawa sa purong ginto o pilak.

Naging paalala ang hindi pangkaraniwang paniniwala ng mga deboto ni Karni Mata na hindi nasusukat sa anyo ng isang nilalang ang pagpapakita ng paggalang at respeto, kundi sa kakayahan nating makita ang kabanalan sa bawat isa.

Hinahangaan ng mga netizen ang mga itinayong bahay ng karpinterong si Reginald Payos sa isang subdibisyon sa Parañaque.

Layon kasi nitong makapagbigay ng pansamantalang tirahan para sa mga pusang gala sa lugar.

Ayon kay Reginald, may nagtanong sa kanyang isang residente mula sa subdibisyon na nais malaman kung kaya niyang gumawa ng outdoor cat house. Matapos ang paghahanap ng mga tamang materyales upang matiyak na matibay ito at hindi basta masisira, natapos ni Reginald at ng mga kasamahan nito ang ilang cat house sa loob lamang ng isang linggo.

Isang certified animal lover si Cindy Santwani na nagre-rescue ng strays simula pa noong 2020.

Ngunit noong kasagsagan ng pandemya, dumami ang kanyang mga alaga dahil walang bukas na clinic na maaaring magkapon sa kanila. Sa kalaunan, umabot sa 200 ang kanyang mga pusa, samantalang 20 ang kanyang mga aso.

Sa dami ng mga alaga ni Cindy, hindi na aniya sila nakakapasok sa kanyang bahay. Dahil dito, napagdesisyunan niyang magpagawa ng mga outdoor cat house.

Bukod sa pagprotekta sa mga hayop laban sa matinding init at ulan, ipinagawa ni Cindy ang mga naturang bahay upang mayroong mapaglagyan ng pagkain ang mga pusa nang hindi delikado para sa kanila.

Nais ni Cindy na magbigay-inspirasyon sa publiko na magpakita ng kabutihan at simpatya sa mga hayop. Aniya, maging ang mga simpleng kilos katulad ng pagpapakain at hindi pananakit sa kanila, napakalaking bagay na.

From upcycling to creating a cycle of social good

Get to know SM Group’s The Tarp Project

The SM Store and Filipino artisanal fashion brand Zarah Juan gave new life to used tarpaulins while supporting various social good causes in the Philippines.

The Tarp Project, launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2024, is a joint endeavor between SM Green Finds and fashion designer Zarah Juan. It supports SM Group’s commitment to leveling up its circularity programs with social inclusion.

Weaving communities’ goals together

The social good collaboration collects, repurposes, and transforms used tarpaulins from SM Stores into stylish and sustainable bags and pouches, with proceeds donated to SM Foundation’s School Building and Health and Medical programs.

For the initial phase, the goal was to collect about 5,000 square meters of used tarpaulins, which will be cleaned and cut by persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in Quezon City, and then assembled by communities in Bulacan into approximately 4,000 reusable bags and 1,400 reusable pouches.

“It looks very simple, pero napaka laki ng puso ng bag na ito,” entreprenuer and designer Zarah Juan said. “The bags first go through the PDLs of Quezon City, which will help in their hope, rehabilitation, and life transformation.”

“The tarps will then be transformed by our partner Filipino artisans in Bulacan. This collaboration will provide them with additional livelihood opportunities, and since these are upcycled bags, we will help reduce waste going into landfills. By buying this, mayroon ka ng magandang bag, marami ka pang natulungan,” she added, saying that customers’ purchases go a long way.

From circular economy to ripples of social good

SM Foundation Executive Director for Education programs Carmen Linda Atayde also shared that proceeds from The Tarp Project sales will contribute to supporting SMFI’s initiatives. This includes the installation of smart classroom boards and the implementation of rainwater catchment systems in partner community health centers as part of their health and medical program.

“This project is truly commendable as it not only supports local artisans but also serves a greater purpose. By purchasing these bags, we not only provide livelihood opportunities but also contribute directly to SMFI’s school building program, benefiting countless school children, as well as supporting SMFI’s health and medical programs, aiding patients and health workers alike. It’s a powerful example of how supporting initiatives like this can create a ripple effect of social good,” she said.

SM Store has long championed sustainable living through its SM Green Finds program, a green retail initiative implemented across more than 70 branches nationwide alongside other SM retail affiliates.

Looking to further expand this green effort, the company sought a circularity program that would create an opportunity to convert waste into something more useful, while also supporting communities and creating a cycle of social impact.

 What will be your legacy? This question is usually unwelcome due to its enormity, but three Filipino educators are on their way to answering it. Jerome Amoranto of Bicol University (BU), Pam Eleazar of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), and Brian Chiu of University of Santo Tomas (UST) are ushering progress into their respective industries through transnational education (TNE), which brings world-class postgraduate education to Philippine shores.

The British Council partnered with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Philippine and UK universities to develop TNE programmes that leverage faculty expertise and institutional knowledge in the country. TNE seeks to enhance the quality of higher education in the Philippines by establishing transnational ties with universities around the world. Through TNE, the British Council connects Philippine- and UK-based universities to provide Filipinos a chance to secure a local postgraduate credential and an international qualification—all without needing to study full-time in the UK. TNE also has its imprint on nation-building as the programmes align with the goals of the Transnational Higher Education Law, enacted by Philippine lawmakers in 2019.

Bicol academic makes strides in rice productivity research

Amoranto, who completed the dual degree of MSc Sustainable Food Systems from the University of Liverpool and MS Advanced Biological Sciences from BU, used his education to tackle the issue of rice security. Undertaking a TNE programme, Amoranto and his peers conducted a study on the fertility of rice paddies in an attempt to boost productivity. Their efforts have bore fruit.

“This model not only deepened understanding of nitrogen dynamics in paddy soils but also set the stage for further research, potentially leading to enhanced agricultural practices and greater food production efficiency,” Amoranto said. “The outcomes of this project are poised to influence future studies and methodologies in ecosystem management and agricultural planning.”

“The multidisciplinary and global nature of the TNE program exposed me to diverse approaches, encouraging me to think beyond traditional frameworks,” Amoranto explained after being asked about their achievement.

Thomasian seeks transformation of urban spaces

Chiu, an architect, delved into the urban parks of Metro Manila as he sought to find out how a population engages with its urban ecosystems. This was part of earning his dual PhD in Built Environment/Architecture from UK’s University of Reading (UoR) and UST.  “My methodology could help decision makers managing urban ecosystems to know what values, benefits, and services are associated with people’s engagement in an environmental setting,” Chiu said. “This could help them identify the priority services or benefits in their future decision-making,” he added.

Chiu attributes this breakthrough to his TNE endeavor. “International peers offer different insights and understanding that could widen our horizon,” the UST academician said.

Through TNE, Arch. Brian Chiu earned his PhD degree from the University of Reading in 2022

UPLB educator takes on agricultural issues

Eleazar, assistant professor at UPLB’s College of Development Communication, is currently pursuing a dual PhD in International and Rural Development at UoR and Research in Development Communication at UPLB through the TNE.

“Since the Philippines has been experiencing outmigration in several industries, including the agriculture sector, it is essential to conduct studies that focus on the social aspect as much as the technical aspect of things,” she said. “I believe that understanding the plight and how to address these problems, in the long run, would benefit not only the farmers but also the policymakers.”

Amoranto, Chiu, and Eleazar unlocked a new opportunity to upgrade their proficiencies as TNE fills in the skills that they otherwise wouldn’t have. Through TNE, the Philippines get to produce internationally-trained local experts who contribute to national development. This is made evident by their research works that seek to address issues in agriculture and architecture.

Amid the strides they made, the trio are also focused on becoming better teachers.“I aim to cultivate a learning environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation, preparing students to become future leaders in food technology,” said Amoranto.

Chiu said his higher-level thinking process has been nurtured by TNE. “This is important especially as an academician to guide your students in their thinking process. Help them elevate their thinking into something that could greatly enhance the criticality and understanding of their work.”

The British Council is continuously at work to open more TNE opportunities, partnering with various educational institutions and government, like the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), to cultivate a fruitful exchange of knowledge and ideas between the Philippines and the UK. To learn more about TNE and other education opportunities offered by the British Council, visit www.britishcouncil.ph.

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. The organisation supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide through its work in arts and culture, education, and the English language. The British Council works with people in over 200 countries and territories and is on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22, the organisation reached 650 million people.

“Most fertile woman on earth” kung ituring si Mariam Nabatanz mula sa Uganda, East Africa.

Ito ay dahil bago pa man tumuntong sa edad na 40, nagkaroon na siya ng 44 na anak!

12-anyos pa lamang, ibinenta si Mariam ng kanyang ama sa 45-anyos na lalaki kapalit ng pera, baka, at kambing.

Bagamat mayroon nang apat na iba pang asawa ang lalaki, pinakasalan pa rin nito ang batang si Mariam. At makalipas ng isang taon, sa edad na 13, isinilang niya ang kanyang kauna-unahang kambal.

Sinundan pa ito ng ilan pang set ng twins, triplets, at quadruplets, hanggang sa umabot sa 44 ang kanyang anak. Sa kasamaang palad, anim dito ang sumakabilang buhay na.

Mag-isang itinataguyod ni Mariam ang kanyang natitirang 38 na anak dahil iniwan na sila ng kanyang asawa, tinangay pa nito ang pera ng pamilya.

Sa kabila nito, sinisikap ni Mariam na mapakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw ang mga anak at mabigyan sila ng maayos na buhay.

Ngunit bakit nga ba marami siya manganak?

Mayroong kondisyon na hyperovulation si Mariam, kung saan naglalabas ng higit sa isang egg cell ang kanyang ovary na mas nagpapataas sa tsansang magkaroon ng kambal.

Mahirap magpalaki ng anak, ngunit masaya at proud rito si Mariam. Nang tanungin kung ano ang mensahe niya sa kanyang kapwa ina, sinabi ng tinaguriang Mama Uganda na dapat alagaan nang mabuti ang mga anak dahil kailanman, hindi sila kamalian.

Karamihan sa atin, mayroong dream wedding. Ang iba, gumagastos pa ng ilang daang libo upang matupad ito.

Ngunit ang magkasintahang ito, simple lang ang naging kasal.

Sa mga larawang nag-viral online, mapapansin ang simpleng dekorasyon sa kanilang reception na dinaluhan ng ilang kapamilya at kapitbahay.

Ang kanilang handa? Pansit bihon, kanin, kamoteng kahoy, at soft drinks.

Dahil sa kasal na ito, napaiyak na lamang ang bride.

Ayon sa ulat, matagal nang magkasintahan ang bagong kasal. Naghintay umano ng 12 years ang bride bago ito matuloy.

At dahil natupad na ang kanyang pangarap na maiharap sa dambana ng kanyang pinakamamahal, hindi napigilan ng babae na maging emosyonal sa sobrang kaligayahan.

Naging masaya rin ang mga bisita sa kanilang dinaluhang kasal dahil kahit hindi engrande ang handa, umuwi naman silang busog.

Naging paalala ang kwentong ito sa atin na hindi naman kailangan sa kasal ang paggastos nang malaki dahil ang pinakamahalagang aspeto ng pag-iisang dibdib ay hindi ang marangyang handaan o magarbong dekorasyon, kundi ang taos-pusong pagmamahalan, pagtanggap, at pagpapahalaga sa isa’t isa.