Sunday, July 12, 2009

My Love, God's Love, Our Love

Why do some people derive pleasure from the misfortunes of those who are exceedingly blessed than they are?


Everyone is different from others in terms of happiness. This happiness may be achieved in different ways as well defending on the person who wants it. But is it right to be happy though others suffer because of your happiness? Why do some people derive pleasure from misfortunes of those who are exceedingly blessed than they are? What are their reasons for doing that?

It’s simply because they only want to be the most among the most. They don't think of others and they are selfish. They don't agree of the equalities in life. God have made as different to others yet equal to His eyes.

We should be proud of our own lives. Do not be jealous of what they have that you don’t have. Why? Think first of the things you have and they don’t have. We have many blessings from Him. We just need to use those blessings for our own benefits.

Why sometimes our blessings seem to be a disaster for us?


Blessings are gift from our Lord God. Most of us believe that blessings come only in good ways but not knowing, it may also come in awful ways. It may sometimes seem disaster to us but in the end we will realize that it was not really a disaster but just in a form of trial that will test our faith and learn something out of it and that we may call blessings to us. We should take the challenge to achieve our goals.

Why do sometimes our blessings seem to be a disaster for us? Based from my own experiences, one of the blessings I thought will be a disaster are being a cartoonist, having a band, saliw and activities of youth for Christ. It’s very hard to divide my time yet He is helping me. I enjoyed everything that I’m doing though I felt restless everytime.

God loves us. That’s why he gave us blessings in good ways and awful ways. He has purpose for each of the things he was giving to us. All we need to do is to trust Him, pray and believe in ourselves that He will not leave us behind and that we can overcome all those things. From that, we can say everything that happens to us is a blessing from God. It’s not a disaster but a gift from God.


How would you know if the person you know is your true love?


What is true love? It is the love of God. He gave His only awesome son to the world and let Him suffer for us to be save or the love of parents to their children that does not ask in return or the love of husband and wife that even promise in death do they apart or the love of friends to each other that even they risk they life, they will do? Yes, I guess all of these were true love. These loves showed a true and real one that even risking their life they still continue and fight for that love.

True love means bravery that even risking your life won’t let you think twice. For me and based with my experiences, you will only know that the love of that someone you knew is true, is when you had a problem or trouble and you need someone who you could lean on, who you could ask for favors, who will never leave you and who will be there until the end. He or she is ready for what would happen if he or she helps you and without hesitation to still be your friend. I guess, if he or she could do that, he or she has that true love for you.

I know, we all have many friends but not all of them are real. Not all of them have the true love for you, just few from them. But if you gave them a true love for sure they will give the same love in return and if not God is there, He will be the one to provide it, an everlasting love.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tuba-tuba as a Biodiesel

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) Locally known as tuba-tuba is one of the most promising sources of bio-fuel today. About 30 percent of the tuba-tuba nut is composed of oil. This oil can be easily processed into fuel that can replace or mixed with petroleum based diesel to save on imported oil and most importantly increase local employment and help the economy to grow.
The tuba-tuba has been planted for quite sometime but it was mainly as fencing. It is also known in the Tagalog region as “tubing bakod” and”sambo” while the Ilocanos call it “tawa-tawa” while it is called “tagumbao” in Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan. In the Cagayan Valley, it is known as “kalunay” and “kasla” among the Ilonggos. In the Lanao region, it is known as “tangantangan”.
Jatropha is a drought-resistant perennial shrub with an economic life of up to 35 years and can even extend up to 50 years. The shrub has a smooth, gray bark which exudes a whitish color, watery latex when cut. The size of the leaves ranges from 6-15 cm in length and width. It sheds leaves in the dry season and rejuvenates during the rainy season.
The flowers of jatropha are formed terminally with the female flowers usually slightly larger. It has two flowering peaks which occur during the wet season. It is pollinated by insects and each inflorescence yields fruits. Jatropha starts producing seeds within 14 months from planting but reaches its maximum productivity level after 4 to 5 years.
The seed matures when the capsules changes from green to yellow about 2-3 months after flowering.
PROPAGATION
Seeds
Jatropha grows fast with little or no maintenance and can reach a height of 3 to 8 meters. It can be planted or propagated through seed or cuttings. Seeds intended for seeding production must be soaked in water for eight hours before sowing. This should be done to soften the seed coat to facilitate faster germination. Slow seeds in soil mixed with sand. The first shoot is expected after six days. Water the plants everyday. Seedlings are ready for transplanting in the field after two months. Planting distance can be 3m x 2m depending on the soil fertility.
Stem cutting
Another method of propagating jatropha is through stem cutting. It is important to obtain cuttings from eight month-old mature plant. Use a sharp bolo to cut the stem about 30 cm long from the base of the stem. Matured cuttings was found to be the best source of planting materials that can easily produce seeds at least 6 months earlier than from seeds.
Tissue culture
Jatropha can also be propagated through tissue culture. This method is a laboratory-based which uses artificial and sterilized propagation media. Tissues from various plants can be used in this procedure which allows asexual propagation of plants with desired characteristics. In order to obtain a higher rate of survival of planting materials, it is important to establish a nursery that is accessible to the plantation that has a source of water.
Cultivation
Jatropha grows on all types of soil (ordinary soil, sandy, gravely or rocky soil) and adapts easily to different climates. It can survive a long period of drought by shedding most of it leaves. It can stand up to two years without rainfall. The tree also has a short gestation period, it will bear a several fruits starting at about 8 months old and be fully fruit bearing between one to two years. It can be adapted to marginal soils with low nutrient content but the use of organic fertilizer would result to higher yield. It grows best when planted at the onset of the rainy season. The distance of planting for commercial production is 2m x 2m apart but for hedges, the recommended distance of planting is 1m x 1m. The trees can also be planted on coconut plantations - intercropping the tuba-tuba under the coconut trees provided that it receives sufficient sunlight.
The plants must be watered up to two weeks after transplanting to ensure its continued growth. In order to obtain higher yield and better quality seeds, fertilizer application is recommended. To prevent wilting, plants must be watered after applying fertilizer. For rainfed areas, fertilizer can be applied during rainy season. Apply fertilizer at a depth of 5-10cm and a distance of 15-20cm away from the plant. Organic fertilizer is highly recommended for jatropha production.
Harvesting and Processing
Seeds can usually be harvested one year after planting. It is best to harvest the fruits when these have turned yellow to dark brown. Approximately two to three months after flowering, seeds should be collected when the capsules have split open. Seeds should not be dried in direct sunlight because it will affect its germination. One kilogram of jatropha seeds consists of 600 to 1,600 pieces of seeds. The potential yield of jatropha per hectare is 6 tons to as high as 1o tons depending on the site, climate and management of the plants. Seeds are de-hulled by using wooden plank and then winnowed to separate the hulls from the seeds. Before storing, the seeds must be air dried to 5% - 7% moisture content and stored in air-tight containers. Seeds can be stored up to one year at room temperature.
Seeds for replanting can be gathered when fruits are already yellow to dark brown. Dry, black seeds can be used for oil extraction.
TECHNOLOGY
Oil Production
The extraction process involves the use of machines to extract the vegetable oil from the seed. This produces Jatropha crude oil, with hull and press cake as by products. Laboratory results show that around 2.9 kg of seeds produces one liter of crude oil.
Refining of Oil Into Biodiesel
On the other hand, the transesterification of crude oil is a process which uses chemicals like methanol and catalysts such as caustic soda. This produces Jatropha Methyl Ester (JME) as its main product and glycerine as its co-product. 10 liters of crude oil can produce 8.5 liters of JME.
The results of testing made on Philippine Forest’s JME show the great potential ofJatropha oil as a source of biodiesel. Laboratory tets showed that it passes the American (ASTM D6751) and European (EN 14214) standards for biodiesel. Moreover, analysis of Jatropha crude oil shows that it is comparable to bunker fuel.
Uses
Jatropha is a potential source of biodiesel for local production to replace a portion of the country’s dependence on imported oil. The extracted oil from jatropha can be used in diesel engines (in lover blends with diesel fuel). Blending of fuel can be done up to 20 percent (B20) without engine modification. Using jatropha as biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Jatropha can be grown on marginal and degraded land, thus, leaving prime agricultural lands for food crops, and at the same time restoring the fertility of these marginal lands.
Aside from using the seed oil as biodiesel, the extracted oil can also be used in making soap. The leaves can be used for fumigating houses to expel bugs. The root extract can be used as yellow dye while the bark extract as blue dye. The seeds when pounded can be used for tanning while the roots, flowers and latex of the tuba-tuba plant are said to have medicinal properties.
With the ever increasing interest in biodiesel fuels, we may be one day get used to the idea that fuel for our vehicles was harvested from local plantations instead of using imported oil.
Economics
Initial investment for commercial plantation (2m x 2m) for one hectare ranges fromPhp31,009 to Php52,770. the return of investment ranges from 0.90 - 1.8 while payback period is between 2nd to 3rd year. Potential yield ranges from 6 tons to as high as 10 tons per hectare depending on the site, climate and tending operations.

Tuba-uba as a Biodiesel

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) Locally known as tuba-tuba is one of the most promising sources of bio-fuel today. About 30 percent of the tuba-tuba nut is composed of oil. This oil can be easily processed into fuel that can replace or mixed with petroleum based diesel to save on imported oil and most importantly increase local employment and help the economy to grow.
The tuba-tuba has been planted for quite sometime but it was mainly as fencing. It is also known in the Tagalog region as “tubing bakod” and”sambo” while the Ilocanos call it “tawa-tawa” while it is called “tagumbao” in Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan. In the Cagayan Valley, it is known as “kalunay” and “kasla” among the Ilonggos. In the Lanao region, it is known as “tangantangan”.
Jatropha is a drought-resistant perennial shrub with an economic life of up to 35 years and can even extend up to 50 years. The shrub has a smooth, gray bark which exudes a whitish color, watery latex when cut. The size of the leaves ranges from 6-15 cm in length and width. It sheds leaves in the dry season and rejuvenates during the rainy season.
The flowers of jatropha are formed terminally with the female flowers usually slightly larger. It has two flowering peaks which occur during the wet season. It is pollinated by insects and each inflorescence yields fruits. Jatropha starts producing seeds within 14 months from planting but reaches its maximum productivity level after 4 to 5 years.
The seed matures when the capsules changes from green to yellow about 2-3 months after flowering.
PROPAGATION
Seeds
Jatropha grows fast with little or no maintenance and can reach a height of 3 to 8 meters. It can be planted or propagated through seed or cuttings. Seeds intended for seeding production must be soaked in water for eight hours before sowing. This should be done to soften the seed coat to facilitate faster germination. Slow seeds in soil mixed with sand. The first shoot is expected after six days. Water the plants everyday. Seedlings are ready for transplanting in the field after two months. Planting distance can be 3m x 2m depending on the soil fertility.
Stem cutting
Another method of propagating jatropha is through stem cutting. It is important to obtain cuttings from eight month-old mature plant. Use a sharp bolo to cut the stem about 30 cm long from the base of the stem. Matured cuttings was found to be the best source of planting materials that can easily produce seeds at least 6 months earlier than from seeds.
Tissue culture
Jatropha can also be propagated through tissue culture. This method is a laboratory-based which uses artificial and sterilized propagation media. Tissues from various plants can be used in this procedure which allows asexual propagation of plants with desired characteristics. In order to obtain a higher rate of survival of planting materials, it is important to establish a nursery that is accessible to the plantation that has a source of water.
Cultivation
Jatropha grows on all types of soil (ordinary soil, sandy, gravely or rocky soil) and adapts easily to different climates. It can survive a long period of drought by shedding most of it leaves. It can stand up to two years without rainfall. The tree also has a short gestation period, it will bear a several fruits starting at about 8 months old and be fully fruit bearing between one to two years. It can be adapted to marginal soils with low nutrient content but the use of organic fertilizer would result to higher yield. It grows best when planted at the onset of the rainy season. The distance of planting for commercial production is 2m x 2m apart but for hedges, the recommended distance of planting is 1m x 1m. The trees can also be planted on coconut plantations - intercropping the tuba-tuba under the coconut trees provided that it receives sufficient sunlight.
The plants must be watered up to two weeks after transplanting to ensure its continued growth. In order to obtain higher yield and better quality seeds, fertilizer application is recommended. To prevent wilting, plants must be watered after applying fertilizer. For rainfed areas, fertilizer can be applied during rainy season. Apply fertilizer at a depth of 5-10cm and a distance of 15-20cm away from the plant. Organic fertilizer is highly recommended for jatropha production.
Harvesting and Processing
Seeds can usually be harvested one year after planting. It is best to harvest the fruits when these have turned yellow to dark brown. Approximately two to three months after flowering, seeds should be collected when the capsules have split open. Seeds should not be dried in direct sunlight because it will affect its germination. One kilogram of jatropha seeds consists of 600 to 1,600 pieces of seeds. The potential yield of jatropha per hectare is 6 tons to as high as 1o tons depending on the site, climate and management of the plants. Seeds are de-hulled by using wooden plank and then winnowed to separate the hulls from the seeds. Before storing, the seeds must be air dried to 5% - 7% moisture content and stored in air-tight containers. Seeds can be stored up to one year at room temperature.
Seeds for replanting can be gathered when fruits are already yellow to dark brown. Dry, black seeds can be used for oil extraction.
TECHNOLOGY
Oil Production
The extraction process involves the use of machines to extract the vegetable oil from the seed. This produces Jatropha crude oil, with hull and press cake as by products. Laboratory results show that around 2.9 kg of seeds produces one liter of crude oil.
Refining of Oil Into Biodiesel
On the other hand, the transesterification of crude oil is a process which uses chemicals like methanol and catalysts such as caustic soda. This produces Jatropha Methyl Ester (JME) as its main product and glycerine as its co-product. 10 liters of crude oil can produce 8.5 liters of JME.
The results of testing made on Philippine Forest’s JME show the great potential ofJatropha oil as a source of biodiesel. Laboratory tets showed that it passes the American (ASTM D6751) and European (EN 14214) standards for biodiesel. Moreover, analysis of Jatropha crude oil shows that it is comparable to bunker fuel.
Uses
Jatropha is a potential source of biodiesel for local production to replace a portion of the country’s dependence on imported oil. The extracted oil from jatropha can be used in diesel engines (in lover blends with diesel fuel). Blending of fuel can be done up to 20 percent (B20) without engine modification. Using jatropha as biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Jatropha can be grown on marginal and degraded land, thus, leaving prime agricultural lands for food crops, and at the same time restoring the fertility of these marginal lands.
Aside from using the seed oil as biodiesel, the extracted oil can also be used in making soap. The leaves can be used for fumigating houses to expel bugs. The root extract can be used as yellow dye while the bark extract as blue dye. The seeds when pounded can be used for tanning while the roots, flowers and latex of the tuba-tuba plant are said to have medicinal properties.
With the ever increasing interest in biodiesel fuels, we may be one day get used to the idea that fuel for our vehicles was harvested from local plantations instead of using imported oil.
Economics
Initial investment for commercial plantation (2m x 2m) for one hectare ranges fromPhp31,009 to Php52,770. the return of investment ranges from 0.90 - 1.8 while payback period is between 2nd to 3rd year. Potential yield ranges from 6 tons to as high as 10 tons per hectare depending on the site, climate and tending operations.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Week I Told Her The Truth

I call all my servants to give me strength to tell the truth behind what I feel for a very special girl. I let it first be locked. But then my heart will explode if I will continue hide it deep inside.
First, I ask her first to be my partner in JS. And she answered a cheerful "Yes". Then I told her the truth, that I love her. She answered me a tame smile and my heart goes round. I will never forget this day I told her the truth.

Second Week, I Think I'll Sink

I'm still tired when I go to school. I want to sleep for a year. I can still feel the pain, dizziness and restless things I have made last week.
I can't focus on my studies. That's why last Thursday, I was sent to the clinic for having a fever and headache. It;'s good that I survive. And I'm feeling better now that I got enough sleep.

New Year, New Life

I don't believe in new year resolutions. Why do we need to do this if we don't even know ourselves? It's base from what our heart is saying. No matter if it is wrong or right, the most important is that you know how to express your feelings and how to be your real you.

Second Week of Vacation

More and more gifts I am receiving. Thanks to my godparents for not only because of their presents but also they are always there for me to support.
I am also now a godparent of 5 children. And I'm proud that I have chosen to be their godparents. I'll be there for them what ever happens and I'll do my best to be a good example when thy grow up like what my godparents did.