12 Napapakinabangang Origami

Noong bata ako, isa sa mga naging laruan ko ay ang mga eroplanong ako mismo at mga kalaro ko ang gumawa mula sa papel. Ito ang unang enkwentro ko sa origami bagamat hindi ko pa alam ang pangalan nito noon.

Para sa maraming mga tao, ang origami ay isa lamang nakaka aliw na libangan. Pero kung tutuusin ay may mga pagkakataon na napapakinabangan talaga ang origami.

Eto ang 12 sa mga origami na para sa akin ay maaring pakinabangan kapag kinailangan ng pagkakataon:

1. Tasa
2. pitaka
3. kahon
4. kwadradong bowl
5. bowl ng kendi
6. kahon na pahaba
7. basket
8. envelop
9. buslo
10. photo frame
11. lalagyan ng buto ng halaman
12. bookmark

Coix lacryma-jacobi l.

I used to think that the plant I knew as "katigbi" was just a worthless weed.

However, at the "Makina Saka Expo" of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which was held at the World Trade Center last July 4-7, 2012, I learned that katigbi - its seed- is actually edible and has even been identified by the DA as a potential crop that can help strengthen our food security.

Coix lacryma-jacobi l is the scientific name of katigbi. One of its name in english is Job's tears which is actually the meaning of  lacryma jacobi. In some areas of the country though, it is more known as "adlai".

The milled seeds of "adlai"  has a glutinous corn like taste that has a lot of potential use even in fine cuisines. In fact, people in other countries like China and Vietnam already utilize this as food. I was able to taste it steamed and I thought it was really nice.

I hope the DA succeeds in promoting the propagation and acceptance of this crop locally.