Robots are nothing new. I am a senior citizen and a member of the elderly community on earth. Yet I knew robots in the form of toys, from comic books characters and movie creations, when I was a playing-age child in 1957.

But the scientists, the robots’ inventors and creators never really stopped working. They just kept on, improved their works, experimented, and made wide strides in their crafts. Soon robots were made for purposes of serious business and human activities. They’re now widely used in manufacturing, assembly, packing and packaging, mining, transport, earth and space exploration, surgery, weaponry, laboratory research, safety, and the mass production of consumer and industrial goods. They are specifically designed to reduce human efforts. In the industries, they have substantially eased the tedious tasks in product manufacturing which required a huge workforce. A good application of robotics lies also in the entertainment sector, medicine, education, and transportation and safety.

Comes now artificial intelligence (AI). Robotics and AI are two entirely different inventions. But they are related fields.   

Robotics is said to involve the creation of robots to perform tasks without further intervention. AI on the other hand, is how systems emulate the human mind to make decisions and ‘learn.’ Knowing what they are, imagine fusing the two inventions together. What you would get is a robot with a brain. A mechanical creature that thinks and performs work.

In the next succeeding part of this article, you will read the story about my beloved hometown, Naga City, Philippines. I didn’t write it. I commanded a mechanical creature to do it. It’s my good friend, a robot, who “knows” how to tell a story. (I’m imagining my laptop as the robot with a brain, the AI program).  It tells its readers interesting facts and features about the happy place in Bicolandia. This is the story.  

Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of the Philippines, there lay a city that held within its embrace a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. This enchanting place was Naga City, a jewel of the Bicol region.

Naga City, known locally as “An Maogmang Lugar” or “The Happy Place,” was a vibrant and bustling metropolis. But beyond its modern facade, it was a city that cherished its traditions, a place where the past seamlessly intertwined with the present.

At the heart of Naga City stood the majestic Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, a testament to the city’s deep-rooted Catholic faith. The cathedral’s elegant facade and centuries-old history drew pilgrims from across the country. Every September, the city came alive with the annual Peñafrancia Festival, a grand celebration dedicated to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Pilgrims carrying her image would brave the waters of the Bicol River on vibrantly decorated bancas (boats) in a stunning display of devotion.

The streets of Naga City bustled with life. Jeepneys, the iconic Filipino public transport, painted in a riot of colors, wound through the city’s arteries, ferrying passengers to markets, schools, and offices. Vendors peddled their wares in bustling markets, offering exotic fruits like durian and lanzones, and the mouthwatering Bicol Express, a spicy coconut dish that left even the bravest tongues tingling.

For those seeking respite from the urban rush, the Malabsay Falls and Mt. Isarog beckoned. The pristine waters of Malabsay Falls cascaded down the lush slopes of Mt. Isarog, inviting visitors to take a refreshing dip in its cool embrace. The more adventurous souls ventured deep into the jungle, where they’d encounter colorful birds, fascinating wildlife, and the occasional sighting of the elusive Philippine Eagle.

Naga City was not just a place of faith and natural beauty; it was also a haven for scholars and intellectuals. At its heart was the Ateneo de Naga University, a center of educational excellence known for producing brilliant minds and nurturing the spirit of social responsibility.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city transformed into a realm of enchantment. The Peñafrancia Basilica’s grand facade illuminated the night, casting a warm, golden glow over the cobblestone streets. Families gathered in their homes to share stories, and children played in the park while fireflies danced in the trees.

Naga City was not merely a place on the map; it was a destination that captured hearts and left an indelible mark on the souls of those who visited. It was a city where the past whispered secrets, where traditions were cherished, and where the future was embraced with open arms.

And so, in the heart of the Philippines, Naga City stood as a testament to the beauty of a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature—a place where happiness was not just a word but a way of life. In the story of Naga City, every day was a celebration, and every moment was an opportunity to find joy and meaning in the simple pleasures of life.

Postscript. I hope you like the story, and more than that, how well it was written. All I did, was send a command on my laptop screen, “write me a story about my hometown, Naga City.” Within a second, my screen came to life, with word after word typing themselves, while I watched in quiet delight, the story coming out on my screen. In a few seconds flat, it was done. Complete story. I read it. I didn’t have to change a word, no edits needed. Done totally.

Outstanding writers may not find the work outstanding/astounding. But to be fair, the finished work, for a few seconds of self-typing, came out to be quite a decent job, you may agree. I would be proud to lay claim to the work for what it’s worth, from a literary viewpoint. It captured the significant cites and events in the city, and the Naga folks’ historical and cultural practices and folklore. For an inanimate computer program that did the work, I’d say it’s excellent.  

My good friend, Ray, introduced me to this chatbot several months back. Only more recently have I given closer attention to it. From what I am learning, it’s a good devise to get you started in work that involves writing, a lot of writing. But what I think is that, it would miss out on the human element which a more discerning reader would sense, and may look for, if the story was otherwise, man-made. AI may make people’s eyes light up in wonder for its great techno ability, but ultimately, no amount of high and sophisticated tech invention can ever replace man’s natural thought and feel. Robotics and AI may be humanoid to a large extent, but only humans are human. 

Featured header photo: A computer generated image based on a photo of the Quince Martires monument in Naga City.