Category: Advocacy

Sustainable Diving in Camiguin: Clean-Up and Relaxation

Sustainable Diving in Camiguin: Clean-Up and Relaxation

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The quick get-away in Camiguin Island this summer was again another time to relax, recharge and remind myself I need to be on the road again!

While I was planning for an escape to my go-to diveshop, my buddy randomly suggested for a quick dive trip wherever I want! 😊Apparently, my happy smart choice was my favorite island – not so distant, not crowded and not expensive. Being just few weeks after the Holy Week*, it was peaceful and not crowded as I wanted it to be. Too provincial, as my dive buddy described when we had an afternoon walk from the market.

We were happy to be back at Mabini Hotel as our refuge, the staff were friendly and so helpful.  And practically, walking distance to important spots in the town – church, market, police station, shops, bank. Our dives arrangement done perfect with Scuba de Oro.

The next morning, we’re up early for the preliminaries – Angel’s early walk, packing up gears, my dailies and a relaxing light breakfast. Our DM picked us up promptly at 8:30am to the dock which was 18 kms away, the cheery weather was all we need to brighten up that Friday!

Marine Sanctuary

We got on the paddle boat that brought us to dive boat anchored about 100 meters away, sunny skies and calm waters was just perfect for the dives! In no time, we sailed for Mantigue after all the necessary stuff were loaded. Just watching the wide blue seas with its gentle breeze was just a good start. Again, it was an exclusive dive for us! 😊

DM Amir joined us in our first dive at the Sanctuary, the waters was just right – on a high tide with very mild current. Our giant stride gave a huge splash on the waters! We descend slowly hoping to find a school of jacks. Alas, my dive computer wasn’t working later I realized it was battery low already and this is one of those situations when I felt lost when I don’t have a dive computer. Then I felt struggling with my buoyancy, figuring out why when I always have 6 pounds weights. I wasn’t listening when Angel suggested he would have extra weight in case my wetsuit would keep me positively buoyant. The whole time our DM was on the lookout for me.

We sighted at least three groups of giant trevallies as we went, not so much in number compared last time but much bigger.  The ever gentle turtles crossed our way, three of them wading coyly. I was wondering if these turtles were hatched in the island or are they males felt safe and contented to inhabit the sanctuary. The reef fishes were all over, few drummers showed up. There were triggerfish, anthias, wrasses, fusiliers, anemone fish, sand perch, and more. There were blue stars scattered around and found more culcita which was not a common sight before. Some sponges, sea cucumbers, whips and few androids.

We spent 57 minutes, had my deepest at 22m and my air down to 70 from 200 bars.

Turtle Point

After more than an hour for our surface interval, we prepared for our next dive at the Point – Angel’s favorite. 😊This time, my weight was increased and Angel offered his new dive computer (Garmin Descent 2) which I was grateful!  To make our dives count, we brought our net bag as Amir urged, for some trash clean up. And right, all was well – my buoyancy was perfect and my depth, NDL and safety stop were monitored accurately which is very relevant to me. We descend to a sandy slope and went deeper down expecting some surprise!

Well, we encountered six turtles – two were sleeping quietly in their spot, none of them were threatened as we passed by observing them. Angel and I stopped momentarily in white sandy slope observing the garden eels, their territory became wider I observed. Amir led us for the search of the elusive juvenile leaf scorpion fish, it didn’t disappoint us as it appeared perched on a stone coral. It was a rare sight, and I guess I wouldn’t find if I’m alone – one needs keen eyes for this critter.  A lone chevron barracuda darted fast few meters away, stunned for a bit what was it!  It was surprising, there were lot of critters I observed dwelling at the Point.  Bannerfishes, angels, snappers, moorish idol, fusiliers, anthias, pufferfish, yellow damsels and lot more. A moray eel also peeped from its hole observing us, there were blue stars and culcita’s all over.  It felt surreal with that large throng of juvenile cardinal fish, so tiny thousands of them wiggling over the colorful corals!

We ascend with a bagful of trash – plastic cutlery, sachets, discarded clothing, plastic caps, sanitary napkin, bottle, cans and more plastics. Well, the sanitary nap was gross, but I didn’t let it go. It was a dive clean-up indeed!  We had 62 minutes with 23.1 meters as my deepest and my air down to 80 bars.

Our sumptuous lunch was waiting for us as we got into the boat, the most relaxing part after good dives was while enjoying our meal talking about the sightings and dive trips stories. 😊

Isla Charms

Our last dive in the island was two years ago right in the same spot yet being underwater is always mystery – new encounters, new lessons and whole gamut of bliss beyond the surface. It’s beauty and wonder cannot be equaled. To our delight, our DM allowed us for a quick hop to the island using the paddle boat! 😊 The white beach became wider this time, and there was some kind of sandbar that extends a little farther. What a joy – getting a good view of the main island! The mountains all green capped with white clouds, such a beauty!

We went back to Mambajao with our DM driving for us, such generous soul. We planned for sunset in White Island like we used to in previous years but unfortunately all tourist spots now in Camiguin Island closed at 5pm. Making most of the day, we had a detour to Katibawasan Falls for a quick dip to freshen up, the cold waters was good enough but have to leave immediately before the gates would close. ☹ We capped the day watching the sunset at Chill’s Resto instead!

As I watched leaving the port next morning, had that gnawing feeling of not getting enough. I whispered to myself and promised I’ll be back again soon!  Honestly though, I miss those times watching sunset in White island or the night dip in Hot Spring. Those moments when there was no need to rush.

*Tourists and many people would flock during the Holy Week for the annual Panaad, where devotees would walk around the island as pilgrims for the Way of the Cross.

Sunsets and Serenity: Life in Sto. Niño, Palawan

Sunsets and Serenity: Life in Sto. Niño, Palawan

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Many of us may not have heard of this remote coastal community in Palawan and if one mention about San Vicente, what comes to mind are Port Barton, Long Beach, Bato ni Ningning, so on. But for me, San Vicente is where Barangay Sto. Niño is, a gem with a productive marine environment rich in diversity.

Here are my few favorite photos from this beautiful paradise!

  • Sunset at the end of each day
  • Voleyball at dusk
  • Fishers left for the night
  • Walk ends at the Bukana
  • That afternoon glow!
  • Hatchlings unto the long journey
  • Peaking at Peak View Resort
  • Blue skies that meet the blue seas
  • Imuruan Island
  • Fiery sunset!
The horizon from Bato ni Ningning

At the end of each day, one can always expect the changing hues in the horizon making it a huge canvas before our very eyes. So lovely, which brings to my mind how wondrous and magnificent the handiworks of the Creator!

My photos were too limited and insufficient to depict the beauty, serenity and splendor of this hidden coastal community and it would be unjust if I wont admit how I love the slow and simple life in Sto. Nino. The place to be if you love to swim in clear waters and watch sunsets at the end of each day!

The LAMAVE Expedition (Sea Turtles, Sweat and Sunsets!) 🐢

The LAMAVE Expedition (Sea Turtles, Sweat and Sunsets!) 🐢

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Engaging with volunteer works especially for the marine environment was one of my greatest desires, which was too disturbing to ignore. I did one five years ago relative to data research for marine sanctuary establishment in Southern Leyte and it was a rewarding one. I learned many new things far from what I was doing and I was a changed person.  Indeed, the marine world is an invaluable resource when the Earth is more than 70% water, obviously all forms of life is dependent in our oceans and water ways.  We are all aware that its protection and conservation is not just necessary but mandatory to sustain all of us and the generations to come.

Hatchlings ready for release !

For two years I planned and searched to find one within the country, considering schedules to match applicable season with my work timelines. Randomly, inquired from LAMAVE and evaluate their requirements and was grateful that they don’t limit their volunteers to foreigners.  I aimed for the Marine Turtle Conservation, confident that I can meet sufficiently the field work requirements – walk approximately eight (8) kilometers for beach patrol!  Turtles are remarkable and just one of my favorite specie, my encounters with them in the depths always brings the soft-hearted in me, and I was just enamoured with this graceful and humble critter. Knowing this animal deeply would be interesting and most importantly contributing in its protection and conservation I believe has far-reaching results in the long run.

My two-month stay in the project site was full, each day had important tasks supporting the project staff and other volunteers. I joined the team in March, the turtles were still nesting though not as extensive in the previous months of December, January and February. Beach patrols, data encoding, hatchery checks, excavations, samples processing, as well as information and education campaign collaborating with LGUs and public schools.  We had household chores schedules too, the challenging part was cooking for everyone considering food restrictions and limited sources – there is no supermarket in the barangay!  It was a test of endurance and embracing the limitations and simplicity of rural life.

Hatchlings unto the long journey!

My encounter with marine turtles on the surface during the works was life changing, and realizing the importance for its protection. I learned that hatchlings had a very slim survival as they went for the long journey, so that every turtle existing underwater is a miracle! My favorite part was the hatchling releases which either done early mornings or in nightfall.  One morning check I had more than hundred hatchlings for release, I was alone and few dogs were in the side lines. I can’t wait until later when the sun is up very hot but I feared the dogs would attack when I release them!  Watching the little creatures crawling towards the clear waters was just lovely. Dusks release was even more charming, while waiting for all of them to get the waters we watched the glorious sunset feeling relaxed after the day’s task. Actually, watching sunset is my favorite part of the day! 😊

My tremendous respect for the environment influenced this desire to engage and share my time and resources for the gargantuan task in the preservation of the environment and our common home in general. I am hoping that in my little way this will encourage locals to support and actively involved in many ways to support this mission.  We are all interconnected and what you do to environment ultimately you do to yourself.

I came home with a grateful heart filled with new learnings, gained new friends with similar passion for the environment and a strengthened desire to continue to support for the mission.

NB.

LAMAVE or Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute of the Philippines is a Filipino non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna. To date, has worked with governments and communities in over 9 provinces in the Philippines.

Lessons from the Farm

Lessons from the Farm

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During the pandemic I was one of those who left the city for the farm, to succumb to quarantine orders. It was grueling, for the many sudden changes that need to be adopted in order to dodge from the deadly virus. Pandemic indeed have changed us all. At the same time, living in quarantine for months has offered us a rare opportunity to reflect on our lives and, potentially, to reset them. It was about slowing down, spending more time with nature and growing own food – and that’s what I exactly did while in the farm. Admittedly, growing veggies and raising animals helped my well being, taking some grasp to be productive and occupied during the crucial period. Spending more time with nature gave me lessons, reminding some truths if to live a life driven with purpose and meaning.

I have few stories about lessons learned while living in the farm…

The Missing Hen

One morning while cooking breakfast, my sister handed me her hat filled with eggs.

Organic eggs from our hen

“Here are eggs.” She said with some hint of sadness. “My hen is nowhere for a couple of days now. I didn’t know it has laid somewhere hidden in the barrel.” I stared at the eggs neatly piled on the hat. Poor hen. ”I suspect it died, There has been an epidemic of fowls in the neighborhood in the past weeks.”

More than glad for the organic eggs, I felt sorry for the hen, it could have been sick all along, yet it continued to lay ten eggs, good enough for 1 hatch season. It continued to do its purpose as a hen unminding of illness. It continued to carry itself with dignity for the last ten days to her nest.

We lost the hen, but I learned a lesson, it reminded me to do our mission till the end of our days, even at the point of death. To live life with purpose, to remain useful and productive till the end. And it’s not for our own self, but leaving a legacy for others. That is to die with our boots on, like a good soldier.

The Patola

The routine of doing garden rounds was more of pleasure as I got to see new fruits, new flowers or finding something to harvest. Few days back, I went over the plot occupied with the patolas, it’s been more than six months since it produces its fruits giving us constant supply of patola in the

Patola continued to bear fruits

kitchen. Its leaves started to wither, there are more browns than greens. I took this as a sign that it would soon gone for good. Surprisingly, there

Butterfly on its flower

were still  new fruits and even flowers! Again, it reminds me that being fruitful and productive don’t depend with my age, our mission will extend until our last breath. To live until we die, as Fr. Orbos said, “Inspire before you expire. “

The Orchid

The front yard had few mix match of ornaments that we maintained to give at least color not only for the household but also for passersby. At the far corner are few collections of ordinary orchids, most of it I don’t even know its variety. Few months back, we gathered all and replanted them on anislag trunks to give the plants a permanent place of their own.

Orchid leaves almost gone

They seldom give blooms and I could easily ignore them as they are tucked in between other plants. Couple of days ago, some fuschia flowers caught my attention and to my surprise, was the orchid which all its leaves were half-eaten by Lala, our calf! I remembered I was bit disturbed when I saw it and feared it will die.

But what an inspiration! Unmindful of the pain, it continued to bear colorful flowers to all. Just like in life – we experience pain, sorrows, difficulties.  If plants able to withstand hardships and even continue to live and share beautiful blooms, why not for us humans? Let us rise above our storms and be an inspiration to others. We are all called for a mission – to be a blessing to others…

Yes, even in plants or animals we can learn a lesson. 🌱

Grace in Uncertain Times (Reflections amidst CoVid19 Pandemic)

Grace in Uncertain Times (Reflections amidst CoVid19 Pandemic)

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I always believe that everything happens for a reason, or reasons for that matter. Philosophically, I keep in mind and heart the advantages, never allowing myself to dwell in the negative ones. And again, this can only be possible if we chose to think outside the box, chose to be non-conformist and have keen eyes to see beyond the surface.

The pandemic experience has taught me a lot of things, those that were basic and we’re taught of as young kids.  I guess we all need some revelations, perhaps an epiphany to serve as guide in this life’s journey. Admittedly, it was during this episode that I learned a lot about myself, the people around me and life in general.

I have understood that in order to cope up with the demands of dodging the illness, I need to step back and re-learn the ropes of simple living or I must say, mindful living.    I was aiming to put things in order at the beginning of CY 2020, believing I must get it done to start a new decade afresh.  There were personal issues by then, a lot of them. At the start of March, I breezed through a panel interview for some consultative job in a nephrology clinic, churning figures again though I made it clear it’s not a 9-to-5 fare. Unfortunately, before I could finish up reviewing their existing financial system, covid19 pandemonium have overtaken the country and the world, in general.

Leaving the city immediately was just logical and I guess the only option I had, as lockdowns and border controls have surfaced for safety measures. I left for the farm because for me, it was the safest place to hid from the imminent danger of the disease.  The global pandemic has immobilized the life as we know it.

Living at the Farm

When I left the city, I had all my essentials in a backpack just like going on weekend trip. While I was clueless when its gonna end, my sole concern at that time was to leave immediately for safety.

There was much peace and total immersion in nature, and the assurance that the virus could hardly caught me.  I didn’t wear mask in there – inside or outside the house, got fresh air to breath, picked veggies for kitchen needs, ate fruits from our own trees, etc. There was total freedom.

It was the perfect quarantine episode, there was no telco signal in our home and so I was out of circulation from social media, gadgets do not consume my day and I was more mindful and doing other things that are enriching both physically and mentally.  I realize that one can truly survive without being online or connected to the net. 😊

I was missing my hustle and bustle while in the city, yet staying in the farm was altogether a learning experience, it was like a reorientation of simple living and understanding more about agriculture.  And I was grateful that we have a place to come home to, a place to run for safety and a community that wasn’t difficult to fit in.

Life Support Systems

During quarantine there were lot that has to be given up, we were all immobilized due to travel restrictions.  Obviously, my diving trips plan was cancelled and I was pretty dried up longing for my grand element.  But then, I went to focus more on activities that I have grasp at the moment – plants, animals, environmental advocacy, reconnecting with old friends, household tasks that were deferred for some time, so on.

I guess it was about refocusing my mindset to be productive doing tasks that were at hand and just set aside matters that were beyond my control.  Indeed, there is a time for everything.

Most importantly, Maxine & Bronson were always there for me (“mother & son” aspin tandem) whose love and loyalty can never be outdone, I never expected them both to be sweet and endearing when they are ferocious and aggressive to other people.  I guess they just gave back what they received and more. We had walks in the afternoon when it wasn’t raining and it seemed they had body clock that made them bark at me for our afternoon rendezvous!

Lessons and Reasons

We can’t deny that the effects and aftershocks of the pandemic have affected us all, no one is ever spared and obviously we all have survived the test.  If there’s one important lesson I learned was that the Almighty carried us through and He has reasons for all of these.  Our views may be different from one another, but I always believe the Author of Life will reveal in due time when we are ready for more challenges.  No one has ever imagined that we will experience the global pandemic in our lifetime, definitely it is a lesson to be larger than life. In life’s storms, we can all rise with the waves instead of swimming against it.

In between, I realized that even with the catastrophe – our needs were provided – food on the table, good health, love and support from family. Even with our limited resources, we were able to share to others in need notwithstanding the possibility that the situation might get worse in the next days. In those times, I was only hoping for the best.

In the end, we become better version of ourselves after we overcome our challenges. The pandemic was not our own choice, it came to us unexpectedly but life continues. 

The hullabaloo had quieted in the past three months. Everyone is slowly, with caution and being very measured and very careful, emerging out their cocoons and looking around and figuring out what they can do.  And, I got back in the city a couple of weeks ago for some unfinished business at the workplace. I looked back with fresh eyes, understanding better that in life there is no certainty but we could always carry on if we believe that what happened is for good reasons and trusting that the all-knowing God has in store for us latent resources that could prod us to move on wherever life would lead us.  His promise of graces is overflowing for all of us. Yes, and that’s the way LIFE is!