Mother Nature

TOP TEN AMAZING MOMENTS OF MY LIFE FOR 2007 (so far, one last year)

1. Being able to bring 11 hikers to the summit of Mt. Kota Kinabalu and down safe and sound (few resurrecting toe nails thou he he he he he)

2. Being able to organize the “CHRISTmas Party with Dumagat kids and snack w their Parents” last December 9. Enlightened by the warm and emotionally intelligent volunteers who happily served the community even there are challenges.

3. Being able to organize an “Adopt A Turtle” and Environment Awareness Camp with 60 young professionals overnight. Super fun gathering the Turtle names – leaves smiles on my face.

4. Discovered that Mt. Pulag  is a blessed enlightening trip that changes the lives of the campers to a more spiritually intelligent individual.

5. Surviving solo travel to Semporna, to go on diving Sipadan and Mabul as chance diver - made it!!!! (last minute preparation due to last minute changes)

6. Surviving the first Tawi Tawi Turtle Island Medical Mission as volunteer pharmacy. Had an harmonious project with the Muslim community. Saw my first Turtle mother lay eggs and second and third (yawn) and 4^th and 5^th, etc, night swim with the mom (he he he.) Got my Muslim name SALAMA - Friendly

7. Identifying Corals, counting fish, algae, snails, shells, clams and other marine life during my Advance Open Water Dive Course with Coral Cay (Love doing the coral benthic marine survey/monitoring, really hate algaes)

8. Crazy White water rafting in Chiang Mai is as Crazy as Chico Rivers in Kalinga Province. (an elephant ride that made me closer to GOD, coz the elephant love to eat on the cliff side of the road, that is so close to falling, don’t want die, crashed by elephant, so unglamorous)

9. Being able to see pink dwarf dolphin in Balabac (Nov 2006)

10. Attended the short course on Eco Tourism in Miriam College, and promoting it in MOA last Feb w GO Negosyo. Sharing the feasibility of Eco tourism at PAWB-DENR for Luzon  participants.

What’s yours? Hope to hear/read from your blessings. My goals for 2008 to follow.

Violet

My life is GOD’s gift to me, what I do with it, is my gift to GOD

A Very Blessed Beachy Escapade
CCC Southern Leyte, Philippines
By Violeta Imperial (Aug 8 to Sept 10, 2007)

“The more I learn about the Marine Life, the more I love to dive in the same place again and again and again, and again because I was able to identify marine life. Love the Pointies and the dive exams.”

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So many dive instructors are offering me free advance open water dive course so I can bring them more clients, but I choose to join Coral Cay because of the Science Week. I want to learn more about marine life and get updated on present environment situation that dive shops don’t offer. And what ever I learn, will share it to equally blessed friends. Thank GOD that I was accepted, it is an honor and pleasure to be part of the CCC Conservation project. (thank you, too, Claudio).

I was warmly welcomed by Wang (Filipino counterpart), then Nigel Dunkley (the Field Supervising Officer) and Lizzy (Expedition Leader). Everybody is so warm and the volunteers from U.K. are so curious. Collete is the first one who introduces herself to me, then the rest, but can’t remember the names. Then came Nick (the sea slug physicist) and Joe (great cod cool artist), three of us are the newbies for the night. Liz is so friendly giving me orientation in the household responsibilities. Katrina (American camp survivor) is also so friendly and adventurous. Lizzy is also the community mom, where you can have girly talks also.

We immediately started the Open Water Course for Nick and Joe, and refresher for me the following day. Nigel is the best Dive instructor I ever had, because he makes everybody happy and smile (and he has the loveliest blue eyes I ever seen.) He knows when to really discipline and chill and kid around. He is the wisest and most mature person around the camp that time. The two boys seem to be very challenged to learn scuba diving. But because Nigel is a great instructor, we were able to earn our Advance Open Water PADI Card with so much fun. The beach is so so, but the very healthy, colorful, lush marine forest and life compensate for it. Love the two dives a day and never got bored in all of the dives. Plus the very lovely and romantic sunset.

Joe, the great cod, thank u for moving the beds, that gives me the full window view of scenic Ampo Beach, plus all the space I need. Dear Joe, you are really GOD’s Serapin for me all the time I am in the camp. GOD love me so much and everybody!!!

Then Science Week, I have very very high enthusiasm for learning what I don’t know. I did not expect it to be very very challenging. We (Iain, Amy, Joe, me & Nick) decided to do the 1week crash course because of excitement to serve). Luke Harvie, our Science Officer (sexy, ooopppsss English Gentleman) was able to make the lesson fun and dynamic and interesting, by giving unwholesome key words for the very challenging scientific names. Learned about the Hard Corals, then Soft Corals, Algae, Sponges, Inverts and Fishes. Richard, help me to get through the challenges. My favorite are the Corals, next are the fishes. I love the rainbow runners.

The more I learn about the Marine Life, the more I love to dive in the same place again and again and again, and again because I was able to identify marine life. Love the Pointies and the dive exams. After learning about marine life, my introduction changed, from “Hi I am Violet, local counterpart” to “Hi I am Violet, non acropora, submissive” (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)

Then came Theresa, the new Dive Instructor, she encourage me to try night diving. I am a claustrophobic person, that enjoys wreck diving so much (ironic?), did go thru and  enjoyed my first night dive, but I will not do it again, ever. (he he he)

And the more I learn about the kind and fun people around me, the more I am enjoying my volunteer life in the community. I honestly am so stimulated to satisfy my curiosity  about their mindset, socially, emotionally, sexually, intellectually, spiritually.  I learned lots of new English English vocabulary (I grew up in American English setting). That word F@#k%^g is an adverb. Able to understand their beliefs. I think they also discovered that I am not a typical conservative Filipina (he he he).

Reef Check and Marine Protected Area surveys came, here is where we apply all what we learn in the science week. We are doing marine life inventory and health check. Learned about the cause of damages in the reef and present environment situation. These activities, increased my curiosity to know the interpretation of the Marine Scientists, on the data gathered. For me, the interpretations is very very important because it will give greater meaning to what volunteers are doing and will be a great evidence on present environment situation, to help economic and political leaders to more sustainable and environment friendly decisions. 

And of course, Claudio de Sassi also (Project Officer, Swiss, the coolest guy & great leader). His very passionate endeavors on environment conservation, community organizing, and setting up Marine Protected Areas is very very inspiring. He is a great asset to Coral Cay for all his accomplishments, they should start paying him, big time, before bigger Environmental NGO pirate him. (just a suggestion )

Then came, Harriet (new Project Officer), thank you for accepting the challenges. Then new dive students Brook (from Eutophia) and Miguel (from Portugal) and Lawrence Hoy (sweetest yummy English gentleman I ever met, Fred the Fish)

I salute all the volunteer staff and volunteers for giving their valuable time, self, money,  and service in marine data gathering, keeping the household clean and all the fun and kindness in the community (90% wholesome, I think he he he).

We are indeed blessed so much till my last Sunday in CCC Community, we did an open Sunday Environment Education to local kids of Padre Burgos. Games, snorkeling, film showing, scuba dunk, Web of Life and Fred the Fish, puppet story was played, where I played Rosa and Ana (girlfriend of Fred).  A very blessed Sunday.

After my 4weeks program in the CCC Community,
I lost 20lbs (and losing) & got great sexy tan lines.
Hope to find a yahoogroup for all the Filipino counterpart, to update our endeavor sharing in our own communities.
Hope to have a bigger marine sanctuary in Baler Bay, Aurora.
Hope to meet Mr. Peter Raines and Mr. David Bellamy, gentlemen, you inspire me so much. You must be so sensitive to all GOD’s blessing for caring for creation so much.
Hope all the dive shops in the world can also help in the monitoring and conservation of environment.
Hope that the Dwarf Dolphin and Harvie Rabbitfish, be included in CCC Marine Life Book (with all the data gathered, CCC should print it’s own book already)
Will to seek funds to sponsor a water proof marine life flip mini book. I am on my halfway power pointing the target life forms, genere and species (la lang)
I prefer living and fulfilling my hopes, they are very challenging but possible. I guess, I have the same passion for environment conservation like Claudio and the CCC Family.

All I want to do is for GOD’s Glory, in gratitude for all the blessing I received, and blessing I shall share to humanity thru conservation of creation. I pray to GOD to Bless Coral Cay family more. From the community of Nature Awareness and Conservation Club, Inc, thank you very very much. (http://philecotourism.wordpress.com)

here is the link to our photos in Kota Kinabalu.
http://ake3.multiply.com/photos/album/7

Super blessed Sipadan and Kota Kinabalu trip.

Trip preparation started March 2007. The trip is soooo blessed to have great friends with me to enjoy the trip like, Patrick, Ake, Jesicca and Leah (who flew from U.S.), meet new friends like Marife, Alex, Arvin, Primo, Cibby, and Ross.

The initial plan is to go to Brunei, originally with Dr. Reyes and to stay free at Eric’s home. After Brunei, Team Kota Kinabalu will join us.

Ever have u ever made a wrong decision and GOD made it right??? Dr. Reyes was not able to join, because she got promoted.  I was so kind to give a chance to invite a confuse lady to join in Brunei, in her confusion, she wants me to decide what she will wear, will all the information given already on culture orientation. And in her confusion, she persecuted me. And nag about why I did not get a hotel. So short brain she didn’t know, I got a place Free, service free, tour free, all free.

So I said, since we are having emotional clash, it is better that I dive Sipadan alone, than be with her in her nagging moments.

I FELT ENGLIGHTENMENT!!!!

Web searching on how to get to Sipadan, booked for a flight from KK to Tawau and super blessed!!!! I was able to talk to a Filipina Auntie Chang, who own Mabul Backpackers,  help me with the trip preparation to Sipadan.

The dive permit to Sipadan park is fully booked, but I did go with Enlightened heart. My hormones are raging with glee and gladness.

My flight to KK is another super blessing, I was greeted with very clean clear sunny view of the summit of Mt. Kota Kinabalu. It is a super sign that this is a super blessed trip.

At KK Airport, I learned that I can travel to Semporna on a night bus, but I already have my plane ticket to Tawau, leaving the next day. Hmmmm maybe GOD do want me to fly, be kind to my self, and have a relax life.

So I checked in KK City, emailed all to sit on the left side of the plane, left side of the pilot, to be greeted with the clear, clean sunny summit of Mt. Kota Kinabalu. And had a restful peaceful night. Now with happy hormones.

Day 2 Boarded my plane to Tawau, got a chance to sit beside a kind Malaysian. Since it is my first time, I ask him the way around going to Semporna. He is happy to know I am a Filipina, because his wife is a Filipina. And he is happier to know I am diving, because he is with Kalapai Dive Resort. SUPER BLESSED ME AGAIN, he offered a right with the tourist bus to Semporna for FREE!!!!!!!! That saved me RM 70 or P900 ang bait talaga ni LORD!!!!

Eto pah, they drop me off Auntie Cheng, meet the super nice Filipina, will all Filipina staff. I was not able to catch the boat to Mabul and Sipadan, but the experience of Semporna was a great learning experience. Auntie made me use the internet, unlimited for FREE so I can kill time, so I did. Then she gave me an guide also FREE to go around the city.

For lunch ate grilled Tuna head and belly for only P50, big grilled squid for P30, Rice, with out kubyertos, there is the bucket and pitcher of water beside our food, so we can wash our hands before and after eating. Bought Mangosteen for P40 a kilo and Mangoes for P30 a kilo. Me ukay ukay din dun. And finally ate my favorite durian Ice Cream, thank u LORD.

Ganun pala talaga pag first time unforgettable.

My first time to join a dorm room a mix male and female but all foreigners, kaloka, who care what I wear kind of people in the room. At least they are in  their underwears. The dutch guy in his underwear is trying his best for a very polite and interesting conversation and trying lure me for a lobster dinner with me. I said no, because I will have diner with the Malaysian Citizen Filipinos.

Kaka hyper to be with the locals there, had a local Chicken Sati and Noodles for dinner beside the sea. Nakss

Day 3 We arrive at Mabul Island, had our breakfast, and met AWANG a Pinoy dive master. All the pinoy there are soooooo happy to see me. We are all happy to see each other that I was given a permit to dive Sipadan. Now my hormones are in ecstasy!!!!!!

They prepared and set up all my gears. My Malaysian dive master is Rudy who is very very good in taking care of all divers. We did the Baracudda, Staghorn, Garden something. I love the speedy current riding. It is a turtle and shark galore dive. First time I saw turtles doing the water rock climbing. Lots of hard corals, morey eels bigger than me, fishes that I don’t know the names and potential sashimis he he he.

I am the only Filipina in the group and we all became friends, gave them tips on best shopping trips in South East Asia, tips on best dive site of course is the Philippines, as the Center of Marine Bio Diversity according to Conservation International. All are from Europe and they though Filipinas are just domestic helpers, teachers and caregivers, laborers, workers. Now they have different view of Filipinas.

Hay, now my hormones are full of glee and gladness, happy in ecstasy. I was able to stand the bus ride from Semporna back to Kota Kinabalu for 10hrs. Tulog sa pagod.

Day 4 Woke up in KK, and woke up Jessica, had a small power nap in the room. Then we went hotel hopping, City Mosque, Museum, girl bonding. GOD really provides me with great friends to be with. Thank u Jessica, you’re a blessing. We are excited to meet the group with ETA 7pm in KK. And it is raining sooooo hard. Rough landing maybe.

Received them all warmly, brought them to Merdeka Mall for Money changing, had great dinner at the fast food. Did the Climb orientation at the yoga room.

Alex is my co facilitator for the climb, I highly appreciate for the little details we need to check. Thank u thank u, Plus he is sooooo funny and dynamic. Never have a dull moment. Hyper

Ross, and Cibby, Jessica, Ake, Primo, Patrick and Arvin are quiet, because we are just getting to know each others.

Leah and Marife are equally funny that night, made the moment more comfortable for everybody to laugh and smile. Camaraderie builders. Thank u Thank u.

Day 5 Warm day, clear clean sunny day for a climb, did see the summit along the way, everybody is hyper for the climb. Super duper great climb because it is soooo sunny, and it rained the day before us. We got to know each other more along the trail. Andy and Lawrence was our guide/sherpa/porter. Everybody is hyper up to km 4, the got tired after ha ha ha haha and start realizing about life.

Marife is really fun to be with during the climb, invite nyo sya palagi sa climb. Camera shy ha ha ha ha joke.

Ross quiet pa din reflecting on family life.

Cibby is cold, he is wearing his poncho, while I am in my spaghetti strap blouse close to heat cramps. He is also quiet.

Leah when ahead of us all. Wow darna!!! She is my friend for past 10 years like Patrick since 1996. Great Friendship with u guys.

Ake also went ahead, he got a great camera.

Primo is a superman rower, made it up with a back pack like Ross.

Jesicca is camera shy he he he. She did a great video on the climb, everybody with moments. Wow, super thank u, ulet.

Alex went also ahead.

I remember myself shouting at Primo “Come up here, GOD have something for you” and he ran climbing up. It is the start of the rocking view of Mt. Kota Kinabalu and soooooo amaizing!!! The Malasyan Couples with us said “Either your Catholics or Christians, GOD is indeed super great”

I was the 6th in the group who got up super hot Laban Rata, really close to heat stroke badly need to refill my body fluid, because everybody is in their winter jackets and me still in my spaghetti strap blouse. Super hot hot hot.

Everybody came in as expected, made sure that Andy will stay with Patrick. Had our 6pm dinner, hot shower, repack for the night trek (2am), sleep in our 2layers trekking clothes. ( I am glad I feel cold) 8degrees out side

8pm heating in the room start to warm up, and I start to shed of clothes, because it is sooo hot again. And sleep in my malong

Day 6 woke up 2pm, ate our first breakfast, greeted good morning to all, and start hiking. 4layers now, started 5degrees. After 20minutes, shed off my first jacket, hot again. Then after 30, shed another one, now I am in T-shirt in the rocky trails. But when we reach the toll gate, I started putting them on again for it is freezing cold. Thank u for my jackets, really warmed me up.

Thank u LORD for bringing all to the summit!!! Thank u for the clear starry sky. Thank u for the cloudless summit and for the great sunrise at the highest Mountain in South East Asia. Thank you for the wonderful friends, old and new, to share this memorable experience with.

The challenge is not yet over, I still pray for everybody to make it down safely. I am the last person to the Tiphonon gate to make sure everybody is down safely. And everybody made it down with few dead toe nails ha ha ha ha ha. (promise they will resurrect with in six months or less, if u are into calcium or milk).

Weird, the sun never show up after 10am, and had a cool trek down. Thank u LORD that prevented me from getting more muscle cramps. Pity to the next batch of climbers, the sun never show up again and the peak is soooo under dark clouds.

Now that every body is tired at Poring Hot Spring, emotional challenges is expected. Great dinner, warm shower or hot spring and great bed and positive aura of the leaders will solve it off. Alex and Patrick thank u ha.

Guys, you never fail to amaze me, u love each other all the time, will hate each other in a quicky and love each other again over a bottle of beer (so that is married life ha).

Ake, thank u for being a super duper gentleman, I am proud of you that you can share this blessed experience to the religious and football group.

Primo, thank u for being super nice, not only in the outside but also in the inside. I need to learn a lot from you ha ha ha ha ha. U know he he he.

Patrick, super thanks for the great friendship, and great sharing this memorable experience with you always.

Leah Leah Leah, I am soo happy to see you again, I never had a chance to tell you, you look prettier now. Sad we did not have much bonding time, but surely you will come back.

Marife my heart almost go down, when I heard you not joining the night trek, but have to respect your decision. But you made my ego one person higher when you made it to the peak.

Jesicca, super thank u for the fun bonding, san ang cellphone mo bwa ha ha ha ha. Kunin mo kong ninang ha.

Auntie Chang and Angels, Rudy & Company, Awang and Pinoys, Uncle Chang super duper thank you for warmly receiving me in Semporna, Mabul and Sipadan.

Everybody put a smile not only in my face but also in my heart. All of you are already part of my life, part of my memorable experience, for you made me a better person. Hopefully, all the blessing GOD gave us during the trip, will be a light shared to all, in any ways. We receive so much blessing and much blessing so much to share.

Before I rate Coron – as fore play, Puerto Princesa as post play and El Nido as Orgasmic.

Now the whole experience is totally Big shaky O   –   Multiple   -   Extended

June 9 to 11 White Water Rafting Season Grand Opening with Tree Planting & Tribal Games
ITINERARY 1 June 9 to 10 Ulalim Run (3 to 4hrs) P 3,750/pax for first timer and repeater
ITINERARY 2 June 9 to 11 Tinglayan Run (5 to 6hrs) P 5,750/pax (for experienced rafter)
Inclusive of all meals, transfers, accommodation, souvenir CD, games, seedlings, rafting gears & leaders & more                  
Notes: Min of 6pax, Bus fare of P1200++ is not included, first come first served, DEADline of reservation on June 6 Wednesday 1pm

From Tawi Tawi with Love 100 ways

Super Duper Great Blessing to the Max talaga ang LOVE in LORD!!!! I only prayed for simple visit in the famous Turtle Island in Tawi Tawi (coz I did Batanes already)
And GOD blessed me with a very Meaningful Enlightening Full of Blessing Journey to Tawi Tawi
Let me count the ways
1. It is a Medical Mission
2. I am invited by a very very good friend Tina A
3. Tina is from Ligaya ni LORD north
4. It is Organized by Tina Pelejo
5. Tess is from Ligaya ni LORD Alabang
6. With us is the Happy Alamonte Family (Grace, Kuya Dennis n Papa Honesto)
7. Grace is from Rotary Pasay
8. Kuya Dennis is an Airport Personnel
9. Papa Honesto inspires us about life, love and more
10. Mr. Tammy, our local host from Zamboanga.
11. So many donors gave the medicine and we got 25 boxes (detailed blessing is with Tess)
12. Tina’s family help in the repackaging and transportation of the medicine to the Airport.
13. Since we have so many medical boxes, we got 90kilos excess baggage worth P2000+++, but with the help of Kuya Denis, Airline staff for the discount and friendly people going to Zamboanga, we are able to work things out all FREE.
14. The Air Philippines flight is soooooo delayed but it gave us time to get to know each other well.
15. Upon Arrival in Zamboanga Airport, there were no pushcart/trolley available to put all our 35 boxes of medicine and bags, because they are horded by the porters (what a welcome), and Mr. Ems and staff came to rescue and help us.
16. We are provided with our own private aircon vehicle.
17. We are greeted by our Muslim Host and New Friends that will treasure the new Friendship with Christian
18. We are welcomed with Grand Seafood Buffet for Dinner in the garden.
19. We got our comfortable cabin in the ship to Bongao (ETD Zambo 8pm: ETA Bongao 4pm)
20. Got free beauty tip from Ms. Grace
21. Did a spiritually reflective conversation with Tina and Tess
22. A group sponsored our Videoke Session in the dining area
23. Got a great view while doing  your thing in the Toilet
24. Had a super duper sarap grilled chicken for breakfast.
25. Got to know each other more while repacking the last minute donations.
26. Meet super friendly and humble Dr. Wee on board
27. Bongao have a very very scenic view of the peak (from the ship)
28. We meet more friends in the boat to join us in the medical mission.
29. Lost my bag of chips and crackers upon arrival, during disembarkment in Bongao, but it made a kid or more happy.
30. Check in a great beach hotel, clean and great ocean view, white sand
31. Had our Grand Dinner, its our first Muslim food, super sarap
32. Boarded the Floating Clinic with friendly crew.
33. Ate our mixed sotanghong & canton for breakfast super sarap at walang nag-inarte.
34. Enjoyed the cruise, dolphins, birds, whales, people on board.
35. Had a high endrenalin challenge, when the crew asked me if I see any island on sight, meaning we don’t have a landmark where we are going ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. But we have our compass.
36. Met mama Tammy, coolest mom with us.
37. Met the other lady volunteers from Bongao and shared the most delicious tapa w/slight spice for lunch, with puso rice.
38. Met Mr. Poh, coolest marine escort with us.
39. Sited more dolphin, whales, birds, flying fish etc
40. Turtle island looks really like a turtle from afar.
41. Watching our host being welcomed by the whole family is soooooo warming.
42. The community is equally friendly and warm receiving us. And in their super simple life, they prepare so much merienda and grand dinner for the medical team.
43. Discovered we can call our friends in Malaysia at no extra charge. Forgot to roam our cellphone.
44. We stayed at DENR Turtle Sanctuary Office, and saw the egg hatchery.
45. All the volunteers have our own share of bloopers, of course samin na lang yun, he he he
46. Meet Dr. Lee the coolest dentist in the World!!! Ever
47. We ate super duper fresh sashimi.
48. Turtle Island have a super duper white sand beach, great for swimming.
49. We reach Bacongan Island, the farthest southest island of the Philippine, that when you buy something, they will give you a ringgit as change.
50. We are drinking imported softdrinks in cans, light beer in cans, fruits and had a grand seafood buffet again!!! Kakataba ng puso at katawan na po.
51. Kuya Denis was able to by the cheapest and most delicious dried fish.
52. Was able to talk to a local Bacongan Teacher, and discovered that school attendees dropped 40% during rainy season. Maybe they need rain coats or family lacks food because they cant fish in stormy weather. Open to donations or help.
53. We did stargazing while traveling back to Turtle Island poblacion
54. Meet Omar, one of the running mayor on the floating clinic, and shared to him, that they don’t need a extravagant improvement on the Island for eco tourism. It’s the visitors who should adjust to the simplicity of life there which is so doable and englightening.
55. The family of our host welcome us again warmly and prepared for dinner, served brewed coffee.
56. Second night at the Turtle Island Poblacion, we saw the cute baby turtles hatched.
57. Saw two Turtle Moms laying eggs (and they are crying, talk about the pain of giving birth)
58. We enjoy walking at the beach pass 12mn, lighted by stars and camera flashes he he he
59. Meet the friendly Marines and Navy, who ask us to join them in their Turtle station, to wait for more turtles.
60. Enjoyed more swimming with lots of twinkling planktons
61. The Navy guys is soooo friendly that they even fetch waters for our bath. In gratitude, we gave them some medicine.
62. 3am we boarded back the floating clinic to head back to Bongao, and had a sound sleep.
63. Had another great reflective conversation again with Tina, about what we can do for environment awareness in the community. I suggest that I want to send each barangay a copy of Happy Feet, Awareness posters from DENR. Tina will send books about recycling trash to small art craft, then have this crafts sold as Island sourvenir as their alternative livelihood  And we are open for donation to ship the goods at Tawi Tawi and all over the Philippines.
64. Sited more dolphin, shark, whales, manta, flying fish, birds and more
65. Enjoyed the scenic Bongao Peak again
66. Meet Buddy, coolest niece of our host, who took us to the Catholic Church in Bongao
67. Check in our Beach front hotel
68. Ate a super duper seafood buffet to the max, with giant alupiha dagat.
69. Enjoyed a culinary tasting of local sweets and sticky rice.
70. Enjoyed their ukay ukay, but bit expensive because we don’t speak the language
71. Had the delicious Tinolang Baka for lunch
72. Went to the beach and had our best time singing in the Videoke
73. Another super seafood dinner buffet
74. Papa Honesto, was able to locate his long lost girlfriend in Bongao which is very romantically inspiring.
75. Another culinary tour of local sweets and sticky fruits.
76. Meet Ms. Erlinda, (long lost friend of Papa Honesto), who are helping the Badjao in their Medical needs, and coordinating with local nuns for the community outreach programs. Donation for Medical Help for lungs and skin disorders is very much welcome (contact to follow, so donors can send direct).
77. Finally tasted Bongao SATI (grilled chicken with red sause and puso rice)
78. Enjoyed the cute babies and sweet grandmas in our next barangay medical mission.
79. Buddy took us up to the capitol Bldg of Bongao
80. Bongao have a great sunset and moon rise together.
81. Boarded the boat going back to Zamboanga (ETD Bongao 8pm : ETA Zamboanga 3pm)
82. Nurse Ghie gave us 4kilos of beef tapa for our dinner.
83. Super duper bonding Friendship was discovered during dinner. We don’t have plates, spoon & fork but we have plastic cups. Ever have u ever eat in a plastic cups. Blessed Humbling moments. WALANG nag inarte!!!
84. After eating, we cleaned our floor with alcohol so no creatures with crawl in our cabin.
85. Sharing on Religious History was discuss and spirituality between Muslim and Christians was reconciled. SUPER duper blessing talaga, very spiritual, no Religious boundaries.
86. Topic on future project was also discussed. Super duper inspired talaga ang group.
87. Was able to make up for my lost AG Meetings with Tess regarding Culture and Spirituality of Lingkod and Ligaya ni LORD.
88. Got another invitation to visit Langoyan Island in Tawi Tawi for their town Fiesta in September. (just pay your fare and all expense from Zambo and around will be free, syempre open to Active NACCI members only)
89. My Muslim name is Salama for Peace and Congeniality.
90. Tina’s Muslim name is Jameela for Beautiful
91. Tess is Rahiema, Grace is Mujahiera, Kuya Denis is Madik, I forgot Papa Honesto’s
92. Met Mr. Ems, our super duper coolest escort in Zamboanga.
93. Ate Zamboanga Satti (a little bit with chilly)
94. Was able to buy super cheap Malaysian chocolates, and umbrella in Barter Market.
95. Finally tasted Zamboanga’s Famous Lechon
96. Enjoyed the Mangoesteen sooo much.
97. We had our last Zamboanga Lunch in great buffet with CRISPI PATA!!!
98. Datu Widz gave us our Certificate of Appreciation with our Muslim names on it.
99. We had another bunch of excess luggage for Free Again
100.  And we flew back to Manila safe and sound and blessed and enlightened and blessed and better person to share all these wonderful BLESSINGSSSS and hope to reach out to other people to also want to desire to be a blessing to other people.

B A T A N E S Batan Basco Sabtang
May 5 to 8  P5,999 min of 3pax
• 1st Night in Ivatan Lodge for Culture Awareness & Community Immersion in Basco
• 2nd & 3 Night in Batanes Resort for Serene Reflective Ambiance

All the way Batanes Resort (min of 3pax)
May 24 to 27 (Thur to Sun) OR May 31 to June 3 P6,088
May 27 to 31  (Sun to Thur) P P6,888
June 9 to 12 (Sat to Tues) P6,088
Round Trip Airfare of P10,800 is NOT included at the rate above
Manila to Basco 6am to 740am / Basco to Manila 810am to 940am
PHOTOS http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Greennature/photos
 

Puerto Gallera Beachy Barkada Escapade Promo
Weekend (Fri to Sun)   : P 1,625/pax
Weekday (Sun to Thur): P 1,375/pax
Inclusive of
Welcome Drinks
3days and 2nights Aircon Room (4person sharing)
Room with Cable TV, Towels, with own Bathroom
Daily Breakfast (your choice in Breakfast Menu)

How to go there:
Take Batangas Pier Bus from Pasay Taft Rotonda (P130 to 150),
                             or from Dela Rosa Bus in Alabang (P80 toP100) or from BLTB Bus in Kamuning (P160 to 180)

Then Take a boat going to White Beach (P120 to P140 plus P5)
Or Boat to Puerto Gallera, (P120 to P140 plus P5) then take a jeep to White Beach (P10 to 15)
Or take a Boat to Ballatero (P80 to P100) then jeep to White Beach

What to Do
Beach bumming, Swimming, Snorkling, People watching, Island hoping, Food triping, Socializing, get henna tattoo, Banana Boating, Bar Hopping, Chill, Relax, Scuba Diving, Partying, Dancing, anything wholesome you can think of.

Reservation:
1. Minimum of 4person
2. Book 2 at least week before the target date of travel to ensure the desired accommodation.
3. Payment at  RCBC Savings Bank SA # 1024-07535-1 Nature Awareness & Conservation Club, Inc Bank deposit
4. Non Refundable and Non Rebookable but transferable to another person
5. Promo dates & April 15 to June 15 ONLY

Must SEE in SAGADA
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Greennature/photos
SAGADA TOWN PROPER – a whole different world rich with culture, riddled with caves, scenic and mesmerizing views, majestic waterfall, warm & super friendly people & more.

CALVARY HILLS is a mixture of European influence cemetery and very local tradition blended in harmony.

ROCK VALLEY it is a dynamic rock formation where the visitors can play mini rock climbing in the very scenic view. For more adventure rappelling and rock climbing can be arranged at Sagada Tourist Center.

ECHO VALLEY w Hanging Coffins – a beautiful views of lime stones, with some hanging coffins visible. Wonder how the local got to hang them there and why? A nice place to sit and just chill in silence of the wind in between the pine trees.

ECHO VALLEY FLOOR – from the view deck, can trail down to the echo valley floor which is another mesmerizing and enchanting place. Can also go near the hanging coffins but not allowed to touch it.

KILTEPAN View Point a majestic view of Kiltepan Terraces and Chico River where one can chill and reflect watching clouds passing by or listening to the birds chirp. Nice for whole day relax walk. Good for camping overnight, just bring your own gears.

BIG CAVE is a must see and visit in Sagada for a very dynamic fun caving, with very interesting rock formations and stories to be told by the friendly and helpful cave guide.

BURIAL CAVE w Mummies a short stroll thru an enchanting pine forest to the cave where all the villagers are traditionally mummified and buried in the wooden coffin.

SAGADA WEAVING best buy souvenirs made in front of you while your watch the weavers and sewers turn their work of art into a functional must haves.

LATANG Underground River a very enchanting cave containing some burial coffins, and some pretty sparkly formation of rock minerals and ancient corals.
BOKONG Waterfalls walk true the rice terraces to a small cold waterfalls and pool where you may swim, chill, relax, and even jump from the top of the falls.

FEDELISAN Rice Terraces a must see rice terraces in Sagada, where one enjoy a hike going down the village, meet the warm and friendly locals, then pass by the Gold Mine, to the magnificent view.

BOMOD-OK Waterfalls after the Fedelisan Rice Terraces, is the very refreshing waterfalls to swim in the pool, can also climb up for a shower, too. It is a must have photo the beauty of its nature.

MASFERRE’S STUDIO Eduardo Masferre’ is the Father of Philippine Photography, spent over 50 years of his life documenting mountain life with his keen eyes and camera and won recognition already all over the world.

NOW, if your Travel Agency did not show you at least 8 of the sites here, (which is what we heard) your are soooo short changed.

So NACCI offers
ITINERARY PACKAGE RATES/person
Day 0 (7pm) Departs Manila
Day 1 (7am) ETA in Bontoc & Sagada Tour
Day 2 (7am) SAGADA waterfalls & caves Tour Day 3 (8am) Sagada, Bontoc Banawe
Day 4 (3am) ETA Manila 16 & up pax P 4,288
13 – 15 pax P 4,888
10 – 12 pax – P 5,588
7 – 9 pax – P 6,538
4 – 6 pax P 8,038
INCLUSIVE OF 3 set Breakfast & 1 Grand Buffet Dinner, Round trip aircon bus Manila – Banawe – Manila & transfer to Sagada & back 3day & 2nights Warm Accommodation, with flowery view over the clouds. Friendly Cave guides & lamp, environmental permit, entrance fees, first aids, service of the tour guide and wholesome entertainment.
With SIDE TRIP to Bontoc Museum, Bayo Rice Terraces & Banawe View Point

Optional FREE ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS & CONSERVATION PROJECT WORKSHOPFOR GROUP of 12pax & up, during or after the exclusive group or company or family outing. (We are non stock/non profit blessed NGO/travel club)

FOR INQUIRY Please call Violet  8061720/ 09155101600 / 09194839250 or Mother_Nature888@yahoo.com or
Janice 9982321/ 09062534102 or Janicegabuat@yahoo.com
Patrick  4127269/ 09194418903 or Adventure_tours@yahoo.com
book thru our website: www.nacci.coms.ph
Or join greennature@yahoogroups.com to receive regular invitation

Dear Violet,
Here’s the concept of the stories for Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Easy To Do Business”
Kindly reply to these questions in as detailed and spirited as you can as if I’ve done an interview with you. Nothing formal. Just candid and straight-from-the-heart answers.
Can you do it within the next two hours? OK lang. No need to edit yourself. You may attach your profile and that of your “business” para di naman masyadong taxing pa sa yo to write them within the questions.
Then, I’ll call you around 4pm to clarify some things. Or text me 917-xxxxx when you’re done with it so I can call you.
Thanks so much. I hope I’m not disturbing you. Edwin

The story: is about a small profitable business that is easy to start up and manage
Section: Cover
Article length: about 800 words
Sources: At least two (you can interview two entrepreneurs; or two entrepreneurs and one expert; or two entrepreneurs and one livelihood training teacher)
Deadline: Mar 2, 2007
Guide Questions:

1. Please provide basic info about interviewees:
name NATURE AWARENESS and CONSERVATION CLUB, INC
contact details: 8061720, 09194839250, 09155101600
what the business is about: Fun Environment Education and Adventures
what are their products or services: ECOTOURS

2. How did you get started this business?: HOBBY with good friends,
Why did you choose this business? : Does not feel like working.
How did you prepare for it? : Passion for it is NATURAL, u don’t prepare for it, I am a mountaineer for a long time, then scuba diver and long distance swimmer. Love the beach soooooo much
What were you doing before you started this business? : Teacher and Red Cross Volunteer

3. How much capital did you invest in this business? : Does PASSION and Love for Nature have price?
Where and when did you get your initial capital? Hmmmmmm from my love of traveling, pretty expensive thou, traveling with good gears, I am just really enjoying it.
What did you do with your initial capital? : Invite people to enjoy NATURE and ALL God’s Blessing, enrich it and share it to other people. And still doing it.

4. What are the materials/equipment/tools did you buy to start this business? : Camping Tent, primus burner, MSR Cookset, backpack, trek booths, fins, Dive Mask, Telephone & Computer, the usuall office supplies
What are the materials needed in your daily operations? Phone, PC, CP and warm water

5. How do you promote your products/services? : I great good friend to have a MEANINGFUL productive blessed Tripssss.
Do you promote the products/services by yourself or do you ask other people to help you? Both, most of the time good friends volunteers to endorse and refer, that is why so much improvement was made.

6. Who are your main customers (target clientele)? Emotionally Intelligent People

7. How do you sell your products/services? Online, Connectionsssss
(i.e. if you’re making jewelry, do you sell them to your officemates, or do you have a website where you sell your jewelry)

8. When’s your ROI? After 3months i really did not notice
How big is your business now? Super Duper BIG in blessingsSSSSS, enough financially
Do you have more customers now? YES YES and MORE product developed

9. I want to set up this kind of business, where should I go to learn more about it?
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES INSTITUTE, Miriam College, Katipunan Road, Quezon City
Tel. no 580-5400 local 3560 Tele Fax 9205093

NOTE: Above was not published because NACCI was soooo busy preparing for the GO Negosyo Tourismo at Mall of Asia last March 2 to 4 when they want the deadline in two hours. Anyway, when I was working on the answers above, I realize that I have so much blessing recieved and so much blessing to give. Thank u po LORD.

I emailed Edwin that is ok not to make it on time for the deadline, some how, the reflection above be shared to inspire the Business Sector to become more Environment Friendly.

During my “saling pusa” days in School, I would spend the after school on the top of my rock, surrounded by wish flower plants and blue/green dragon flies watching and romanticizing the sunset more than making friends my age and playing with them. I would stop and stare at the sun slowly going down, and stare until it is all gone, until the sky starts to turn red, then go to my mom and go home.

And if I don’t want to join my mom in school, I would sneak from yaya during sieta time, and go to my mini wilderness forest alone, wander, play in the mini river, make my own trail, look for something new, colorful, different and stop and stare. And go home to watch Candy Candy Cartoons, Voltes V, Haidee, Princess Rose, Mazingerzy, etc.

Grade 1 afternoon class, I savor all the school days I can watch the sunset on the top of my rock, surrounded by wish flower plants and blue/green dragon flies watching and romanticizing the sunset. I would stop and stare at the sun slowly going down, until it is all gone, until the sky starts to turn red, then go to my mom and go home. Still no friends, just my mom and all the teacher’s who finds me cute. He he he.

Grade 2 morning class, made few friends, mostly guys, who are also teacher’s kids. We also see each other during all teacher’s birthdays aside from attending the same class the same section. I would sneak from yaya during sieta time,  share my mini wilderness forest with the guys, wander, play in the mini river, look for something new, colorful, different and this time we catch spiders and make them fight, catch beetles and tie strings and make them fly, play hide and seek and do our little explorations. And go home to watch Candy Candy Cartoons, Voltes V, Haidee, Princess Rose, Mazingerzy, etc.

Grade 3 Me and boys became school bullies. After second grading period, I was invited to join the all girls church choir. Girl pala ako. I dumped the boys because it is fun to do girl stuffs and spend more time in the choir.

FAST FORWARD : Fr Pierino Rogliardi from Italy became our Parish Priest and turned my mini wilderness forest into a Nature Church, the most beautiful church ever in the Philippines , became a tourist spot in Las Pinas City by European tourist. From all girls choir became teens choir, then youth choir (now with male), volunteer catechist/youth counselors during summers, to Young Christian Adult Org (all yuppies). Nature Church witness my life as I grow up into a fine lady (yeah right, wish)

FAST FORWARD: December 31, 2006 few minutes before New Years Eve, The Mary Immaculate Parish aka Nature Church (after the mass, when everybody went home already) starts to have it’s own ghostly firework, no not the one that explodes, but the one that burns and starting to eat up the roof of the church made of thick plastic tent material and anahaw.

NOW January 1, 2007 Mary Immaculate Parish aka Nature Church is roofless because of the flying fireworks of the New Years eve. The mango trees and sampaloc, which serve as the foundation and support of the whole church is badly burned. The trees that surrounded the church, contained the fire from spreading to Nature Café, Chapel, Blessed Sacrament and house near by. I feel the pain and sacrifices of the trees, they use to be my playmates, I felt a great CHRIST like sacrifice done.

I am sad, for a while, but very hopeful and optimistic because greater blessingssssssssssss will come.