2011 is the year of the Forest as declared by the United Nations. Additionally, June is Philippine environment month. Several different groups call for the restoration, protection, and conservation of all types of forests worldwide as a solution to the dramatic devastation of our natural environment - denudation of natural landscapes, deforestation, global warming and all its destructive effects. We hear a lot of people say “save the earth”, but how many earnestly respond to this call?
In Liptong, Bacong we met an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary contribution to the ongoing campaign of promoting the concept of “rainforestation” in the province. He has inspired a lot of people to care for the environment and do something by starting somewhere.
Meet Rene Vendiola, the co-owner of Liptong Woodlands, which is an interactive Rainforestation demonstration site created to promote endemic-tree planting and at the same time provide source of livelihood to the locals. In the demonstration site you will find the trees that you now rarely see like Narra, Apitong, Yakal, Almon, Lauan, and kamagong which are important in forest restoration because they become hosts to native insects, birds, and even to other endemic plants that dwell on trees. With the presence of these native plants and trees you can be assured that butterflies, birds, and the beautiful wildlife will be conserved too.
Before the creation of Liptong Woodlands, Nong Ite as most people fondly call him, worked as a forest guide. He became the favorite forest assistant and bird watching guide of many forest visitors due to his indigenous knowledge about native plants and wildlife in this region.
Biodiversity expert Apolinario “Pol” Cariño, the executive director of Pederasyon sa Nagkahiusang mga Mag-uuma nga Nanalipud ug Nagpasig-uli sa Kinaiyahan Inc. (PENAGMANNAKI) who owns half of the total land area of Liptong Woodlands admitted that Nong Ite became his teacher in the wild. “I acquired ten percent of my knowledge about biodiversity in school, while ninety percent I learned in the field with Nong Ite’s help.”
Liptong Woodlands came to life after Nong Ite and five other members of PENAGMANNAKI attended a seminar-workshop on rainforestation sponsored by Haribon TSP in Baybay, Leyte in 2005. Because of his love for trees, Nong Ite together with Cariño and some members of the federation started to gather wildlings of various species of endemic plants in the forests of Negros Oriental.
The wildlings were then out planted in the property of Nong Ite, and to provide source of revenue for the farmers, they also decided to plant some other agroforestry species like fruit trees and ornamentals as part of the “rainforestation” concept developed by Margraf and Milan (1997).
Liptong Woodlands was named after Barangay Liptong as the place used to be dominated by Liptong trees (Palaquium sorsogonense), an endemic species that is of great economic importance to the locals. The expansion of Liptong Woodland happened in 2009 when Pol Cariño devoted a hectare of his property which happened to be located adjacent to Vendiola’s property.
Today, Liptong Woodlands has become a favorite forest destination by bird watchers, students, academicians, mountaineers, LGU executives, photographers, and biodiversity enthusiasts. It is successful in setting an example to people that rainforestation is not impossible. Nong Ite expressed contentment considering the response of the people in the barangay. “Nausob jud ilang huna-huna… naikog na sila mamusil, mamutol ug kahoy aron himoong uling“ (there’s a change in outlook among the locals. They refrained from hunting and cutting trees for charcoal).
However, this is not where it ends. For Nong Ite, the fight has just begun. Craving for more knowledge on biodiversity, Nong Ite devotes his time reading books and memorizing scientific names of endemic trees and plants. Visitors to Liptong Woodlands have always been so impressed whenever Nong Ite articulately describes each species like a pro.
Inspired by Nong Ite’s talent and dedication, Mrs. Esther Windler, a known environment campaigner in the province and a member of Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental (FeNor) nominated him to the 5th Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) Triennial Awards in the field of environment. For her, Nong Ite is a person of simple disposition but whose achievements inspire a lot of people. She even considered him “a wild card” in the competition.
Nong Ite was surprised when one day people from Ramon Aboitiz Foundation came to his house asking for an interview with him and announcing that he made it to the top 10. The top 5 winners will be announced next year, but for Nong Ite being in the top 10 is already a big reward for all his efforts. He just hopes that more and more people would make their own little initiatives to help save the earth without expecting anything in return.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Lovers Under the Sun
The White sand bar in the Municipality of Manjuyod has to be one of the best romantic getaways for couples who enjoy being outdoors. This small isolated white sand beach is not only a popular destination for picnics, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, but also a romantic location for lovers who wish to just laze around and spend time with each other.
The White Sand Bar is a 7-kilometer stretch of pure white sand surrounded by sparkling pristine waters. Presenting a massive potential, it has now become one of the top tourist destinations in the province of Negros Oriental. This beautiful long strip of beach, also known as the Sumapao shoal, offers magical sceneries and exquisite display of Negros Oriental’s sea bounties making it a perfect location for intimate trips.
It is also known as an ideal stopover during dolphin and whale watching tours organized by the tourism council of the City of Bais although it technically belongs to the jurisdiction of the town of Manjuyod located 59 kilometers from the provincial capital Dumaguete city, just about an hour drive. The great deal about this is that you have two take-off options in going to the sand bar. Most travelling couples rave about the dolphin and whale watching tours from Bais city, but it is also possible to take a 15-minute boat ride from Manjuyod straight to the sand bar. And concerning boat rentals and tour packages, it is important to book ahead of time so you can avail of excellent deals.
Be aware also that dolphin and whale watching tours usually start at 6am during calm weather. For a longer stay, you can book a room in several cozy little hotels in Bais, and they can also give you more information about the dolphin watching tour packages and van rentals.
There are several cottages built on stilts to accommodate guests especially during high tide when the water covers the entire 600-hectare strip area, and just recently the tourism office of Manjuyod has designed cottages good for two catering to couples yearning for total privacy. These pretty native wooden houses can also be rented for overnight stays, perfect for honeymooners.
During the day, couples who would go for an adventurous yet equally romantic set-up do not have to rent a cottage but simply have their boats anchored. The Manjuyod White Sand Bar is definitely one of the most romantic spots that couples should not miss to visit when they are in Negros Oriental.
The White Sand Bar is a 7-kilometer stretch of pure white sand surrounded by sparkling pristine waters. Presenting a massive potential, it has now become one of the top tourist destinations in the province of Negros Oriental. This beautiful long strip of beach, also known as the Sumapao shoal, offers magical sceneries and exquisite display of Negros Oriental’s sea bounties making it a perfect location for intimate trips.
It is also known as an ideal stopover during dolphin and whale watching tours organized by the tourism council of the City of Bais although it technically belongs to the jurisdiction of the town of Manjuyod located 59 kilometers from the provincial capital Dumaguete city, just about an hour drive. The great deal about this is that you have two take-off options in going to the sand bar. Most travelling couples rave about the dolphin and whale watching tours from Bais city, but it is also possible to take a 15-minute boat ride from Manjuyod straight to the sand bar. And concerning boat rentals and tour packages, it is important to book ahead of time so you can avail of excellent deals.
Be aware also that dolphin and whale watching tours usually start at 6am during calm weather. For a longer stay, you can book a room in several cozy little hotels in Bais, and they can also give you more information about the dolphin watching tour packages and van rentals.
There are several cottages built on stilts to accommodate guests especially during high tide when the water covers the entire 600-hectare strip area, and just recently the tourism office of Manjuyod has designed cottages good for two catering to couples yearning for total privacy. These pretty native wooden houses can also be rented for overnight stays, perfect for honeymooners.
During the day, couples who would go for an adventurous yet equally romantic set-up do not have to rent a cottage but simply have their boats anchored. The Manjuyod White Sand Bar is definitely one of the most romantic spots that couples should not miss to visit when they are in Negros Oriental.
Casaroro Falls
Mountain adventures and nature trips would always suggest excitement and fun no matter if it means taking a challenging trek on steep trails. It can be exhausting but definitely irresistible. And this is how one would exactly describe an adventure trip to Casaroro Falls. All you need is to warm yourself up, prepare for an exciting ride and get ready to burn some fats on your way to Negros Oriental’s most photographed waterfall.
Casaroro Falls is one of the treasures of the municipality of Valencia and one of the top tourist destinations in Negros Oriental. Its name was coined after the phrase “Casa ni Roro” which means “House of Roro”. From Valencia, you must take a rough habal-habal ride up to the mountains and it would cost at least a hundred pesos per person, and when it rains the road could also be slippery making the journey even tougher. But when you have the luxury of time, you may choose to hike it up like most foreign visitors do.
Indeed the travel is not easy. As you make it to the jump-off to the waterfall, you still have to trek down a 350-step concrete staircase constructed for safety. Then, the excitement grows as you go down and witness a perfect view of the dense tropical foliage of the place. And finally, when you reach the falls and begin to get acquainted with the hypnotizing beauty of this wonderful gift from Mother Nature herself, you can say it’s absolutely worth such strenuous endeavor. A vista of such spectacular piece of nature awaits you. Enclosed by lush foliage and natural rock formations, Casaroro falls is a perfect place to get real close to nature.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the Casaroro falls stands out having a majestic height of 100 feet. Another unique feature of this waterfall is that the water plunges heavily and mightily, causing a thunderous roar as it touches the deep cold basin although the cascade is noticeably narrow.
It is also a great place to have a picnic and there are small huts available. Usually there aren’t many people around so you can expect a more intimate encounter with nature – hear the sound of cascading water, relax under the shed of towering trees, and see rare species of birds.
Casaroro falls is heralded as the most beautiful waterfall in Valencia and indeed a must-see tourist destination. For your convenience you can hire a tour guide in Valencia, and if you are in a group it is also possible to rent a van that can take you up to the point where you have to trek.
Casaroro Falls is one of the treasures of the municipality of Valencia and one of the top tourist destinations in Negros Oriental. Its name was coined after the phrase “Casa ni Roro” which means “House of Roro”. From Valencia, you must take a rough habal-habal ride up to the mountains and it would cost at least a hundred pesos per person, and when it rains the road could also be slippery making the journey even tougher. But when you have the luxury of time, you may choose to hike it up like most foreign visitors do.
Indeed the travel is not easy. As you make it to the jump-off to the waterfall, you still have to trek down a 350-step concrete staircase constructed for safety. Then, the excitement grows as you go down and witness a perfect view of the dense tropical foliage of the place. And finally, when you reach the falls and begin to get acquainted with the hypnotizing beauty of this wonderful gift from Mother Nature herself, you can say it’s absolutely worth such strenuous endeavor. A vista of such spectacular piece of nature awaits you. Enclosed by lush foliage and natural rock formations, Casaroro falls is a perfect place to get real close to nature.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the Casaroro falls stands out having a majestic height of 100 feet. Another unique feature of this waterfall is that the water plunges heavily and mightily, causing a thunderous roar as it touches the deep cold basin although the cascade is noticeably narrow.
It is also a great place to have a picnic and there are small huts available. Usually there aren’t many people around so you can expect a more intimate encounter with nature – hear the sound of cascading water, relax under the shed of towering trees, and see rare species of birds.
Casaroro falls is heralded as the most beautiful waterfall in Valencia and indeed a must-see tourist destination. For your convenience you can hire a tour guide in Valencia, and if you are in a group it is also possible to rent a van that can take you up to the point where you have to trek.
Friday, June 3, 2011
COUNTING BLESSINGS
Written as Facebook Note on May 31, 2011, 10;33PM
Since it's the last day of May, I want to mention the experiences I had this summer that I would like to especially thank God for.
1.) the chance to wear dreadlocks
2.) sold more than 10 pairs of poi and conducted 3 poi sessions.
3.) attended Hersley-Ven Casero's photography lecture at GWAVE.
4.) Fishing in Looc with Junsly Kitay and Benjie Kitay
5.) directing a photoshoot with photographer Jeff Yuen Soreño Anfone
6.) conducted workshop for and worked with Zmar Band (Sibulan CYF)
7.) joined Sibulan Choir during Holy Week
8.) joined Trainers' Training with facis from PETA (Cris Gonzales and Icee Po)
9.) conducted BITAW for SK and TEACHERS in Mabinay (so memorable)
10.) conducted BITAW for Children in Conflict with the Law in Bayawan (equally memorable)
11.) encountered and interviewed people with beautiful spirits (for DAYON magazine feature articles)
12.) Enjoyed Haley Reinhart's music (lol!)
13.) performed again at Poblacion 2, under the bridge.
14.) Being part of SA KALIPAY group, which organized the special wedding of Tita Linda and Tito Willy (Linwell's parents).
15.) Having gone to Siquijor for the very first time.
16.) Bonding with relatives during ECHICA-LUMAYAG family reunion
17.) Precided YATTA General Assembly in April facing 34 (yes THIRTY FOUR) members (di pa complete attendance yan)
18.) Celebrated the life of Nanay Pherps Bacarro and reunited with TINAMBACAN family members after a very very long time (this makes me really emotional)
THANK YOU LORD. At some point, I wanted to give up. But as the song goes, "Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your blessings. See what God has done." So instead of complaining, I thank you Lord for allowing me to grow everyday emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Again, Thank you GOD!
Since it's the last day of May, I want to mention the experiences I had this summer that I would like to especially thank God for.
1.) the chance to wear dreadlocks
2.) sold more than 10 pairs of poi and conducted 3 poi sessions.
3.) attended Hersley-Ven Casero's photography lecture at GWAVE.
4.) Fishing in Looc with Junsly Kitay and Benjie Kitay
5.) directing a photoshoot with photographer Jeff Yuen Soreño Anfone
6.) conducted workshop for and worked with Zmar Band (Sibulan CYF)
7.) joined Sibulan Choir during Holy Week
8.) joined Trainers' Training with facis from PETA (Cris Gonzales and Icee Po)
9.) conducted BITAW for SK and TEACHERS in Mabinay (so memorable)
10.) conducted BITAW for Children in Conflict with the Law in Bayawan (equally memorable)
11.) encountered and interviewed people with beautiful spirits (for DAYON magazine feature articles)
12.) Enjoyed Haley Reinhart's music (lol!)
13.) performed again at Poblacion 2, under the bridge.
14.) Being part of SA KALIPAY group, which organized the special wedding of Tita Linda and Tito Willy (Linwell's parents).
15.) Having gone to Siquijor for the very first time.
16.) Bonding with relatives during ECHICA-LUMAYAG family reunion
17.) Precided YATTA General Assembly in April facing 34 (yes THIRTY FOUR) members (di pa complete attendance yan)
18.) Celebrated the life of Nanay Pherps Bacarro and reunited with TINAMBACAN family members after a very very long time (this makes me really emotional)
THANK YOU LORD. At some point, I wanted to give up. But as the song goes, "Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your blessings. See what God has done." So instead of complaining, I thank you Lord for allowing me to grow everyday emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Again, Thank you GOD!
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