Travel Central Philippines

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1

2009-10-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

These are the selected pages of the book published by the Department of Tourism which I was very lucky to be part of as the writer of the material. This is one advocacy that is very close to my heart. By promoting birdwatching, the Philippines will not only benefit from tourism, but nature also will be given the chance to be protected and appreciated by the locals through the more environment-friendly activity of watching birds (instead of shooting or using slingshots on them!).

This book is a product of collaboration of the Department of Tourism (through its marketing arm, the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation), R.O.X., and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

I have to thank the Philippine Convention and Visitors Bureau for allowing me to publish these pages in my blog. Please note that I don't have any copyright thing on all the photos (they are in low-res jpegs, anyways...). You may have to contact the PCVC or the photographers if you want to have a good copy of the bird photos.

This goes on until 14 entries.

Stay tuned for Volume 2! Yes, its already published.....

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan

2009-10-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan

2009-10-26T07:28:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos City, Pangasinan

2009-10-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Bangrin Marine Protected Area, Bani, Pangasinan

2009-10-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales

2009-10-26T07:23:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Balanga City, Bataan

2009-10-26T07:21:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Candaba Marsh, Pampanga

2009-10-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, Metro Manila

2009-10-26T07:18:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Mt. Palay-palay National Park, Cavite

2009-10-26T07:16:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Villa Escudero, Quezon Province

2009-10-26T07:14:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Alcoy Forest, Cebu

2009-10-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Cebu

2009-10-26T07:09:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Philippine Eagle Center

2009-10-26T07:04:00.001-07:00

Birdwatching in the Philippines Volume 1 - Bird Photo Gallery

2009-10-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Brochure - Orange Place

2009-10-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Calatagan Brochure on Ecotourism

2009-08-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

A Great Video on Birdwatching in the Philippines!!

2009-08-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a great video on Birdwatching in the Philippines! I'm so proud to say that I had been a part of this program of the Philippine Department of Tourism (though only for the book version). And I'm doubly happy that aside from tourism, another major purpose for this project is to help create awareness and care for the environment by both the tourists and local folks. Here's wishing for all the luck for the tourism and environmental success of DOT's endeavor!

Kayaking in Siargao

2009-07-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the newest time lapse video I made. This time, its about the great kayaking opportunity in Siargao Island. The place is actually more known for surfing where consistent waves have often made it into a part of a circuit for international surfing events. Only this time, you're going to see more of the beauty of the place through paddling.

In some areas, we had to bring the kayaks on board motorized bancas because of the distance or the lack of time.

Included in the video are Guyam Island (the small island), Sohoton Lagoon in Bucas Grande Island, and the lagoons in Del Carmen.

If the video gets cropped, here's the you tube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjXqANdEqnU

Turtle Islands (Baguan Island)

2009-07-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Here's the time lapse video of the Turtle Island I visited a few weeks ago. Much of the information are stated in the preceding post I made (but this is better than simple pictures!)

The song is by KC Concepcion, and the beat clearly fits the vid.

I hope you enjoy the video and hope to inspire you a bit about your love for the environment!

Turtle Island

2009-06-12T02:24:00.000-07:00

When God spread jewels into the ocean, one must have landed in this part of the Sulu Sea.

The Philippine Turtle Islands is one of the very few remaining turtle rookeries (nesting sites) in the world. And the most special special island must be the Baguan Island.

But before you read any further, let me tell you that this island is off-limits to tourists and casual visitors. Only scientists and conservation partners of the government are allowed in this special, special island. DO NOT believe any travel operator that this is open to tourists. Only the other nearby islands can be visited by people.

There are two species of marine turtles that lay egg on this island. The Green Turtle (picture) and the Hawksbill Turtle. This mother now returns to the island to lay eggs at night where she was born maybe, 30 or 50 years ago.

When morning comes, the only evidence of her presence on Baguan Island would be her tracks on the white sand beach.

On some days, the number of mother turtles that laid eggs are revealed by the numerous flipper tracks that line up the entire length of the beach.

The wardens save the eggs that are in danger because of predators and sea water that may reach the nest during high tide.

Then the eggs almost magically turn into tiny hatchlings, each one eager to reach the sea.

The hatchlings then make a dash towards the sea. The scene can become both exciting, dramatic, and perhaps even spiritual. Specially if you would know that only one among hundred hatchlings may survive.

Many are eaten by predators such as birds, lizards, even crabs (ghost crabs), and fishes such as groupers and jacks. In this photo, there were three sharks that eat the unlucky hatchlings that swam into their direction. No matter how hard we think about it. we cannot meddle into the situation by denying the sharks of their right to also exist and get their sustenance. It is the natural order of things.

Yes, the Baguan Island is a very special place. It is a cradle of the few remaining turtles, a paradise even. A symbol that every living being deserves its rightful place in this world.

*note: studies are being done to determine the ecotourism potential of Turtle Islands (which is composed of 6 islands and islets). I will write another blog on the results of the studies. But in the meantime, for the casual tourist, this could be the closest thing you can experience the turtle island of Baguan.

Sagada Adventure with Kids

2009-06-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Got to join only the other day quite a big group with KIDS(!) in Sagada,Mountain Province. Yup, that one with the huge cave, unending treks, waterfalls, hanging coffins, and fortunately, new properties with gardens that the kids can enjoy. I used to have doubts whether its worth it to bring young ones to Sagada as it is more for the adult adventurers and those with enough sense to deal with strenuous activities and some level of danger (like caving, perhaps?). Apparently, it can be easy and a lot of fun! But, definitely entering the Big Cave (Sumaguing) should be avoided. And there should be a good ratio between adults and kids. And the grownups should be ready to carry a kid who has reached a cranky level.

Viewing the burial cave and ancient coffins in Lomiyang Cave.

Trekking down one of the numerous trails in Sagada.

Bacolod Ruins

2009-05-13T01:02:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that an old house, that is totally burnt, destined for total demolition, would actually turn out to be a very nice tourist attraction? This one's located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. A pre war colonial house built by a very rich sugar baron. The story was, during the Second World War, the Philippines and American forces were on the verge of defeat by the Japanese army. The house was a very attractive structure to host the oncoming conquerors. So, the owner and the americans burned it down so it won't be used by the Japanese.

It became a forgotten structure, until now. The young owners initially decided to tear it down. Luckily they saw the beauty of the thing, and instead converted it into a tourist attraction. Weddings and events are now held in the area.

Sperm Whales!!

2009-04-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

Recently came back from birdwatching (i know, they're quite different from marine mammals...ha ha) sortie in the municipality of Sablayan in Occ. Mindoro when we chanced upon two pods (groups) of sperm whales!!

The last time I saw sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Philippine waters was way back in 1995.

The most amazing thing about these guys in Mindoro was we encountered one pod of six whales in the morning. It had two calves in that group. Then on our way back from Apo Reef, we encountered another pod of 9 whales! This time, with only 1 calf. It could possibly be only one pod. But hey, we saw 9(!) whales!

It was also a good thing that they had calves which prevented the whales from diving very deep. Usually, when you see a sperm whale on the surface, it will stay there only for a few minutes. It will keep blowing air (expunging carbon dioxide while taking in oxygen), then it will dive very deep (as deep as 1,000 meters) to its feeding ground. The ones in Mindoro just kept on swimming in big circles! With some coming within ten feet from our boat!

Whale watching is not not yet an established tourist activity in the Philippines. But I'm counting the years since killing was made into a crime (which was bout 15 years ago). A few more years and the whale populations would jump back and this country could then offer this magnificent creature, not on a sushi platter, but for enthusiastic whale lovers. We've done that for the dolphins, it should also be possible for the gentle giants.

Three sperm whales that swim in tight pack.

The one in the middle is actually a calf, protected by bigger members of the pod.

A blowhole up close.

Mayon Volcano

2009-02-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of Mayon Volcano (the one with the nearest perfect cone). At more than 8,000 feet its a great mountaineering (or trekking for others) site. It takes about 1.5 days to reach the highest spot through dried up lava flows, scree, and rolling rocks! It is located in the province of Albay, southern part of Luzon Island.

Photo was taken by my friend, Carina Escudero.