Padyak Tungo sa Liwanag 2013

As I post this blog, Kuya Jude, Kuya Falcon(Bayawan, Dumaguete) and Valerie (Baguio) is probably on the way to Batangas City from Manila on their 11th Day of biking for Liwanag of their 24day sojourn!

What's the gist? (Padyak Tungo sa Liwanag 2013)

Padyak tungo sa Liwanag 2013, a bicycle pilgrimage all over the country from Palaui Island, Sta. Ana,Cagayan to Davao City (Jan 2-Jan 29,2013). Its the personal way of carrying the ideals of Liwanag Worldfest 2013 for creativity and sustainability. Please join us as we string beads of light all over the Philippines. 

The plan is for biker friends to meet them along the way, and bike with them till whatever part of the Philippines or bike all the way to Davao!!!

What's amazing is, they will visit various historical sites very important in the Philippine history and also to light candles at lighthouses stationed along the Philippines.

more updates.. of their whereabouts soon!

Here is the itinerary they have: 

Place	Est. Dist (km)	Days Travel	Date
Dumaguete to Manila*		1	30-Dec
Manila-Palaui*		2	31-Dec
Palaui Island to		1	1-Jan
Sta Ana to Aparri	130.00	1	2-Jan
Aparri to Claveria	90.00
Claveria to Laoag City	90.00	1	3-Jan
Laoag City to Vigan City	100.00
Vigan to San Fernando City	140.00	1	4-Jan
San Fernando to Baguio City	75.00	1	5-Jan
Baguio to Dagupan	100.00	0.5	7-Jan
Dagupan to Tarlac City	100.00	0.5
Tarlac City to Manila	120.00	1	8-Jan	Via  Anggat, Bulacan (Enchanted Farm)
Manila to Batangas City	150.00	1	9-Jan
Batangas City to Caticlan	2go leaves at 9pm	arrives at 6am the next day
Caticlan to Culasi	100.00	0.5	10-Jan
Culasi to Sn Jose de Buenavista	120.00	0.5
Sn Jose de Buenavista to Ilo2	100.00	1	11-Jan
Iloilo to Guimaras
McArthur’s Wharf to Tumanda Wharf	45.00
Pulupandan Wharf to Kabankalan	75.00	1	13-Jan
Kabankalan to Mabinay	60.00	0.5
Mabinay to Bayawan	60.00	1	14-Jan
Bayawan to Dumaguete	100.00	2	19-Jan
Dumaguete to Santander
Santander to Cebu City	135.00	1	20-Jan
Cebu to Cagayan			21-Jan
Cagayan to Davao	298.00	3	22-Jan
Davao	150.00	5	26-Jan
	2,502 Km	24 days

Open Letter to Save Davao Shrine Hills

Background of why we need to Save Davao Shrine Hills... please check the website: Save Davao Shrine Hills 

PLEASE SIGN THE ONLINE PETITON: Save Davao Shrine Hills 

July 24, 2012

An open letter to all councilors of the 16^th City Council of Davao City

Dear councilors,

“Do not doubt the power of thoughtful, committed citizens to change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever did.” These were the words of cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead in the 1970s. They still reverberate around the globe in places, for instance, where powerful transnational companies wreaking havoc on biodiversity and humanity are being successfully opposed by a handful of determined individuals. Nothing is impossible because everywhere, government, business, and civil society are working together to create a better world. Just look at the wonderful success stories of green cities like Portland (America), Curritiba (Brazil), Malmo (Sweden), Barcelona (Spain), Melbourn (Australia), Bogota (Colombia), Copenhagen (Denmark), Vancouver (Canada), and Reykjavic (Iceland)!

In Davao City, it’s been 6 years since the dynamic team of Barangay Maa Federation of Homeowner Associations started going to the Sangguniang Panglungsod to ask councilors to Save Davao Shrine Hills. Today the campaign has evolved into saving Davao Shrine Hills by turning it into a nature park. We from the global Movement of Imaginals for Sustainable Societies through Initiatives, Organizing, and Networking (MISSION) fully support this wonderful turn of events.

More than 8,000 signatures have been gathered from Davaoenos who want to turn Davao Shrine Hills into a nature park. More support is pouring in. Add to this the political will of Davao City councilors who banned smoking in public places, banned plastic bags in the market and malls, created a bicycle lane ordinance, stopped aerial spraying in banana plantations, and numerous other LGU projects big and small. The spotlight is now on the campaign to turn Davao Shrine Hills into a nature park and the political will of the 24 councilors to stand firm and be united to see it brought to fruition despite all the money already poured in by developers to build subdivisions on Davao Shrine Hills. Despite landowners there wanting to build houses on the dangerous slopes or sell their plots of land!

The Environmental Watch Committee’s beautiful comprehensive powerpoint last July 23, 2012 says it all: there are too many advantages of creating a vast nature park in the middle of Davao City! What are we waiting for? Our children today know far too much about malls, about television shows, and about computer games. Our children today stay at home too much and are far too clean, too careful, too timid, too afraid to try new things, to get dirty, to explore new relationships with other children who look different from them, who speak a different language, and who think and behave differently. A nature park in Davao City will make a big difference in children’s lives for sure. Political will.

Just imagine a nature park in the city – with indigenous trees, flowers, birds, and insects – that doesn’t forbid children to climb and explore, to crawl and examine, to walk and lie down on the grass, to be quiet and mull over the mystery of the sky, to close their eyes and listen to birdsong, to play hide and seek and tag and patintero with all their might, to laugh out loud till it hurts, to shriek in surprise again and again and again, to unabashedly shout for joy! Children need a nature park in the city where they can go on picnics and read without their thoughts being drowned out by loud music over a PA system. Children need a nature park in the city to go bird watching and bike around, and gather under the trees, between the flowers, surrounded by butterflies to talk about their purpose for existing. Political will.

The timing is perfect to turn Davao Shrine Hills into a nature park. This January 29 – February 2, 2013 there will be a Liwanag World Festival on Sustainability and Creativity right here in Davao City that will gather the best of the world’s most sustainable initiatives in governance, in education, in science, in business, and so on. Thousands of Filipinos and visitors from abroad will meet in Davao City to be inspired by each other’s sustainable initiatives whose flames they’ll bring back to their own communities and light up the Philippines and the world. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the Liwanag World Festival on Sustainability and Creativity will be held in a city that is striving to be a sustainable city in the truest sense of the word ?

Respectfully yours,

Maya Vandenbroeck

Kate Estember

Tina Suelto

Darlene Suelto

Leo Avila

Melma Abasolo

Gina Cembrano

Monica Ayala

Arjun Marapon

Ellen Trazo

Art Suelto

Neng Suelto

Paolo Suelto

Rhon delos Santos

The Bees

I would never forget this line when I watched the movie "The Happening".... or was it "Knowing"? I forgot which movie but it was this line that caught my attention:

"If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live."

Einstein said that. And I believe it to be true. It was also re-affirmed by the years of work by Rudolf Steiner.

And the growing concern that the bees population is a huge problem.

It is believed that the bees are responsible for 75% of the crops to produce, because they need pollinators. They cause the flowers to prouce, seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables. Without the bees, there would be no mangoes, apples, cherries, strawberries, honey..... and our livestock produce would suffer too, because they can't eat grass.... and so goes the cycle.

To put it simply, without the bees, the human race would be next to be extinct.

There's also the problem that the bees are pollinating plants that are GMOs, and all the chemicals and pesticides used in farm crops. That's why they are having problems with the bee population.....

Why am I sharing this now? Because, just today a swarm of bees came to our house, turns out they have a previous hive somewhere here and a colony plans to stay here for the moment..... and original thought would be, to exterminate them and that they are pests... but no, they are not.

so, please please.... let's live with them... we are supposed to have a coexitsting relationship with them.

Kudos to all Bee Keepers I know, Mr Nicanor Perlas (Iloilo) and Tito Leo Avila.

also check my post about the symbol "BEES" bring: The Swarm

For more info:

Paving Paradise

"they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.... " - Big Yellow Taxi

182 trees in Baguio are being threatened to be cut down for a parking lot to be made. Just to park cars!!!  And as you read this.. around 6am today 10 trees were already down.. that leaves us with 172 more trees to be saved.

But, good news is that.... a TEPO (Temporary Environmental Protection Order) was served. For three days SM cannot touch the trees.


Nobody knows about this.. because Mainstream Media cannot talk about this. Because they cannot talk about their hot shot investors right? It's part of the contract. Very sleazy actually. Any company who threatens the environment can just advertise and pay Mainstream Media and ta-da everything can be done without letting the people now.

Good thing Alternative Media is here and through Social Networks... more people are becoming aware... but we need more!!

To participate and be updated of what's happening: Join the Group in Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/boycottsm/

Why do we need to value trees?

 

People who will not sustain trees will soon live in a world that will not sustain people. - Bryce Nelson 

SUPPORT AND CALL OUT ON PEOPLE WHO CAN BE IN BAGUIO TO STOP IT. We have three days to PLAN!!!!!

2012: Changes and Issues

A lot of things has been emerging around the world today. Everybody knows 2012 is bringing something... to some it can be cataclysmic to others it will be glorious.

With the rise of the information technology..... you get different views from different people. I've been on a hunt as to what 2012 will bring for the past few months... What will happen at the end of this year? Will it be devastating?

But, as I searched and I searched I stumbled onto so many issues... that if I would have stayed in my pretty little bubble, I wouldn't have known about what is going on. I have given up the usual 7pm news 2 years ago and all the big media corporations because I know they are one form of "programming" the ones in "POWER" want us to be in. Media is focusing on issues that are irrelevant.... they keep us blind to what is really happening in the world.

Of course, searching online you also have to be cautious. Because, not everything you see, hear or read about are entirely true. However, I am very grateful that "alternative media" are already sprouting. Giving us information that is not available in mainstream media.

So, what are the pressing issues I stumbled upon?

• Civil Society - Last year, I was following the "Occupy Movement" which got their inspiration from the "Arab Spring". It went from "Occupy Wall Street to Occupy Philippines, Occupy Earth, Occupy the Future to Occupy your Heart". It's amazing how our mainstream media is not talking about this... This was launched by the group Anonymous and a lot of things/groups/organizations sprang forth. But, one needs to find balance in protesting peacefully in the streets. So, a group of people are currently creating and starting initiatives that will sustain us in the future. Whenever I watch the videos of the Occupy Movement, I get mixed emotions... from rage to the 1% and the feeling of hope. Although, in the end.... I know that emotions that comes from love would be 100% times more powerful than rage.
• Information Technology - With the rise of the machines, currently humans are making the "last machine to be invented by humans." If it will be invented... we will be deemed useless. And you can see it rising already. If we lose our humanity by treating people like machines.... then it wouldn't be LIFE at all. You can be amazed how some scientists are so advanced mentally that they begin to think "technology is everything". It will be another Atlantis. -_-
• Internet - with the proposed SOPA/ACTA which censors our freedom of speech.... by merely posting a youtube video or music by a labeled artist, we could be sued and imprisoned for 50 years. 
• Unfair Laws - more and more laws that violates human rights are being passed. US Pres. Obama just signed NDAA last 2011. NDAA states that people can be imprisoned and tortured without due process, foreigners or civilians. Now, what if you were caught under the law of SOPA/ACTA and be under U.S. soil? -_- And the on going debate here in the Philippines about RH Bill and what not.
• Environment - Climate Change. Global Warming to Sustainable Ecology. Solar Power. Coal-Fired Plant. Mining. Landslides. Flood.The debate goes on. Just follow Greenpeace, and other green advocaies.
• Healthcare - Also, earlier last year I saw an issue about EU banning alternative healthcare such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic, and all those ancient healing traditions and will force you to only take "allopathic medicine". Alternative healthcare will be illegal
• Economics - Actually the Occupy Movement tackled about issues in economics. How the money of the world is controlled by the 1%. And how more and more people are in debt due to unfair practices. And yeah the economy of other countries specially the super powers are tethering to the edge and they will create havoc to regain the power back.
• Hyper Consumption - with the rise of various malls as "ground zero for materialism", people are lured into the world of consumerism. You have to buy this and that....  
• Energy - Coal-fired power plants. Nuclear plants. Increasing demand of energy and they need to bastardize the Earth to get it. For what? For money. o_O. And the suppression of the technology of Free Energy.
• Values - what do we value now? It seems like people value money over people. To have more. Our society programs our people through print, tv ads, and with entertainers. We pay entertainers much more than we do our noble professions - such as educators... and priests...

And the list goes on... there are so many issues around.... locally and globally.
Which goes to show.. that 2012 is the moment where we are at the crossroads. Where humanity will choose which side to move forward to.

The old ways are clearly not working. All large institutions are going through changes and transitions (economics, politics). There are so many things happening... internally (within each one of us) and externally (polar shift and galactic alignment).... time seems to fly by.....

with all my search... I think nobody really knows what will happen on 2012. The people in POWER (1%) got their own schemes on how to keep their money and power....
All i know is that we need to be prepared... not out of fear.... but out of love. How?

 

Photo Source: heavenlypage.tumblr.com →

By going back to yourself... listen to your heart.... listen to your inner voice. Follow your intuition. Ask for divine guidance..... Stay grounded, connected to Mother Earth, always do clearing and before going out of your home... "shield yourself".

There will be lots of changes... local ones... devastating sometimes... sometimes giving us hope.... This is an intense year..... and everyone feels it....
whether it will be a challenging one for you or something glorious... it is up to you....

all i know is that the community I am in is gearing towards a sustainable future, something that starts with personal mastery...... and to tap into our Creative Self that is hibernating or sometimes covered by our "programmed self".....

should you want to connect with a community.... do tell me... I can suggest a few available in your city. :)

Save Belo Monte!

I found this over Tumblr. I feel the Chief's heartache because I feel the same way when the government officials of Davao City approved the Aboitiz coal plant here in Davao. It is so sad. :(



The chief Raoni cries when he learns that brazilian president Dilma released the beginning of construction of the hydroelectric plant of Belo Monte, even after tens of thousands of letters and emails addressed to her and which were ignored as the more than 600 000 signatures. That is, the death sentence of the peoples of Great Bend of the Xingu river is enacted. Belo Monte will inundate at least 400,000 hectares of forest, an area bigger than the Panama Canal, thus expelling 40,000 indigenous and local populations and destroying habitat valuable for many species - all to produce electricity at a high social, economic and environmental cost, which could easily be generated with greater investments in energy efficiency.

It was brought to my attention that there is a petition we all can sign to help support these indigenous people and the Amazon. Please take a second to check it out below or comparable petitions that are available. Thank you.

http://amazonwatch.org/take-action/stop-the-belo-monte-monster-dam

Cycle For Life Invitation Letter & Program Schedule

Dearest Friends, Brothers and Sisters,

For ten years now the Davao “Flight of the Eagles” team has been gathering cyclists young and old alike from all walks of life to bike for a cause. This year’s theme, “Cycle for Life” attempts to gather all individuals and groups concerned with environment, education, and sustainable lifestyles with the goal of unleashing a concerted movement for a holistic approach to achieving a sustainable Davao City.

The Cycle for Life activity embodies and symbolizes how we, Davaoweños, are currently on an insightful infinite journey . . a trip that MUST take into serious consideration our City (amidst its existing environmental conditions),which provides livelihood and sustenance to our families, our home. The activity endeavors to achieve the convergence of like-minded individuals and groups to act collectively as we together learn, unlearn and reDISCOVER the myriad ways we can make our City a place other people would aspire or dream to live in.

On this journey, CYCLE FOR LIFE comes alive as the Davao Flight of the Eagles, in collaboration with the MISSION, embark on this trip as we long for and about life, and decide to weave shared dreams TOGETHER .

At this time of KADAYAWAN, a time of bountiful harvest CYCLE FOR LIFE comes alive in a spirit of solidarity as MISSION Davao together with the FLIGHT of the EAGLES join forces for the common goal of instituting positive changes thru mutual support in initiatives for the greening of Davao. With Flight of the Eagles for Bike lanes, MISSION Davao raises conciousness and activates groups and individuals to act concertedly, courageously for concrete positive changes in Davao. This synergistic play of energy projects to enflame other cities to aim for sustainability and environmental soundness with this attempt to concoct a holistic Bayanihan spirit from diverse sectors. Support through funds from like-minded sectors and individuals shall aid the MISSION Davao’s continuing education programs necessary to increase membership and equip them with trainings for competent leadership in societal initiatives such as this. Your valuable support helps us help others make a difference.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

*MISSION BOOTH * DREAM DAVAO --

CYCLE FOR LIFE

presents current advocacies on

ENVIRONMENT,

EDUCATION & S

SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS LIFESTYLES

●OPENS● AUGUST 8-14, 2011

3:00 - 10 p.m.

PEOPLES PARK, DAVAO CITY

● DAILY PROGRAM EXCITING ACTIVITIES!!!!

bike clinics, film shows, music, poetry

story telling, atbp

3-5pm - BOOTH EXHIBIT Tour

6-9pm - Film Viewing & Special Speaking Events

*10th FLIGHT OF THE EAGLES * -- CYCLE FOR LIFE

DATE --------------- AUGUST 14, 2010

TIME --------------- 6:00 a.m. On-site Registration & Assembly)

---------------------- 7:30 Flight Take-off

VENUE -------------- Peoples Park, Davao City

●ROUTE●

FAMILY RIDE 15 k (NEW!! Davao City poblacion proper only )

HARD CORE RIDE 50 K

COMPETITORS 4.7K

●REGISTRATION●

Php 250 -------- T-shirt + lunch + drink + raffle ticket

Php 50*------- raffle ticket

●PRE-REGISTRATION●

at MISSION BOOTH

AUGUST 8-13, 2011

3:00 pm to 10 pm

*tokens will be donated to an Environmental cause which is adopting a land with trees.

SOURCE: Letter was made by Kate Estember, Maya Vandenbroek, Ayyi Gardiola and Monica Ayala.

Please support the event by gracing the event and inviting your friends over to see the exhibit and attend the scheduled activities.

Let's make our DREAM DAVAO HAPPEN.......

Let us all BE ONE in this!!!

With so very much LOVE,

Tina Suelto / Liberty :)

JULIO

July July!

It's amazing the month isn't over yet!!!

This month is sooo jam-packed.

I have been so engrossed being actively engaged in some events that would soon pave way to a wonderful society.

I joined a workshop facilitated by Mr. Nicanor Perlas when July started. And from that workshop we came up with "Cycle for Life". Actually, there's a biking event in Davao done once a year by The FORCE (bicycle enthusiasts) and it is also to promote the bicycle city ordinance we have in Davao. Good thing, with the workshop was Tito Leo Avila who was a former councilor who is actively involved in different environment groups and he still has the connections to continue the said activity. And he realized everyone was just waiting for him to call for action even if he is not in office anymore. And with that taken care of we set off to plan the event.

Aside from that, I am currently the secretary of Rotaract Club of Munting Pag-Asa Davao which means more responsibility and more chances of being actively involved in transforming our society.

One of my friends organized the Davao Live Aid Concert for the flash flood victims...... and we had our own relief operations and created the group Tribu Pagkakaisa, where I experienced synchronicity. How God sure gives the desires of the people.

I have been to three cities in Northern Mindanao the past week, Iligan, CDO and Butuan with mom to spread love.

I feel that times are really changing nowadays. And I am beginning to see the fruits of the Light Workers. The people I am with right now are really the people that I have been looking for a long time ago. Plus, I even dragged a friend in the move..... now she's taking LEAP!!! For the TIME OF HER LIFE!!!

For current events the one thing that can make me super duper incensed last week was the "negative" reports from this certain A BIASED SCBN media company about our City Mayor Sara Duterte. I would say over and over again that violence is the last option.... but then if your children are about to be killed.. wouldn't you do something to protect them? That event made me wonder how weird people can be.... they are quick to judge the Mayor for protecting people but are mum about larger deception especially when it comes to the family owning and monopolizing most of the properties of Pinas. But sheeshhh..... shift shift shift Tina... "I choose to Love......"

I am overwhelmed that many spiritual leaders are also taking their own Leap of Faith.... let's not talk about those who are on "the dark forces" okay? Only those who have been actively participating to spread love and oneness, like Bishop Tutu who always inspires me.

I just can't wait for great things to happen specially in the coming months. The dark forces are losing their power.... as more and more people are awaken to each of their true BEING... that we are LOVE and Light. The people responsible for the LOSE-WIN percentage... which keeps 2% of the world population on top and the 98% below, are losing their power.... times are changing and the numbers to the right distribution of wealth is slowly happening.

Do not lose faith...... Mother Earth will continue it's cleansing.... Stay grounded.... Stay heart-centered..... so you wouldn't be affected by the coming changes.

I am more than positive.... I am enthused, excited, inspired by the coming of something super duper great! Every LightWorker is doing their job and I am just amazed I am part of it specially in taking care of the environment..... The only thing we need to do... is to come together... doing it together .... doing it en masse.

Life sure has many reasons to celebrate...... if you are still having it an emo day..... CELEBRATE!!! Celebrate that all negative emotions are beginning to get out of your system. Celebrate!!!

Loving you all,

Tin

Image Source: Piroska

Eco City?

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I have been thinking long and hard before having this article made. One, I am not an investor and it such a shame to talk about these things and feeling quite "powerless" because I haven't made investments for the city - YET. (I need to make large amount of moolahs for that which I plan "eco" so nothing can stop me.) Two, I am not on the streets protesting about the proposed coal power plant, nor have I tried "running for a cause". I did sign for a petition letter once for the "Save the Timugan River" but that is not enough....

To talk about these things I would probably come out as a clanging cymbal. But, it's bothering me. I love Davao City so much... that even though I admired the developments hanging around the corner I have often grieved for the prices of urbanization we have to pay.

Yes, I have enjoyed technology... and yes I have contributed to the carbon footprint. I have always felt that going green is quite hard to come around specially if not everybody shares the same passion you do. But, I have been influencing my family bit by bit, because it sure takes some time to change habits. I have tried to influence people by giving them copies of 11th Hour a documentary with Leonardo di Caprio in it which is better than Al Gore's. I have supported in my own way, not grandiose (promoting them..bridging like minded individuals) various people in the environment fields: Councilor Leo Avila, Kuya JoeGreen and Loud Plastics Creation by Maej (i have yet to buy some of her green pieces.. saving up for it. hehe. ).

Last April 7, 2011 I read some articles online that Mayor Sara Duterte wanted to venture on eco-tourism and have our beloved Davao City dubbed as "eco city". I was enthused. Huwaw! Being Eco is just around the corner. But, with the recent proposal of Aboitiz to have a coal-fired power plant which they market as "clean"... I don't think the stand is consistent with the tag "eco city" anymore.

I have attended a talk with their VP in one of the meetings I joined... but because I was "late"... I never mentioned my stand on my blog. All I got was their comparison between solar, wind, wave sources with the coal plant. They mentioned to everybody that we are running out of "power" and creating wind, solar, wave powered plants would take a long time compared to the coal which is easy to make and thus would provide solution for the impending power shortage.

But, I saw online that coal is much more expensive because of it's by product. And that there is never a "clean coal".

Clean or not my heart feels coal shouldn't be here. I do hope our country will go even more "greener". Meanwhile... i'll just do things in my own little way. And continue sharing the movie 11th Hour... reduce my carbon footprint in every possible way...

the 2011 Forecast of Doreen Virtue is really coming to fruition..... Lightworkers.... who are close to the government I implore you to take one bold step to make it done.....

Note: While I was making this article there were no statements made that the coal powered plant would be in Davao City. But, I heard it has a second option which is already approved and that is Sta. Cruz.


Image Source: RentalsBlog

Gecko Fever

If you are from Davao or have visited Davao... I am sure you have heard of this: "Tara bay, mangita ta ug TUKO aron maka kwarta ta!" Translated as: "Let's go and look for a gecko to earn some moolah!"

Yes! For Summer that's where most of the teenagers are... "Gecko Hunting". ( want to know what they look like and what a hunt is like? -> Albert's Gecko Hunt )

Gecko Lizard or Tokay Gecko... locally called as "Tuko" for it's unmistakable "Tu-ko" sound that would sometimes wake you up from sweet slumber.

I thought it was some sort of a joke. Making money out of some gecko lizard. I have no idea. But, I know.. Google would!!

And I kept telling them: "You've been hunting tuko's but the question is who would buy themmmm and how much??"

They say they are offering 50K - 100K for the gecko!!! Wooooo!!!!!! And they'd tell you some Korean would love to buy it.

Hah. Little did I know.... Google sure can provide you with Gecko buyers. They are looking for gecko which weighs 300-500 grams!! Now, that's rad!

Aside from the whooping money that awaits your 300-500 grams gecko they want to buy the lizard for it's health benefits. For one it is good for skin diseases and asthma.... and that they are still researching whether it can really cure HIV/AIDS. In China they use Gecko in traditional medicine and can be found in the menu.

Oh well... whatever the ruckus is.... they sure are getting money because it is currently one of the animals that has a high selling price.

I hope they'd just breed it... because I'm afraid if everybody goes for a gecko hunt our ecosystem would lose its balance. Please. let's not ruin the food chain... we've done enough to our nature to be where it is right now.

Sundays and Green Peace

I recently joined a community over at Facebook called Choice Point. And they are the advocates of "Meditation". They are suggesting to do it daily.

I watched their video and was amused because my favorite authors were featured: Gregg Braden and Deepak Chopra.

Doing it everyday takes a lifetime of practice. And two (2) years ago... I did it for a month and was amazed by how light I felt, and how things were going my way. I broke my daily practice because I still have a pattern - to do something but not finish it - (which I am still working on).

This will be the First Sunday where everybody can join the world by meditating at a specific time 7pm-8pm. Or if one can't make it during those time... they can do it anytime during the day.

I already campaigned here at home and over at FB.... and we have chosen to do it together tonight. A moment of silence.

Why am I doing this??

Because I want to be a part of the critical mass of hope. I know it may not be much but at least our area will be filled with light-energy field. :) If you want your place to have peaceful vibes.... encourage people around you to do the same.... even if it's not the First Sunday of the month.

If you want to join in on the event... please check First Sunday: World Meditation Day or World Meditation Day for more details.

I also joined the Green Peace Organization which campaigns online.... this time it's about UNFRIEND: COAL..... check their Facebook TV AD.

I also heard Aboitiz will be setting up a coal power plant here in Davao. I am not supporting the idea. Go Solar, Go Windmill!!! Ahhh if I have enough moolah... I might do just that!!!! (one step at a time Tinaaa).

Tsunami Wave of Love

By now, our facebook walls, twitter, tumblr pages are filled with prayers and concern for our families and friends back in Japan (and I don't mean just the Pinoys but also for our fellow brothers and sisters of humanity who are Japanese).


(Photo Credits: heymrblue)

Also, there were worries and concern over areas.. such as ours (who is in Davao del Sur) for the possible tsunami waves and was deemed to be on Alert Level 2.

In times like this... let us all take a moment in silence not out of fear.... but out of love for everyone in the world... and BE STILL and KNOW...

In crisis like this.... there is an opportunity for us to rediscover that we are all connected... and that we do care... we are connected to nature... to the residents of this world.

It is never too late.... to act in loving ways not just for each of us but to Mother Nature (to all those who can do some spirit ritual and nature healing please do..our world needs it)... for if a majority of our citizens live like this.... catastrophes will be easily swept away with a tsunami wave of love.

Sending light... love... and hundreds of our golden army... the angels...

South Park

This is one tag from beejing. I got it a month ago, I think. (I'm so old, I can't remember!) Haha.

Here’s how the game goes.

1. You receive a tag. (of course!!! LOL)
2. You go this site http://www.sp-studio.de/
3. Create your own South Park Character.
4. Create an entry with your generated character.
5. Tag your friends.
6. Enjoy!!!

Tagging: Everyone who enjoys South Park. :)



Updates:

1. This post is actually a break from the "Interdependence Game" I've been posting these past few days. I am considering in transferring those to another blog I made for our office.
2. I joined CandyMag Awards 2008. Hehe. I'll be nominating some bloggers out there. So, watch out! Haha.
3. Our family got around to participate with the "Earth Hour". It's one good way to make a difference. It's fun and amusing to know some people from other parts of the world doing it.
   

Have a nice weekend ahead!

Singapore

After the Malaysia trip we decided to drop by and tour Singapore for two(2) days. If Malaysia has lovely "island bars" imagine my delight when I saw Singapore's "island bars" (refer to the picture at the right).

The bougainvillea flowers they used are just "ordinary" here in the Philippines but they used it to beautify the most part of their city! Wow. Can we not do that in our country as well? Hay. Hay. Lovely lovely. And the trees? Grabe. Salute to the people who landscaped their country. I heard Pinoys did the landscaping? Is it true? Ha? Ha?

We slept right away when we arrived. (Of course we need to recharge after the hectic non-stop travel in Malaysia).


If in Malaysia it's Genting Highlands you must visit, in Singapore it's Sentosa Island. So, by 6pm we decided to visit and watch the highlight show in Sentosa Island which is the "Songs of the Sea". It's an amazing show! They used a musical fountain and interacted it with lasers against the water particles to create 3D images. It was purely MA-GEE-CAL! I wished my sister and brother was with us that time.


We did not get to tour around the Island that much since it's already dark. But they have a nightlife in the island, I guess. Judging from the outfits of the young-uns. Hehe. There's a cable car in the island as well and it's quite different from the one in Malaysia because underneath the cable car would be minus the forest but the sea. But, I will surely try out the cable car when me and my family would visit Singapore for a vacation.

There are different ways to get in and out of the island. Renting a taxi ($35), ride a train, ride the Sentosa Bus, Cable Car, or your own private car.

We spent most of our time in Orchard Road. If you are the type of person who loves to shop, Orchard Road is the place for you. The whole of Orchard Road is filled with shopping malls. I can't name most of them, but all I remember is getting inside. Hehe. There is no trouble if you just use your feet in Singapore since everything is prolly "just-a-walk-away". Unless you are a person who can't stand walking! But, if you are a person who resides in Davao "walk-a-thon" is not a foreign word. In fact everything would be near for you. :) *walang problema pag networker ka!*



I got to visit their National Museum but not the whole of it. The building looks nice noh? :) Very attractive.







If we have the Malacañang Palace and U.S the White House, in Singapore they have the Istana Singapore. If you are on the way to visit the shopping malls in Orchard Road you can pass by the Istana. The home of their Prime Minister.




We took the last flight out of Singapore to Manila so we can fully enjoy our stay at the Singapore Changi Airport. It's like a big shopping mall. They have a wide array of duty free shops and eating outlets. They also have "free internet" which explains my "Greetings from Singapore post". Hehe. They have free massages located everywhere as well.

Changi Airport is the 22nd busiest airport & one of the busiest cargo airports in the world and the 6th busiest in Asia. They have six open air garden areas and during our stay I got to visit the two. I don't know where the other four are located. I only visited their Orchid and Fern garden.

I just have to salute and say thank you to the "smiling customs" in Malaysia and Singapore. They were friendly and not at all imposing compared to the ones in Philippines, sad to say. They would smile and encourage us to come back and even have the decency to ask us if we enjoyed our stay. If we forgot to fill something up in the customs form they would just smile and consult us.

I don't know if you travelers notice this but our customs here in the Philippines always have a serious face. No smiles and everything. Nada. I guess it's different if you are foreign or what? I'll keep this in mind when I go out this November I will look over the customs attending to foreign nationals. They could at least smile a bit and be forgiving to others when they forgot to fill something up. *my mom witnessed a scenario where the custom personnel would scold at a Balikbayan*. Hello! Philippines is our country, we should be welcomed with smiles! They could say "Hi Maam, Sir kumusta ang travel niyo?" or "Hi Sir welcome back to the Philippines!".

There's still a lot to improve in the Philippines. I do hope one day it would improve for the better. Seeing other countries excel inspires me and the desire to see Philippines improving is soooo strong. But, I shan't ask the government to do the improving. It is not a good question to ask because number one I don't think they can answer it and number two the government has matters and "personal agendas" to attend to. The future is not in their hands anyway. The future mga kababayan is WITH US.

So let's stop asking what our country/government can do for us instead let's ask OURSELVES "WHAT WE CAN DO FOR OUR COUNTRY". I think that's better di ba? :)

It doesn't matter if we can't do GREAT THINGS we can do SMALL THINGS in a GREAT WAY! Go go PINOY! Wag antayin ang gobyerno. Hehe. Let's do it ourselves!

Visit Malaysia 2007

Malaysia is actually celebrating their 5oth year of independence. They are having a huge promotion to attract tourists and this year they sure did attract A LOT. Cable T.V. stations have a series of advertisements about "VMY 2007". It is quite fitting to Visit Malaysia this year... and I just love their "One Golden Celebration" song. Super! I wish we could have one as grand in Philippines!

Malaysia

There’s a place not far away
Different faces yet all the same
With a million dreams
In one golden celebration

Malaysia

It’s the place for us to be
It’s the time to feel so free
With a million smiles
In one golden celebration

Malaysia

Come and spread your wings
There’s so much to see
There’s a million colours
Right before your eyes
It’s one golden celebration

*cant find the whole song.. sorry*

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We landed in Penang Island on our first day. It's where the ship "Star Cruise" docks when visiting Malaysia. Very nice place.

Anyway, our main point of visiting Malaysia was because of the farm of a company we are building our future with. We got to visit the DXN farm on our 2nd day(we traveled 2 hours from Penang to Alor Star) .






Right picture: with my parents and the pioneer of Philippines (Tatay Jimmy Quedding) and the pioneer of Mexico.










They say you haven't been to Malaysia if you did not visit "Genting Highlands" and so this was the second highlight of our trip. Fortunately, we got to ride the "world's fastest and Southeast Asia's longest cable car" called the Genting Skyway.




They say it is called the Las Vegas of Malaysia. Their resort features many hotels owned by Genting subsidiaries. We stayed at the Hotel Resort(refer to the picture on the left).

There are also different facilities in the resort like golf courses, shopping malls, concert hall, sky diving simulator and theme parks. Basically, we did not tour the whole place since we were only there for a night from (Sept.19)5pm-8am(Sept. 20). We watched their featured presentation called "FLY". The presentation was not that bad... I enjoyed the introduction where they sang "One Golden Celebration".



On our fourth day we headed to Kuala Lumpur from Genting Highlands. Along the way we visited the batik factory and the place where they sell "genuine leather". Leathers made from cows to stingrays. We also headed to KLCC and visited Aquaria.



We checked in at Berjaya Times Square, a 5 star hotel. It was a good hotel since the shopping mall is just part of the Square. Very convenient and it's one of the things I like. I did not get to tour the mall during our 2-day stay there because there was no time. Only the first 3 floors. Someone told me that there's a big roller coaster in the 5th floor. Too bad, I did not get to visit it.

Of course by this time I also met Dwinny. A good friend of mine. We forgot to take pictures. Tsk. Tsk.

We had our one day seminar in the hotel and also our Gala Night at our last night. Of course, finally I got to meet the "hot shot" / "dragon" of our company of course the one and only owner of our family business, Dr. Lim Siow Jin.


All in all I like their promotion of the "VMY 2007". It's super grand. You see their flag everywhere even on high-rises. I like the lyrics of the song and the tune.

They have big highways and nice "island bars" on highways. Although the weather tends to be a bit more like General Santos City or Cagayan de Oro they have nice paved sidewalks and clean and so that would come as a consolation. Their forests remains untouched and preserved.

K Loves What?

We finally got our own Green Bag yesterday. :)

--------------------------------------------------

Thanks to Ria Jose's comment I knew(for sure) when the DCE would be held:

"The Davao Cyber Expo has been moved to July 4 - 6, 2007. The venue is now in the ground floor of NCCC Mall (Matina/Maa)."

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Updated: Coffee Milk

• A Case of Identity - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Red Headed League - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• A Scandal in Bohemia - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Princess Diaries in the Spotlight - Meg Cabot
• Sign of Four - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• SVT #2 - Teacher's Pet - Francine Pascal
• #9 Evil Elizabeth - Super Chiller - Francine Pasca...
• SwitchPlanet
• Virus Alert!
• A Study in Scarlet

---------------------------------------------------

Got this idea from Ate Bea, and it sounded fun.

Go to Google.com and on the search bar, write your name followed by the word "loves" and then click the search button... and let's see what would appear from your search.

From mine? :P (I kind of arranged it.. ok? So, it could be a nice story..)

• My name is Kristina and I am from Douglasville, Georgia.(I am from DAVAO!!) I am a senior textile designer who loves dancing(I am trying to love dancing..), anything that has to do with the arts and music.
  
• Kristina Loves The Camera. (uhmm, the camera itself yes... but posing? hehe sometimes lang noh!) Kristina loves creating beautiful family portraits and works on location as a family photographer in Ghent, Kempsville, Churchland, Northern Suffolk.. (yes.. but I've never been to Ghent, Kempsville, Churchland......)
• Kristina loves cooking for friends, and has been known to whip up a tricky dessert in the wee hours of the morning. She is an accomplished photographer. ( cooking for friends? I wonder if they would love it. tricky dessert in the wee hours of the morning? I only know how to whip up coffee during mornings.. hehe. Accomplished photographer? Now, that's something! )
  
• Kristina loves photography, and especially taking pictures of sunrises.
• kristina loves one tree hill show ( what's that? )
• Kristina Loves Nerds!!!! (NOT TRUE!)
• Kristina loves to shop. Really, really loves to shop. Kristina loves to shop so much that she once went missing during an end-of-season sale. (so... uhmm yes... i love to shop.. but getting lost? hahaha. fat chance.)
• Kristina Contes.(I am not a Contes.) Loves milk. (TruE!!!)
  
• Kristina loves a good laugh, smiling faces and Psalm 27. ( nice... )
  
• Kristina is a warm, vivacious, fun loving teenager ( could be... hehe..)
• Kristina is fluent in Croatian(in Bisaya!), loves to travel and is a total bookworm. (true trueeee....)
• Kristina loves to travel and cook. ( yuppp)
  
• Kristina loves reading and planning adventures. (double TRUE!!!)
• Kristina loves camping, river rafting and mountaineering, as well as ice skating, swimming and gymnastics.
• Kristina loves every minute she spends at camp,
• KRISTINA also loves to ride her bike in the park.
• Kristina loves listening to music ( trueee... but I get less chance to listen to music nowadays..)
• Kristina loves movies and video games, and spends her little free time with her friends and family
• Kristina loves Barney, music, and dance
• Kristina loves yoga. Yoga has given her the ability to fly while staying grounded on the earth. (woo. I'd love to learn yoga.)
  
• Kristina loves working with kids and loves to teach them new skills
• In her spare time Kristina loves to knit touques. (what's a touque?)
  
• Kristina loves to pamper her friends and
• Kristina loves exploring with this game
• Most of all Kristina loves the life of the mind.

You can also use "needs" or "wants" or even "likes" if you want. :)

All in all I learned that most Kristina's online loves photography, music, arts, movies and adventures. :P Hehe.

Save Mother Earth

As much as I wanted to attend the seminars as stated in my last post Expos, I can't.

For one, the Cyber Expo was cancelled and moved according to my sources.

Also, I did not expect so many people would attend the said food expo, but of course with all the banners they've had strewn almost all over the city, everyone's bound to know. The seminar was jam packed and you'd be left standing outside and even inside a few were standing, so I decided not to go in and give others chance. I went with my mom and enjoyed the food tasting part and of course getting flyers and brochures from them. Most of the expos covered a lot about food packaging and their machineries which were quite expensive,and requires a big-time business.

Fortunately, there was a Directory of Food-Related business or whatsover and a summary of all the seminars which I guess would be enough na lang to get much-needed info's we need for Php100.00. At least.

I also found out that the next event would be the 7th Recycables Fair or something. I don't have the flyer with me today. Anyway, it's a gathering of all those companies who recycles and all those people who does have a collection of recyclables which they can sell outside SM (car park) this June 30. Newspaper, bottles, magazines can be sold per kilo. You earn money and at the same time you get to help the environment. Now, that's something! :)

SM also has this "green bag" scheme almost the same as Culture Shiok's post "the Bring your own Bag Day" that was done by Singapore. Buying yellow tag from the supermarket and reaching 500php or more will let you earn a green bag, which you can use as an alternative instead of the usual cellophane and if you use them when you go to the supermarket you earn additional points to your Advantage Card. Dual purpose again. :P Nice idea noh?

It's been a week, I haven't reported in college. Hehe. I'm busy "kuno" with my OJT. But, really... I AM! Details, some othr time. hehe.rawr.

Have a great FRIDAY!!! :)