[Architecture] Ayala Land Invests on Green Roofs for Malls

 The Ayala Terraces Cebu garden is so beautiful at night. The 4-level structure

is equipped with clestories, windows that prevent the entry of direct sunlight into the mall

Ayala Land, as part of its ongoing sustainability campaign, has integrated varieties of green roofing systems onto its newest malls and mall annexes. Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, Market! Market!, and Ayala Center Cebu's the Terraces, are all equipped with green roofs.

Honestly, most mall goers probably won't notice that the roofs of their favorite malls are environmentally friendly unless they find out from another source. It just all looks so natural to the naked eye. Nevertheless, these green roofs are useful, and more than just pleasing to the eye.

 Greenbelt 5's roof garden provides a splash of green amidst a sea of grey.

For example, the roof garden on top of Greenbelt 5 effectively helps lower mall temperature indoors. This leads to less energy consumption when running the air conditioning system, and more savings on the part of Ayala. Also, roof gardens also absorb rainwater, lessening the chance of flooding in nearby areas.

 TriNoma is green both inside and out. The roof allows sunlight to enter

while keeping the heat from coming in.

Green roofs, like the one in TriNoma can also be used for activities like photo shoots and special dinners.Thus, it can serve as a source for extra income as well. Indeed, more mall and building owners - and maybe even homeowners - should follow the example of Ayala Land, and experiment with eco-friendly technologies like green roofs.

 Hyroponics roof garden photo taken from www.cityfarmer.info

Maybe they can plant herbs using hydroponics, the method of growing plants using mineral nutrients instead of soil. Modern green roofs are now lightweight, so they can be safely integrated onto existing roofs. Definitely something to think about before engaging in your next architectural project.

[Event] Join the First WWF Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon this February 2012

The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) will be holding the first ever Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon on February 18, 2012. It will be held from 7am to 6pm at the Glorietta 4 Dolphin Park in Makati City.

Famous dolphin mural artist and WWF hero AG Saño and the Dolphins Love Freedom Network will join the participants in painting walls in support of dolphin freedom and animal rights across the globe. Besides painting murals, passers-by can also have their faces painted, photographs taken (in photo booths) and get Henna tattoos for free!

The registration fee for those who want to paint dolphin murals is only P300 per person, inclusive of painting materials. Interested parties may register at the WWF booth located at the Glorietta 3 lobby from February 4-17, 2012, visit the WWF main office (Unit 1702, 88 Corporate Center, Valero corner Sedeño streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City), or email adopt@wwf.org.ph.

Please visit this WWF-Philippines website for more details on the mural painting marathon.

[Event] Join Chem Propaganda: An Environmental Awareness Fashion Design Competition

Ateneo de Manila University - the Ateneo Chemistry Society (ACHES) in partnership with the Ateneo Environmental Science Society (ESS) have joined forces to bring you Chem Propaganda: an Environmental Awareness Fashion Design Competition.

This contest is open to all university students in Metro Manila. Individuals and teams of up to three students are welcome to join. The goal is to produce a complete dress, made from recycled fabric, that can be worn by a female model. A sketch of the said dress must also be submitted.

This year's theme of chemical waste and its adverse effects of the environment, must be incorporated into the design of the dress. Contestants are required to join a half-day design workshop on design conceptualization, design, and construction. After this, they'll be given a month to design and manufacture their dresses.

Contestants have the option to have their dresses manufactured by an outside party, as long as the design manufactured does not deviate from the original design.

The designs will be presented and judged at a fashion show during the event's Culmination Night. A panel of experts will serve as judges during the show, and awards will be given on the same night. The winner of Chem Propaganda will receive a P3,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will get P1,500.

Important: The Dress Design Workshop and Participant's Orientation will be held on 23 January 2012 (Monday) from 2-6pm. It will be held at the Aerie Lounge (beside the Cervini Dorm Cafeteria, Ateneo de Manila University. Walk-ins are welcome!

You can also preregister by filling-up the Chem Propaganda registration form online, or you can read the latest updates on the project on Chem Propaganda's Facebook Page.

[Event] Aeta Olympics Held at Tala, Orani Last December 2011

Tala, Orani, Bataan, Philippines - Last December 2011, Barangay Tala in cooperation with the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), and Philippine Olympics Committee held the Aeta Olympics.

The Aetas are indigenous persons of the Philippines that live in northern Luzon. Today, they serve as a prime example of a community that can live in harmony with nature. The mini Olympics was held, so the Aetas could showcase their skills in tree climbing, archery, javelin throwing, and blow dart shooting. Moreover, the parties involved wanted to showcase the culture and importance of the Aetas in the Philippines.

Present during the event was BCDA chairman Felicito Payumo, who proved he has the potential to be a skilled marksman, as seen in the video below:






There were a lot of media outfits that covered the event, most notable of which is TV5, who took photographs, shot live videos, and did live interviews, throughout the event.

(TV5 reporter interviews one of the Aeta tribesmen)

Shooting with a bow and arrow looks easier that it really is. I tried it and hit the target probably one out of then times. I didn't even try throwing a javelin or using a blow gun. They look a bit dangerous for beginners to fool around with.

*All photos and videos taken by me.

[Green Living] The North Face Men's Hydroshock Amphibious Shoes - Will Test Soon!

This pair of shoes from The North Face is the first pair of aqua/trekking shoes I've ever owned or bought for myself. I've always wanted to buy a pair of these and now that I'm an environment blogger, I decided to invest in a pair case I would need them in the future. I'm thinking of buying other outdoor gear as well, like a waterproof camera and a water resistant backpack.

Yes, I could have bought a cheaper or different brand of shoes, but there are several factors that convinced me that this pair of The North Face Men's Hydroshock shoes worth buying:

• It's environment-friendly. The shoes are made from over 50% recycled fibers. The packaging is eco friendly too, with the wrapper being made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and the box, 75% recycled materials.

• It's top quality. This brand of shoes is known worldwide for being one of the best in outdoor apparel. This particular pair was even awarded the 2011 Gear Award by Health Magazine (however, I wasn't aware of this when I bought the shoes)

• It looks good and feels right. I sort of had a Cinderella moment when I put on these shoes (sorry, I couldn't think of a guy-analogy, hahaha). I tried them, walked around a bit, and realized that these shoes were just perfect.

(Photo taken from ravebrain.com)

Of course, the real test will come when I go island hopping with my friends this weekend. We are going to Cebu for the Sinulog Festival and decided to go on a mini adventure as well. Will update with a product review soon. 

Will review The North Face Hydroshock shoes, to be followed by the Amazon Kindle DX, Barnes and Noble Nook Simple Touch, and The Weekend Project's Paper Wallet. I have all of these at have all of these at home (my brother owns the Nook), I don't know why I haven't thought of featuring reviews of them until now.