[Event] Fully Booked Presents Echo the Eco: Green Events at Fully Booked

Fully Booked is one of the hippest and most visited bookstore chains in the Philippines. They not only sell the widest selection of books at reasonable prices, they care for the environment too.
This is why they are holding a special event entitled "Echo the Eco: Green Events at Fully Booked." The event to be held October 23, 2010 from 1-4pm, will feature three talks you wouldn't want to miss. Here are the list of speakers for the eco event:

• Krie Lopez - President of Messy Bessy - a company that sells all-natural household cleaning products   
• Joanna Gilladoga - Sales and Marketing Head of Human Nature - a company that sells all-natural body care products
• Theresa Mora-Uy - Editor of My Quaint Life - a local environment blog catering mostly to a female audience

The talks will be held for 1-hour each in the order above. The event will be held in the ground floor of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street.

For the children, the bookstore will be holding an Eco-Storytelling session by Make Believe Productions - a theater production company the kids will surely love - after the talk, from 5-6pm.

This event is free! If you love reading books and you love the environment, then you should definitely attend Echo the Eco at Fully Booked.

Source: 

• Fully Booked eZine (October 13, 2010)

[News] Greenpeace Pushes for Renewable Energy in the Philippines

Greenpeace Makes a Visit to Malacanang Palace

When Greenpeace means business, it really means business. The group has recently made a strong suggestion to President Noynoy Aquino - to make the entire country run on 50% renewable energy by 2010.

In order to make their intentions know, they adorned Malacanang Palace with pinwheels (a.k.a. mini wind power turbines). They also "donated" solar panels (no metaphor here) to the palace as well.

Rainbow Warrior - the Greenpeace flagship - is also scheduled to make its final stop of the year in the Philippines. The group is inviting the president to go aboard the ship on November 2, 2010.

If he doesn't go on-board, I'm sure other government officials like Loren Legarda would be more than happy to be his proxy.

The Perfect Time for the Philippines To Invest in Green Energy is Now

Greenpeace Volunteers Posing by the Entrance of Malacanang Palace

(Photo Credit: Greenpeace Southeast Asia @ Flickr.com)

Indeed, energy producing methods should be a huge concern in the Philippines right now. The current power shortage in the country only threatens go get worse in 2011.

Now, various government and business groups are rushing the construction of power plants - most of them coal powered ones - in order to provide more power throughout the country.

There is no better time to invest in green and renewable energy than now, and Greenpeace knows this. Instead of investing in power plants that will contribute to environmental destruction, why not invest on green power instead?

Already, there are plenty of success stories when it comes to using wind power and solar power in the Philippines. There are many willing to invest, but the support of President Noynoy Aquino is needed for local organizations and companies to go green.

Source:

• "Greenpeace Delivers Solar Panels to Malacanang" @ http://greenpeace.org

[News] Greenpeace Convinces Nestle to Practice Zero Deforestation Policy

Deforestation Practices by Sinar Mas Destroys Lives 

(Photo Credit: Greenpeace International @ Flickr.com)

Did you know that palm oil is one of the main ingredients used in the creation of Nestle's Kit Kat? How about that the forests of Indonesia are being cut down at an alarming rate in order to produce palm oil?

Sinar Mas is the company responsible for the rapid deforestation in Indonesia, the destruction of plant and animal lives and disruption of local livelihood in the country.

Companies like Kraft and Unilever have severed their ties with Sinar Mas, but unfortunately Nestle did not do so right away. In fact, up to 2009, Greenpeace was being completely ignored by the company.

Greenpeace Launches Global Campaign Against Nestle

Thus, the environmental group decided to take action.

They released a report entitled Caught Red Handed: How Nestle's Use of Palm Oil is Having a Devastating Impact on Rainforest, the Climate and Orang-utans.

They also created a parody advertisement video of Kit Kat:




After the global campaign by Greenpeace and over 300,000 calls from concerned people worldwide, Nestle finally succumbed to the pressure and saw the light.

On May 17, 2010 the company announced a plan to stop doing business with palm oil providers that practice deforestation without concern for the environment. Mission accomplished.

Source: 

• Greenpeace Newsletter Edition ONE 2010
• Video Credit: GreenpeaceUK

[Video] Coca-Cola Partners With WWF in Water Conservation Campaign

Coca-Cola is the biggest soda company not only in America, but across the globe. With so many people drinking soft drinks every day, this giant company has to produce so much. Thus, it has the responsibility to practice environmentally friendly methods of mass production.

Coca-Cola also has to power to influence the ideas and lifestyles of so many. Thus, it is great news that the company has partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in order to promote green ideas and practices.

With the company's recent promise to invest 1 billion U.S. dollars in the Philippines, Coke will soon engage in local environmental projects with WWF-Philippines as well.

In the future, water may become a scarce resource. Best practices on water conservation should be done in order to preserve our meager water supply. Here is a video of how Coke and WWF are working together towards this environmental goal.




Sources:

• Video taken from wwfus @ You Tube
• http://coca-cola.com

[News] 6 Winners of China Panda Ambassador Contest Announced

Project Panda Gives Six Panda Lovers an Experience of a Lifetime

It was pandamonium these past few months as panda lovers the whole world round vied for the title of panda ambassador. Over 60,000 video entries were submitted by hopeful contestants.

The prize - an all expense paid one month stay in Chengdu, China. There, they can take care of and learn more about the nearly extinct panda bears. There are only an estimated 1,600 pandas left in the world!

Plus, you get to have the title of Pambassador (Panda Ambassador) for a whole year, during which you will get to engage in numerous pro-panda projects.

Indeed, the response worldwide was great. Experts worked together in order to narrow down the list to just twelve finalists - each from a different country. Screening was very thorough. Those who had were active animal rights supporters and who were backed by organizations such as the WWF were preferred.

You can learn more about the twelve greatest panda lovers in official website of Project Panda.

The lucky twelve were sent to China for a week of training in taking care of the pandas.

 The Top 12 Finalists Taking Care of Pandas in Chengdu, China

(Photo Credit: http://english.sina.com)

One week later, the the 6 winners of the panda keeper contest were announced:

Winners from left to right: David Algranti (France), Yumiko Kajiwara (Japan), 

Ashley Robertson (America), Huang Xi (China), Ali Shakonrian (Sweden), 

and Wang Yu-Wen (Taiwan)

(Photo Credit: http://english.people.com.cn)

Congratulations to the winners of Project Panda!

Sources:

• http://chinadecoded.com
• http://news.yahoo.com
• http://pandahome.com

[News] Run for Pasig River 2010 Breaks World Record!

Over a Hundred Thousand Run for Pasig River

 

111,812 -that was the number of people who joined the Run for Pasig River yesterday, 10 October 2010.

People from all walks of life, as individuals and as groups, banded together in order to make a statement for the environment and to the world.

Before yesterday, the record for the most amount of people joining a single race was 110, 000.

An auditing firm is confirming whether or not the number is accurate, but it's looking good for the Filipino people.

The estimated amount of money collected from the registration fees amount to around 20 million Pesos.

This money will be used for the dredging and rehabilitation of the Pasig River - one of the most polluted rivers in the country that passes through Metro Manila.

This was not the first projected launched for the benefit of the said river. Piso Para as Pasig is another effective means of collecting donations for the river.

Filipinos are encouraged to donate just one Peso a day for the betterment of our environment.

Why just 1 Peso? The point is not to donate a certain sum of money and just forget about the Pasig River. The point is to make it a habit of donating, of caring for our homeland and the world we live in.

Photo Credits:

• Photo 1 - Jun Mendoza @ http://philstar.com
• Photo 2 - http://thewebmagazine.blogspot.com

Sources:

• "116,712 Join Run for Pasig River; Dredging Finished" by Michael Punongbayan @ http://philstar.com
• "Thousands Run for Pasig River" by Sunshine Lichauco de Leon @ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

[News] Imperial Palace Sewage Pipe Spewing Toxic Waste Into Ocean

Imperial Palace Water Park Resort and Spa - a sewage pipe continuously spews toxic waste into the ocean. Concerned persons inform the resort management of this problem, but give these persons the cold shoulder. A diver named John Melendres takes photographs of the said pipe and post these online.

 This is Much More Than a Leaking Pipe!

(Photo Credit: http://abuggedlife.com)

The public image of the resort suffers a great hit as the media report about the resorts lack of concern for the environment and for the well-being of its guests. What could have been resolved quickly and without media intervention has resulted in a huge tainted image for Imperial Palace Cebu.

The resort has now closed its leaking pipe and started repairing its sewage treatment plant, but these actions have come a bit too late.  The resort may now face charges from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for violating the country's Clean Water Act.

Mactan Island, Cebu is one of the best places in the Philippines - even is Asia - to enjoy beach resorts. No resort, no matter how new and popular, can get away with polluting one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. Not with concerned environmentalists and government officials on the watch.

Sources:

• "DENR: Imperial Palace May Face Sanctions" by Jucell Marie Cuyos and Candeze R. Mongaya @ http://globalnation.inquirer.net
• http://abuggedlife.com

[News] Solar Powered LED Lights Being Considered for Cebu City

Energy-Saving LED Lights to Light Up Cebu City

LED Lights for a Brighter and Whiter Cebu City

(Photo Credit: meltedplastic @ Flickr.com)

More good news for the Philippines. Local government officials in Cebu City are planning to change the bulbs used in streetlights from the incandescent to LED ones. It will be an expensive investment, but one that will be more economical and environmental in the long-run.

This is because LED lights are known to have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. They also need less power to function, in-turn, lessening the strain on local power plants. There are an estimated 20,000 streetlights that will undergo the change of light bulbs if current plans push through.

The installation of these lights will also improve the safety and security of both pedestrians and motorists on the streets of Cebu at night. LED lights are much whiter and brighter than incandescent ones. This also means that the lamp posts can be placed further apart from each other.

Solar Power to be Utilized to Save on Energy Costs

Could This Be the Future of Cebu City Lamp Posts?

(Photo Credit: chdot @ Flickr.com)

Moreover, the government is also planning to install solar panels which will be used to power these lights. This means huge savings for the government and a huge positive impact on the environment too.  Many countries around the world have been experimenting with these energy saving streetlights.

China has been instrumental in inspiring local Cebu City officials. If this project pushes through without any unfortunate incidents such as corruption, this will definitely be a huge project for Cebu City. It will definitely boost its reputation as an environmental tourist attraction in The Philippines.

Sources:

• "CH Eyes Solar, LED for Street Lighting" by Jessica Ann R. Pareja @ http://thephilstar.com
• http://usnewslasvegas.com

[Personal] Got Invited to the NUVALI Media Tour This October

Nature Treats at NUVALI - An Exciting Eco Trip

As an environmental blogger, one of the things I was most looking forward to was a chance to get invited to eco events and such. This week I got my first ever event invitation.

I was invited to join a group of bloggers and writers in attending the NUVALI Media Tour on October 20, 2010. Events for the day would include a food tasting session, wildlife and bird sanctuary tour, and a fish feeding activity.

Event Poster From the Email They Sent Me

Of course, the highlight of the day would be the tour of the NUVALI Evoliving Center - the biggest environmental project of Ayala Land to date.

From the architecture of the structure itself (e.g. the using of e-glass to lessen heat entering the building) and the main mode of transportation within the center (e.g. the water taxi), this place is truly an environmental center.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to the tour since I'm currently based in Cebu City, Philippines. They're willing to give my slot to a representative of my choice though. And that person can bring a friend along too.

[Event] A Clean Up Run for the Pasig River Being Held on October 10, 2010

 (Photo Credit: http://nugglepurpl.blogspot.com)

In a previous post, I mentioned how there was no single eco event being organized for 10/10/10. Fortunately, I was wrong. A run is being organized for the benefit of the heavily polluted Pasig River.

The event is targeting the participation of up to 120,000 runners in order to break the Guinness World Record for the number of participants in a foot race. The current record is 110,000 runners.

More importantly, registration money from the race will mostly go to the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. The current trend of running in order to keep healthy combined with concern for the environment will be enough to draw the needed number of participants.


There are three categories you can sign-up for:

• 3 kilometer run (starting at the SM Mall of Asia)
• 5 kilometer run (starting at the CCP Complex), and
• 10 kilometer run (starting in Makati)

The registration fee for the race is only 250 Pesos for all three categories. If you want to keep fit, have fun, break a world record, and save the environment at the same time, then you should join A Run for the Pasig River 10:10:10. Bring your family and friends with you as well!

Here are a few video clips on the race:



















Sources:

• http://pinoyfitness.com
• "Filipinos Run With Heart for Pasig River" by Sunshine Lichauco de Leon @ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net
• Videos from kapitbisigilogpasig @ You Tube and philstarcom @ You Tube

[Event] Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa Hosts the Go Green Cebu Fair

Shangri-La Mactan Organizes the Biggest Eco Event of the Year

October 8 and 9, 2010 - Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa will host the second Go Green Cebu Fair. It is only fitting that the two-time ASEAN Green Hotel awardee is given this responsibility.

 Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa (Photo Credit: Nucksfan604 @ Flickr)

If you are an environmentalist then this is the biggest eco event of 2010. Highlights of the fair include talks over a dozen speakers including:

• Efren Penaflorida - CNN's Hero of the Year for 2009 - on how we are all responsible for the environment
• Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan - President and CEO of WWF-Philippines - on the effects of climate change in the Visayas
• Bobby Mamawal - Toyota Motors Vice President for Customer Service - on the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive

 Shangri-La's Beachfront (Photo Credit: Nucksfan604 @ Flickr)

Not really into long talks? Then you can join the fun environmental activities on October 9. First, you can join either the underwater clean up dive or the beach clean up drive. 

Then you can try your hand at:

• green cooking
• jewelry and bag making using recycled materials
• permaculture (which means, building human settlements around nature in order to preserve biodiversity...I'm not sure what you'll be doing in this activity)
• vermicomposting (using earthworms to turn garbage into healthy fertilizer...cool!)

 Go Green Cebu Fair Event Logo (Photo Credit: http://pbspvro.blogspot.com)

Rates for the event are as follows:

• PHP 3,000     Two-day pass inclusive of buffet lunch at Tides
• PHP 2,000     One-day pass inclusive of buffet lunch at Tides
• PHP 500        One day pass

These rates are also inclusive of snacks and city shuttle service. You also have the option to stay overnight at the resort and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. For more information, you can call Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa at (032) 231-0288 or email them at events.mac@shangri-la.com.

Sources:

• http://globalnation.inquirer.net
• http://philstar.com
• email on the Go Green Cebu Fair

[Business] Cebu Pacific and WWF-Philippines Team Up to Save Our Coral Reefs

Air Travel Contributes Significantly to Air Pollution in Our Planet

 

PAL Plane Lands Amidst Polluted Philippine Air

(Photo Credit: Storm Crypt @ Flickr)

Here in the Philippines, we always talk about how the increasing amount of cars on the road - smoke belching or not - are contributing greatly to air pollution. What we may not be aware of is that air travel is also very detrimental to the environment.

In fact, air travel contributes 3-5% of the total air pollution in the world. This means that we should be conscious of which airline we choose to fly with when embarking on local and international flights. Our choices are quite limited in the country. Most Filipinos either fly with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.

One of the main reasons why the latter is gaining in popularity is due to the low rates they offer. Now, there is an even better reason to fly with Cebu Pacific. It is the one and only environmentally friendly airline in the country today.

Cebu Pacific Introduces the Bright Skies for Every Juan Program

(Photo Credit: WWF-Philippines Facebook Fan Page)

By teaming up with WWF-Philippines, the airline has conceptualized and launched the Bright Skies for Every Juan Program. Now, every time you book a ticket with Cebu Pacific, you will see a box which you can click if  you wish to donate to the World Wide Fund for Nature.

All donations will be used for the protection and rehabilitation of our local coral reefs, specifically the Apo Reef and Tubbataha Reefs. Our reefs are in more danger of being destroyed than ever before due to the rise of sea temperature. This leads to coral bleaching which eventually kills the corals.

The next time you book a plane ticket for a business or leisure trip. Remember that you can save money and save the environment at the same time, when you book with Cebu Pacific.

Source:

• WWF-Philippines Facebook Fan Page

[Event] Join the World in Saving Our Environment on 10:10

October 10, 2010 - the biggest eco event this world has ever seen is only a couple of days away.

Environmentalists and volunteers from all over the world have events planned for this day.

Some will be doing big things like installing solar panels for their homes, while others will be engaging in smaller but no less important activities such as planting trees.

Now, there are already 4,483 events planned in over 171 countries across the globe! Unfortunately, nobody in the Philippines has planned anything yet.

Why all the fuss about October 10? Of course, it has a lot to do with the numbers. After all 10/10/10 will only happen once. Thus, the title 10:10. The environmental goal of the event is to cut the world's carbon footprint by 10% every year.

This event is no joke either. Not when Sony has singed up for the event!

Hopefully, all the eco-friendly acts that will be done during the event will be one large step towards this goal.

Whether your are part of a large company, a school organization, or are just a concerned individual - you can make a difference. Visit the official website of  10:10 to see how you can help.

Sources:

• 10/10/10 Global Work Party Facebook Event Page
• http://www.1010global.org/
• Photo Credits: (http://carboncommentary.com & http://johnwhitehouse.mycouncilor.org.uk)

[Event] An Organic and Artisan Flea Market to Be Held in Makati This November

Brown Bag Market - Your One-Stop-Shop For Everything Organic

(Photo Credit: http://brownbagmarket.blogspot.com)

Are you an environment lover? Do you love watching Indie films? Then there's plenty for you to look forward to this next month.

The Brown Bag Market: An Organic and Artisan Flea Market will be held on November 20, 2010. The venue - The Collective, along Malugay Street, Makati City.

A lot of exciting things are planned for the said event, aside from the flea market where you can organic products. There will also be an Indie film viewing session where environmental films will be featured.

What's more, bloggers and photographers will surely enjoy the blogger meet-up and photography workshop that will be held during the same event.

But, wait? There's more!

 Here's a Map in Case You Need Directions

(Photo Credit: http://brownbagmarket.blogspot.com)

Brown Bag Market is in Search of Organic Product Concessionaires

If you are selling organic products, the event's organizers are offering 10 slots for concessionaires.

This would be a good opportunity to introduce your products to a market of eco-friendly persons - not to mention bloggers and photographers - who can spread the good work about your products and causes.

The plan is to hold the Brown Bag Market once a month, for it to be a permanent destination for organic products in the Metro. 

Interested in learning more about the event? Then you can visit the official Brown Bag Market Blog. You can also get in touch with the organizers, through this number - 0922-4186249; or email address - brownbagmarket@ymail.com.

Sources: 

• email from event organizer
• http://brownbagmarket.blogspot.com

[Business] SMART - The Greenest Telecommunications Company in the Philippines

SMART is Rewarded for Green Efforts in the Philippines

SMART breaks away from the ordinary mold of businesses I have been featuring in Environment Philippines. In the past, I have written about companies that sell recycled or organic products. Rags2Riches and the Sumilao Agri-Enterprise sell green products already.

SMART Communications, Inc. doesn't sell green products, but it's efforts in making their company environmentally friendly are more than worth noting. For example, the telecommunications company joined the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines in celebrating Earth Hour 2009.

They are currently undergoing the process of using renewable energy for their cell sites across the country as well. As of now, a huge number of their cell sites are operating under wind or solar power.

While it may be easy for a company to switch-off all lights for an hour a year, it takes a significant investment to purchase wind turbines and solar panels for operating cell sites in different locations nationwide. This is a sign that SMART truly cares for the Philippine environment.

On the plus side for them, this allows their machinery to operate in case of power outages without need of a fuel-powered generator. The company has also been rewarded for its efforts. They are the first ever recipient of the Green Mobile Award at the Global Mobile Awards Congress 2009.

Hopefully, other large organizations will follow in the footsteps of SMART Communications, Inc.

Sources:

• http://smart.com.ph
• "Smart Goes Green on Cell Sites" by Rene Martel @ http://themanilatimes.net
• Photo Credits: http://bergey.com

[Green Living] Aluminum Recycling - Why You Should Start The Habit

 Flattened Aluminum to be Recycled

(Photo Credit: jpeepz @ Flickr)

You've probably seen this at least once or twice. Some person in a restaurant - maybe even someone you know - starts collecting the pull-tabs of all the soft drink cans everyone around her is consuming.

She may even be putting the tabs in a plastic probably containing hundreds of these already. Someone (or maybe even you) ask her why she's collecting the pull-tabs. She says she's selling the tabs to a wheelchair making factory. They recycle the aluminum and use it for making wheelchairs.

Among all the materials you can recycle, aluminum is probably the easiest to collect. You can also earn some extra cash from selling it to recycling factories as well.

Here are 5 convincing reasons why you should get into the habit of aluminum recycling:

1. Recycling Aluminum is Very Helpful to the Environment

Did you know that aluminum is 100% recyclable? This means that every can of Coke you recycle can be reproduced into another can of coke. Imagine the amount of energy and raw materials we would be able to save if we recycled each and every soft drink can we used.

2.  Aluminum Takes Centuries to Decompose

In fact, it takes aluminum over 400 years to do so. This material is used to make many things, but from the soda cans alone, you can imagine the environmental impact of the millions of cans thrown into the dump each month.

3. Recycling Aluminum is Can Help Businesses Save Money

The process of making aluminum products from raw materials is very costly, mainly due to energy costs. You can run a television for 3 hours from the amount of energy you save from recycling a single can of soda. Can you imagine how much power you can save from recycling a hundred, or even a thousand cans?

 Aluminum Recycling Bins Are Very Useful

(Photo Credit: Alanah @ Flickr)

4. You Can Earn Money From Aluminum Recycling

In America, you can earn between 25 to 90 cents per pound of cans you recycle. That's anywhere between 10 to 40 Pesos per pound in Pesos. Now, that's not bad considering all you need to do is collect trash.

Imagine placing boxes beside soda vending machines where people can throw empty cans, or asking a neighborhood restaurant to collect cans for you. Not a bad way to earn some extra money if you ask me.

5. Aluminum Recycling Can Benefit More Than Just the Environment

Aside from collecting soda can pull-tabs that others can use to produce wheelchairs, there are many other things that can be created from recycled aluminum.

So, what are you waiting for? Start recycling aluminum now!

Sources: 

• http://professorshouse.com
• http://thegreentheory.com

[Business] EcoSide Clothing Inc. Launches New Environmental T-Shirt Line

 EcoSide T-Shirt Graphics Designed by PJ Ong

EcoSide Clothing - Because Every Drop Counts 

Cebu City, Philippines - on Wednesday, 22 September 2010, EcoSide Clothing Inc. launched its new line of t-shirts. Their new t-shirt line is entitled  New Drops: A Collective Conscience 2010.

The title is based on the concept that since we are living on this earth, we have a responsibility to take care of it - and that we should do so by taking concrete action.

This concern for the environment and the current state of the world is portrayed through their modern t-shirt graphic designs.

Designed by famous Cebuano graphic artist PJ Ong, these shirts will allow you to make a hip and modern statement on environment protection.

Are you ready to share your beliefs to others? You can choose between a variety of colors, designs, and sizes for both men and women, so you can wear a t-shirt that is uniquely you.

Every drop counts when it comes to saving our world. Be a drop in this collective conscience, and soon we will be an ocean of love for Mother Earth.

Interested in ordering a t-shirt or more? Then visit the EcoSide Facebook Fan Page, for more designs and details on how to order.

Like the t-shirt designs? See more of PJ Ong's work in the Flickr Page of his company - Inodoro Design Studio.

Show that you are on the side of environmental protection. Buy an EcoSide shirt now!


Sources:

• EcoSide Facebook Fan Page
• http://rhipstop.com

[Television] Blood Dolphins Now Airing on Animal Planet

Rick O' Barry and His Team Are Back on the Hunt! 

(Photo Credit: Nikeca @ Flickr)

Did you know that dolphins may be the smartest animals on the entire planet? Don't let their cute smiles fool you because dolphins may be even smarter than man's best friend.

Following in the footsteps of his documentary on dolphin slaughter, The Cove, Rick O' Barrry now returns with a three-part miniseries entitled Blood Dolphins. The TV special began airing last August 27, 2010 on Animal Planet.

In this three episode special, Rick O' Barry and his team delve more into the matter of dolphin killings in Taiji, Japan and around the world. They also put more focus on the cruelty of dolphin captivity.

Now, Sea World fans and lovers of other animals may not be too happy about this. What about sharks, and pandas, and turtles? They don't seem as happy as the ever-smiling dolphins!

Maybe these video clips will change your mind:







Sources:

• http://monstersandcritics.com
• http://japanprobe.com
• Both videos taken from AnimalPlanetTV @ You Tube

[Personal] Updates on Sumilao Corn Coffee and My WWF Membership

I just received the delivery of Sumilao Corn Coffee today!

The box packaging is very simple yet well-designed. The paper looks recycled - it probably is. The coffee is very well sealed in aluminum, didn't open it yet because it won't be fresh anymore. Will try the coffee with office mates tomorrow.

In other news, I tried going to the gym for the first time in Fitness First. It looks real big from the outside, but it's much bigger when you go inside.

I tripped going up the stairs before I began exercise and I tripped going down the same stairs twice after the exercise. The stairs must be haunted. And that was after I signed to contract stating I was perfectly healthy, and nothing crazy was going to happen to me.

I signed up for 12 months using the credit card. Dad said he'd pay for my gym expenses.

In other news (again), I just received my first snail mail from WWF Philippines. They sent it to formally welcome me to the family, give a brief introduction of their goals for the future and their current environmental projects in the Philippines.

I hope the money I donated goes to good use. I haven't told my dad I used the credit card yet. Will pay him yearly. After all, it's my donation, not his.

[Technology] Genetically Modified Eggplant to be Planted in the Philippines

The Benefits of Planting BT Eggplants in the Philippines

 BT Eggplant Looks Plump and Yummy

(Photo Credit: http://gm.org)

Eggplants are one of the more common crops being planted in the country, and it has become part of the regular diet of many Filipinos. One of the enemies of the said crop are the fruit and shoot borers.

The scientific name of this genetically modified crop is Bacillus Thuringiensis - thus the nickname "BT Eggplant." According to numerous studies, this GM crop is indeed effective in doing what it's supposed to do.

Higher yields have resulted in the planting of the said crop during testing. Also, the higher yield comes about with less financial expenses on the part of the farmer. The environmental impact of growing the eggplant is also lessened.

Why We Shouldn't Plant BT Eggplants in the Philippines Yet 

 India - Protesters Rally Against BT Eggplants

(Photo Credit: Greenpeace photograph from http://urbanhomestead.com)

These are all good things, but why then are so many people against the planting of BT Eggplants in the Philippines? Firstly, it's because of biodiversity. The spreading of genetically modified crop seeds have always led to the destruction of other species of the same crop.

Also, international studies such as that from France have proven that this specific GM crop is unsafe for human consumption. In India, the planting of BT Eggplants was even banned until such a time that more studies confirming the healthiness of the said crop arise.

These only some of the many reasons why numerous farmers, environmental groups, and concerned individuals are protesting against the field testing of the said crop in the country. Hopefully, the government will act on these complaints and concrete research from other countries.

Sources:

• "Farmers Protest BT Eggplant Testing" by ML Marigza @ Dateline Philippines Website
• "Experts Back Commercialization of BT Eggplant" by ngamolo @ All Voices Website

[Personal] Waiting For My Sumilao Corn Coffee

 100,000 Pesos is Awarded to the Sumilao Agri-Enterprise

(Photo Credit: Sumilao Corn Coffee @ Facebook)

I ordered 4 boxes of Sumilao Corn Coffee from my friend Cheenee last week. The delivery was supposed to arrive today, but I guess it was delayed. It's also possible that the courier couldn't find The Maxwell Hotel, but that's highly unlikely.

I paid 100 Pesos per box, plus a shipping fee of 240 Pesos - totaling 640 Pesos all-in-all. The shipping price is a killer, although I do have the option of purchasing the coffee without the packaging, which should theoretically make it cheaper to ship to Cebu City.

In case you haven't read my About Me page yet, I am currently working as a hotel operations supervisor for the family business here in Cebu. We've been mulling on the idea of providing thermoses of hot coffee (instead of packs of instant coffee) for our function room guests.

We might offer the coffee as a welcome drink too. Then I remembered the Sumilao Agri-Entrerprise and how they were producing and selling organic coffee. By choosing this coffee I get to help the Sumilao Farmers, help my friends from the Ateneo, help the environment and help the hotel image as well.

Now, that's a lot of help!

 Will the Coffee's Being Caffeine-Free Affect Saleability?

(Photo Credit: Sumilao Corn Coffee @ Facebook)

I'm also thinking of selling the coffee in the hotel, and maybe distributing the product to local supermarkets and convenience stores. It'll be my first foray into entrepreneurship. Hmmm...but these decisions and thoughts all come down to the question "Does Sumilao Corn Coffee taste good or not?"

Hopefully, my delivery arrives tomorrow, so I can get an answer to this question.

[Business] Sumilao Agri-Enterprise Produces Organic Coffee

The Sumilao Farmers and Their March for Land - A Short introduction

 The Sumilao Farmers March for Their Land

(Photo Credit: asianfarmers @ Flickr)

Sumilao, Bukidnon - in 2007 fifty-five farmers decided to fight for their claim to 144 hectares of land that was rightfully theirs. They marched all the way from Mindanao to Manila in what would be known nationwide as the Sumilao March.

I myself joined the farmers in marching once they reached Manila. I marched will them till they reached their stopover point in the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. As a member of the student council, I also organized a fund raising campaign and managed to collect over 50,000 Pesos for the farmers.

In the end, the farmers were given 50 out of the 144 hectares by San Miguel Foods Incorporated (SMFI). The agreement between the two was that the Sumilao Farmers would only be allowed to plant crops on the farm through organic methods - which was perfectly fine.

The Rise of the Sumilao Agri-Enterprise and Sumilao Corn Coffee 

 Sumilao Corn Coffee Being Sold at 12 Baskets in Manila

(Photo Credit: Sumilao Corn Coffee Facebook Fan Page)

In order to help the farmers make the most out of their reclaimed land, volunteers from the Ateneo de Manila University - RG Gabunada, Geoann Hernandez, Cheenee Otarra, and Mika Millar - formed the Sumilao Agri-Enterprise together with eight of the Sumilao Farmers.

The group decided to plant corn - a crop that is commonly grown in the country. It is also resilient to hot weather, which is prevalent in Mindanao - a part of the Philippines rarely hit by storms. As agreed upon earlier, they are growing the corn organically, without the use of harmful chemical fertilizers.

They have also decided to use the organically grown corn for making coffee. Thus, Sumilao Corn Coffee was born.

The social and environmental business has already won two awards, namely the Social Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition sponsored by the British Council and the Business in Development Challenge 2009. They won 20,000 and 100,000 Pesos respectively as award money.

The business has likewise been featured in local media outlets such as The Manila Bulletin newspaper and Entrepreneur Magazine.

The story of the Sumilao Farmers is one of hope that when backed by truth and perseverance, one can indeed find justice in the Philippines.

Source:

• http://sumilaofarm.com