Philippine Eagle Foundation - Saving the National Bird of the Philippines

The Philippine Eagle Foundation - A Brief Introduction

(Photo taken from localyte.com)

Did you know that the Philippine Eagle - the national bird of the Philippines - is critically endangered. Also known as the monkey-eating eagle (a very inaccurate description), this species is endemic to Philippine forests. Indiscriminate logging over the past few decades has led to the near extinction of the eagle.

Fortunately, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) was founded in 1992. The foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the our national bird and the forest habitats it lives in. After all, what good will saving the eagles do if the have no home to return to?

(Entrance to the Philippine Eagle Center. Photo taken from 365 great pinoy stuff @ Wordpress)

To aid in their goal, the foundation established the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) which currently houses an estimate 36 eagles. The PEC also serves as a famous tourist attraction in Davao. The entrance fee is as follows: Php50 for adults (above 18 years old) and Php30 for younger visitors.

Tour guide services are free and you can choose from a variety of modules to engage in during your visit.

How You Can Help the Philippine Eagle Foundation 

Taking care of eagles is not cheap, and the Philippine Eagle Foundation needs lots of help. Here are some ways by which you, your organization, or your company can lend a helping hand:

Join the PEF's roster of Philippine Eagle Supporters by donating one of the following amounts:

• President's Partners                                  Php75,000
• President's Associates                                    20,000
• Protector's Club                                             10,000
• Guardian's Club                                              5,000
• Keeper's Club                                                1,000
• Explorer's Club (13 yrs. old and below)               500                                

Adopt and eagle or a nest by donating one of the two amounts:

• Name an Eagle                    Php125,000 a year (for 5 years)
• Adopt an Eagle                         100,000 a year (for 5 years)
• Adopt a Nest                            100,000 a year (for 5 years)

Aside from making donations, you can also volunteer for the Philippine Eagle Center. You can also join them in field work, administrative work, organizing special events (like Philippine Eagle Week every June), and help organize fundraising projects. 

For more information, please visit the official website of the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

[Technology] Roving Billboards and Why They Should Be Banned from our Streets

Metro Manila streets no doubt the most congested in the country. With so many cars, taxis, jeeps, buses, tricycles, and motorcycles plying our streets it's no wonder there seems to be a traffic jam in every corner of the Metro.

Then to add to this already dismal situation, we now have these so called roving advertisements to contend with. Isn't enough that our streets are lined with giant billboards. They now even stick giant ads onto buildings now. Plus, there are ads found on public utility vehicles like buses and taxis.

With all this clutter rolling around, I don't see the need for another vehicle whose sole purpose it is to drive around advertising this or that company. For one, the roving billboard causes additional traffic, which annoys the hell out of a lot of motorists.

(Roving billboards advertising a shampoo brand in Makati City)

I don't think putting an ad on something that angers people is a good marketing strategy for any company. Secondly, its a waste of fossil fuel. You have a van driving all over the Metro from morning till night, just so that thousands of motorists can see a particular ad.

Talk about air pollution. This has got to be one of the most environmentally unfriendly advertising platforms today. There traditional ways to market your company through television, radio or print. You can go modern and advertise online, or even rely on the most effective marketing strategy - word of mouth.

If you absolutely have to advertise to motorists then by all means rent billboard space or ad space on a public utility vehicle, but please stay away from roving billboard ads.

[News] Dolphin Slaughter in Taiji, Japan to Start Again This September 2011

Today - September 1 - marks the start of the horrendous annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan.

Each year, around 2,000 dolphins are trapped by Japanese fishermen within a cove in Taiji. A lucky few are sold to aquariums and ocean parks around the world, while the rest are slaughtered for food. Dolphin meat is sold in supermarkets together with other meats as part of the regular Japanese diet.

(Dolphin and Whale Meat are Known to Have Dangerously High Levels of Mercury)

It was in 2009, when dolphin rights activist Rick O' Barry and his team released the documentary "The Cove," which won numerous awards that year, including an Oscar. Rick and his team had to go engage in espionage to secretly record the actual slaughter on video. Since then, Rick together with Save Japan Dolphins has been working hard to raise awareness about the dolphin slaughter and prevent it from happening again.

Even celebrities have shown their support. Hayden Panettiere actually flew to Japan and visited Taiji last 2010 to stage a one-day protest against the killing of dolphins. In the Philippines, local artist AG Sano was so distraught by Rick's documentary that he began a campaign to paint thousands of dolphin murals all over the country. He was recently named an environmental hero by WWF-Philippines.

(Hayden Panettiere Unwelcome in Taiji, Japan)

Unfortunately, the Japanese government continues to ignore the please of the international community. Around 19,000 dolphins are killed in Japan yearly, with the government's approval. The Japanese are also notorious for killing whales in the guise of scientific research.

 (AG Sano and Volunteers Paint a Dolphin Mural in Marikina)

For more information on the dolphin and whale killings in Japan you can watch "Blood Dolphins" and "Whale Wars." The former was a 3-part miniseries aired on Animal Planet last 2010, while the latter is now on its fourth season on the same television network.

It's September once again and concerned persons from all over the world are protesting against the annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. In the Philippines, a peaceful demonstration was held in front of the Japanese Embassy from 9 to 11am this morning. Hopefully, the killing will come to an end soon.

Want to help in Rick O' Barry's fight for dolphin freedom? Then visit the Save Japan Dolphins website.

[Technology] A Liter of Light - Bringing Solar Power to More Filipino Families

A Liter of Light Introduces the Solar Bottle Bulb 

Through the My Shelter Foundation, Illac Diaz is engaging in a project called Isang Litrong Liwanag or A Liter of Light, which aims to introduce the Solar Bottle Bulb as an environmental and budget friendly alternative to using regular light bulbs during the daytime.

The foundation's goal is to have a million homes in the country using these lights by the year 2012. According to a 2009 study conducted by the National Electrification Commission, over 3,000,000 homes outside Metro Manila are still powerless here in the Philippines.

Furthermore, another report states that one of the leading causes of home-related fires is faulty wiring. If this happens in the homes of the well-to-do, what more in those living in shanties and makeshift homes. By using these solar powered bulbs, homeowners will be able to enjoy well lighted homes during the day, without the fear of causing a fire or paying higher electricity fees.

The Solar Bottle Bulb - How Does it Work?

The Solar Bottle Bulb was invented by a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a kind of Appropriate Technology that can be easily applied and replicated in developing countries such as the Philippines. The technology is already being installed in places such as Tondo, Baseco, and Laguna.


You can actually create your own solar powered light bulb in five easy steps:

1. Fill a clear 1.5-liter bottle with purified water (tap water will get mossy in the future)
2. Add three table spoons of liquid bleach
3. Tightly seal the cap
4. Punch a hole on your sealing just big enough for the bottle to fit
5. Use sealant to ensure the bottle stays in place, and to prevent future leaks during rain

It will only cost an estimated P150 to complete a solar bulb setup, and using it will save you around P80 per month, or even more if the power costs rise again.

Do keep in mind that this is a solar powered light source, so it won't work at night. Still, millions of homes in the Philippines are pitch dark even during the day, so this invention is really useful. For more information, you can visit the official website of A Liter of Light, and you can also watch their official video below:

[News] Justice for Doc Gerry Ortega - When Will the Government Take Action?

August 24, 2011 - Today marks the 7th month since the murder of environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega.

Seven months have passed and no one has been placed behind bars for this crime against press freedom, against the environment, and against the people of Palawan affected by unethical mining practices.

The supporters of Dr. Gerry believe they have more enough evidence to establish probably cause against Joel Reyes and co., so we call on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review this case and realize that:

"When the government condones media killings, we shout. When they turn their backs on us, we shout even louder," as mentioned by Mika Ortega, my friend, and daughter of Dr. Gerry.

Do not let our calls for justice fall on deaf ears. Spread the word against the killing of media personnel and environmentalists who have lost their lives exposing the truth, for the betterment of the Filipino people.

Justice for Dr. Gerry Ortega!

[Business] Tera Lifestyle - Making the Green Bag Even Greener

Introducing a New Line of Eco Bags From Tera Lifestyle

Tera Lifestyle is one of the newest companies to sell green bags in the Philippines. Formed just this 2011, the company is owned by entrepreneurs Teri Pagal and Borgy Tan-Abing.

Their bags are currently available at Bratpack stores around the country, including those in Greenbelt 5, Gateway, SM Pampanga, SM Davao, Abreeza (also in Davao), KCC Gen San, and SM Cagayan de Oro branches. 

Teri has always cared for the environment. She enjoyed collecting eco bags during her shopping trips and she always tried to practice energy conservation day by day. 

"When I was on a business trip overseas one time, I came across this stall that sells jute bags and I simply fell in love with them. I love how natural yet beautiful the material can be," Teri says.

"I told myself I had to bring it here, so people can realize that you can do your part by living a green lifestyle and still appreciate fashion and beautify at the same time."

Why Tera Lifestyle Jute Bags are Better than Other Eco Bags

Tera bags are made of jute, but what exactly is that? Jute is an extremely versatile vegetable fiber that can be weaved into strong threads. It is currently being used as a sack for Starbucks Coffee.  

There are many benefits to using jute bags:

• they are biodegradable - they easily breakdown and mix with soil upon being thrown away
• they are carbon friendly - they absorb several times more carbon dioxide than most trees
• they are renewable and sustainable - they will not lead to the extinction species or depletion of resources
• they are extremely durable - each has a lifespan of a thousand plastic carrier bags

Did you know that PP bags (commonly known as supermarket green bags) aren't really that green? They are made from Proly Propylene, a byproduct of the petrochemical industry. 

Thus, jute bags are greener than reusable supermarket bags.   

Tera Lifestyle jute bags, Teri says, are produced in India because that's where the most jute fiber producing plants are being grown (Maybe someone might want to plant these in the Philippines). 

The company designs its own bags. For more information you can visit the Tera Lifestyle Facebook page. The Tera Lifestyle official website will be up and running soon.

"I believe that the people are now more aware of the perils of global warming. With all the major calamities being experienced all over the world, we know for a fact that our resources are getting depleted. This presents a very scary notion but it doesn't mean that we are left with no alternatives," says Teri.

"We can take steps in order to ensure that the next generation can still enjoy the same earth that we live in. We really only have one. We should all do our part."

[Business] Energy Development Corporation Saves Philippine Forests Through Binhi Greening Program

Introducing the Binhi Greening Program of Oscar M. Lopez and EDC

Binhi is a Cebuano term which means 'seedling.' A single seed if planted on good soil and with the proper care, can grow into a mother tree. This mother tree can then produce many more seedlings, making possible to propagating of its species throughout the country.

This is the concept being followed by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) as it engages in the Binhi Greening Program. This program was created by Lopez Group, Inc. Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez. It's purpose is to save the endangered species of trees in the country, especially those which are endemic to the Philippines.


Binhi undergoes a 4-pronged strategy in order to achieve its goals:

1. Trees for the Future

Planting trees within urban areas is good, but planting endangered species of trees in these areas is better. This is because it's easier to take care of the trees when their right within your neighborhood. Low possibility of illegal loggers there as well.

2. Trees for Food

The EDC plans to plant 5,000-hectares worth of tree plantations within the corporations five geothermal project sites in the country. Certain groups will benefit from the farming of these trees once they have matures. Tree farming is practiced in other countries as a form of responsible logging.

(EDC Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez and DENR Secretary Ramon Paje

shake hands after signing a partnership for the government's National Greening Program)

3. Trees for Life

 The EDC will engage in assisted natural regeneration (ANR) for forests in the Philippines. This will help bridge the gap between forest created by excessive logging practices. Through, ANR it is hoped that the great forests of the country will once again grow healthy and strong.

4. Trees for Leisure

In other portions of their geothermal sites (they must have really huge geothermal sites!) the EDC will also develop their forestry into eco-tourism hotspots. This will be done in cooperation with various government agencies such as the Department of Toursim (DOT) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

For more information, please visit the official website of the Energy Development Corporation.

[News] Hinge Inquirer Publications Goes Paperless - Digital Editions of Magazines Now Available

Join Hinge Inquirer Publications in Saving Trees by Purchasing their Digital Magazines 

 Digital Editions of Hinge Inquirer Magazines (taken form PDI website)

Hinge Inquirer Publications, in response to the growing market for digital readers and publications, has recently made available digital editions of all their magazines. The digital magazines one can now subscribe to are:

• Cocoon 
• Look
• Northern Living
• Southern Living
• Urban Living
• Game!
• Baking Press
• F&B World
• MultiSport, and
• Turista

Now readers can enjoy their favorite magazines on their computer, i-Pad, i-Phone, i-Touch, Samsung Galaxy Tab, other Android Tablets, and smartphones. Buying the digital versions of these magazines will allow one to read the publication in exactly the same format as the print edition.

Going paperless allows the company to help in the preservation of trees and forests. Hinge Inquirer Publications President Poch Bermudez recently won an award for the Multimedia Platform business model being implemented now. He was awarded during the Asian Publishing Convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

Subscribe to Hinge Inquirer Magazine Publications for Free

 The Amazon Kindle Edition of the PDI is now Available

All annual subscribers to Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), Bandera, and Cebu Daily News can get free digital editions of all Hinge Inquirer titles except Cocoon and Look.

These two magazines are available for free only to subscribers - annual or otherwise - of the PDI, which also has an Amazon Kindle edition. 

One can also get a huge discount by subscribing to an all-title plan with the company. For more information on how to subscribe, read this article on Hinge Inquirer Publications.

[News] No to Coal, Yes to Renewable Energy in Subic Bay

Construction of 600 MW Power Plant in Subic Heavily Opposed

 

This news might not be fresh to everyone, but there is an ongoing petition to stop the building of a 600-MW coal-fueled power plant in Subic Bay.

The Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB) is one of the biggest groups opposing the construction of the coal-powered plant. The bureau is supported by various individuals and organizations, including business groups, and government officials.

They're trying to convince the Manila Electric Company, Aboitiz Power Corporation and Taiwain Cogeneration Corporation, to construct a power plant that uses green technology instead.

Aside from its obvious negative environmental impact, the reputation of Subic as a prime eco-tourism destination in the country will be tarnished should the construction of the power plant push through, according to those in opposition of the coal plant.

The Dangers of Coal Power are Devastating

Coal is considered to be the greatest source of air pollution and carbon emissions in our world today. Emissions produced by coal powered plants contribute to the occurrence of acid rain, which leads to the damaging of rivers and lakes.

Crops are adversely affected by coal. Our health is also endangered due to particle pollution caused by the combustion of coal.

Visit this link if you want to view or sign the no to coal online petition against the building of a coal plant in Subic.

[Press Release] Win a Trip for 3 to Mount Pulag by Joining the Trail Adventours Photo Contest

Want to go on an adventure with two of your friends this 2011? Want to enjoy a weekend getaway on Mt. Pulag the highest point of Luzon, Philippines?  Then you should join this photography contest sponsored by Trail Adventours - one of the best online-based travel businesses in the Philippines.

Here are the detailed mechanics of the Trail Adventure contest:

Qualifications:
1. The contest is open to all provided he/she is physically able to climb and trek.
2. To qualify he/she must be a registered member on Facebook.

Procedures:
1. Search for your most adventurous photo with your friends. It could be anywhere; from the mountains to the beach and from caving to surfing. Please note that the more adventurous it looks, the better it is!

2. Email this photo at info@trailadventours.com with the following attached on it.
* Title of Photo
* You and Your friends' FULL NAME, contact numbers and email address, along with a short description telling us why your photo represents adventure (no more than 3 sentences long).

3. Deadline of Submission is on August 25, 2011. All qualified photo entry will be posted on the “Win an Adventure” album in the Trail Adventours Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pa​ges/Trail-adventours/15467​9251224435). Invite people to “LIKE” your entry to get more chances of winning!

4. This will be a popularity contest. Most “likes” on the Photo will win a Free Trip For Three on Mt. Pulag!

5. “Liking” period will start on August 26, 2011 and end on October 15, 2011 Midnight.

6. Winning entry photo will be announced on October 16, 2011. It will be posted on our facebook fan page and winners will be contacted privately.

7. The prize includes all inclusions provided for a normal participant during the climb. (Winner can choose to join the October or November 2011 trips)

8. The prize is not convertible to cash and non-transferable.

9. To redeem prize winner must present a valid ID during the pre-climb orientation

[Personal] 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit in October - Environment Philippines Invited to be Resource Speaker

The 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit will be hosted by Iligan City this October 29, 2011. The Iligan Bloggers Society was chosen to be the organizers for the event.

One Green Mindanao: Mobilizing Bloggers to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle is the theme for this year, which is probably why I was invited to be a resource person for the summit.

I am honored to have been identified as a potential resource speaker, but I don't see myself as an expert on local environmental concerns,or the environmental concerns of Mindanao. However, I am willing to speak more on my inspirations for making an environmental blog and how I go about the blogging process.

Also, I have to check whether or not I'm actually free on that date. It seems quite close to my final exams during the first semester of my MBA.

I really want to go though. I've never been to Iligan City, or anywhere in Mindanao, for that matter. And they're going to pay for my round trip airfare and lodging. And this is one of the things I've been looking forward to as a blogger, being invited to events and getting to travel to new places.

For updates on the summit, you can visit the Facebook Page of the 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit. You might also enjoy reading more about the Mindanao Bloggers Society.

[Technology] Sikat II Solar Powered Car Philippine Entry to 2011 World Solar Challenge

New Filipino Made Solar Powered Car Features Significant Improvements

After earning 12th place - over 30 other countries - in the 2007 World Solar Challenge, the Philippines is sending another solar powered car in place of Sinag (runray).

Sikat II (sunrise), created by a team of students for De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, is now the official entry of the Philippines for 2011.

This year, the contest will be held in Australia from October 16 to 23. Hopefully, the Philippine delegation can earn more awards and recognitions for the country this time around.

Several improvements are present in the latest version of the solar vehicle:

• It weighs only 180 kilograms, 60% lighter than the previous model
• It has a more aerodynamic design, which allows more speed and less energy consumption
• Upgraded solar cells will allow the car to reach speeds of 110kph

 A total of P7,000,000 was spent on the construction of the Sikat II Solar Car. The car cannot be driven during pouring rain, but this is the norm for solar powered cars.

A test run was done on the country premier expressway, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) on August 2-3, 2011. Good thing it didn't rain, and the test was a huge success.

[Press Release] Biofuel pioneer SEAOIL launches bottle recycling drive

Donate Your SEAOIL Lubricant Bottles and Earn Some Extra Cash 

As part of its advocacy to promote environmental awareness, SEAOIL has started a recycling drive where customers get cash in exchange for returning empty SEAOIL lubricant bottles to any SEAOIL station nationwide. The program will run until August 31, 2011.

Customers can get 30 pesos if they return a 4-liter SEAOIL MAKO 5W40, and 10 pesos for a 1-liter bottle.

For 4-liter bottles of GEO Supreme, DEO Max, GEO GT 40, GEO GT 30, DEO HDX 500 SAE 40, DEO HD 200 SAE 40, EP 90, EP 140, 4T Power, and 2T Grand Prix, customers can get 5 pesos, and 1 peso for a 1-liter bottle.

“By reusing old bottles for the packaging of our lubricant products, SEAOIL is doing its part in minimizing the impact plastics have on the environment,” said SEAOIL president Glenn Yu.

“SEAOIL believes that everything we do, big or small, has an effect in this world. So it is important that we take every measure to consciously promote better environmental care,” added Yu.

SEAOIL Committed to Sustainable Development Through Biofuels Program

Since its establishment in1996, the company has put into act the research, development, and production of environmentally-safe petroleum products. SEAOIL spearheaded the Biofuels program, an alternative energy program that aims to enrich the lives of the Filipino by promoting cleaner air through the use of biomass-derived fuel.

In 2005, SEAOIL became the first in the country to promote Biofuels by launching E10, the first gasoline blended with 10% ethanol. Ethanol and Coco Methyl Ester are 100% biodegradable materials used in the blending of SEAOIL fuel. It does not pose any threat to the environment and help produce cleaner emissions.

SEAOIL is the first independent fuel company to put up a gasoline retail station in 1997, following the deregulation of the country's downstream oil industry. It has since aggressively expanded its retail network and has become the country’s largest independent fuel firm establishing gasoline stations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.