Live Life to the Fullest – Epilogue of Meaningful Life Adventure

“There are points in our life that we do something that makes us happy. Learn to cope up. Take those positive things to do one step at a time. Just be patient and someday everything will come to reality.”

I got to worked before in Las Piñas area for almost two years and getting back again was a reminiscence of looking back comparing the “before and after” especially the Villar Foundation.

This time it was different.  We were tour around and oriented on the different projects spearheaded by Ms. Cynthia Villar which is the main purpose is to rehabilitate not only the environmental aspect but to uplift the livelihood and well-being of the people around.

These are  the following livelihood projects:

1. Coconut Weaving  located at Barangay E. Aldana

Concept:  To produce coconut net that can be use for slope protection and soil erosion control thus holding the plant’s root system which also absorbs water. 

According to Engr. Dexter Gonzales,  instead of throwing away those green coconut husk as a waste material, its fiber can be drawn out to rope and can be weave as net.

Engr. Gonzales even shown to us the step-by-step procedure on how to do it:

• Put the husk into decorticating machine that let to separate the fibers and dust.
• Separate the fiber and dust it.
•  Twine in preparation for a rope.
• Weave the twined rope to produce net.

I got to seen this one in the southern area using abaca products. Good to know that those husks are effective way to protect environment. It has also created jobs along barangay from all walks of life – men, women like mother, grandmother while children can also be with them.

We have also personally met Divine who were working during our visit and how this livelihood project changed her life.

2.  Handloom Weaving Center located at Bernabe Compound, Pulang Lupa

Concept: To weave blankets that can be sent to victims of disasters in various parts of the Philippines.

According to Engr. Dexter, most of the workers were dropped-out from school and trained here to weave.  Each of them was able to do three (3) blankets a day.

Activities shown here were:

• Arranging those thread running in a refurbished electric fan.
• Once the thread was set-up on the loom, one can make a flat pieces of knitting based on the width size of the pattern.
• Then the weave will begin setting the blanket to be long.

3.  Eco-Center located at Barangay Pamplona Dos

Concept: Using biodegradable wastes to produce quality compost

This time, the barangay chairman, Mr. Roberto Villalon  oriented us on the steel composters that can produced almost 1,000 kilos of organic fertilizers a month.   One bag cost P 3.00 per kilo which is far beyond more affordable compared to other fertilizers sold in the market.

Mr. Villalon demonstrated to us the segregation and composting made of biodegradable waste. This was not new to me since we were practicing the same method with our Los Banos Garden Society in Laguna to nourish more the growth of our horticultural plants.

The process include:

• Kitchen waste were picked-up by garbage collectors along the neighborhood and put it in a well-sealed white container.
• These were manually mixed with trichodema and coconut dust that came from the coconut weaving.
•  After thorough mixing, this will be placed in a composting hammer machine that would pulverized to produce an organic fertilizer.

How about those plastic bags or sachets included with those trash?

Mr. Villalon showed to us the use of plastic materials  that can also be included in doing hollow blocks and bricks from a mix of one sack of cement and kilos of plastic.  Did you see those red and blue color below within those hollow blocks?  Those were plastics together with those cement that can beused as a filler.

4.  River Station and Livelihood Center  located at BF Resort Village Barangay Talon Dos

Concept:  Clean up the garbage and water lily floating around the river to avoid flooding

Whow, I was amazed to see lot of improvements in this historical river!

Way back then, I have to climb in a woody stairs, pay P 2.00  just to crossed over the fastest path going to Cavite  whenever I got a meeting with my client after a work in Las Piñas.

Lot of improvements, I may say!  If only I took those pictures way back then, we could compare how this river become so nature friendly together with those almost clean atmosphere of free flowing water bodies around and trees to support it.

Engr.  Gonzales told us that this was actually a historical dam that can be part of cultural heritage conceptualized by St Ezekiel Moreno (Patron Saint for Cancer victims) that would provide water capacity along the nearby areas.

5. Las Pinas Arts and Crafts  located at Caroline Masibay St.  BF Resort Village Barangay Talon Dos

Concept:  To convert water hyacinth into handicraft products

When I was working in Las Piñas, instead of going to the nearby mall, my first stop was going here in this arts and crafts to check those latest creations.

If budget permits, I would bought those native decorations at home or a gift to loved ones and friends.

I heart those materials intricately made out of dried water hyacinth stalks that can be converted to extra-ordinary handicrafts and can make one each home a stand-out.  Those interiors that can be use to as an accents to lights, furniture,  wall decor, cabinets and alike.  They also maximize the use of bamboo crafts that is very common product in the heart of Las Pinas.  Remember, their famous bamboo organ?

After our tour, we got to personally met and have lunch with Mrs. Cynthia Villar.

We got those casual talks sharing those experiences on how to mentor, monitor and especially spearheading this kind of advocacy.  It was truly a huge task to take to be on this kind of advocacy.

I have been to different NGO project but what stuck to my mind on those simple meet-ups where actions to initiate to make it a reality:

• Its harmful consequences into environment can be best achieved if “someone would take those lead”.  Creating awareness is the first and foremost  the initial key.

• A leader can only initiate being a role model and the main primary supporter.  All products hand-over like coconut net, blankets and handicraft were used by Las Pinas community and found to be effective in preserving the nature.

• Together with the people around the community, stricter rule of banning like the use of plastic bags by the government can now be easily be supported.

This would really be a tough job.

But based on my assessment with Mrs.  Villar advocacy, there were really some points in life that we do something to make a dream a reality. Learn to cope up.   Take those positive steps one day at a time.  Just be patient and someday everything will come to reality.

For more information: Visit their website – Villar Foundation

Kudos again as I end my post with this video by Jordin Sparks – One Step at a Time.

Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.
by: A. A. Milne

For almost a month now, friends with interest in blogging and photography planned an out-of-town activity where we can work, exchange ideas, travel and play in the sun at the same time.

There were hurdles along the way like:

• mode of transportation
• getting the schedule that would fit to everyone
• companions like family, friends or loved ones
• day tour or overnight

Despite all of this, the wait was over when we already push those plans to become a reality as each of us carried those spirit of camaraderie, openness and cooperation along the way.  Meeting one mind to push-thru with it is the most important part.

Most of them arrived before the specified time for meet-ups so very early in the morning.  Excited with lot of enthusiasm, I suppose as we kept on updating thru calls, text message and social media (facebook, twitter) status.

Now the tour began in Anilao Beach located at the southeast area of Batangas nestled in Mabini town which is a a 3-hour drive if one is coming from Manila. Anilao is very popular in clean blue water even without those powdery sand around.

We stayed at Aguila Beach Resort which is very accessible along Mabini stretch.  This is also the first resort that you can transcend for those adventurers who like to explore the Anilao beach right away.

As soon we arrived together, what we did was to stroll along the resort, walked along the shore and do swimming while others were already taking those pictures around the beach.

For meals, we ate at Eagle’s Den and we got suggestions to try most of their seafood dishes and some meaty food like Crispy Pata and Sisig. My only worry was my skin allergy.  But then, discipline in tasting the food in a bite is always the key to enjoy all those succulent cravings.  Anyway, I will have a separate post for this one because there are a lot to share with this food escapade.

During those relaxing hours in a day, exchange stories came by and we started to know each other more especially sharing crafts like blogging and photography.   Something like:

• How one can schedule posting the blog despite of the myriads of good write-ups and events coming
• Photographs that were also in line for selecting and due for editing
• Doing content on the blog posts

Yes I experience the same thing which made me realize you are not alone on some of your predicaments.  At the end, still, organizing and being discipline goes hand in hand in each tasks.

After the late merienda,  the waiting was over when we almost rush to witness the beauty of Anilao beach – the sunset.

Even at the metro, I love watching the sunset as the sun gradually dropped out of the sight displaying those ray path of light.

The whole horizon of the sea captivated its combination between each nature’s color.

Even clouds are floating, sunset adds color to the sky, as if  one was looking through the gates of Heaven.

I actually took only  a few shots of it.  Maybe to give time to breathe and feel the captured beauty on its own.

Day tour was the only plan with the group but when we knew from the local that one can trek up to see the whole stretch of Anilao beach at the top, we stayed to witness those lookout.  Anyway, the resort allowed us an overnight stay and who would resist it if that was the original plan.

I missed also those hiking last week we had in Anawangin.  If  we can substitute this into physical activity to socialize, workout and enjoy nature’s beauty, then I am very, very willing to do it again aside from staying in a cafe and ate.

We walked for almost 30 minutes stripping thru Bisa Resort and up to Orense to see the panoramic view of Anilao Beach.

Truly captivating at the top!  Reaching it in cemented grounds makes it more easier to do those walks.

Overall, the result of this out-of-town activity is a success, I may say. There would be some improvements along the way like more people to join by providing a bigger transportation, include more activities like boating to other places and more resorts to explore.

Out of town adventure like this is also a form of fitness activity like walking, swimming, hiking, trekking and at the same time capturing a surround nature folded with fresh air.  One thing for sure, organizing such an event is a huge task especially if one is spearheading it to happen.  Laying all those cards to meet each mind is valuable once each has its goal or objective.

Definitely, there would be another trip for us and for now, I am just anticipating….

“We are only living in one earth, be involve – don’t blow it rather cherish it and mostly, love it.”

Ever since we transferred here in Laguna, me and hubby oriented our children to appreciate nature. Rather than going to the mall, we introduced them that there are other activities to be done like biking, jogging, reading books, picnic but especially to appreciate green environment.

One of the places aside from U.P. Los Banos oval field where we jog and have a picnic under fertility tree is Nuvali at Sta. Rosa Laguna.

There were times that I accompanied my parents to visit the place and they simply love it. I just like them to see that our decision to move in the south is really a worth having this nature very close to our home.

Aside from the activities I mentioned, here are some unique activities everyone can enjoy:

• Feeding the Koi

Hundreds of them literally jumping out of the water grabbing the food as all of them are flourished the side of the lake.  Koi’s feeds can be buy at P 15.00 per pack.

• Water taxi ride along the eco-river

The trip travel is a 10-minute ride around the lagoon area that has fountains and bridge to enjoy it more. The water taxi can accommodate 10 persons. Cost of the ride per person is P 30.00.

• Evolving Center

Evolving Center is located at the end of the lagoon – sort of museum structure which exhibits interactive and harmonious lifestyle in green environment.

I am passionate with recyclables and green materials. I would love to have this set of eco-friendly furniture to our home.

Now, I am seating them already.  Can’t remove myself and love to take it home.

The Evolving Center also showcase the green architecture like how to sustain and conserve water along the area.

These are some of the eco-attraction I can show to you.  Personally you have to visit the place to see for yourself.

I would like to share with you this simple video on the plans they are offering which I myself personally saw some of this development:

This is not just an eco-friendly tour.  There are definitely life lesson reminders I have learned here as I like to share this with you.  Actually we know it already and sometimes we do not bother to practice it:

• Involve our loved ones especially our children to a more worth while activities that will appreciate nature at its best.  Their playful hobby do not stop in playing video/on-line games or just watching cable television.  Go out, stroll, bike and jog.
• Practice recycles by separating our trashes from biodegradable to non-biodegradable which will begin right thru our home.
• Involve ourselves in eating healthier food like vegetables and fruits
• Use eco-friendly bag or native bag instead of plastics during our groceries or going to market

I am quite fret with the ever-increasing populations who are transferring in the area.  Hopefully not only the developer but the neighboring community will stick to their commitment of sustainable environment and maintain how to best take care of them by continuous awareness to our mother earth-  God’s ever marvelous creation.

Anyway beside these worth while activities, Nuvali always in-store activities every month to excite their visitors in this eco-community environment.  I for one will definitely bring the whole family one of these weekends to make their summer more eco-friendly.

This month of May 2011, Nuvali organized an event called “I  Love Earth” – designed to educate environment and understand the knowledge in living a healthy lifestyle.  Check their banner announcement below for the complete set of activities. For more information, click their website link  - http://www.nuvalievoliving.com/

Hopefully, when you are just along the south  (Tagaytay, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas), you can check Nuvali’s place now that there are lot of attractions and activities this summer.

Do let me know your insights and hopefully this simple place return us back to what really means what an urban living is…

“Go out and explore the world.  Do something new.  From there you can appreciate and embrace more learning”

Fridays and nearly end of the month are always crucial to work deadlines. But then, I got an evening invite that I cannot resist – a studio tour in GMA Network. Even my hands were  tied up, I scheduled all my priorities to be done Thursday evening and Friday morning.  I know, all of them were not   done yet, but still, I really love to see the behind scene of this giant network.

To be official, they gave us this GMA Kapuso button.  Gosh, I remember this part of being a tourist to other countries or with my students then, having  some sort of educational tour.  Come to think of it, I just miss it!

From the entrance door displayed the costume of Encantadia, the fantasy series that our family look forward ever since it was shown then in GMA Network.

I was able to enter the 97.1 FM Radio Studio.  This was some sort of time travel for me. I still vividly remember the first logo of 97.1 LSFM when I was still in college which concentrated on Campus Radio then.  Now they have changed it to Barangay LS to cater more to general public.

I got to personally met the DJ behind this afternoon timeslot – Papa Kiko.

We visited also some of their studios where sounds and lightnings were currently on the set-up.

We even passed by to their news studio! Whoow, impressive as I always saw this in our home television whenever I watched 24-Oras.

I was overwhelmed to share that GMA Network ‘s state-of-the art broadcast studio showcased most up-to-date equipment for audio systems, lighting effects and video designs.

I know I am not engaged into a TV network but on the point of view of  a techie person like me, have observed that most of the studios are equipped with high-end digital speaker that allows studio-to-studio link for multi-studio-audio-communication.  That also means there is a program management system that controls the whole technicalities. Now I appreciate more my Data Communication subject!

Seeing all of this in my own eye, now I am eager to know what still in store for the televiewers now that we will be anticipating another new month of May 2011. Got this video link from GMA Network as it unveils several top-notch programs.

To narrate this video, these include Manny Pacquiao versus Shane Mosley, Munting Heredera, Blusang Itim, Andres de Saya, Sisid, Playful Kiss, Amaya and My Chubby World.

But among these incoming programs, what struck me was the beatification ceremonies of our great Pope – John Paul II and “Ground Zero”.

• “Ground Zero” is an environmental documentary on one of the nature’s big events – earthquakes.  The public will give more a better understanding of the natural phenomenon to find out which cities and provinces are exposed to natural hazards.

• Since young, I was a fan of our pope – Pope John Paul II.  Because of great admiration to his life, I remembered then I even join a quiz contest and even won. What GMA will be presenting will highlight the beatification ceremonies and a documentary that summarized the extraordinary life of one of the 21st century greatest man, Karol Wotyla.

Given this exhilarating experience , what are my life lessons here?  Oh soo many to mentioned, but here are just some of it:

• I have many predicaments when I was about to turn down this invitation.  But I guess, I have to be flexible and do something about it. There are still enough time to arrange and do it.  Opportunity like this only knock once  and we have to take advantage of it.

• We are always stock  to our usual routines and comfort zones. We have to explore more.  It is not enough that we just watch TV.  Learning do not stop there.  We can only try to be something different if we go out. Let these new found experience be a breeding ground for new yet great ideas.

As I end my post, truly I can say, I will really settle for more learnings to come.  It is not too late after all as we embrace our living life to its fullest day by day.

Happy reading everyone! Let me also know your insights by putting your comments below.

“Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows.” ~Michael Landon

I was in the middle of my consulting and got a text message about tsunami that heats Japan at magnitude 8.9 quake and got a PhilVocs alert level 2 in Eastern Philippines and Tsunami warning.

I was about to visit an event that night but have to cancel, go home immediately, be online and check the status of my friends who were currently living in Japan. 

I am also curious to check and google it if this disaster was previously anticipated and take some precautionary actions in order to lessen the impact of losing lives ahead.   It is not actually, never one think that this will be happenning.

I find myself soo fortunate especially family, friends and loved ones that all are safe compare to those that was devastated not only homes but their whole lives itself.   

Then I realize one thing – a reflection in living our life.  We have to spent every minute of it to the fullest.   Hug those we love so much as in tight, care for them, try to reach out, help, always be happy and be contented as we share ourselves to others. We never know this would be our last day as we always push ourselves to the limits.

We might not be able to be there to help Japan personally but our simple prayer can be a compelling reason to reach them out.   By clicking this link  http://www.light-a-candle.org/ , we can light a virtual candle offered for the victims of Japan as we send our online prayers to them.

I just did, hope you too.

Got the opportunity to attend World Wide Fund  (WWF) for Nature  Philippines’ Earth Hour Advocacy last night,  March 10 at Alamid, Cafe Express located at ground floor of  R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor eXchange) in B1 Bonifacio High Street Taguig City.

WWF has been helping communities in the Philippines adapt climate change,  secure food and water sources, conserve local ecosystems and species, minimize ecological impacts and development and promote renewable sources of clean energy.

The meeting is about the invitation this March 26, 2011 who would like to assist and spread the news for the Earth Hour 2011 - one of WWF’s most successful global campaigns for four years now which becomes a global phenomenon.

As a global campaign, Earth Hour is a worldwide initiative showing how individuals, communities, businesses and governments can address the threat of global warming and one can only resolve it if we work together.

Earth Hour inspired more than a billion people worldwide and over 15 million Filipinos to switch off their lights for the planet.

For today’s Earth Hour theme for 2011, everyone is encourage to “go well BEYOND the hour for EARTH HOUR”. 

Following are some activities we can do:

• Get into the habit.
  Unplug your phone charger when your phone is fully charged.
• Drive less.
  Walk, ride your bike, use public transport or try car pooling
• Turn off your computer at night.
  Both at home and at work.
• If you really need to travel by plane.
  Choose an airline that gives you the option to offset your carbon footprint.
• Patronize local businesses.
  They have far smaller footprints than those that import goods.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances.
  They save power and reduce bills.
• When using a kettle.
  Only boil as much water as you need.  It will save electricity.

To be oriented for the March 26 campaign here is the information for that event:

Now in its fourth year in the Philippines, Earth Hour again aims to engulf the entire country – from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi – in darkness. The hour-long event, which was birthed in Australia in 2007 and embraced by the Philippines in 2008,  was created to empower people to address climate change via a 60-minute switch-off.

Earth Hour 2011 differs from all previous observances by focusing on what citizens can do beyond the switch-off.

“Earth Hour is a simple act that emphasizes both the ease and importance of adopting energy-efficient practices and lifestyles,” says Earth Hour National Director Atty. Gia Ibay, who also leads the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) Climate Unit.

“Given ever-increasing energy demands, we must be mindful of the need to control human-induced global warming by adopting smarter and more responsible energy practices.”

The Philippines topped global Earth Hour participation levels for both 2009 and 2010. Ten million Filipinos in 647 towns, cities and municipalities switched off in 2009, while 15 million Filipinos in 1076 towns and cities joined the 2010 switch-off. Over a billion people from 128 countries participated in Earth Hour 2010 – marking it as the largest environmental event in known human history.

“Though it would be wonderful to again be number one in terms of participation, we must emphasize that Earth Hour is but 60 minutes long. If we want lasting and effective results, then we must inculcate the true spirit of the event into our lives – which is to reduce our consumption of power, water and other critical resources.

We want Filipinos to pledge to a year-long commitment to reduce their energy usage,” notes Ibay.   “Pledges can take the form of biking to work, choosing to fly less, planting native trees, going on a no-meat diet
and so on. It all depends on what the individual is willing to do.

In the same fashion, corporations and communities can make commitments to be more resource efficient and environmentally responsive.

Remember, it starts with nothing more than a conscious decision.”

Still, thousands of Filipino towns, cities and landmarks are expected to join the switch-off.  Cities from around the world, from Europe to Africa, are expected to follow suit.

Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines and its allies in the public and private sector. 2011 partners include the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Coca-Cola under its Live Positively Platform, Honda Cars Philippines, McDonald’s, SM Malls, Discovery Suites, Meralco, Smart Communications and Philips.

Media allies have grown to include ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA-7, Net-25, Solar TV, CLTV-36, Discovery Channel, AXN, AXN Beyond, Animax, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, BusinessMirror, Expat, Aftercall Magazine, Mega Publishing Group, Radyo Veritas, Globaltronics, QCreativs, Click the City, Sulit.ph and numerous other stations and publications.

Public allies include the Philippine Climate Change Commission, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The list of Earth Hour allies grows by the day.

LOW CARBON SWITCH-OFF AT SM MALL OF ASIA

The main switch-off event will begin at 6PM on 26 March at the SM Mall of Asia Globe area. The event also serves as a kick-off for a planned year-long WWF climate change solutions campaign.

“We wanted to return to the spirit of the first Earth Hour, which was simplicity and significance. This year’s event will be simple, quiet and as low-carbon and energy-efficient as possible. This year’s event relies heavily on acoustic and unplugged music and efficient lighting before the switch-off,” explains Ibay. Other localities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are undoubtedly coming up with their own switch-off ceremonies.

“We urge all Manila-based Filipinos to join us at the SM Mall of Asia. Those based in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Baguio and our other towns and cities should ask their local malls or government units where the nearest switch-off events will be observed.”

“However, since the spirit of Earth Hour entails minimizing carbon emissions,” adds WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, “You can always opt to stay home, reflect on climate solutions and enjoy the night with your family.”

Earth Hour Philippines calls on private corporations, government units, local groups, schools and the entire nation to participate in this year’s event by switching off lights from 8:30 to 9:30PM on 26 March 2011.

Photos and videos of Earth Hour celebrations may also be sent to kkp@wwf.org.ph for documentation.

You can also help by donating.  Any amount would be appreciated.

For Globe and Smart subscribers, support Earth Hour by:

Texting EHOUR to 5333 – to donate Php15 for Smart and Php20 for Globe and receive an MMS picture

Texting EHOUR ON to 5333 – to subscribe to the SMS info service and eco-friendly tips. Php 2.50/text

Each Filipino’s participation will go a long way in spreading the message that in working collectively, people can create an impetus far more powerful than the mightiest of rivers.

For more information:
Log on to www.wwf.org.ph/earthhour
Call the Earth Hour Social Mobilization team at +632-920-7923 loc. 19.