FOREST OF THE SEA.

Two nights and a day in this remote island of Dumaguete and I haven't had the chance of literally test the water. The previous day was all about hiking and trekking the Apo Island by land and so this particular morning, I plan on experiencing what Apo Island Marine Sanctuary was all about.

My cellphone was beeping at 5am as I had set the time late last night. I could see from the open jalousie that it was still pitch dark outside, reason enough to make the perfect excuse not to go out of bed. A few minutes later and the sky was changing hue. I got up and excitedly prepared a few items that I thought would be essential for this specific itinerary in mind. Goggles, snorkel spout, towel, camera, keys, flashlight ....... check! check! all systems go! Of course I had already slipped into my swimming attire, which I casually layered by wearing a shirt and shorts on top. After which I proceeded outside and headed towards the declared area for marine sanctuary.

It was about 5:30 when I started to walk my way up to the beach. The cool breeze and quaint stroll along the village houses as daybreak made it's way gave a simple yet pleasing experience. I passed the area where mangrove trees lined the pathway until I reached an opening towards the end. A red shack with a signage that wrote "Warden Guard House" was posted just below the galvanized corrugated roof. Beyond this was the vast deep blue ocean that seemed to have subsided. The ravenous tide from the day before has taken aback and shifted to ripples of delight.

To my surprise, the tide had already revealed what I was hoping to see. The lowly waves gently caressing on the seemingly carpet of corals, which I consider as the forest of the sea. The situation had changed it's course and now I am left to wonder what was I going to do next. For as I had prepared all that I needed, somehow the revelation had defeated it's purpose. I could neither go farther offshore as a barricade held it's ground between the sea and myself.

I took out my camera and decided to investigate what rare opportunity this has been. That abutting, fragile yet deadly spikes and mounds had risen from the sandy plains of the beach also provided a safe haven and sanctuary among minute crustaceans and creatures of the deep. Carefully, I skipped my way, avoiding jagged edges and new coral growth from beneath. And took snapshots of colorful and intricate jewels that counted about 24 species I think. With just a limited stretch that I was able to cover, the diversity that I encountered was proof enough of the uniqueness of this area alone. And to think that our country has 7,107 islands is like touching a grain of sand from beneath my feet.

About thirty minutes had gone and the sun brightly shone. Alas I bid my farewell to that forest of the sea. Though happy thoughts lingering through my mind, when will I ever see a place as beautiful as thee.

Philippine corals experiencing worst bleaching.

The Philippine Star Business - Science & Technology dated September 23, 2010 of page B-6 and B-7 featured an article entitled, Philippine coral reefs -- in hot water by Nino Jacinto.

Here the author explains how corals are made up of tiny animals called "polyps", which play a vital role in providing refuge and food source among marine organisms, which in turn provide livelihood for man. He stressed that "Philippine reefs are now experiencing one of the worst bleaching events since 1998" and that studies indicate that one third of worlds coral species will most likely be extinct due to climate change and causes of man. Stating also that we can help by doing the following:

"Report sightings of bleached coral to the Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch on Facebook; To give coral as much chance as possible to recover from the high temperature of the ocean, reduce the other sources of stress for coral, such as: sedimentation, pollution, destructive fishing methods, garbage and diver damage; Support the creation and better management of more Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) -- Coral bleaching has affected all reef areas, including MPA's, but better recovery has been observed in MPA's compared to unprotected sites."

All I can say is that it is good to know that national and global awareness in saving the world we live in is becoming more of a conscious effort whether through individuals, communities and government. Be a part in saving our forest and our seas. Let us all do our part in saving mother Earth!

BINUNGA (Macaranga tanarius).

Official name: Binunga
English name: Parasol Leaf tree
Scientific name: Macaranga tanarius
Family: EUPHORBIACEAE



Character: a small tree, dioecious, pioneer species
Habitat: Growing in thickets and waste places at low to medium altitudes.
Uses: The bark is used for containers, contains sap with adhesive properties and tannin. Bark and leaves are used to make "basi", which is a fermented drink. Wood produces a high quality pulp and particleboard. Other studies show that the tree contains compounds, constituents, glucosides and anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties.

Showing signs of maturity.

This young Dao tree from the family Anacardiaceae is about 6-7 years old. Buttressed roots have already formed, giving this tree more support and anchorage against strong winds. It is also starting to flake off it's bark.

I wonder how long before it's first flowers appear?

SWEET FOR MY SWEET.

What a delicious and healthy treat!

I was curious as the only sari-sari store nearby with a woman whom I call "manang" (elderly lady) usually see me stopping by the area whenever the fruiting season comes and that I borrow her "walis tingting" (broom) so that I could sweep the Kalumpit fruit litter off the side road. She had me taste the Kalumpit jam that she had freshly made that day but I wasn't able to bring my camera then so I wasn't able to document the delicately sweet treat. Anyway, the next time that I passed by her sari-sari store, I was inquiring if she still had a few fresh fruits or that jam that she had me taste previously. I had this idea of making the jam myself, because I was able to persuade her in giving me the bowlful of Kalumpit fruits, which she had collected earlier. I was paying for the fruits, but she insisted on giving it to me so I thanked her and bid my farewell.

When I came home late that evening, I placed the fresh Kalumpit fruits inside the refrigerator....... The following day, I was eager to prepare how to make a Kalumpit jam based from the portions that "manang" had taught me. But instead of putting equal amounts of sugar with the fruits, I substituted sugar for the much healthier pure honey that was already available.

Kalumpit fruits + H2O + Wild Honey
__________________
Kalumpit Jam/Syrup
(stirred and left to simmer, then optional to strain)

It was perfect timing as we had a half gallon of strawberry ice-cream sitting inside the freezer.........the rest is history!

Pushing native trees to their limit.

This particular site is within the compounds of an undeveloped subdivision in Laguna, which has been cleared and leveled to make way for open lots that has been left for years now. It shows one side of the perimeter fence, about 100 linear meters more or less that still contain remnants of growing vegetation of endemic and indigenous trees and plants.

Two pictures merged into one to create that continuous stretch of vegetation to simulate a panoramic image closest to the actual site. Of course the road on the left and rightmost part have been distorted.

Enumerated species that I found growing in close proximity with each other are the following: Bignai-pugo; Bignai sp.; Pinka-pinkahan; Bagauak; Bayag-usa; Alim; Igyo; Antipolo; Kalios; Amugis; Apatot or Bankoro sp; Hauili; Anubing; Pagsahingin; Kaong; Is-is or Ficus sp.; Bagauak sp.; Ginger sp. and a few unknown species.

The property at the opposite and adjacent to this perimeter fence is a private lansones and coconut plantation. With so little space left for native Philippine trees to grow and with the growing need for timber and charcoal needs, I don't know how long our native flora and fauna will last.

The picture above shows half of the area of the subdivision which is leveled off and has not yet been built with infrastructure. The perimeter area is still indicative that native trees abound. At least for now, they are somehow left alone.

But should this be the case? As an architect, designer, conservationist, and a plant hobbyist, my advice is to assess and carefully survey the natural beauty of a particular property or area. It is obvious that mature endemic trees flourished in this vast open land and that they should have been integrated with the design of the landscaping. Trees are a part of our lives. Please don't take them out of the picture!

Philippine Fauna - Is this how we want to see them?

I happen to pass by the College of Forestry in UPLB, Laguna the other day. Just as I was leaving the building, I noticed a room with a glass window at the side of the main entrance. This was what I saw along with other cased beatles, cicadas and other insects.

The stuffed Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle seem to be staring at me. It's eyes piercing through my soul as if to give a sign or a warning.

Our country is one of the major hot spot for wildlife and flora biodiversity in the world. Could this be the future of our Philippine Fauna, a lifeless preserve of a thing?

Betel Nut Palm for your live fencing needs.

The Betelnut (Areca catechu) from the family Palmae / Arecaceae is commonly found in Southeast asia. It is popular with most elders as it is one of three important ingredients for the Betelnut chew known to many Filipino's as "nganga".

Aside from it's many uses, this palm tree is also used as "live fence" in some parts of the country. Simply because it can be grown in close proximity with each other, is a fast growing palm, provides additional landscape due to it's aesthetic values, single erect stem with sparse canopy, low maintenance, possess medicinal properties, easily propagated by seeds and able to produce ornamental fruits which is the primary ingredient for betelnut chew.

PHILIPPINE NEEM TREE.

Reaching rapid heights and one of the fastest pioneer tree species is the Bagalunga (Melia dubia synonymous to Melia composita) from the family Meliaceae. It's english name according to the book, A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamenal Plants by Dr. Domingo Madulid is known as the Philippine neem tree. In association with the "neem", known to be an effective natural insecticide, I haven't noticed any pests or diseases in association with this species, which makes it a very good candidate for rainforestation projects.

The tallest tree that I've seen so far is about 20-25 meters in height. A few branches may subject to breakage due to strong winds caused by typhoons, but so far, no tree specimen of mine has toppled down. Another important thing is that this tree will make a good nurse tree for germinating potted seeds and seedlings as it will provide filtered light under its shade.

Bangkal tree with curious orb like flowers.

The first time that I saw stands of Bangkal (Nauclea orientalis) trees were along an estero, corner of Wilson street and A. Mabini street in San Juan city, Manila. On occasion, I would see this tree on slightly sloping dry land or thickets. The next time I saw this species is along a stream or waterway. Do you get the drift?

I learned from The Free Dictionary by Farlex that the genus "Nauclea" means "small genus of evergreen tropical shrubs or trees with smooth leathery leaves". I thought that the scientific name had something to do with it's flowers. Somehow I was rooting the genus Nauclea with the word nucleus. But turns out that they are two different words. LOL.........

Luckily, I chanced upon it's ever ellusive flowers one sunny morning of August. It was great timing I'll say. Thank you Lord. And thank you for the perfect lighting!

By the way, Bangkal is said to have medicinal and anti-malarial properties, eaten by birds and bats and a source of a bright yellow dye.