Featured Destination: Pulang Lupa View Deck

Pulang Lupa View Deck. A spectacular view of and from Isla Culion

Many tourist from the Calamianes group excite themselves by climbing Mt. Tapyas. They are offered a view of the sea, some islands and the Coron town. Though it is a good view it pales very much in comparison with the view in Culion from Pulang Lupa.

Pulang Lupa’s name is derived from the color of it’s rocky soil during the rainy season. As

Taal Lake like view, only more magnificent.

the name suggests the rocks that litter it’s grounds turn red during the rainy season but are brown during the dry season. Pulang Lupa is also home to an indigenous species of pitcher plant that one may chance upon amidst the grass that dominate the area .

In Pulang Lupa one is rendered speechless by the awesome view one witnesses as he steps foot on its slopes. One sees the blue waters and the numerous islands that surround the island including the Busuanga mainland. The islands that surround Culion are of different shapes and sizes and

Culion Poblacion with the church as it most recognizable landmark.

it’s waters are clear enough for one to know that a small coral reef lies in it’s shallow waters. Often, when I was there, me an my fellow volunteers would go up Pulang Lupa to scout the surrounding islands for potential eco-tourism destinations. We were successful in identifying and visiting at least 2 of those we spotted.

The view in Pulang Lupa is often compared  that of the Taal Lake only larger and more spectacular. Facing the sea and to one’s left a great view of the Culion Poblacion is also seen in which the Spanish Church is most recognizable. Sometimes one is rewarded with glimpses of a fisherman’s daily life as he either is pulling his nets for a catch or retiring to rest for the day. Behind the view of the sea is the vast highlands in which the sun sets in a magnificent and diverse explosion of colors. We have often recognized that a Culion sunset has different varieties and colors. Sometimes golden in which the sun’s shape is not recognizable, or orange with the sun seen perfectly round as it sets and sometime a explosion of blood red color in the sky.

Huts are situated in the different areas in Pulang Lupa in which one can sleep, enjoy the cold mountain breeze and star gaze. They are then awakened by a spectacular sunrise in the morning. Pulang Lupa may be the best place to view a sunrise in Culion for it is elevated and it’s clearing faces that in which the sunrises. Camping is also a good activity as grasslands sprawl in the area.

Currently the Pulang Lupa view deck is accesible only by four wheeled vehicles. The terrain is a bit rough specially after rains and it takes 15-20 minutes to get there. An exciting way to get there is by trekking which takes an hour and a half to two hours. With a local guide one can pass through short cuts for a more exciting climb. The path to Pulang Lupa will also pass by a significant marker, the “Leper Only” cemetery. The history of segregation in the former leper colony did not only mean segregation in life but in death as well. Separate cemeteries were erected for the “Leprosos” and the “Sanos”

Warning: The former local government officials with poor planning decided to place life size statues of Disney Characters and animals in Pulang Lupa. I hope it does not ruin the view for you or bother you too much.

Thanks to Ms. Atit Alino for some of the Photos.

A magical Culion sunset from Pulang Lupa.

Isla Culion. Another Attempt.

Culion Sunrise: One of the very first pictures I took on the Island. Rightfully, I begin writing about Culion accompanied by one of my firsts.

It’s been over a year since I came to the wonderful and magical island of Culion and it is also nearing a year since I left. And with close to a year of absence much has been left unwritten both about the island, it’s incredible people, the dynamic life it posseses, it’s deep impressions on me even while I have been away from it and the many realizations, gifts, ideas,  stories..much of the Island, I have yet to write about.

Many good friends have come to the island coming home with stories that tickle my senses and allow me to smile silently within. It is a great feeling knowing more and more get to experience the warmth of Culion’s people, it’s breath taking sceneries and natural wonders and most of all the explainable but very real “love,charm,magic” the island posseses.

And so in my attempt to not only re-live but to continually live with Culion I start writing again. With memories still strong (hopefully, as they may be not as clear as tI think) and friends near in spirit I wish to not just describe an island but rather, odd it may seem, tell a story of me on Isla Culion.

Featured Place: Living Wreck

The Gunships Portside covered in corals

Around 20 minutes from the Culion town proper lies one of my favourite destinations in Culion. For fascinating enough, beneath the blue waters that are almost never calm and with waves and currents battling each other rests an amazing site.

The Lusong Ship Wreck or for us in Hotel Maya it is known more grandly as the Living Wreck. A world War 2 Japanese Gunboat is just one of the many ship wrecks in the Calamianes and although politically Coron its being close to Culion makes it geographically and even historically Culion. What separates this wreck from all others is that it lies on shallow waters. The wreck is just a few feet from the surface and does not need all those bulky and expensive dive gear to see , all you need is a mask and snorkel. So shallow is the wreck that one can actually step, hold and even enter some of its parts. Its nose or the front of the boat is even very much visible from the boat.

As said earlier the people in Hotel Maya choose to call this wonder the Living Wreck and I believe this title gives more justice to what it is. Amidst the wreckage is life that thrives. Different colored corals sprout on the different parts of the ship and of course with corals come a vast array of fishes. Anemone corals, brain corals, mound corals are some of the corals seen. Fish thrive here and have become very friendly to tourist probably because of the very controversial practice of feeding the fish.

The balance of nature is very much present in this site and more so the grandeur of God for in his weaving of life he has transformed things of utter amazement. Diverse colors, shapes, life, all out of his hand. In the many times I have dived into this wreck I have more than once chosen to be still and just be pushed by the waves. In the silence and with a deep stare into such creation I just marvel. This truly is a great work of art. Amazingly in such chaos he has given order, in destruction he has given beauty, in death he has given life, in the dark he has given light and in wreck he has given hope.

Simply Amazing

In death comes life

Random

Looking forward to a journey..He planned

The past month have been an avenue to reflect. Reflect on reasons why I chose to be here and reasons why I should not be here and why I am here. On people I miss and lost and people I have gained and learned to love. On places I wish to go and places I have been and places that has captured me on the island. Reflecting on the things I wish to do and have to do and is called to do. Refelection..just Reflection.

I have gained more than I could possibly give, experienced more than I asked for, struggled and had pain which I have many times dismissed, you could even think I have bitten more than I could chew but then I come to my senses in the deep comforting silence of a boat ride with the wind brushing your face, or the church with its birda playfully chirpping around, or a walk on Culion’s streets as light slowly fades or my room and I tell my self..God..Just as You planned..

Dalawang Buwan at Madadagdagan pa

Ang pagsisid ay isa sa mga bagay na ikinatutuwa ko

Dalawang buwan na ako sa isla ng Culion. Napakabilis, at pag tumingin ako ng paabante masasabing marahil may kakulangan na ng panahon. Sa pagsusulat na ito marahil makabubuting mag lista ako ng mga natatanging kaganapan sa 2 buwang  paninirahan ko sa islang mabilis na naging tahanan para sa akin sa “post” na ito isusulat ko ang iilang bagay na na mi-miss ko.

Noong nakaraang linggo ko lamang tunay na pagtanto na may mga bagay talaga akong na mi-miss. Sa isla umiiwas ako sa telebisyon dahil sa panonood ng TV nagkakaroon ng bahagyang kagustuhan para sa mga bagay sa siyudad at madalas nauuwi sa pagaasam sa materyal. Balakid tuloy sa misyon paminsan, awa ng Diyos nagiging mas malakas ang tawag na umibig sa mga taong maaring hindi mo naman nakasalamuha o nakita o narinig man lang, tuloy ang misyon.

Mga “highlights” ng aking buhay sa Culion.

Malakas na pang “recharge” ang simbahan

1. Pagkain ng ice cream kasama ang ibang volunteers.
2. Pag kanta ng Pambansang Awit sa isang sesyon ng Sanguniang Bayan
3. Pagsisid ng malalim (malalim na dahil sa puntong iyon napipiga na ang ulo at dibdib dahil sa pressure)
4. 2 Buwang walang palyang pagsisimba tuwing Linggo
5. Pag e-email sa mga kaibigan sa maynila
6. Pagtapos ng UGYAW na unang “newsletter” ng Culion
7. Pagtuklas ng mga Coral Reefs
8. Pagkain ng isda halos araw araw
9. Pag awit ng “take and receive” at “panalanging sa pagiging bukas palad” tuwing misa
10.Pagdadala ng ASLA sa Culion

Mga bagay na miss ko sa Maynila
1. Double Cheese Burger ng Mcdo
2. Tambay at paguusap hangang madaling araw sa katipunan
3. Queso REal Ice Cream
4. Paguusap sa YFC Room
5. Mga aralin sa pilosopiya at teolohiya
6. Taho

Ayun lamang sa ngayon at kung maari padalahan ninyo ako ng mga pagkaing nais kong kainin.

Lessons from Man V.S. WIld

Finally I have time to write in this blog again. It has just been a busy and very loaded past weeks not only for me but for everyone helping out in Culion. The teachers, students, local officials and many others.  For me its been meetings with politicians, barangay officials, students, negotiations for environmental conservation areas and presentation of plans. Then there’s ASLA and the Culion Newsletter and consultations from students. Things seem chaotic and out of hand but then I love what I do anyway, and that’s all there is anyway. Because, for and out of love.  So I write this post in line with this thought.

Recently I have been watching episodes of Man V.S. Wild. It’s something very helpful for a person who loves the outdoors and will not be surprised to find himself in a survival situation. Its been a great learning experience for me and I have suddenly become aware of the survival basics and funnily find survival use for almost everything. But more than the skills (some of which I already knew) for survival I believe the program brought out very important principles about life. In quotation marks are lines from the show host, Bear Grylls

1. “in any survival situation the most important thing is to have the will to live”.Well is this not true in living in general? Everyday there will be struggles , pain and moments in which it is very easy to just give up but having the will is what will keep you going. Maybe even deeper, one does not just need the will but must have love to live. Life after all is really a survival situation and what differentiates living from being alive is love. Therefore in any life situation the most important thing is to love.

2. “You have to find those little things that will give you hope, small things that will keep pushing you whether it be a small flower, a small fire, drops of water to drink..anything”. Again this is such a real life principle. Often we look for the grand, the big, the unusual and “special” that we fail to realize that everything and most of all the small are what is special. I always tell friends look for your small victories because life is actually a collection of little things conspiring to make the big things happen. Everyday there is a reason to live, to be happy, to enjoy life, finding it is the challenge. In a survival situation it takes real effort to find these little things, these small pockets of water, these hard to find sources of fire, these hidden sources of food and ultimately that road to home. But find first these little, small, hidden water, food, fire and shelter and you will almost always find home. Same with life, fine those small victories, those small reasons to smile, those little joys, even those corny cheesy moments of laughter and you will find home. A home of peace and love.

3. “Nature provides everything”yes, it does and so God has also given everything that we need to be happy. If you can live with the basics, the necessary, the simple then you will live and be happy. Open your eyes, everything is there, family, friends, loved ones:Nature-God has already given what you need to live. Open your eyes and grab what has been given.

4. “If you are able to remove your prejudices you will live” If you can erase all your other wants, your if’s and buts’ and all other judgements and wants that you really do not need then you shall be happy. Survival and Happiness, I believe, is a choice of living with and loving what you have and even of what can be given.

5. “it’s as if nature can’t help but create beautiful things” amazing, it the same as saying it’s as if God could not help but create beautiful, amazing lovely things and that’s you and me and everyone and everything else.

So to my dear fellow volunteer friends my “anti-social” run because of watching Man V.S. Wild was a blessing after all. Hope to watch the next episode with you.

Featured Place: Diversifying Life Reef

Diversifiying Life Coral Reef: Home to different coral and fish species

It was our first exploration trip. A cloudy morning, a late departure, 7 people, 6 gallons of diesel and lunch. The team was out not just to discover but to help protect beautiful coral reefs that were still surviving in Culion’s seas. We set our route for a Marine Protected Area (which recently I heard was not really an MPA) and we were not disappointed. Minutes from the Culion Poblacion was the great coral reef we call “Diversifying Life” . We call it such because life is really divers. Different kinds of corals from brain corals, to branching corals and table corals litter this close to 200 meter stretch of corals. Fishes of different shapes, sizes and colors swim below and around you some

A colorfull display of beauty and diversity

even playfully swimming in front of your mask. The reefs “kantos” (edges where there is a sudden drop) are also bustling with fishes seemingly teasing you as they slowly swim in circles. If one is lucky (as Sir Elson and the two guides were) a sea turtle may be sighted passing by. But be silent and sneaky for a glance of you by the turtle will cause it to swim hurriedly away. It took as a good 2 hours to quickly cover this amazing reef. Despite the cloudy weather seeing the corals was not a problem. Free diving is also fun here since the water level specially in the morning allows swimmers to dive a few meter into the sea.An island backdrop and its white rocky beach adds charm to this already beautiful jewel of the sea.

To see more of this reef visit this link for a video.

 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=403300896365

One Palawan: No to Mining

This is an advocacy I strongly ask everyone to support. We have had enough of these one shot get rich quick schemes. A sustainable and community centered enterpirse is what we need now.

No more destruction, No more killing, enough greed, enough self. SUpport Eco-Tourism, Support Environmental Conservation

Featured Person: Fr. Javy Alpasa, S.J.

Fr. Javy Alpasa, S.J.

Fr. Xavier  Javy Alpasa, S.J.

It was an evening at the LST lobby. As the LST is at night (and even day), it had a Hogwarts feel. It felt eerie yet safe, strange yet comfortable, and there I was waiting to talk to my future boss. But for some reason it was like waiting for a Dumbledore, a wise teacher, a guide and mentor. A few feet away was another great Jesuit, Fr. Manoling Franciso discussing Filipino culture and music with some friends. And  there I was waiting while the mosquitoes peppered my legs with bites and with my heart pounding and my mind flying about with thoughts of the future. It was still a bit wild for me the thought, a year in Culion. Wild that it was a year and that it was so far and that it was so different from anyone else’s plan.  Then he came with brown shorts, shirt and blue crocs.  For some time it was a start of getting to know this great Jesuit, this dream, this visionary, this fighter, this missionary and this lover.

Culion

I don’t know when he was born, who his parents were or how many sibling he had so I’ll just tell you what I know of him(of course). Fr. Javy is a baby priest, he was ordained only last year but it seems that he has already a lot of experience in the ministry, well he’s a Jesuit, what do you expect. He has a degree in economics and worked corporate for San Miguel (that’s what I heard) and as a teacher in Ateneo de Naga for his regency. Immediately after ordination he was sent to Culion. Fr. Javy is great a visionary and for me an even greater sales person. When I first talked to him in which he explained the mission in Culion my heart and mind was telling me “lets go, alis na tayo, ngayon na”. He just sold the idea brilliantly. And for many, even for the great Eddie boy Calasanz, it was great, amazing product. Fr. Javy is also a genius. Well besides his big dreams impressive is the way he can think of a word as an acronym for something. He found an acronym for FIELD TRIP, for FAMILY, for CULION it’s not surprising that he finds a very deep and meaningful ACRONYM for ZEBALUKA (I invented the word). The people of Culion love Fr. Javy, largely because he is just so warm and approachable not to mention the fact that he gets along easily and loves to drink. I remember once we invited him over for a drink we were wondering why it was taking him almost two hours to arrive. We already finished two bottles of Gilbey’s when we heard him open the gates to our house and then he told us. On his way to our place he was called over 3 different times by 3 different people to have a drink making us the fourth group of person he was going to have a drink with. Fr. Javy captures the people of Culion in a fascinating way. His homilies are not theologically or philosophically heavy yet bear deep and very impactful meaning. Meaning in which the people enjoy and relate very well too. Lastly Fr. Javy is just an image of love, hardwork and dedication. He’s usually up till 7 in the evening working in his office when all else have gone home only hurrying home to catch Agua Bendita. He works hard, pulls connections, talks to people, begs benefactors, finds ways and lots of ways to make the school survive, help Culion progress and form people young and old.

Celebrating the Eucharist in one of the many destinos in Culion.

For many on the island Fr. Javy is their idol. The youth, he inspires. The leaders, he moves. To all, he gives hope. Truly behind this priest with puffy cheeks, Chinese like eyes and a round tummy is the image of Christ, the undying giver and forever lover.

Clean Away, Plant Away

Remember the days back in high school and grade school in which we would get a days off from the boring lessons in class or be able to delay an exam or quiz because it was clean up day, tree planting day or coastal clean-up day?

Today it was such a day for the student of the Loyola College of Culion. But unlike during our (or my) time they did not get a day off from school work or quizes or tests rather they took a day off from a lazy saturday morning to clean their school, plant trees and tend the garden. I guess this is step into actually realizing the school’s mission-vission. To be the champion of Jesuit schools in environmental conservation. I find it also a great start to not only foster experiential knowledge about trees and plants and their care but a start of valuing the environment.

What I enjoyed during this mornings clean up and tree planting was that the students actually enjoyed what they did and were putting much effort in what they did. It was MAGIS. Something not as observable in the Ateneo’s NSTP program, JEEP or Immersion. The students were even picky on how to properly water the plants or how to lay sticks to help the plants grow. Often such small and seemingly insignificant details are done “bara-bara” style or just for the heck of doing it, But not in LCC.

Below are some pictures of the cleaning, tree planting and gardening activities.

Side note: I think it also helped that it was only I who had a camera because usually a lot of cameras means that such activities become a photo-op. session.