I've been listening to this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi7kHvM-ivI&feature=channel
and....had this reflection...
the part where he said "the best part of me was always you" made me smile....
not because it reminded me of someone, but because i'm so glad i'm not feeling that emotion or sentiment.
after the trip, i've never felt so alive...and thankful that i'm single. :)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Backpackers
My first experience of backpacking alone was the ultimate feeling for me...of being ALIVE. It's been stressful a few days before I headed for South America...most to be blamed on what to and what not to bring ... in my 60L North Face Blue Backpack (my beloved travel buddy).
And so, here's a list of the stuff I've brought with me and a link which inspired me to travel light :)
http://travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm#Essential%20clothing:
1. KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING -
- the main key is....RESEARCH...do lots of that. read a lot about where you're going and be conscious of the weather and climate during that time you'll be in your target destination.
2. CLOTHING -
- pack light...means...DO NOT BRING YOUR WARDROBE ALONG WITH YOU!!!
- i would usually bring one week's worth of tops (shirts and long sleeved tops)..which would imply, you can do some washing during your trip. (i did this during my 2 month south america trip)
- weather conditions will dictate your clothing apparel. when it's winter/chilly...the secret to this would be..LOTS OF LAYERS. I invested on heaps of icebreakers and thermal wear. And just brought with me a fleece instead of a downey jacket just to avoid the bulk. if you're going to a country that has cheap clothing, then it's worth buying from there. remember, it's always recommended to start your travels light.
- others prefer not to bring jeans at all. it's a personal preference. i brought mine and 2 other cargo pants. 1 of which that can be used as either shorts or trousers/pants.
- always bring a decent top in case you're going to a more than casual kind of night out or event.
3. MEDS / VACCINES
- and again..RESEARCh.... check what's required in the country you're headed to. it pays if you read a lot about it and the latest travel advisory. better safe than sorry.
4. FOOTWEAR
- some recommend not to bring hiking boots...but i always wear one when on a trip. that's just to protect my ankle and in case we're going for heavy duty hikes/treks. some would prefer sneakers or trainers. all depends on how comfortable you are and a serious break-in(test) of your footwear is essential. remember, your trip would depend on how sturdy you'll be able to explore the places. you won't be able to have fun and adventures if you're stuck with a sore foot.
5. KITS/EXTRA
- always remember to pack stuff to the smallest that you can. my technique of packing is to roll the clothing so that it wouldn't eat that much space.
- often times i would buy a few small containers and put a month's supply in it (for those who have allergies this is what i recommend). then the extra supply is hidden in my main backpack.
- always bring a poncho to protect you from the rain, in case you don't have a rainproof jacket.
- flashlight or lighthead gears would be essential most especially for night or early morning walks...or call of nature (meaning toilet call in the jungle or campsite).
- it's been always an issue if you'd bring your towel or not. i've bought em a micro fiber which is easy to dry and doesn't eat that much space.
- scissors, lighters..... these you need to bring
6. SLEEPING BAG OR NOT?
- i still brought mine...but also brought along with me a silkliner. now if you're renting one during the trip, the silkliner is the best tip i can give you :)
there's still a lot i need to revisit to add to this list. but for now, here's all i can remember from my trip. wil update soon. :)
And so, here's a list of the stuff I've brought with me and a link which inspired me to travel light :)
http://travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm#Essential%20clothing:
1. KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING -
- the main key is....RESEARCH...do lots of that. read a lot about where you're going and be conscious of the weather and climate during that time you'll be in your target destination.
2. CLOTHING -
- pack light...means...DO NOT BRING YOUR WARDROBE ALONG WITH YOU!!!
- i would usually bring one week's worth of tops (shirts and long sleeved tops)..which would imply, you can do some washing during your trip. (i did this during my 2 month south america trip)
- weather conditions will dictate your clothing apparel. when it's winter/chilly...the secret to this would be..LOTS OF LAYERS. I invested on heaps of icebreakers and thermal wear. And just brought with me a fleece instead of a downey jacket just to avoid the bulk. if you're going to a country that has cheap clothing, then it's worth buying from there. remember, it's always recommended to start your travels light.
- others prefer not to bring jeans at all. it's a personal preference. i brought mine and 2 other cargo pants. 1 of which that can be used as either shorts or trousers/pants.
- always bring a decent top in case you're going to a more than casual kind of night out or event.
3. MEDS / VACCINES
- and again..RESEARCh.... check what's required in the country you're headed to. it pays if you read a lot about it and the latest travel advisory. better safe than sorry.
4. FOOTWEAR
- some recommend not to bring hiking boots...but i always wear one when on a trip. that's just to protect my ankle and in case we're going for heavy duty hikes/treks. some would prefer sneakers or trainers. all depends on how comfortable you are and a serious break-in(test) of your footwear is essential. remember, your trip would depend on how sturdy you'll be able to explore the places. you won't be able to have fun and adventures if you're stuck with a sore foot.
5. KITS/EXTRA
- always remember to pack stuff to the smallest that you can. my technique of packing is to roll the clothing so that it wouldn't eat that much space.
- often times i would buy a few small containers and put a month's supply in it (for those who have allergies this is what i recommend). then the extra supply is hidden in my main backpack.
- always bring a poncho to protect you from the rain, in case you don't have a rainproof jacket.
- flashlight or lighthead gears would be essential most especially for night or early morning walks...or call of nature (meaning toilet call in the jungle or campsite).
- it's been always an issue if you'd bring your towel or not. i've bought em a micro fiber which is easy to dry and doesn't eat that much space.
- scissors, lighters..... these you need to bring
6. SLEEPING BAG OR NOT?
- i still brought mine...but also brought along with me a silkliner. now if you're renting one during the trip, the silkliner is the best tip i can give you :)
there's still a lot i need to revisit to add to this list. but for now, here's all i can remember from my trip. wil update soon. :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
they say know your product before you sell it. (as said by my cuz).....
each and everyone of you in my email list have traveled places outside the Philippines. And through each exploration and experience, I know you've brought along memories of the environment, structure, landscape, maintenance, etc.
What I would like to ask from you is to email me back any suggestion you have in mind to further improve the tourism in the Philippines. I've been researching lately, trying to compare the standards that we have in terms of national parks, hiking, backpacking, etc... unfortunately, we have a long way to go. If you see something that you come across with during your travels, maybe here in NZ or another country (Missy Foy i know you've got a lot to share on this one).....then please take note of this.....
Last week I've been reading the news and found that the Department of Tourism will try to set our standards at par with the other Asian countries....setting 2015 as the target year to materialize all of the plans and missions.
I know the Philippines is a little bit underrated in terms of tourism, as compared to Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia. But we've got a lot to offer.... one step at a time. It would be great if people from different countries would have the courage to explore not just our beaches, dive sites, wreck sites but also our sierras (mountains) and other landscapes.
As I've read once, "It would be great if everyone can travel, then maybe the world would be a better place, because people would be more tolerant".
We are all guilty of ignorance at one point or another. (Site for example, I didn't know people from Chile have more German influence). In exploring and trying to understand the culture, you get to experience the exchange of knowledge. I beg you to be a traveler and not just a tourist....don't just take pictures for the sake of saying you've been to that place.....don't be afraid to extend to the locals and continue learning...for travel is an exchange. We learn from them, and they on the other hand learn from us too......and everytime, I try to add more to their knowledge of the Philippines.
From my 2 months away....traveling the different countries in South America......going back home to the Philippines is the culmination of this all. Never have I been more appreciative and more proud to be a Filipino. Yes, we've got a long way to go...but we've got to start somewhere right?
~ Jowe
each and everyone of you in my email list have traveled places outside the Philippines. And through each exploration and experience, I know you've brought along memories of the environment, structure, landscape, maintenance, etc.
What I would like to ask from you is to email me back any suggestion you have in mind to further improve the tourism in the Philippines. I've been researching lately, trying to compare the standards that we have in terms of national parks, hiking, backpacking, etc... unfortunately, we have a long way to go. If you see something that you come across with during your travels, maybe here in NZ or another country (Missy Foy i know you've got a lot to share on this one).....then please take note of this.....
Last week I've been reading the news and found that the Department of Tourism will try to set our standards at par with the other Asian countries....setting 2015 as the target year to materialize all of the plans and missions.
I know the Philippines is a little bit underrated in terms of tourism, as compared to Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia. But we've got a lot to offer.... one step at a time. It would be great if people from different countries would have the courage to explore not just our beaches, dive sites, wreck sites but also our sierras (mountains) and other landscapes.
As I've read once, "It would be great if everyone can travel, then maybe the world would be a better place, because people would be more tolerant".
We are all guilty of ignorance at one point or another. (Site for example, I didn't know people from Chile have more German influence). In exploring and trying to understand the culture, you get to experience the exchange of knowledge. I beg you to be a traveler and not just a tourist....don't just take pictures for the sake of saying you've been to that place.....don't be afraid to extend to the locals and continue learning...for travel is an exchange. We learn from them, and they on the other hand learn from us too......and everytime, I try to add more to their knowledge of the Philippines.
From my 2 months away....traveling the different countries in South America......going back home to the Philippines is the culmination of this all. Never have I been more appreciative and more proud to be a Filipino. Yes, we've got a long way to go...but we've got to start somewhere right?
~ Jowe
Impacts of Climate Change to Philippines Marine Ecosystem
excerpt from http://www.oceanheritage.com.ph/
Impacts of Climate Change to Philippines Marine Ecosystem
Seventy percent of Philippine communities are located in coastal areas thus The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The increase in temperature is already is causing irregular monsoon and extreme weather events in recent decades that devastate the fishery sectors.
The warming of sea water often associated with El Niño episodes have [...]
Impacts of Climate Change to Philippines Marine Ecosystem
Seventy percent of Philippine communities are located in coastal areas thus The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The increase in temperature is already is causing irregular monsoon and extreme weather events in recent decades that devastate the fishery sectors.
The warming of sea water often associated with El Niño episodes have [...]
Through the realizations i've had during my not so long ago travels, this...here...starts my own awareness and small way of introducing such.....
http://www.childprotection.org.ph/
Though unofficial, this is the first website that features organizations in the Philippines, both state-run and non-governmental, that work on the issue of child protection. This is a project supported by the Arci Cultura E Sviluppo, Save the Children (UK) Philippines, and UNICEF Manila with the participation of 8 more organizations. This undertaking aims to present to the world the situation of abused children and the roles of these organizations in addressing the issues through the World Wide Web.
If you are an organization or individual involved in the same field in the Philippines or even outside the Philippines but providing services to Filipino children, you definitely belong to this site! Be a contributor -- articles, data, studies, photos or literary pieces. We believe an official website is timely, or should we say long overdue. Please let this effort be the link in uniting individuals and organizations to help the Filipino child.
THE PROJECT. In mid 1997, several child-focused organizations in the Philippines began to independently consider the internet as a useful tool in research work, advocacy and networking. Several organizations felt that so much work had been done in the Philippines in the area of child protection, and that a collection of these initiatives may benefit a large group -- from direct service workers and child care workers to policy makers, funding institutions, government agencies, researchers and other interested individuals and groups.
Consultations were conducted among government and non-government organizations. A steering committee was eventually formed which was responsible for the conceptualization and the development of the web page and data base project. Members of the committee include The Advisory Board Foundation, Arci Cultura e Sviluppo, Ateneo Human Rights Center-Adhikain Para Sa Karapatang Pambata, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse, Council for the Welfare of Children, Department of Social Welfare and Development, ECPAT-Philippines, Child Protection Unit, Save the Children (UK) Philippines, UNICEF-Manila, and the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies-Psychosocial Trauma & Human Rights Program.
The project provides a comprehensive view of the situation in the Philippines and the status of the program development work in addressing these issues. It features various programs and practices administered by both the government and non-government organizations. Secondly, it will collect volumes of research work that can be shared remotely by downloading via Internet and incidentally minimize duplication of research initiatives.
http://www.childprotection.org.ph/
Though unofficial, this is the first website that features organizations in the Philippines, both state-run and non-governmental, that work on the issue of child protection. This is a project supported by the Arci Cultura E Sviluppo, Save the Children (UK) Philippines, and UNICEF Manila with the participation of 8 more organizations. This undertaking aims to present to the world the situation of abused children and the roles of these organizations in addressing the issues through the World Wide Web.
If you are an organization or individual involved in the same field in the Philippines or even outside the Philippines but providing services to Filipino children, you definitely belong to this site! Be a contributor -- articles, data, studies, photos or literary pieces. We believe an official website is timely, or should we say long overdue. Please let this effort be the link in uniting individuals and organizations to help the Filipino child.
THE PROJECT. In mid 1997, several child-focused organizations in the Philippines began to independently consider the internet as a useful tool in research work, advocacy and networking. Several organizations felt that so much work had been done in the Philippines in the area of child protection, and that a collection of these initiatives may benefit a large group -- from direct service workers and child care workers to policy makers, funding institutions, government agencies, researchers and other interested individuals and groups.
Consultations were conducted among government and non-government organizations. A steering committee was eventually formed which was responsible for the conceptualization and the development of the web page and data base project. Members of the committee include The Advisory Board Foundation, Arci Cultura e Sviluppo, Ateneo Human Rights Center-Adhikain Para Sa Karapatang Pambata, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse, Council for the Welfare of Children, Department of Social Welfare and Development, ECPAT-Philippines, Child Protection Unit, Save the Children (UK) Philippines, UNICEF-Manila, and the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies-Psychosocial Trauma & Human Rights Program.
The project provides a comprehensive view of the situation in the Philippines and the status of the program development work in addressing these issues. It features various programs and practices administered by both the government and non-government organizations. Secondly, it will collect volumes of research work that can be shared remotely by downloading via Internet and incidentally minimize duplication of research initiatives.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Return
The 2 months and a half that I've been away, life has taken its turn. Moreoever realizations has materialized and I really hope would be sustainable.
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