PHILIPPINES' SUMMER DESTINATIONS

The Philippines being archipelagic with 7,107 islands each endowed with natural resources, landscapes and beauty made it one of the world’s tourist hot spots and mega diverse countries. Lucky of me to be part of a country with such great wonders and with frequent airlines seat sales allowed me to take opportunity to experience natures offering. As a confessed broke backpacker, I’m still learning and my list of itineraries explored labeled amateurish. But, my excitement and life experience seeking had brought me from Luzon to Vizayas and Mindanao that had loaded with shots of experiences and waves of adventure. 

This time of summer, I had scratch, crumble and tremble of possible escapades with Batanes on top of my list and yet time and budget constraint limits my options. For those dilemmas in comparison with me, I share to you my top summer destinations a broke backpacker can afford!

ISLA BONITA, ROSARIO, CAVITE - DUMPSITE NO MORE

15 minutes away from SM Rosario, I was surprised that behind rows of houses that occupy hi-way was a beach resort – Isla Bonita, but what surprises me more is to learn that Isla Bonita had been once a dumpsite. Doing walk survey, I could not imagine history behind Isla Bonita – no traces of trash, visitors enjoying water for swim, fishermen along shores with catch, zip line, restaurants, henna tattoo stand and birds on this haven.

During my study of healthcare waste management, I had learned that the province of Cavite faces great challenges in Solid Waste Management program. Cavite, one of the provinces comprising the Southern Tagalog Region (Region 4A – CALABAR Zone) with total land area of 1,427.06 sq. km is comprised of 19 municipalities and 829 barangays with total population (2008 census) of 2,987,891 inhabitants are managed by their own respective Local Government Units (LGUs). 

As of 2007, there are only two cities, Dasmariñas and Tagaytay that have a centralized material recovery facility. Considering that establishing the said facility is cost intensive, it can be noticed that only two cities were able operate their centralized MRF. Despite the financial challenge, the environmental offices are exerting efforts to implement the program even at the barangay level. Thus in 2007, it can be noticed that fourteen municipalities were able to implement the MRF system in their respective barangays. Having smaller coverage, barangay MRFs are more manageable than a centralized one (PENRO).

Residual wastes or those that can no longer be recycled are being disposed by means of dumpsites or through sanitary landfill. As of 2007, there are five open dumpsites that can be found in Rosario, Gen. M. Alvarez, Gen. Aguinaldo, Indang and Maragondon. These open dumpsites are considered unsanitary considering the uncontrolled hazards that it poses in terms of health and sanitation (PENRO).

During my visit at Isla Bonita, I had the chance to interview Mayor Jose 'Nonong" Ricafrente on role of LGUs in transformation of a former dumpsite to what Isla Bonita today. Local Government is designated by the National to take responsibility for looking after many services in the local community and one of which is Environmental Protection. One of important function LGU can provide is to mitigate harmful effects of pollutants is by promoting establishment of people’s and nongovernmental organization to become active partners in pursuit of local autonomy which Mayor Ricafrente had pushed through.

Environmental protection and preservation is one of the major development agenda of the provincial government. In partnership with national agencies, the province is eagerly implementing programs and projects that aim to preserve and enrich our natural resources. One of the major programs and a continuous endeavour is the implementation of the Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Relative to this, each municipality/city should have their own material recovery facility in order to manage their solid wastes.

For Mayor Ricafrente, involvement of people was the key in success of Isla Bonita, followed by application of appropriate technology such as artificial coral reef that rebuilds fish biodiversity which greatly helped the area to recover and act as the focal of area of bioremediation, and lastly, allotting budget necessary to rehabilitate the area. As return of investment, its more than monetary – they created safe environment for local residents, a habitat not only for marine life but also sightings of migratory birds that had made Isla Bonita as its sanctuary, the area created income for locals through ecotourism, provided a good training ground for environmental students of solid waste management, technology and Sustainable Development and Rosario, Cavite made a good name and image making an impossible to possible. 

The visit at Isla Bonita had reminded me on importance of social dimension and components of Sustainable Development (economy, society, and environment) are interrelated – although independent aspects, are still interrelated with each other :Economy exists entirely within society, because all parts of the human economy require interaction among people. It is primarily based on exchanging goods and services. Society, in turn, exists entirely within the environment. Our basic requirements: air, food and water, come from the environment, as do the energy and raw materials for housing, transportation and the products we depend on. Environment surrounds society. Today human activity is reshaping the environment at an ever-increasing rate. The parts of the environment unaffected by human activity are getting smaller all the time. However, because people need food, water and air to survive, society can never be larger than the environment. As a whole, attaining sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity.

BACOOR, CAVITE - LOST ENVIRONMENT

“Every part of the Earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clear and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the tress carries the memories of the red man.” – Excerpt from Chief Seattle’s 1854 speech on the environment. 157 years ago, the “Great White Chief” had expressed through poetic writing his desire for a promised “reservation”, the speech had described how sacred his environment as to consider every matter on vast land as family. A better way to define environment – A special place sacred and we are concerned to protect.

                Summer of 1994 over dinner, my father announced that we are moving out from our rented house at Sta. Ana, Manila to Bacoor, Cavite for the reason that they wanted a better environment for us, a healthy neighborhood and away from bad influences. I was torn but left no choice but to abide with my parents. 17 years ago, I remembered coastal road was a long stretch of water with mangroves and it was bewilderment for my sight of what my new environment would be? Boredom crawled up to my spine seeing stalls of “tahong” and “talaba” along road and Tropical Hut was the only establishment on rise. In deed my parents ought to provide me a better environment like in fairly tales…. In a far far away land lives Prince Michael. I explored this new environment and discovered that we have neighbors with kids that later became my friends and confidants, I had learned my gift of green thumb as I able to grow fruit bearing trees and even orchids, learned to ride a bike and flew kites. The haunting sound of geckos at night had been my lullaby, while, the rooster and chirping birds was my alarm clock. Dancing in the rain minus the flood was best and star gazing on roof puts me to rest. It only took end of summer to realize that I belong to this environment and fell in love with it.

                2011 and my environment was the mirror image of what my father had escaped off. In short span of time, Sorrento in Bacoor had extended from phase 1 to phase 5 due to high demand on housing. The population continuously grows by numbers according to our homeowners association’s census causing anonymity among neighbors. In 2009, Sorrento was headline with report on blasting of a house with dynamite used for illegal fishing that left 2 people dead and 5 families homeless, nobody new that the said house was used as warehouse for dynamites. Shanties had ballooned over fence with several crimes relating to them, with such alarm several homeowners decided to build walls for added security, thus, resulting to cutting down trees and concreting gardens. The volume of people doubled the volume of garbage being generated, though, collecting is done on a regular basis the frequency was not enough to refrain some homeowners to used the creek as dumpsite. Flooding was inevitable even with monsoon rain and worst with typhoon. My friend Randy refrained his usual morning walk for the air is no longer beneficial but causes him asthma attacks; I wonder if my niece would be able to experience to dance in the rain without fear of acquiring Leptospirosis. Suddenly I missed the enigmatic rhythm of geckos at night for the banging sounds of bars and malls dominate with decibels detrimental to my ear drums. 

                Development, commercialization and income generations are some parameters to define a progressive nation, province or city even this meant conversion of mangrove area to condominiums and amusement themed park. I had witnessed transformation of my environment; admittedly, I was thrilled to see what had been built and established for the convenience of its inhabitants. The present situation and effects tagged along had become burden; there was lapse in formulating control measures and implement preventive measures. However, if the Great Chief had used his pen in addressing preservation of his environment, I was given the opportunity to be educated which is an essential tool in spreading awareness and forefront credibility for people to listen on serious matters. I’m a negligible part of my community but step by step I can contribute by actively participating in homeowners meeting, voicing out opinions and giving relevant suggestions on matters that is greatly concerned; to initiate programs encouraging the youth to take part of protecting the environment we have and aim to be recognized and influence other subdivision and barangays of our best practices. With the rapid pace of time, sometime we just need to take a break and go back to basic such as imposing self disciple could make a great difference.

            Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the Eagle? Gone. 1854 the Chief had foreseen. Where is my Environment? On my hands…. For my future generation. 

PHI PHI ISLAND TOUR - PHUKET, THAILAND

It’s my first time in Phuket, Thailand and I had learned that A Phi Phi Island tour is the most popular activity in the region for limestone cliffs rising sheer out of the emerald green water, white powdery beaches and its many coral reefs offering great diving and snorkeling. 

I had mixed feeling booking for Phi Phi Island Tour: Fear – remembering the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that destroyed 70% of the buildings and inhabited part of the Island. News footages had reminded me of the estimated 850 bodies recovered, and an estimated 1,200 people were still missing. On the other hand, there’s an excitement and curiosity of actually setting foot at the island since it came to worldwide prominence when Ko Phi Phi Leh was used as a location for the 2000 British – American film “The Beach” starring Leonardo de Caprio. Moving forward from horrific past of tsunami, I resolved with adventure seeking hormones and book Phi Phi Island Tour for 900 Baht. You can book Island tour in advance through on line, but I greatly suggest that you arrange your tour in airport upon arrival or agencies stationed in your hotel as they give value discounts, deals and offers. 

Itineraries for my 900 Baht Phi Phi Island Tour package include:

0900 – 0915H: I was picked up from my Hotel at A2 to Rassada Harbor together with other guest

0945H: ETA at Rassada Harbor; upon arrival, the driver will guide you to receptionist were they will place color coded sticker on your shirt to determine your tour mode of package (day tour, overnight stay)

1000H: Depart from Rassada Harbor. 1^st and 2^nd deck of cruise ship was air-conditioned with windows allowing passengers to enjoy view. However, I opted to stay at top deck with Caucasians baking under the sun and gives clear view of the island with natural breeze.

1200H: ETA at Phi Phi Leh – visitors enjoyed sightseeing of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove and Viking Cove. Stop over at Maya Bay for snorkeling and fish feeding for given ample time. Reminder, not to lose your snorkel and fins as this will be charged to you.   

   

1300H: Lunch at Phi Phi Village with entrance fee of 20 Baht. Buffet lunch served was of local dishes with curry, celebration of flavors combined with spices and herbs; Dessert was a tropical fruit (depending on availability) which in my case was pineapple and watermelon; Drinks was free flowing water, while soft drinks, juices and beers are charged accordingly. For lunch, I suggest you go first in line as amount of food served was not suited for expected number of guest. 

1345H: After lunch, free time to explore the island, swimming, snorkeling and shopping for souvenirs. 

1500H: ETD from Ton Sai Bay to Phuket – this time find yourself a comfortable seat in an air conditioned deck for an afternoon siesta. Remember that seats are first come first serve basis. 

1700H: ETA at Rassada Harbor and transfer back to hotel. FYI, remember the face of your driver and vehicles plate number for tourist gets chaotic in desire to get home.  

On our way home, I was seated beside an American talking to his wife on cellphone; he was telling his wife that he felt exhausted and good thing they decided to stay in Bangkok. He was complaining that the weather was too hot; there was no available comfortable seat on board; it was not the island tour he was expecting; and he was not in luxury at al. I have to agree with him, January to April as peak season there should be a program for crowd control in terms of number of passengers per boat; time intervals to prevent overcrowding of visitors in an island for a total comfort and relaxation. 

I have no regrets spending 900 Baht for an 8 hour Phi Phi Island tour; I had experienced Phi Phi Island far from the image of the aftermath of the tsunami disaster when the Thai government declared the island closed. I had seen the island revived by Help International Phi Phi (Hi Phi Phi) set up by former Dutch resident of Phi Phi, Emiel Kok that recruited 68 Thai staff from the rfugee camp, as well as 3,500 transient backpacker volunteers offered their assistance, and returned to the island to undertake clearing and rebuilding work. To date, more than 300 businesses had been restored, nearly 1,500 hotel rooms were open, and with installed tsunami early warning alarm – Phi Phi Island stays alive, safe and paradise of beauty and history.