GROW YOUR OWN ROOF: How to make nipa roofing

While in Bojo, I was able to see how they prepare the nipa roofing material to repair the base camp.

Step one: Go to the nipa grove and cut some palms. Do not thin out the plant. Gather one or two palms per tree.

Step two: Remove the palm leaves individually.

Step 3: Fold the leaves and sew in the middle.

 Step 4: Put a piece of bamboo and rock to keep the leaves in place while folded.

Step 5: Let the nipa dry

Step 6: Repeat until you have enough for your needs. Ready for installation.
Step 7: No need to buy or go to the hardware. Find friend or family member who can help you install your roof.
WARNING: YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME, YOU MAY BE CONVINCED THAT YOU CAN GROW YOUR OWN ROOF!!!

Bojo River Ecotourism, Aloguinsan, Cebu

We left Cebu around 9:45 and we finally reached Aloguinsan by noon. After all the media attention that this tour has received, we were surprised that there were no wayfinding signs to Bojo River.  We drove up to the municipio and still no signs. So, we just asked and this is the direction we got, - go up on the road to the church, keep going till you see an elementary school, then next will be a high school and just keep going- so we did. Until we were in a very mountainous area- could we be lost. On the roadside, there is a bus that turned over and fell on the side of the road. Hmmm, not a good sign. There was no river to be found. We persisted until we saw this sign:

A few meters from the sign there is a small sari-sari store and a waiting shed and  we parked our car beside it. Within minutes, there were representatives of  BAETAS or the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association. They told us that there was a base camp by the river where we could eat and from there we will take our river ride. We took a short walk and had our first glimpse of a TUBOD or spring. They say that there are 100 springs that feed the BOJO river.

A few more meters...

Not bad, a short walk, and we were at the base camp. We were greeted by the vp of the fisherfolk association -Rudney Carcuevas and he explained to us how they were organized by the Local Government under the leadership of then mayor -Cynthia Moreno. They have been offering eco tours for over a year now and they provide guided river tours, birdwatching and mangrove planting. All the proceeds of their tours go to the members of the association and the town.

If you are interested to experience this ecotourism initiative by the Bojo fisherfolks, contact the ff:
President of BAETAS: Jomelyn Manigos- 0926-4906-670
V. President: Rudney Carcuevas- 0905-9133-055 or 469-5528
Municipal Tourism office: 469-5604 (Noli/Irene)

They charge P600 per person for a river tour with lunch and snack. For us, since we were considered walk-in guests- they charged us only P300/person without meals.  Each guest had a banca and a boatman. We found two kayaks under the base camp hut, so we added P200/person for the use of the kayaks. By the way, they have a very clean and modern bathroom with running water. So, no worries about bathing after swimming in the river and the sea.

Rudney, the vice president of BAETAS

Our knowledgeable and able boatmen

Before we started with the ecotour of Bojo, we were seated to listen to an introduction of their ecotourism efforts, the importance of mangroves in the detrital food chain, and the endemic, resident and migratory birds found in the area. They were able to get support from USC and Cebu Biodiversity Foundation for the inventory of their flora and fauna. So, a lot of good information given by the locals based on their training from   cooperative efforts of  local educational and scientific institutions. Nice application of knowledge, yes, bring that knowledge to where it can be used for conservation efforts. Now, the locals respect the value of their flora and fauna.

So, off we went to our individual boats and personal boatmen and eco guides. They told us of interesting tales about the barter trade between the locals and the Spaniards that occured by the mouth of the river, of sea water being cooked in cauldrons of coconut juice and turned into delicious and special sea salt, of a generous cave-dwelling fairy (their version of Maria Cacao), of treasure hunters who blasted the cliffs and the consequential disappearance of the monkeys that lived in the area. The river spans 1.5 kilometers until it pours to the sea. The river is lined by nipa palms and other mangrove varieties. A predominant variety is the saging-saging kind ( its name based on the shape of its propagules that look like miniature violet/yellow bananas). There are also patches of mangrove reforestation efforts. There is also a short bamboo observation walkway one can use to explore the mangroves closely.

Sadly, I don't have any pictures coz I forgot to charge my waterproof camera.



We had the chance to swim in the sea. The water was cool and refreshing, not too salty. Actually, they have a good and diverse marine/coral life in the area. So, next time we want to come back and go snorkeling. After an hour of swimming and watching the sayaw birds, we headed back to the base camp.

Did our tour end, yes and no. Yes, the river tour ended but the interaction with the locals began. One boatman started strumming his guitar and sang and the others joined, so we joined too...










We left around 4pm and we drove to Pinamungahan. Our day did not end yet, we rode our bikes from Pinamungahan to Toledo City. It is a very pleasant ride. Pinamungahan is very flat. We rode on the coastal higway - no traffic, lots of friendly people and beautiful coastal views. The area is lined with affordable beach resorts, with signs that say - SING AND SWIM... Must be a favorite pastime in that area. The traffic started to be congested as we reached Toledo city. We had dinner at the newly opened Mang Inasal at the Metro Plaza. We took the shorter route home via Uling, Naga. By 8pm, we were back in the city.

What a great day- experiencing the therapeutic effects of nature- a flowing river, dancing birds, mangrove forest, blue sea, cool seawater; an easy multi-sport adventure- kayaking, swimming and biking; hanging out and singing with the locals. And we got home safely, Thank you God!

Albularyo nga buta

While we were hanging out at the Bojo River base camp, one of the boatmen started singing a famous max surban song- ang albularyo nga buta.

The Lyrics:

May buta nga albularyo
Manghinambal sa among baryo
Bisan tuod siya buotan
Usahay may pagka-pilyado

Tanang sakit iyang tambalan
Bisan pa ma-engkanto
Ang uban kanila mamaayo
Ang uban usab mamenteryo

Dunay babayeng masakiton
Gitambalan niya'g orasyon
Ang albularyong mapahiyumon
Nihapuhap sa sakit sa pus-on

Ang babaye sab diay alisto
Nanagang ug dayon palayo [??]
Kai kung mohikap ang buta na albularyo
Basin mahikapan ang dili mao

Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Usa siya ka albularyong buta
Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Mutambal nga magpiyong ang mata

Dunay b***t galisod _____ [??]
Nagreklamo's hubag sa ilok
Sa albularyo iyang gipakumot
Aron kuno mobuto, mokipot

Dako ang iyang pasalamat
Kay nihiyos wala na nagngotngot
Apan paglingkod siyang nahi-ulpot
Laing hubag nitubo sa iyang lubot

Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Usa siya ka albularyong buta
Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Mutambal nga magpiyong ang mata

May lalaking grabe ang deperensya
Nakatulon kuno'g kutsara
Nagsiga nalang ang mata
Panagsa nalang moginhawa

Gitambagan sila sa albularyo
Gipauli dayon sa ilaha
Inig abot kuno dayon pahigdaa
Moskiterohi ug tabla

Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Usa siya ka albularyong buta
Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Mutambal nga magpiyong ang mata

Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Usa siya ka albularyong buta
Lalalalala lalala lala lala
Mutambal nga magpiyoooong ang mataaaaaa

The Cebu transcentral Highway: Busay to Balamban

If you watch the cable channel of the province of Cebu, you must have seen the feature on the Bojo River EcoTour. They have been showing the feature on Bojo repeatedly. So, this morning, we decided to check it out. Our trip started from the city and we went on the longer route. We took the Busay to Balamban transcentral highway.

We went up via Nivel Hills. We have not been to Busay in a long time, so we were pleasantly surprised by the number of zip line adventure parks. The first one that came up was right after the entrance to Tops, the Doce Pares Eskrima Zip line.

We went pass the flower farms in Busay. Since it is only a few days before the All Souls and Saints Day, the flower farmers were so busy packing their flowers in boxes. The streets were lined with men, women and children all moving at a hectic pace, with buses ready to bring their flowers to the city and some to the airport.

We went pass the Kan-Irag Park- a nice place for camping and family hiking.

Just by the Balamban boundary, we were excited to see a high wall and we guessed it was a climbing wall. And we were right. The newly opened Adventure Cafe, also has a zipline, a climbing wall (that will be opened soon), and an upcoming ropes course. One of the owners, Mr. Wenceslao, proudly toured us in their facility. The cafe is situated on a cliff with a magnificent view of the mountains. They offer guided tours to the nearby waterfalls and caves. Will definitely go back for caving and hiking.

A few meters from the cafe there are two more zipline parks- a short one in a family park and k33 green adventures zipline. Will have to go back on another trip for the zipline.

Then we drove further to do our traditional purchase of sweet corn by the foot of the Doktora Macarina Park. We got sweet corn for P40/kilo. We went to this park years ago and we were able to ride horses. They have a nice horse trail. Am not sure, if they still keep their horses.

We drove further and we saw the latest development in the area- the KOOL ADVENTURE CAMP of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. We heard that they will make a comprehensive adventure park complete with ropes course, camp grounds and team building facilities.

And then we were heading closer to Balamban as we could see the Tsuneishi Ship Building Facility  from the mountain. A grim reminder of the recent Iranian tourist accident is a sign that says-- "PAGHINAY KAY DAGHAN NA UG NANGAMATAY DIRI DAPITA" (translation: SLOW DOWN COZ A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE DIED HERE).  We guessed the exact spot were the bus fell- because the government road builders were busy erecting a cement wall as road guard along a steep cliff. Philippine time- better late than never. So, we obediently put our car to lower gear as there was a sudden deep incline in the road.

In a few more minutes, we were in the busy town of Balamban. They are building a very huge Gaisano Complex in the area. Then we saw the Tsuneishi ship building complex and further down is the Metaphil factory of the Aboitiz company.

We were driving futher to go to Aloguinsan for the Bojo River Tour. . .

Driftwood Horse, Cebu

Yesterday, I went to the Philippine Russian Exhibition at the CICC. It was an event that showcased Cebuano crafts, furniture and art. There were a few Russian art pieces. What caught my attention in that exhibit was this horse made of driftwood by one of the craft manufacturing companies here in Cebu.

Rodney Cornejo's Tree House in Aguamarina, Sta. Ana , Manila

Landscape designer Rodney Cornejo built a tree house right in the heart of the city in Manila. Although he has passed away, his design lives on and continues to inspire people to create homes that are attuned  to nature.

Seems like a fortress as seen from the street

the base of the newly added room

view on top of the tree house

footing of the tree house

slate flooring

wooden coffin accent

living room on top of the tree house

Buhisan Watershed Dam, Cebu City

The water that is supplied to the city of Cebu comes from the Buhisan Watershed Dam. This photo was taken in  2008 during Earth Day in an event organized by the PBSP or the Philippine Business for Social Progress. It was the launching of the Eco-tourism project of PBSP with the Barangay of Buhisan and the Watershed. It was a tree planting event focused on endemic or native trees so that the birds will come and do the reforestation project themselves. If there are fruits that they can feed on,  the birds will start to make the watershed their home. Birds are the best tree planters in the world. They eat fruits, excrete the seeds, mixed with their dung and plant them everyday. Then the rain comes and the seeds start to sprout.

The Watershed in Buhisan is an excellent place for easy hiking with family even with very young kids. Also, the watershed staff offer informational tours so that we Cebuanos can be aware of where our water comes from and what we can do to conserve it.

Food Matters and Lifesyle Diaseases

I am currently recuperating at home from the effect/s of a  lifestyle disease/s. And yes in my entire life,  i had my first taste of  hospitalization and prolonged contact with the health and medical care system in the Philippines. I have always steered clear of doctors and hospitals. The smell of ethyl alchohol and chlorine has always conjured aversive images in my mind, remnants of my limited 70's idea of a hospital from visits to my sick and ailing grandparents. To my surprise, I was brought to a very modern, clean and efficient hospital where the doctors and nurses where kind and respectful. I was given some medications and in a few days, I felt better and requested a discharge.

Was I healed? Of course, NOT. I took all the diagnostic tests and the results showed that I had a lifestyle diasease. I was given some pills that I might have to take for life.

What, Pills for life!?!  What, I will not even take a pill for a headache!!!  This can't be, so I vowed to be an informed consumer of medical care. I searched for information.....

First of all, what are lifestyle diseases?

These are preventable diseases that can be lowered by changes in diet, lifestyle and environment.  It is developed over many years of inappropriate food intake, sedentary lifestyle and inappropriate response to high stress environments. The medical solution is widely accepted- thanks to the pharmaceutical companies, we have a pill for every disease. But, is this the solution to a global pandemic????

To provide temporary relief, perhaps yes... But to provide a more humane, dignified, empowering and sustainable cure, A DEFINITE NO!!!

As, I searched for local solutions, I went to my  doctor who is one of the few in Cebu who practice BIO-INTEGRATIVE HEALTH, and I came across this documentary- FOOD MATTERS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4DOQ6Xhqss 

I just learned that it is possible to have a cheap, doable and sustainable solution to my health problems. So, this adventure in sustainability will include my journey towards  personal health and wellness.

HPV's (Human Powered Vehicles) made by entrepreneurial Cebuanos

In the last few days, I have been on the look-out for HPV's. What are HPV's? Any form of transportation that is powered by the human muscle- carbon free, recycled, innovative and responds to a need. Examples are the bikes (mostly surplus Japanese bikes) and the classic trisikad. But Cebuanos have taken it to the next level- the hpv's we have not only takes a person from point A to point B but also responds to some basic  need. The range of entrepreneurial applications are exciting- from mass transportation, delivery service and logistics, scrap door to door pick-up, gas tanks delivery, and  food service from peanuts, fish balls, quail eggs, fruit drinks, hot bread, ice cream, fruit stands, siomai, and the latest, french fries. You name it, I'm sure that someone has thought of it.

La Mesa Eco-Park, Quezon City

The La Mesa Eco-park is a great place for many reasons: a natural habitat for birds and other animals close to the city, picnic place, adventure zone and many more. It is many things to different people. For me, I like it for the sustainability solutions they highlight: electric jeep shuttle, the coco choir cushion for the playground, the cogon roofed huts, the recycled art products they offer. Thank you !

Balaw-Balaw Restaurant & Art Gallery, Angono, Rizal

Art using recycled newspapers, glue and paint- what do you get- whimsical masks of all sizes. The paper mache masks are displayed on the first floor. They also have a very interesting Folk Art Gallery on the 2nd floor. In the annexed building we watched  local craftsmen demonstrate the process of making these paper mache masks. They also make beautifully colored paper mache dolls of different sizes. There is only one other place (Paete) that I have been to which makes these paper mache crafts.Thus, we were all amused by the large collection highlighted in this place.  This is a local craft which is fast vanishing with the onset of cheap Chinese made products. Well worth the trip.

Field of Faith, Laguna

Such a great spiritual haven... birds, fresh air, trees, open space, different cultural interpretations of God. what i like the most about the place are the artworks made by the local sculptors and artists. when businesses support local craftsmen, the skills of the older generation can be passed on to the next. it helps sustain families, communities and culture. otherwise, the sculpting tradition in the area will vanish and young people will miss out on learning a valuable cultural skill from their elders.