Turtle Islands (Baguan Island)

Here's the time lapse video of the Turtle Island I visited a few weeks ago. Much of the information are stated in the preceding post I made (but this is better than simple pictures!)

The song is by KC Concepcion, and the beat clearly fits the vid.

I hope you enjoy the video and hope to inspire you a bit about your love for the environment!

Turtle Island

When God spread jewels into the ocean, one must have landed in this part of the Sulu Sea.

The Philippine Turtle Islands is one of the very few remaining turtle rookeries (nesting sites) in the world. And the most special special island must be the Baguan Island.



But before you read any further, let me tell you that this island is off-limits to tourists and casual visitors. Only scientists and conservation partners of the government are allowed in this special, special island. DO NOT believe any travel operator that this is open to tourists. Only the other nearby islands can be visited by people.

There are two species of marine turtles that lay egg on this island. The Green Turtle (picture) and the Hawksbill Turtle. This mother now returns to the island to lay eggs at night where she was born maybe, 30 or 50 years ago.


When morning comes, the only evidence of her presence on Baguan Island would be her tracks on the white sand beach.


On some days, the number of mother turtles that laid eggs are revealed by the numerous flipper tracks that line up the entire length of the beach.


The wardens save the eggs that are in danger because of predators and sea water that may reach the nest during high tide.


Then the eggs almost magically turn into tiny hatchlings, each one eager to reach the sea.


The hatchlings then make a dash towards the sea. The scene can become both exciting, dramatic, and perhaps even spiritual. Specially if you would know that only one among hundred hatchlings may survive.


Many are eaten by predators such as birds, lizards, even crabs (ghost crabs), and fishes such as groupers and jacks. In this photo, there were three sharks that eat the unlucky hatchlings that swam into their direction. No matter how hard we think about it. we cannot meddle into the situation by denying the sharks of their right to also exist and get their sustenance. It is the natural order of things.


Yes, the Baguan Island is a very special place. It is a cradle of the few remaining turtles, a paradise even. A symbol that every living being deserves its rightful place in this world.


*note: studies are being done to determine the ecotourism potential of Turtle Islands (which is composed of 6 islands and islets). I will write another blog on the results of the studies. But in the meantime, for the casual tourist, this could be the closest thing you can experience the turtle island of Baguan.

Sagada Adventure with Kids

Got to join only the other day quite a big group with KIDS(!) in Sagada,Mountain Province. Yup, that one with the huge cave, unending treks, waterfalls, hanging coffins, and fortunately, new properties with gardens that the kids can enjoy. I used to have doubts whether its worth it to bring young ones to Sagada as it is more for the adult adventurers and those with enough sense to deal with strenuous activities and some level of danger (like caving, perhaps?). Apparently, it can be easy and a lot of fun! But, definitely entering the Big Cave (Sumaguing) should be avoided. And there should be a good ratio between adults and kids. And the grownups should be ready to carry a kid who has reached a cranky level.


Viewing the burial cave and ancient coffins in Lomiyang Cave.


Trekking down one of the numerous trails in Sagada.

Bacolod Ruins

Who would have thought that an old house, that is totally burnt, destined for total demolition, would actually turn out to be a very nice tourist attraction? This one's located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. A pre war colonial house built by a very rich sugar baron. The story was, during the Second World War, the Philippines and American forces were on the verge of defeat by the Japanese army. The house was a very attractive structure to host the oncoming conquerors. So, the owner and the americans burned it down so it won't be used by the Japanese.

It became a forgotten structure, until now. The young owners initially decided to tear it down. Luckily they saw the beauty of the thing, and instead converted it into a tourist attraction. Weddings and events are now held in the area.

Sperm Whales!!

Recently came back from birdwatching (i know, they're quite different from marine mammals...ha ha) sortie in the municipality of Sablayan in Occ. Mindoro when we chanced upon two pods (groups) of sperm whales!!

The last time I saw sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Philippine waters was way back in 1995.

The most amazing thing about these guys in Mindoro was we encountered one pod of six whales in the morning. It had two calves in that group. Then on our way back from Apo Reef, we encountered another pod of 9 whales! This time, with only 1 calf. It could possibly be only one pod. But hey, we saw 9(!) whales!

It was also a good thing that they had calves which prevented the whales from diving very deep. Usually, when you see a sperm whale on the surface, it will stay there only for a few minutes. It will keep blowing air (expunging carbon dioxide while taking in oxygen), then it will dive very deep (as deep as 1,000 meters) to its feeding ground. The ones in Mindoro just kept on swimming in big circles! With some coming within ten feet from our boat!

Whale watching is not not yet an established tourist activity in the Philippines. But I'm counting the years since killing was made into a crime (which was bout 15 years ago). A few more years and the whale populations would jump back and this country could then offer this magnificent creature, not on a sushi platter, but for enthusiastic whale lovers. We've done that for the dolphins, it should also be possible for the gentle giants.


Three sperm whales that swim in tight pack.


The one in the middle is actually a calf, protected by bigger members of the pod.


A blowhole up close.

Mayon Volcano

Here's a photo of Mayon Volcano (the one with the nearest perfect cone). At more than 8,000 feet its a great mountaineering (or trekking for others) site. It takes about 1.5 days to reach the highest spot through dried up lava flows, scree, and rolling rocks! It is located in the province of Albay, southern part of Luzon Island.

Photo was taken by my friend, Carina Escudero.

Agusan Marsh - Time Lapse

How would you picture in your mind a wetland several hundred square kilometers in size, with people living in their floating houses? It was really an eye-opener for me when I got to explore Agusan Marsh in the province of Agusan del Sur. Great site, really! The floating houses (and schools and stores) rise and ebb with the low and high waters. The carabaos are likewise sitting pretty in their floating cages. The people live very simple lives. In the midst of their situation, they manage to always keep smiling at the visitors.

The place is already great for some meaningful travel. Now, what it needs are good people who can develop tours around the lake. Oh, I almost forgot, there is already a non-government organization developing tours and the provincial government is already positioning the marsh as an ecotourism destination.

Here's a time lapse video of our visit to the marsh about two weeks ago (2nd week of January 2009) for our birdwatching visit.

Time Lapse - Ilocos Norte

Here's a time lapse video on Ilocos norte, combined with some still photos. The province has a good combination of nature and cultural attraction, and with some really unique culinary pride.

Some of My Travel Adventures

Before I grow old and forget a lot of things, Im writing some of my travel adventures.

How many times have I almost died? - 12 (if I were a cat, I would have been doomed!)
- The car I was riding in almost fell off a ravine in Tagaytay.
- The van I was riding in almost fell off a cliff in Dapitan City
- A rock the size of a car rolled between our car and that of former DOT (then) undersecretary Alunan when we went on a relief operation in Baguio City after an earthquake
- I almost lost my grip on a rope while inside a deep cave in Marinduque
- I fell off a ravine in Taal Volcano, but a miracle happened, I landed on a ledge!
- I almost fell off a deep ravine in Antique when I tripped and slid on a steep trail. Luckily, a piece of wood caught the strap of my backpack
- I slipped on a waterfall cascade. Luckily, I landed on my feet.
- I almost drowned when we helped a woman from drowning in a deep basin of a waterfall in Famy, Laguna
- A big rock landed on my head which made my face awfully bloody in Aurora. Luckily, I got a very thick skull. I got the rock as a souvenir!
- A lightning almost hit me in Turtle Island in Tawi-tawi
- I got caught in the middle of a storm in Sibuyan, Romblon (the one in Coron was nothing)
- I really thought I was going to die while crossing an improvised path in a landslide in Antique (this should not be counted, thought. My balls just raced up my throat)
- I Majayjay, Laguna, a snake was right in front of my face, ready to strike me. But I did not notice it as I was busy looking at a beautiful flower.

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The food that I ate
- Balut? naahhh...half the macho Filipinos and courageous girls eat balut like boiled egg.
- Sashing - sea worm that actually looks like.... white worm... or spaghetti... (in Ilo-ilo)
- Grilled bee larvae in Cambodia
- Fried Ants in Cambodia - Frog (no issue, actually)
- Plants and tree leaves in UP campus (of course, only the edible ones that my botanist-friend attested as safe to eat). Like we would walk beside some buildings, pick some leaves, rub them clean on our shirts, then chew them down. Great snacks!

Wet Streets of London

Maiba naman... Another time lapse project I created showing the streets, views and traffic of busy London on a rainy day.

Crimson Sunbird

Here are some photos of the Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) I was (very) lucky enough to take good photos of. But of course, the quality would not pass yet the standards of publishers. More rakets and I should be able to buy that loooong lens for some serious bird photography.

Very small, very nice bird. This could very be a spark bird for some and convince them to go into birdwatching.

Taken in Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes, Negros Oriental just a couple of weeks ago.

Brochure - Loboc River Cruise, Bohol