Manila Bay dolomite beach is open to the public again

 

by Noel Pabalate, Manila Bulletin

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reopened the first phase of the artificial white sand along Manila Bay in Roxas Boulevard on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

The dolomite beach, however, can only be accessed by the public until Tuesday, July 20, 2021. People can enter the artificial beach from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and up to only 120 people every five minutes are allowed inside the phase one premises, which is near the US Embassy.

Senior citizens and minors with adult companions will be permitted to enter. Pets are not allowed on the beach. Also, eating, drinking, littering, and picking up dolomite sand in the vicinity are strictly prohibited. 

The public enters the phase one of the artificial beach.Moreover, tourists cannot swim on the bay just yet as its waters still haven’t reached the standard acceptable levels of fecal coliform, even though the rehabilitation has already created a significant improvement, according to the DENR.

Shalls are strategically stationed to implement the safety guidelines. They will supervise visitors to check if they are following the standard health and safety protocols such as observing social distancing and wearing face masks and face shields while at the Bay’s shore.

After the three-day public viewing, the DENR will assess if they will have the artificial white beach open again. The department aims to finish its second phase by October of this year. 

Before its reopening, trash is seen floating on its shorelines, which they say might be coming from coastal areas in Cavite and sea vessels. But the DENR has deployed 50 coastal rangers to ensure its cleanliness every day.

Apart from the sand attraction, the DENR planted coconut palms along the baywalk area last June to add more visual appeal.

When the quarantine eases and the bay’s water meets the standard fecal coliform level of 100 mpn/ml, tourists can enjoy contact recreation such as swimming, skin-diving, among others in what the masses call the “poor man’s Boracay.”

What do Filipinos do well?

 

By: Donnabeth A

Mom. Filipino. Former Teacher in Thailand. Writer

Author of 50 Ideas for a Great Life.

I’m a multi-passionate freelance writer who loves to eat, read, and travel.

1. Humor

A Filipino has the ability to turn any situation into something laughable. It only takes a few minutes after a national issue for funny Filipino memes to surface. One can laugh even in the face of a disaster.

There are so many brilliant Filipino comedians. Some are on TV while some gained popularity through their own YouTube channel. Most are yet to be discovered.

2. Adaptability

This can be a strength but if taken to the extreme I think it’s also a downfall. I once watched a Pinoy who was interviewed after their house has been flooded during a typhoon. I forgot what the question was, but she answered, “Sanay na po kami.” “We are used to it already”. At the surface, it may seem like a great attitude, but looking closer, it drives one into inaction. We have adapted ourselves to different kinds of discomfort that we refuse to look for ways to rise up.

There are Filipino populations in over 32 countries all over the world. We are able to blend. We are able to easily adjust our preferences so that we can survive our current situation.

3. Family Ties and Respect

Filipinos value family very well. We exercise respect, especially to older family members. We have strong family ties and treat our families with utmost importance.

Filipinos are often willing to extend help to family members sometimes even to the extremes. Some Filipinos sacrifice their own pleasure for the sake of the family.

4. Hygiene and appearance

Filipinos are always conscious about how we look and how we smell. We couldn’t stand a day wearing the same clothes or not taking a bath. The need for hygiene may seem like common sense but some other nationalities don’t seem to bother about hygiene that much.

5. Boxing, MMA, singing, and beauty contests

Now, this doesn’t speak about the general population but we do have a bunch of representatives we can be proud of. And if every Filipino with a bit of talent will just try as hard as those who have achieved milestones, if we could only stop being comfortable with where we are now, and start pushing through, the Philippines will surely go a long way.