Why sustainable tourism is important

When planning a trip, consider the environmental aspect.

BY POCH EULALIA

Feb 19, 2024 01:50 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Take only memories, leave only footprints. — Chief Seattle

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 Summer season is just around the corner! Most of you have likely started mapping out all your dream destinations for the year. But before you book those flight tickets, consider thinking about the environmental aspect first. When planning your trip, it’s best to opt for locations that follow sustainable practices. Here are some of the reasons sustainable tourism can benefit both the traveler and the destination.

 

A deeper understanding of the culture

For travelers to understand the beauty of a destination, it’s best to immerse themselves in the community’s local cultures. By seeking out authentic cultural experiences, travelers will find a better appreciation of the area. Visit areas locals frequent and try dishes the destination is known for. Perhaps one of the best ways to experience this is through visiting tourist attractions handled by indigenous people. After all, indigenous folk act as the protectors of our ancient rituals, keeping traditions alive while caring for the environment around them. We can also show our support by purchasing from local artisans rather than buying from tourist trap establishments.

 

Preserving the natural beauty

When traveling, always consider if the destination has sustainable practices in place to ensure the natural beauty of the place is kept un-
touched. For instance, when island hopping, do the boats you ride have containers for trash to ensure no waste is left on the islands? Think
about the impact you have in the areas you visit. When going on a hike, always bring containers to take your trash with you. For beach lovers, think twice about collecting any sea shells you see in the sand. By taking these home, you are also taking away potential homes for crustaceans residing on the beach. Opt for activities that encourage wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and minimized carbon emissions. 

 

Boosting the quality of life for residents

Sometimes tourism can act as a double-edged sword. It can promote the beauty of the area, bringing in more crowds to help boost the economy and improve the quality of life for locals. At the same time, it brings the lurking danger of over-tourism. One need only look at the effects over-tourism had on Boracay that led to its sudden shutdown back in 2018. Conditions on the island worsened to the point that an algae bloom, which researchers claim is a sign of pollution and water deterioration, took over the island’s once pristine waters. To avoid over-tourism is simple, take the road less traveled by. Rather than visiting the usual destination hot spot, seek out adventure by going to lesser-known areas that are welcoming visitors. Who knows, you might even find the next Siargao or El Nido just waiting to be discovered!

Film great Tikoy Aguiluz passes away

BY NEIL RAMOS

Feb 19, 2024 02:02 PM

  

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Filmmaker Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz VI has passed away.

This was confirmed by his family Monday, Feb. 19, via a statement.

Tikoy was the co-founder of the UP Film Center.

He served as its assistant director until 1990.

He first gained notice via the 15-minute documentary "Mt. Banahaw, Holy Mountain," which won for him the Silver Trophy at the prestigious Young Filmmakers of Asia Festival.

His first full-length feature was "Boatman" released in 1984. 

Other notable works include "Balweg" (1985), "Segurista" (1996), "Rizal In Dapitan" (1997), "Tatsulok" (1998), "Tatarin" (2001),"Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (2011). 

In 2003, the French government awarded Aguiluz the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Letrres prize for his contributions to Philippine cinema.

Philippine Fairy Tales (XXII) - Philippinische Märchen (XXII): THE ESCAPE OF JUANITA - Juanita's Flucht

Have you heard of the terrible Tic-balan,

A tall and thin and very black man,
With terrible teeth and a horse's head,
And covered with hair that is long and red?
He lives in the awful Balete tree,
And to pass the place you must say "Tabi";
If you do not, the Asuang comes at night,
And throws big stones till you die of fright.

Now once there lived in Santa Cruz town
A little girl known as Juanita Calaon;
She was gentle and sweet and as good as could be,
And she always bowed low to the Balete tree.

One day to the forest alone she did roam
To get some good wood for the fire at home;
She gathered some twigs that she found on the ground,
And all of them fast in a bundle she bound.

Then happy and free, with the pack on her head,
She followed the road that back to town led.
She sang as she walked, and so happy was she
That alas! she bowed not to the Balete tree.

All at once then she heard a most terrible roar,
And the Tic-balan fierce through the air seemed to soar.
He seized poor Juanita, and quick as could be
He shut her inside of the Balete tree.

Two days passed, and when the girl failed to come back,
Her parents went out, and no friends did they lack
To help in the search, for the whole pueblo came,
And loudly they shouted poor Juanita's name.

At last when they thought that the search brought no good,
One man found Juanita's neat bundle of wood;
He called the good news, and as more came to see,
Loud knocking was heard in the Balete tree.

Then many were frightened, but many were brave,

And wondered by what means the girl they could save;
For they knew that it must be Juanita who knocked,
And that inside the Balete tree she was locked.

Soon they ordered that candles and music be brought,
And a crucifix holy was what they next sought;
And when all was ready they closed round the tree,
While they prayed to the true God to set the girl free.

They lighted the candles and then the band played,
And Juanita's mother, who was not afraid,
Advanced with the crucifix held in her hand,
And tapped with the cross on the evil tree grand.

Then a roar shook the forest and chilled all their hearts,
And the awful Balete split into two parts;
Then they saw in the center, as each big half fell,
Their darling Juanita all smiling and well.

She ran from the tree to her fond mother dear,
While the band played and every one gave a loud cheer;
Then back to the pueblo they danced in delight,
And kept up their singing through all the long night.

Still there to this day lies the Balete tree,
But no more do the people that pass say "Tabi."
And the spirit no more can molest any man,
For God has more power than the fierce Tic-balan.

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Haben Sie vom schrecklichen Tic-Balan gehört,

Ein großer, dünner und sehr schwarzer Mann,

Mit schrecklichen Zähnen und einem Pferdekopf,

Und mit langen und roten Haaren bedeckt?

Er lebt in dem schrecklichen Balete-Baum,

Und um den Ort zu passieren, muss man „Tabi“ sagen;

Wenn Sie dies nicht tun, kommt der Asuang nachts.

Und wirft große Steine, bis du vor Angst stirbst.

Jetzt lebte einst in der Stadt Santa Cruz

Ein kleines Mädchen namens Juanita Calaon;

Sie war sanft und süß und so gut wie nur möglich,

Und sie verneigte sich immer tief vor dem Balete-Baum.

Eines Tages wanderte sie allein durch den Wald

Um gutes Holz für das Feuer zu Hause zu besorgen;

Sie sammelte einige Zweige, die sie auf dem Boden fand,

Und sie alle schnell in einem Bündel, das sie gebunden hatte.

Dann glücklich und frei, mit dem Rucksack auf dem Kopf,

Sie folgte der Straße, die zurück in die Stadt führte.

Sie sang beim Gehen und war so glücklich

Das leider! Sie verneigte sich nicht vor dem Balete-Baum.

Plötzlich hörte sie ein schreckliches Brüllen,

Und das wilde Tic-Balan schien durch die Luft zu steigen.

Er packte die arme Juanita, und zwar so schnell wie möglich

Er schloss sie in den Balete-Baum ein.

Zwei Tage vergingen, und als das Mädchen nicht zurückkam,

Ihre Eltern gingen aus und es mangelte ihnen an keinen Freunden

Um bei der Suche zu helfen, kam das ganze Pueblo,

Und laut riefen sie den Namen der armen Juanita.

Als sie schließlich dachten, dass die Suche nichts Gutes brachte,

Ein Mann fand Juanitas hübsches Bündel Holz;

Er verkündete die gute Nachricht, und als noch mehr Menschen kamen, um sie zu sehen,

Im Balete-Baum war lautes Klopfen zu hören.

Dann hatten viele Angst, aber viele waren mutig,

Und fragten sich, mit welchen Mitteln sie das Mädchen retten könnten;

Denn sie wussten, dass es Juanita sein musste, die klopfte,

Und dass sie im Balete-Baum eingesperrt war.

Bald befahlen sie, Kerzen und Musik mitzubringen,

Und ein heiliges Kruzifix war das, was sie als nächstes suchten;

Und als alles fertig war, schlossen sie sich um den Baum,

Während sie zum wahren Gott beteten, er möge das Mädchen befreien.

Sie zündeten die Kerzen an und dann spielte die Band,

Und Juanitas Mutter, die keine Angst hatte,

Vorwärts mit dem Kruzifix in der Hand,

Und klopfte mit dem Kreuz auf den bösen Baumflügel.

Dann erschütterte ein Brüllen den Wald und ließ alle ihre Herzen erschauern,

Und der schreckliche Balete spaltete sich in zwei Teile;

Dann sahen sie in der Mitte, als jede große Hälfte fiel,

Ihre geliebte Juanita lächelt und ist wohlauf.

Sie rannte vom Baum zu ihrer liebevollen Mutter, Schatz,

Während die Band spielte und alle laut jubelten;

Dann zurück zum Pueblo tanzten sie voller Freude,

Und sie sangen die ganze lange Nacht hindurch.

Noch heute steht dort der Balete-Baum,

Aber die Passanten sagen nicht mehr „Tabi“.

Und der Geist kann niemanden mehr belästigen,

Denn Gott hat mehr Macht als der wilde Tic-Balan.

 

Davao, Caraga infra damage tops P1B after floods, landslides

View from an aerial inspection in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro on February 7, 2024.

Philstar.com

February 19, 2024 | 1:38pm

Presidential Communications Office

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to infrastructure due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Davao and Caraga regions has reached more than P1 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Monday. 

The floods and landslides impacted 216 facilities, bringing the cost of infrastructure damage to P1.19 billion.

An additional 1,762 houses were also reported damaged by the NDRRMC.

Agricultural damage in Davao and Caraga, meanwhile, was estimated at P558.25 million. Around 19,000 farmers and fishers in those two regions were affected. 

According to the disaster agency, over 1.56 million people from Mindanao were impacted by the floods and landslides. Of the figure, 210,740 were displaced from their homes.

NDRRMC reported that the death toll has risen to 98. It also said that 35 people were injured, while eight were missing.

However, a separate count by the provincial government of Davao de Oro showed that 98 dead bodies were recovered following a massive landslide in Brgy. Masara, a gold-mining village in Maco town. Eight individuals remained missing.

Last week, the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice called on the government to declare a state of climate emergency in Mindanao as floods, landslides and drought affect communities in the country’s south.

Golden Tigresses stun Lady Bulldogs in straight sets to open UAAP campaign

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Feb 18, 2024 06:25 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In a battle of early contenders and last season’s semifinal pairing, the Golden Tigresses' collective effort became the key in pulling off the massive upset over their previous Final Four tormentor.

 

UST stuns NU in straight sets. (UAAP Media)

UST playmaker Cassie Carballo’s balanced distribution led four players to a double-digit outing with 20 excellent sets on top of six points off two blocks and four crucial services aces made in the third frame.

Rookie Angge Poyos posted a team-high 16 points built on 13 attacks and three blocks, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido contributed 12 markers apiece off a combined 24 kills.

Margaret Banagua provided a 10-point performance with seven points and three blocks.

Locked at 14-all in three closing chapter, the Golden Tigresses unleashed a 6-0 run highlighted by Carballo in the service area.  

Although NU came within one, 22-21, through a powerful hit from the back row by Vange Alinsug, Alyssa Solomon committed an attack error off a faulty set by Camilla Lamina before Perdido and Jurado finished off the Lady Bulldogs.

Interestingly, it was UST that ended NU’s 20-game winning stretch last season in the early eliminations before they squared off in the Final Four.

Despite losing Laure and Imee Hernandez to the pro, the Golden Tigresses are in safe hands as Jurado and Perdido continued to step up.

Meanwhile, Solomon and Alinsug carried the fight on the losing end with 16 and 11 points, respectively, as NU opened its season with a sorry loss.

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 presents 55 candidates

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Feb 19, 2024 07:39 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The winner of MUPh 2024 will succeed incumbent queen Michelle Marquez-Dee and represent the country in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe in Mexico City.

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The 55 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024

A record 55 beautiful ladies from different parts of the country were presented as official delegates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 at the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Manila on Sunday, Feb 18. The number represents a 30 percent increase from last year's contestants, who totaled 38.

Previous winners of international pageants walked alongside hopeful, new faces in what pageant watchers described this early as "bardagulan" or "bloodbath" because of the expected tight race for the crown.

Dia Mate, the current girlfriend of rocker Juan Karlos Labajo, is competing in MUPH 2024 as Miss Cavite

The winner of MUPh 2024 will succeed incumbent queen Michelle Marquez-Dee and represent the country in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe in Mexico City.

This year's MUPH has a couple of firsts in its history. One is the scrapping of the age limit to reflect the decision of the parent Miss Universe Organization. 

National athlete Alexie Mae Brooks is Miss Iloilo

This allowed those 29 years old and above to compete. Second is selecting the candidates through the Accredited Partners Program of the respective localities instead of the previous application and screening process. National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee remarked that the new system hopes to "even the playing field and provide women in the provinces with an equal opportunity."

The youngest candidates in MUPH 2024 are 18 years old, while the oldest is 39. Ten delegates represent several Filipino communities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. 

Justine Tarah Marie Valencia is a cum laude graduate from the University of Baguio

Five of the beauties have placed in pageants abroad, namely Miss International 2018 first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022 Alexandra Mae Rosales, Miss Tourism International 2019 Cyrille Payumo, Miss Intercontinental 2014 second runner-up Kris Tiffany Janson and Miss Intercontinental 2015 first runner-up Christi McGarry. 

Ahtisa Manalo (Portrait images of candidates by Noli Berioso of OPMB Worldwide)

The complete list of MUPH delegates is as follows:

1. Elaine Bernales (Albay)

2. Joanna Marie Thornley (Angeles)

3. Kymberlee Street (Australia)

4. Yvonne Catamco (Bacolod)

5. Victoria Velasquez Vincent (Bacoor)

6. Justine Tarah Valencia (Baguio)

7. Juvel Ducay (Bantayan Island)

8. Mariztella Ilagan Lat  (Batangas)

9. Bianca Gaviola (Bohol)

10. Natasha Jane Bajuyo (Bukidnon)

11. Chelsea Manalo (Bulacan)

12. Daniella Villar (Cabanatuan)

13. Lynn Eirene Lomongo (Cagayan De Oro)

14. Stacey Gabriel (Cainta)

15. Rethiana Rosa (Camiguin)

16. Dia Mate (Cavite)

17. Kris Tiffany Janson (Cebu)

18. Maria Isabel Pelayo (Davao City)

19. Joanna Puyod Yulo (Davao Region)

20. Matea Mahal Smith (Florida)

21. Patricia Bianca Tapia (Hawaii

22. Alexie Brooks (Iloilo)

23. Natasha Jung (Kananga)

24. Alexandra Mae Rosales (Laguna)

25. Angel Rose Tambal (Leyte)

26. Rikki Mae dela Peña (Lucban)

27. Victoria Leslie Ingram (Mandaue)

28. Ysabel Macuja (Manila)

29. Elle Hollman (Mariveles)

30. Mary Yasol (Miami)

31. Mary Rose Guiral (Naic)

32. Kayla Jean Carter (Northern California)

33. Maica Cabling Martinez (Nueva Ecija)

34. Zoleil Mellane Taño (Occidental Mindoro)

35. Hershey Mhae Senit (Pagadian City)

36. Raven Doctor (Palawan)

37. Cyrille Payumo (Pampanga)

38. Grace Jineah Chua Lumague (Pangasinan)

39. Selena Alexis Antonio Reyes (Pasig)

40. Lorraine Ojimba (Quezon City)

41. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)

42. Stephanie Faye Gerona (Quirino)

43. Eunice D. Deza (San Pablo, Laguna)

44. Joshell de Ocampo (Siargao)

45. Janet Lyn Hammond (Southern California)

46. Jenina Lui (Sydney)

47. Tamara Ocier (Tacloban)

48. Christi Lynn McGarry (Taguig)

49. Mary Josephine Paaske (Talisay City)

50. Kim Irish Placibe (Toledo City)

51. Zhyra Mae Cabalza (Tuguegarao)

52. Christina dela Cruz Chalk (United Kingdom)

53. Denise Nicole Mababangloob Yujuico (Virginia)

54. Kiara Landon (Washington)

55. Anita Rose Gomez (Zambales)

Alexandra Mae Rosales

The event at Hilton Manila also saw the crowning and appointment of The Miss Philippines beauties to their respective international competitions, namely: Alethea Ambrosio (Miss Supranational Philippines 2024),  Blessa Figueroa (Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines 2024), Isabelle De Los Santos (Miss Aura International Philippines 2024), Chantal Elise Schmidt (Miss Eco International Philippines 2024) and Hanna Uyan (Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2024).