ECO-GK

This is our last activity for this semester, where we went at GK that is located at UPLB. We went there, as per request of Prof. V, to teach kids about Philippine National Trees.

Personally, I was assigned to talk about Philippine National Trees and even though it is hard because it has the longest discussion, I was happy to see the kids identify some of the trees.

(Photo by Mary Ann Aviles)

Some were assigned to help with the activities.

(Photo by Mary Ann Aviles) 

Still, some were assigned to do the presentation  and present the presentation.

(Photo by Mary Ann Aviles) 

Finally! I was able to complete all the requirements. But I will miss all the activities that I have done for the past few months. But I am so happy to attend to all those activities.

CEMO

This Eco activity is still connected to our previous activities. Our group, though not complete, went to CEMO that is located at Marikina City.

When we went there, we waited for the Engr. that is assigned to assist us. And to make our time more productive, we planned for our next activity, which will take place in GK at UPLB.

Anyway, CEMO is the place where the vegetables and plants are being converted to fertilizers. We were able to learn the process step-by-step.

 I have to agree that this decomposition process takes time and effort, not to mention the unpleasant smell that made me sneeze a lot.

I did have fun although this is my second time to visit CEMO due to a previous project. I believe that the group was able to learn a lot and I was happy that some even participated by doing hands-on activity.

Photos by Mary Ann Aviles

Second Trip to IPO

Basically, this trip is like a follow-up from our first visit to IPO Dam. The activities actually never changed only that it was shorter. Same things happened as to out first visit there and I was happy because I was able to finish nurturing the trees though there are still a lot of work to do.

At the same time, I was also sad because that would be my last trip to the beautiful paradise of IPO Dam. I will also miss to see the growth of the plants that were planted from the first term.

Photos by Jimmy Corong

First Trip to IPO

My first trip to IPO Dam was an unexpected event for me. It is because my dad is really protective and wants his "princess" to be safe. And since Prof. V assured my dad of my safety, he eventually allowed me. I'm so glad that my dad allowed me to join the trip because it was so fun and educational at the same time. 

(Photo by Amiel Cabangon)

(Photo by Amiel Cabangon) 

(Photo by Amiel Cabangon) 

Of course, this experience was also new to me so I have to admit that there are times that I am unsure of what I am doing. 

Anyway, when I got there, I was able to reflect on the beauty of nature and how I missed them. It is the presence of the blue-green waters and the trees that surrounded the dam, that makes it so relaxing.

(Photo by Amiel Cabangon)

(Photo by Amiel Cabangon)

When the group and I reached the place where we are going to do the tree nurturing, I realized that we really have a serious job to do. The hours that we stayed there were given to the clearing of the weeds that are blocking the nutrients and made sure that the plants that were planted during the first semester would be re-hydrated.

(Photo by Amiel Cabangon) 

However, at the end of the day, I was so glad to be part of this trip because I was able to see beyond my city. :)

Tree Walking

My classmates and I, together with the Philippine Native Plants Conversation Society, Inc. 

Last December, my classmates and I went on a tree walking activity inside the UP Diliman Campus together with Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc. as part ofmy CWTS project.  Honestly, I have been haunted with the idea of  knowing all the kinds of trees that UP Diliman Campus has since I was young. I would always wonder around and observe the trees every time my family and I would take a spin for a moment.

Luckily, I took CWTS this semester and I was able to explore trees I've never seen nor heard. To be honest, I was overwhelmed with every trees standing inside the campus. Here are the list of the trees that we saw and talked about.


Native Trees:
1. Taraw
2. Vuyaboy (Philippine Date Palm)
3. Balabat : Licuala spinosa
4. Bungang Tsina (Manila Palm, Christmas Palm)---Endemic
5. Balitbitan
6. Ilang-Ilang
7. Pili
8. Talisay (Sea Almond): Terminalia catappa L.
9. Narra or Apalit
10. Salisi
11. Tangisang Bayawak : Ficus Varigata
12. Bagilumbang---Endemic
13. Bagarbas
14. Hawili
15. Tihig : Ficus nota
16. Dungong-late : Heriteria littoralis
17. Saling-bobog
18. Dita : Alstonia scholaris
19. Malugay
20. Botong : Barringtonia asiatica
21. Gemilina : Gemilina arborea
22. Antipolo
23. Bignay
24. Mabolo or Kamagong - Endemic
25. Sonata or Kalumpang
26. Lapu-lapu
27. Dau
28. Kalingag Liitan (Philippine Cinnamon)
29. Malabulak
30. Malubago (Philippine Gumamela)
31. Baraibai
32. Bantulinaw (Kamagong Dagat)
33. Mali-Mali
34. Panato
35. Balakat
36. To-og
37. Bayok
38. Bangkal
39. Calumpit
40. Patino
41. Apitong
42. Bagtikan
43. Tanduang Manok
44. Bunglas
45. Tuai
46. Molave or Molawin or Tugas


Non-Native or Introduced Species
1. Oil Palm
2. Acacia
3. Royal Palm
4.African Tulip
5. McArthur Palm
6. Maluko
7. Balete or Rubber Ficus
8. Kalachuchi
9. Palo-Santo
10. Mahogany
11. Santol
12. Bayabas

Good thing Jimmy was able to write them because my cellphone run out of battery power.


But overall, I really enjoyed it especially learning about the trees that always made me curious. I was so lucky to finally know them and someday, I wish to share it to the next generation.

Photos by Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc.

Introduction

Honestly, I had this draft since last June 2011 but a lot of things happened since that time and I was not too committed with blogging. I like writing journals and diaries because it helps me relive memories but I don't like the idea of blogging because it's so public. Yet, I have to say, that due to my CWTS project at my school, I was compelled to blog.


Now, why post this sort of "introduction" first before posting my CWTS projects? Well, I believe that this blog will not be entirely for my CWTS activities but I have a hunch that I might continue blogging. Even though I am busy with studies and work, I believe that I can find some time to write about my reflections in life and share it to others.


Recently, I just bought a new camera and I have to say that I am still not used to it that's why I kept on forgetting it for special occasions like Lea Salonga's live concert at Venice Piazza, McKinley Hills. Of course, I can't show you how well she performed because I forgot my camera.


So what's with the camera? Why did I brought it up? Because for the past few, well mostly, of my CWTS activities, photos are being taken by my classmates and I feel that I would like to have a copy of my own. The benefits of having my own camera is that I can choose which pictures I would like to share and post. On the other hand, I can't be part of my photos since I am the one capturing the moments.


Anyway, one of these days, I will post all my CWTS activities and moments and hopefully, I can relive those memories.