Eco-Warriors in Aloguinsan

It is quite an education to experience how the locals in Aloguinsan work together for sustainable development and eco-tourism. The one-of-a-kind Bojo River Cruise has gained not only provincial, but also national and international acclaim.

Truly impressive to see their women, farmers, fishermen, artists, cooks-- all play an active part, not only in promoting the town, but more importantly, in preserving their natural environment and local culture. What's more, they take time educating guests as well, understanding that environmental preservation is not only the job of one group, but for everyone who dares to walk the earth.

Everyone here is a stakeholder. Such involvement is truly commendable and the only way, I believe, to achieve true progress. As tourists or travelers, let us give our wholehearted support for such model communities. They rely on us as well to sustain this project and their consequent livelihood.

They may not be able to guarantee 100% efficiency or convenience all the time -- after all, drinks and food for the day always depend on the sea and farm's produce that season (so don't go all feeling entitled when your favorite meal is not readily available), accommodations are limited, and roads are not always in the best condition. But then the natural payoffs are quite priceless - clean rivers, warm smiles, healthy farm-to-table food, fresh mountain/sea air, amazing greenery and so much more.

So let's go visit, immerse in the experience, and pass it on in the hope that this kind of development will catch on. We may not be able to ever win the bigger war in politics, but in our own way, we can choose to Be an Eco-Warrior and own it.

So let's go, travel and learn. Game?

Once in a Pink Moon

This girl is excited to catch the rise of The Pink Moon (April's Full Moon) tomorrow, April 11, 2017.

Though, hold on, it won't particularly look pink as we might expect (or as I would love to see). The moon this month is named instead after pink flowers called wild ground phlox, which bloom in spring and become widespread in the U.S. and Canada this time of year.

No matter. The Pink Moon alludes to the changes in nature, the shifting of season --from full class to summer break, from strat planning to vacations, or from wet to dry here in our corner of the world.

For me, its rising stirs up seeds of change. What an exciting night to welcome new ventures, new blooms and new destinations coming our way.

So let's Seize the night. Share our stories. Once in a Pink Moon.