Life's A Beach

Valentines Day Dive II

2012-02-22T23:28:00.003-08:00

February 11-12
Location: Ilijan, Batangas
TL: Patrick Ostrea
ATL: Trixie Estomata

Valentines Day Dive now on its Second Year! We left Manila past 6am. It was a fast road trip thanks to Jhert's driving skills. We had our breakfast and bought all the things we need at Balagtas. Past 10am we arrive Ilijan. We had the area to ourselves. The strong wind made us all restless and sleepy so we had our early siesta before the dive.

The Dive
It was one of the most colorful dive spots I've seen next to Seamate. Visibility was good. We didn't spot a pawikan just like last year although Patrick claimed he saw one. We're not counting that because there's no proof hahah! Some were surrounded by numerous fishes during the morning dive.

Colorful Reefs (Photo by Biggel)

We didn't have a strict IT. Anything goes. We just had to prepare dinner earlier because there's no electricity. Boodle fight dinner was great! And yes jamming night was fun thanks to our musicians RJ and Oka who livened our night with feel good music. I think our vibrations triggered the kubo to collapse haha.

Goodbye kubo!

Looks like the Valentines Day Dive will be a yearly tradition. See you all again next year!

The Cast

Repost from RMV
Back Track: Love Dive 2011

Lahat puede sa Kamantigue

2011-11-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

Location: Kamantigue Beach (Pagkilatan, Batangas)
November 12-13

TL: Patrick Ostrea
ATL: Trixie Estomata

Every dive has its own unique story and memories worth reminiscing about. Lahat puede sa Kamantigue is an addition to MBS' collection of epic dives.

We've checked out Pagkiltatan, Batangas before and usually stayed in Aeres Beach. But this time we set camp in Kamantigue Beach. The area was very chill. They have kubos, electricity, decent shower and toilet.

We had two dives lined up. Dive 1 was very beautiful. As soon as we had our shore entry, we saw how colorful the reefs were. While some were skin diving, Patrick, Ivan and Kuya Mark checked out the drop off SCUBA diving.

Dive 2 was back in our camp site. Swam all the way to the grotto. It was a smooth swim going to the grotto and relatively a short-distance swim. It was still as alive and colorful when we last dove in there.

The next day we went to Ilijan Falls. 10-15 minutes trek and you witness yet another wonderful spot to boast. Some conquered their fear of height and jumped. Special mention to Kimmie, who kept on saying "on three, 1, 2, (then bails), on three, 1, 2, (then bails)" (100x) hahaha. Good job you did it!

The Log Drop
(Video to follow)

Imagine logs rolling from the top. That's what they did! Walang basagan ng trip, lahat puede sa Kamantigue!

Quotable quotes

One for the ROD! ---always referring to Rod, an inductible
walang tulugan--- our deal for the night
cookie monster---referring to Diet who finished the cookies
Ang corny ng dive na to!--- me to Pat, who slept so early (I take it back though, nabawi ng falls!)
I'm screwed!---Dan vomiting and looking for his camera. (which all the while was in his bag)
Puede mag sorry?---asked when you did something wrong like being late, forgetting to bring butane (siyempre puede mag sorry, dahil lahat puede sa Kamantigue)

Others I don't recall anymore. Kamantiguers dagdagan niyo nalang!

And yesss it's a star-studded dive. We have Justin Bieber and Apl de Ap!
(Photos to follow)

We had a happy weekend and it'll surely hype up the week ahead. Thank you for another fun dive episode. Looking forward to another dive on December!

Repost from LIFE

Calatagan 2011: Kalinisan, Kapaligiran, Karagatan, Natatanging Kayamanan!

2011-10-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

International Coastal Clean-Up

Calatagan 2011: Kalinisan, Kapaligiran, Karagatan, Natatanging Kayamanan!

Sixty participants from Manila arrived at the Conserve and Protect Oceans Training Center in Calatagan, Batangas at around 9AM. Set up of equipment and banners and other necessary arrangements were done immediately upon arrival. The program officially started at 9:30AM.

Around 60 children from the local community attended to hear the lectures and participate in the clean-up. They were accompanied by their teachers, baranggay officials including the Baranggay Captain, and their parents. All throughout the program, they were very participative that the organizers did not have a hard time catching their attention and looking for volunteers whenever there is an activity.

Guest lecturers included Tristan Luczon from the UP Marine Biological Society who discussed on RA 9003 specifically on solid waste management. Ms. Mien Custodio from the local government of Calatagan, on the other hand, focused on their local ordinance on the same topic.

URC products were given during the lectures as snacks for the participants.

The coastal clean-up was conducted after the participants had their lunch. A variety of garbage were found in the area and more than ten sacks were filled. Bottles, Styrofoam, plastics, and metals were majority of what was found.

The closing program followed that where the children were given time to showcase their talents. They were awarded with certificates and special prices were given them such as “Bibbo Kid of the Day” Award and the like.

Calatagan 2011

2011-09-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Inihahandog ng UP Marine Biological Society, CAP Oceans, CDO at URC ang

Calatagan 2011: Kalinisan, Kapaligiran, Karagatan

Natatanging kayamanan!

Makiisa sa International Coastal Cleanup ngayong Setyembre 17-18.

Volunteers and donations are very much welcome.
For other details contact Kat Bolina: 09053344806

Join UP MBS

2011-06-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

The UP Marine Biological Society is now accepting applicants.

UP MBS is an environmental organization that aims to promote awareness of the marine environment through the sport of skin diving and the principles of environmentalism.

Orientation will be on Tuesday, July 8, 2011 5:30pm at PH4105.
Contact Julia 09163240795 or Gayle 09266502884
Visit our booth from June 27-30 at the Math Building Walk.

Teaser by Cam Carag

Video by Lia Cura

Discover the underwater world. Swim with the fishes. Preserve the environment. Have fun. Get away from stress in school and office. Share the same passion? UP MBS is the org for you.

We Dive Deep, because Life's a Beach!

Love Dive

2011-02-14T01:09:00.000-08:00

Location: Pagkilatan, Batangas (Feb 12-13, 2011)
TL: Patrick Ostrea
ATL: Trixie Estomata

It was the most chill dive I've ever been to. Everyone met up in Jollibee Philicoa 5am. We had 4 private vehicles which made the trip even more chill! We arrived Pagkilatan past 11am, just in time for lunch preparation.

More time to relax! Siesta was what we needed. The cold breeze left us all sleeping soundly.

By 3pm, dive proper! Long long swim. Battled against the strong current. Endured the itchy stings. Swam through some dirt and oily areas. "No pain, no gain." Indeed! After all these, we spot a pawikan! Yeahooo. Dive site was very colorful. Marine life so healthy and diverse.

Pawikan Video by Ayin Tamondong

Socials at night! "One hell of a weekend", as Ayin posted on her wall. Everybody happy. MBS love felt!

Here are some underwater photos by Ayin. A proof that the Philippines is so beautiful!

Thank you to all mems, guests who were part of this amazing Valentines Dive! See you all next month for another awesome dive.

Pagkilatan Feb 2011

--Repost from Life

Valentines Dive

2011-02-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

Poster by Trix Estomata
Photo by Neka San Antonio

It's the first official MBS dive for the year 2011. Yeahooo! Something to look forward to. Everyone's so excited. It'll be at Pagkilatan, Batangas on Feb 12-13. Predive on Wednesday as seen on the poster. Predive is the time for the TL: Patrick Ostrea (Team Leader) and ATL: Trixie Estomata (Assistant Team Leader) to meet all the members who will join the dive. During the meeting the itinerary, budget, and other details are discussed. Dive masters are assigned and the rest are divided into dive groups.

Surely this dive will be the happiest and most memorable one! What a perfect way to kick off Valentines Day.

MBS Love in the air!

Dive deep because Life's a Beach!

Singing Divers

2010-11-24T12:07:00.001-08:00

UP MBS Pilita Corals. This is the name of MBS' choir. It's the first time MBS will join the College of Science Carlofest. No pressure of winning but aiming to get a place. They had a rehearsal with Prof. Michi Martinez, Chairman of Strings Department, College of Music. She gave tips on how to sing the required piece Tuloy na Tuloy Pa rin ang Pasko. It turned out pretty well. ANG GANDA. They're voices blended beautifully. In fairness kaya pala bumuo ng choir ng mbs.

Let's go Pilita Corals aim for first!
Support them on December 3, 2010 6pm at the Abelardo Hall.

--a repost from Life

to Palauig

2010-10-18T19:02:00.001-07:00

Option1: via Brgy. Pangolingan, Palauig, Zambales
The fastest way to reach Pangolingan, Palauig from Metro Manila is to take the Northern Luzon Expressway(NLEX) to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway(SCTEX).

Then take the Subic Bay Freeport Expressway to connect with the National Road. Follow the signs to Iba.

As you pass by Iba Market head north towards Amungan Triangle (Palauig Junction 1) then keep right towards Banlog Triangle (Palauig Junction 2).

Banlog, Palauig Triangle (junction 2)

From Banlog Triangle keep right and then head north to Pangolingan bypassing mt. tapulao signage, Zameco Electric Cooperative and crossing Brgy Salaza bridge.

Brgy Salaza road going up to Barangay Pangolingan

After the Salaza Bridge you will see at the right side of the road the "Welcome to Pangolingan" signage. Slow down while going up to this road ang look for the rough road with waiting shed and tricycle todas at the left side. Turn left and take the veritas road going to Luan (approx 15-20mins)

For commuters:
Option1: via Brgy. Pangolingan, Palauig, Zambales
From Manila, take a Sta Cruz, Zambales bound bus (Victory Liner)
Drop off point is Brgy. Pangolingan, Palauig (cor Radio Veritas Road).
Take a tricycle going to Oslet Armada Fishdealer Compound in Brgy Luan. Tricycle fare is 25/head.
Odet Tricycle TODA station - 09197484325 or 09205105447

From Oslet Armada Fishdealer Compound, take a mini boat going to Magalawa Island. Boat fare is 100/head (2 way) while boat ride travel time is approx 10mins.

Pantalan/Boat Pier at OSLET Cmpd
Image courtesy of Janine Beraquit of Wowtrippers

Parking Fee/Charges: 100/vehicle c/o OSMAN or LET 09166902691 (for non-commuters)

Map to Palauig

2010-10-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

When you see Welcome Pangolingan sign to your right, slow down left turn sa unang kantong makita niyo (radio veritas road). Rocky road to pero kaya ng sasakyan. Straight ahead lang. Pagnakita niyo OSLET dun parking area. Medyo nakakaligaw yung daan at parang walang patutunguhan. And walang street lights kaya crucial kung ma miss niyo yung left turn from hi way. In case mawala kayo.. Contact Ate Grace 09398707413 or ngayon palang tanong niyo na siya.

ICC KALIKASINING 2010

2010-08-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

KALIKASINING: Klima, Kapaligiran at Kultura

SEAduction Apps' Party

2010-08-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Batch SEAduction 2010's invitation

August 6, 2010
Location: West Triangle (Macky Bernanardo's place)

Another successful activity organized by their batch. Delicious food, flowing drinks, danceable music the whole night. Add to that the various talents showcased. Congrats Batch SEAduction! Two more months and you're off to the Grand Induction. Prove to the TMC and the rest of the MBS mems that you are worthy of becoming part of our org. Oh, make that family, because we're not just an org, WE'RE A FAMILY.

Visit SEAduction's page to view memorable photographs of the night!

Pool Session 2

2010-08-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

Location: UP POOL

Morning session started 10am while afternoon session at 2pm due to some crazy pool schedule. There were a lot of apps both am/pm.

Skills taught: finning technique, breath holding, equalization and dives. Won't dwell much about them. It's difficult to describe. Much better if you join us! By the way application is on going. Pool session 3 will be on August 15.

Another highlight... It was David's birthday! Our former EVP. Thank you for the pizza treat!

Bry teaching breath holding - Jun lecturing on dives - Apps warming up

David the Birthday Boy - Pink Rangers - Mems Ernest, Marlon, Trixie

*photos from Bel. Visit her Multiply.

rashguard? board shorts?

2010-07-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

support local brands, buy FLUIDSURF! Ü

International Coastal Cleanup "Kalikasining 2010"

2010-07-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

Go to Kalikasining 2010 if you want to join the International Coastal Cleanup on September18-19 at Isla Verde, Batangas.

Orientation AVP

2010-07-11T03:47:00.000-07:00

Video by Lia :)

Join UP MBS This Semester :D

2010-06-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Join the UP Marine Biological Society! We are an organization that aims to uphold an awareness of the marine environment through the sport of skin diving. Join us and we'll show you an entirely different world underwater :). Attend our orientation on July 2, 2010, 5.30pm at IB 4105 to get to know us more. Contact Bel (09238909557) or Jun (09178849644) for more details!

If you don't know how to swim or skin-dive, you can learn during our application process which includes Pool Sessions and Underwater Education classes. Our TMC (Training & Membership Committee) will teach and help you train to become comfortable at sea!

Discover the underwater environment and help us maintain and restore its natural beauty through our activities such as coastal clean ups and environmental workshops in various communities and schools.

Orgfair AVP 2010

2010-06-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

AY 2010-2011 UP MBS Orgfair AVP by Bel

To The Future DOT Secretary

2010-06-17T01:40:00.000-07:00

By Anna Oposa, Blog Watch

Dear Future DOT Secretary,

Hi. You will be introduced to us in a couple of weeks. I’m anxious to find out who you are because, well, you have my ultimate dream job. While others dream of winter wonderlands, I am consumed with chronic wanderlust for our lupang sinilangan, having traveled everywhere from Batanes to Bukidnon. After chasing kangaroos in Australia, watching Broadway shows in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of (i.e. New York), going on a South African safari, and hiking up Mount Fuji, I can say in full faith that we live in the most beautiful country in the world. I wish you, as the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, believe the same thing.

For a long time, Bangkok’s #1 source of income was tourism. It’s marketed well as an exotic backpacker’s destination. Singapore had to create artificial tourist attractions such as Sentosa and most recently, Universal Studios, to draw visitors in. The Philippines, with its 7, 107 beautiful islands, doesn’t have to. I don’t know what your definition of tourism is, but I do hope that these proposals find you:

1. The airport is the first and last thing that tourists see. Only in the Philippines have I experienced having our cars checked, tickets inspected, and bags x-rayed before entering the airport. I strongly suggest incorporating travel taxes and the (rather exorbitant) terminal fees with ticket fares as well. These would cut check-in time (and hassle) in half. Please close down NAIA1 because it looks like Shake Rattle and Roll XII-XX could be filmed there. You may want to consider transferring all international flights to the clean and gleaming NAIA3 too.

2. The DOT needs to work with Manila Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to fix our public transportation system. We may have several public transportation systems (e.g. the bus, taxi, tricycle, MRT, LRT, and jeepneys) but all of them are inefficient. This is one of the major reasons why traveling here is so difficult. Instead of spending billions on the Skyway, why not a train like New York’s subway or Hong Kong’s MTR? We also need bike lanes so that biking in the city won’t be equivalent to a suicide attempt. It’s possible—just take a look at Marikina! To protect our pedestrians, we need lots of covered walkways. And MMDA, what possessed you to change the sign “BAWAL TUMAWID DITO, NAKAKAMATAY” to “BAWAL TUMAWID MAY NAMATAY NA DITO.” My good friend Dino wrote to you guys, saying it should have been “MATATALINO ANG MGA GUMAGAMIT NG OVERPASS” to promote positive reinforcement. “Gaganda pakiramdam ng mga tumatawid gamit ng overpass, tapos iisipin ng mga hindi gumagamit ng overpass, tanga sila,” says Dino.

3. Prioritize culture and the arts. To borrow words from Sir Butch Dalisay, my professor and idol, “Culture defines us as a national community with shared values and visions, albeit with diverse ideas and expressions; the arts embody those ideas and enable those expressions.” Before we were known for boxing, we were known and will always be known for our excellence and innate talent in the arts, whether in literature, film, music, dance, theatre, or visual arts. We don’t necessarily have to perform the tinikling orpandanggo sa ilaw a million times, though those are always a treat to watch. Take a look at the song “Biyahe Tayo” which showcases our fantastic singers and musicians, and “Take Me to the Philippines” by Apl.de.Ap featuring different street dance clubs. Work with the National Commission for Culture and the Artsand the Cultural Center of the Philippines to create and promote shows by and for Filipinos. I have this fantasy of Manila becoming the Great White Way of Asia. We have the talent for it, that’s for sure. We can’t keep losing our performers to ship cruises, lounges, Disneyland Hong Kong, and Universal Studios Singapore. And I beg you, please coordinate with the National Historical Institute to preserve (what’s left of) our heritage.

4. Partner with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to make the Philippines lead in ecotourism. Mt. Makiling has more species of plants than the entire USA. Our marine waters are home to more than half of the species of corals, six out of the seven species of marine turtles, and the biggest and smallest fish in the world.

5. In a recent study by the United Nations, the Philippines was indentified as the “center of the center of marine biodiversity on Earth.” However, there’s a lot of work to be done. From the 500, 000 hectares of mangroves that we had, we now have a dismal 28, 000 hectares. From 3 million hectares of coral reefs from the “center of the center of marine biodiversity on Earth,” it’s down to about 100, 000 hectares. For a body of water to be swimmable, it must only have 200 units of fecal coliform bacterium. Our Manila Bay, lauded for its sunset, has one million. If Manny Villar was swimming in a dagat ng basura, then those who take a dip in Manila Bay are swimming in a dagat ng…

Yeah. There.

6. Sorsogon’s latest tourist attraction is their Firefly Watching Cruise. Fireflies are a biological indicator of clean air. I say they are also biological indicators of hope that our environment is improving and can continue to. All it takes is a bit of imagination, ingenuity, and a whole lot of political will. The rest of the Philippines can learn from the city of Puerto Princesa, touted as the ecotourism capital of the country. Under the leadership of Mayor Ed Hagedorn, Puerto Princesa pioneered projects such as “Love Affair with Nature”among others.

7. Have a clear vision of how you want our country to be advertised. Should we market it as a premiere destination for leisure, business, wellness, ecotourism, or even medical tourism? Would it be possible to follow the footsteps of Indonesia and work with the premise of “unity in diversity”? There are so many undervalued geological and geographical marvels of this country, such as Calaguas and Camiguin. We need to take care of Mindanao too, because when people think Mindanao, they think MILF and bombs. Mindanao’s beautiful and relatively safe, but it’s the dangerous parts that always get the limelight. I hope, Dear Secretary, that you have something like Sen. Dick Gordon’s Wow Philippines campaign or Sec. Ace Durano’s Awesome Philippines campaign to encourage and inspire both local and foreign tourists to explore the Philippines. Provide easily accessible materials, like our very own, locally made version of the Lonely Planet book, for proper guidance. And please make sure it’s grammatically correct. See this photo from the DOT website.

WRONG GRAMMAR: “Discover the fine white sands of this world-reknown beach.”

There is so much untapped potential that this archipelago has to offer. Like Sec. Durano says in this brilliant TVC, “Maglakbay at mamangha sa sarili mong bansa.”

Love,

Anna

Anna Oposa is an English Studies major at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and member of UP MBS. She was on the campaign team of Gilbert C. Remulla, who ran for senator under the Nacionalista Party. She blogs at freckles in the sky. Blog Watch is a bloggers’ initiative aiming to cover underplayed stories that traditional media cannot always cover due to limited resources and time.

Source: http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2010/06/21/dear-future-dot-secretary/

James & the Giant Peach

2010-03-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

It was quite a large hole, the sort of thing an animal about the size of a fox might have made. James knelt down in front of it and poked his head and shoulders inside. He crawled in. He kept on crawling. This isn't just a hole, he thought excitedly. It's a tunnel! The tunnel was damp and murky, and all around him there was the curious bittersweet smell of fresh peach. The floor was soggy under his knees, the walls were wet and sticky, and peach juice was dripping from the ceiling. James opened his mouth and caught some of it on his tongue. It tasted delicious. He was crawling uphill now, as though the tunnel were leading straight toward the very center of the gigantic fruit. every few seconds he paused and took a bite out of the wall. The peach flesh was sweet and juicy, and marvelously refreshing. He crawled on for several more yards, and then suddenly-bang-the top of his head bumped into something extremely hard blocking his way. He glanced up. In front of him there was a solid wall that seemed at first as though it were made of wood. He touched it with his fingers. It certainly felt like wood, except that it was very jagged and full of deep grooves. "Good heavens!" he said. "I know what this is! I've come to the stone in the middle of the peach!" Then he noticed that there was a small door cut into the face of the peach stone. He gave it a push. It swung open. He crawled through it, and before he had time to glance up and see where he was, he heard a voice saying, "Look who's here!" And another one said, "We've been waiting for you!" (James & the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl)

James is the incoming UP MBS President for AY 2010-11

Earth Hour 2010

2010-03-27T03:51:00.000-07:00

Support Earth Hour today at 8:30pm to 9:30pm! :) Turn off your lights and other unnecessary electrical appliances to signify your commitment to save the planet! Pretend there's a blackout in your house and see if you can find your wallet without a flashlight. Smell your way through the dark: sniff.

What's the difference between a blackout and a brownout? "A brownout is a state of incomplete blackout." (Wikipedia) Brown? Grayout, Greyout. Don't forget to go stargazing too! The night sky is supposed to be much clearer without the ambient lights around.

Executive Board AY 2010-2011

2010-03-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our new set of executive board officers for AY 2010-2011! UP MBS finally has BS Biology students as its new president and EVP! :) James is the current VP for Internals while Ernest is the VP for Externals. Jo-anne will still be the VP for Enviro for the next school year for her 2nd term! :D

President: James Nazareth EVP: Ernest Algabre

Enviro VP: Jo-anne Mendoza Inte VP: Cathy Reyes ExteVP: Aubrey Bruno

Fin VP: Angel Doctor TMC VPs: Jun Pellejera & Bel Martinez

Batch Isdabest '08 has 4 officers (James, Ernest, Joanne & Angel), batch Pawikan Do It '09 has 3 officers (Cathy, Aubrey & Bel) and batch Seawhores '07 has 1 officer (Jun). Congratulations & good luck in the next term! :D

Executive Board Nominees

2010-03-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Let's get to know our Executive Board Nominees. Click the image for to view their plans. Election will be on Friday, March 26, 2010 from 10am to 5pm at the tambayan. Vote wisely!

Joanne (President & Enviro) James (President) Krizia (Enviro)

-

Cathy (EVP & Inte) Ernest (EVP) Cybelle (Exte) Aubrey (Exte)

Kira (Inte) Lia (Inte) Angel (Fin) Simon (Exte & TMC)

Doi (TMC) AJ (TMC) Bel (TMC) Jun (TMC)

Welcome Home Pagkilatan

2010-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Kamusta ang dive? Post kayo ng entry sa open dive ninyo. Naiinggit kami. :)

MBS Week Exhibit

2010-03-10T04:38:00.000-08:00

Hi! Visit our exhibit this week at the Institute of Biology in UP Diliman. This exhibit is done in line with MBS Week 2010: Raise the Reef! Unity in DIVERSity to showcase the members and projects of the organization.

Pagkilatan OPEN DIVE 2010

2010-03-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Join our MBS Week OPEN DIVE next weekend on March 13 & 14 in Pagkilatan, Batangas! There you'll be able to see giant clams, sea turtles, sea snakes and hopefully even an eagle ray! :D Contact the team leader, earnest Ernest (09173580283), or the assistant team leader, jolly James (09173525022), for questions or to sign up! The rate is 1,200 Php per person. See you there! :)

MBS Week 2010: Raise the Reef!

2010-03-03T07:33:00.001-08:00

MBS Week is coming up next week! Celebrate with us by joining our week long events each day from Monday to Sunday! Visit us at the UP MBS Tambayan on Wednesday for lunch or take a look at our exhibit from tuesday onwards at the Institute of Biology building. Most importantly, join us in the Pagkilatan Open Dive! It's your chance to get to know us and your fellow crabs and turtles. See you! :)

Isko Cleans UP!

2010-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hi MBS! Support Team ICU in the bid to turn UP Diliman into a zero-waste campus by June 2011! :) Join in on the opening day tomorrow (February 9, 2010) at the School of Economics, UP Diliman 8am onwards for a Recyclables Fair and a talk by Atty. Tony Oposa. See you there!

Happy Birthday Gene!

2010-01-25T03:55:00.000-08:00

Gene is our president. Madam for short! And because today is her birthday, greet her here! To get to know Gene a bit more, here are some facts and trivia about her:

1. She loves dragonflies.
2. She's a surfer girl!
3. Don't judge her!
4. She brings her own baon!
5. Her handwriting is very neat.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :)

Cheerdance Champions!

2010-01-17T02:21:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! UP MBS wins first place in the Hexameet Cheerdance :D For more Hexameet action, see you tomorrow in the synchronized swimming, obstacle course, frisbee and soccer events. Go MBS! Note our very stylish uniforms! :)

Here's the cheer dance video c/o Bel.

Good job MBS!
Congratulations!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T05:12:00.000-08:00

Hi MBS! How was your 2009? I bet you've had some remorseful moments last year. Also, some fun times that you'd want to have all over again! Here are some of our 2009 regrets and 2010 resolutions:

I resolve not to let you look like a sea urchin. This year, I'll shave your chin! But afterwhich, you'll look so devastatingly devastating, I'll have to keep the other fish away from you!

I resolve to keep up with my school of fish! I'll learn finning techniques and improve my breath-holding above-air.

I regret eating that turtle because it was only now that I realized that they are on the endangered species list! All those poor turtles I've eaten. This year, I resolve to restrict my diet to seals and surfers.

Our Picture Pictorial

2009-11-16T00:59:00.000-08:00

This is us! Almost one-fourth of us anyway, so here are some of them. Chinee is the batchhead of Pawikan Do It! Find her by looking for the girl that doesn't have her eyes open. Hi Chinee! Beside Chinee is Ernest. Ernest is the Externals VP of UP MBS. Ernest and James have one foot on the ground and one on the bench. They didn't want to sit down since only the girls were supposed to be on the bench. But why is Cathy standing up with the boys? By the way, if you see Cathy's ID lying on the floor somewhere, please return it. Her ID holder is broken so she misplaces her ID every now and then, twice a day, two for today. The boys who weren't able to bring any rashguards are the ones who are topless. What's interesting is that out of six boys who are topless, only 1 nipple is showing in the picture. What are the chances of that happening?? Apparently, just 1/12. Haha! More pictures below! Paco was lucky since we have no pictures of him in his bikini outfit. Camille, is that what you're looking for? :)

Saklolo Taklobo Documentation

2009-10-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Final ICC 2009 documentation! Click on the pictures! :)

ICC 2009 Clean Up Results

2009-10-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here are the official clean up results for our ICC event!:) The clean up crew was divided into 4 teams of high school and grade school students each with UP MBS members to help tally and lead the group. The group tally-ers were Anna, Trixie, Manix and Ria. Trixie's group had the most number of collected items (688), while Manix, Anna and Ria followed (657, 369 & 364 respectively). Since the clean up was conducted during the high tide of Hondura Beach, only the high school students went to the shore to clean up. The grade school students went around the nearby markets and stores and conducted their clean up there. Also, a total of 1 kilo of PET bottles were also collected. That's 12Php for us!:D

Walang Kalat Kung Walang Magkakalat

2009-10-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

written by Camille Ramos
photos by Phoebe Dy

Straw na pakalatkalat sa baybay dagat

Naghihintay sa kanya ay may mag-angat
At mailagay sa lugar kung saan siya nararapat
Ang mailagay siya sa basurahan

At ito nga ang ginawa ng mga nakilahok na mga estudyante sa mga pakalat kalat na mga basura sa dalampasigan ng Hondura, Oriental Mindoro. Ang aktibidad na ito ay kaugnay ng International Coastal Clean Up kung saan nagbigay ng lecture ang mga miyembro ng UP MBS sa pangalang ng highschool tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng environmentally friendly na pamumuhay at wastong pagtatapon ng mga basura upang maiwasan ang pagdumi ng ating kapaligiran. Matapos ang nasabing lecture workshop, ang mga estudyante ay nagtungo na sa Hondura beach upang maisagawa ang mga itinuro sa nasabing workshop! :)

Ginabayan ng UP MBS ang mga estudyante sa pagpupulot nila ng mga basurang nakakarumi sa dalampsigan. Hindi natinag ng init ng araw ang mga estudyante at mga miyembre ng UP MBS sa kanilang partisipasyon sa clean up! :) Ang mga napulot na mga basura ng mga estudyante ay hinati sa dalawa: iyong mga nabebenta sa junk shop at yung mga hindi na maibebenta sa junk shop. Ang mga napulot na basura ay itinala naman ng UP MBS sa isang papel upang malaman kung anu-anong klaseng basura ang matatagpuan sa dalampasigan ng Hondura beach.

Ang nasabing clean up ay hindi ang siyang talagang sagot sa problema ukol sa basura. Ayon nga sa nasabing lecture workshop, "walang kalat kung walang magkakalat." Ang tunay na solusyon sa problemang ito ay kung sa umpisa pa lamang ay itatapon ang mga basura sa wastong lugar upang hindi o kahit papaano ay mabawasan na marumihan ang ating kapaligiran.

International Coastal Clean Up 2009

2009-09-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations UP MBS for a fun & successful International Coastal Clean Up! :D Here are a few pictures of the 2nd day of the ICC 2009: Saklolo Taklobo program which includes the clam garden dive. More pictures and a report to follow soon!

ICC Group Picture! :) | Dan & a Starfish

Bel | Panic & Ernest | Angel, David, Justin, Rico, Jayjay & Dan

Clearing the Coast

2009-09-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

UP MBS's ICC: Saklolo Taklobo! will be featured in a Born to be Wild special coverage! See how the clams were tagged and measured during the clam garden dive last Sunday, September 20, 2009! :D

"Each year in September, groups of people flock to the shores for a common purpose. Wearing shorts and wetsuits and carrying bags and tongs, they head out to the beach – not to swim or sunbathe – but to clean up the coast.

It’s coastal clean up month once again and the “wild boys" are off to another mission. This time, three adventurers hit the eco-trail. Doc Ferds Recio and Kiko Rustia are joined by non-other than fellow “wild man" Romi Garduce for an all-out clean-up of the ocean. Deployed to different coastal areas, they take part in making the seas a little bit cleaner, and a little bit safer for its residents.

They also trace the roots of the coastal problem and investigate the different sources of pollution in the water. What they find are shocking and challenging realities which will continue to threaten our seas long after each clean-up is done."
source

Airing on September 23, 2009 Wednesday, after Saksi!

Meet Bel!

2009-09-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here is Bel of MBS Batch Pawikan Do It! modeling the very stylish and fashionable ICC shirt! Bel is a freshman UP student who likes long walks on the beach and regular jogs around the UP Academic Oval. Be sure to wave hello to her when you see her pass by! Hallo Bel! Hello to you too! See you this weekend at the ICC! :D

Be as up-to-date as Bel and buy one too!:D You can text her (if you have her number) or visit the UP MBS tambayan instead at the Owl's Nest this week!

ICC Pre-dive!

2009-09-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hi MBS! Attend the ICC pre-dive this Wednesday 5:30pm, September 16, 2009 at room PH 4105 in the biology pavillion!:D Get to know your dive groups, itinerary, things to bring and what to expect at the ICC. Also, bring your bond money of 1000Php. All payments concerning the ICC should be settled by the pre-dive!:) See you there! Saklolo Taklobo! :O

-ICC 09 Team :D

ICC 2009: Saklolo Taklobo!

2009-09-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! The ICC is coming up next weekend! We have a total of around 70 participants from that will be heading to Puerto Galera! Our ICC aims to promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle and a heightened awareness of the things we can do to help prevent excessive accumulation of soild wastes. The main activities of the event are listed below.

1. Clam Garden Dive
We plan to clean and maintain the giant clams to help in their successful preservation. We will be measuring the clams, monitoring their size and numbers. This project will be supervised by our adviser Dr. Miguel Fortes from the UP Marine Science Institute.

2. School Workshops
The school lectures and activities will be done in Center Elementary School. It will be participated by 50 grade 3 students and 100 high 4 students (from National High School). The lectures, games, storytelling and other activities will cover topics on waste management and reduction and how it affects the marine environment. Students will learn what kinds of trash can be recycled and how to compost their own trash.

3. Shore Clean Up
The clean-up will be used to reinforce and concretize the talk that was previously given. To put emphasis on waste management, the students and UP MBS members will clean up and segregate the trash (as they are being collected) on the beach.

4. Plastic Bag Trade
Aside from a clean up, the high school students will also participate in a plastic trade. Students will be provided with recycled & reusable tarpaulin bags for them to trade with plastic bags being used in the market nearby Hondura Beach. This will help cut the plastic waste problem at its source by reducing the amount of plastic bags that will be used. It will also show people that there are greener alternatives to everyday activities. The 200 tarpaulin bags will be provided by Earth Day Network.

The ICC activities will basically introduce young students to the ideas of environmentalism and solid waste management. Hope to have a successful event! Wish us luck! :D

*Pictures are from last year's ICC: Pulutan sa Puerto.

Sea Turtles!

2009-09-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hi! Answer the question and win a prize! :D Which sea turtles are found in the Philippines? Leave a comment!

Flatback Turtle | Green Turtle

Leatherback Turtle | Olive Ridley Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle | Hawksbill Turtle | Kemp's Ridley Turtle

Pagkilatan Open Dive

2009-09-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

Pagkilatan Open Dive (September 5-6, 2009) for the benefit of the International Coastal Clean Up 2009: SAKLOLO TAKLOBO!

Meet Ernest, James, Joanne & Angel

2009-09-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

Let some UP MBS members model the new Fluid Surf and SPEEDO Fashion for you! All items are available at the MBS Tambayan in UP Diliman. Contact Ernest 09173580283 or Nica 09063620891 for details! :D

Joanne & Angel are having fun in the sun with SPEEDO masks!
Ernest is working a Fluid Surf rashguard & pants!
James certainly brought it with a black rashguard and brown boardshorts!

Look as good as James, Ernest, Joanne & Angel this season! Drop by the UP MBS Tambayan (UP Diliman, Owl's Nest) today! See you!

UP MBS Rashguard

2009-09-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Members! Here are the 2 design proposals by Klar for the new MBS Rashguard! Which one would you like to have made? Leave a comment here or in the Yahoogroups!

For Sale!

2009-09-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

Hallo everyone! We are selling Fluid Surf items, SPEEDO masks, MARES fins for a discounted price & ICC 2009 T-shirts to raise funds for our International Coastal Clean Up: SAKLOLO TAKLOBO! in Puerto Galera this September 19-20, 2009. Check out our items below!

The SPEEDO Glide Mask comes in green or blue & it's yours for 500Php! The MARES Challenge Full Foot Fins are sold at 1200Php per pair & comes with a free Mares Shirt! Fluid Surf products are all sold at a discounted price! Visit Nica's Site for more Fluid Surf details and pictures. Also, buy the official ICC 09: SAKLOLO TAKLOBO! T-shirt for only 200Php. Support the ICC for a better environment!

For any questions, Contact David at 09178480951 or leave a comment! :D

Pawikan Do It's Skills Test

2009-08-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Batch Pawikan Do It for finishing the skills test!:D Thanks to the TMC & members who helped out during the test! Results will be announced soon in the yahoo groups.

Pagkilatan Open Dive!

2009-08-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Join us this September 5-6, 2009 at Brgy. Pagkilatan, Batangas for an OPEN DIVE! Giant clams, sea turtles, eagle rays and more await you down under! Text SJ for details at 09225210094. Tentative budget per person is 1000Php. Bring your friends, swimming gear and some sunblock! See you there!:D

The UP MBS Pagkilatan Open Dive is organized for the benefit of the International Coastal Clean Up 2009: SAKLOLO TAKLOBO! Have fun and help the environment at the same time!:D

Puerto Galera Ocular

2009-08-21T11:05:00.001-07:00

Gene, David, Armand, Ina & Joanne went to Puerto Galera for the 2nd ICC ocular last Wednesday August 19, 2009. The objectives for the ocular were to:

1. Finalize lodgings in White Beach
2. Seek permission for the event from the local government
3. Contact a local junkshop for ICC collection
4. Scout the clam garden area
5. Survey 400 elementary & HS students re: waste management

All these objectives were met! Including the very short and shallow 15 minute clam garden dive!:D The ICC will be supported by the local government not only thru the environmental officers, but also by the Bantay Dagat program.

Ina, Gene & Joanne | Giant Clam!

Armand Surveying | PUMA Junkshop | David's Poor Foot!

Clam Garden Dive | Gene, Joanne, Armand & Ina

App's Cookout!

2009-08-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Batch Pawikan Do It hosted the Grand Cookout on Thursday August 13, 2009. The menu included bbq pork and chicken, donuts etc. etc. Lunchtime was extended up to 5:30pm! Special thanks to all the banana trees around owl's nest for their leaves!:D

Pool Session 3

2009-08-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

Pawikan Do It's PS 3: Lifesaving lessons last August 8, 2009 (Saturday)! Applicants were taught basic water rescue and lifesaving techniques.

Aubrey & Chinee

Angel w/ Ruth & Kuya Je

Reena, Isa, Dale, Ruth & Trixie

International Coastal Clean Up Shirts!

2009-08-03T03:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Help us raise funds for our upcoming international coastal clean up event this September 19-20. 2009! We will be selling T-shirts with the theme of our ICC in Puerto Galera: Saklolo Taklobo!

Be fashionable and help save the environment!:D Don't delay, order one now! A shirt costs 200Php. Sizes include small, medium & large for men's and small, medium & large for women's. Specific measurements to follow! To place your orders, contact Paul Repolona at 0927 8052962 or email him at escudo_15@yahoo.com. Deadline of ordering is on August 23, 2009 Sunday. Save a clam!

Pool Session 2

2009-08-02T02:31:00.001-07:00

Pawikan Do It's pool session 2 underwater pictures!:)

Lessons included finning techniques, ditch & don, breath-holding and many more! PS 1 make up sessions were also held. See you at PS 3!

Frisbee Friday

2009-07-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

Bonding activity! Batch Pawikan do it and MBS members play frisbee on a Friday afternoon.

Pool Session 1

2009-07-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

The first pool session for batch Pawikan do it! Lessons included basic swimming, entries & exits, mask & snorkel clearing. UP MBS goes back to Daungan!:D

See you all in Pool Session 2 this Saturday!

International Coastal Clean Up 2009

2009-07-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

The International Coastal Clean Up is the largest clean up effort in the world with over 104 participating countries and nearly 400,000 volunteers last year! More than a clean up project, the ICC shows the world that we are dedicated to save our seas.

Saklolo Taklobo!

This year, we draw focus onto the Giant Clam Garden of Puerto Galera. The Clam Garden or Hardin ng Kima was a joint project of UP MBS and the National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS) of UNESCO. These clams are not only tourists’ attractions that generate income for the local community. They are also indicators of a healthy environment and provide an important link in the ecosystem of coral reefs. Out of the 8 known species of giant clams, 5 of them are found in the Puerto Galera Clam Garden!

The projects of this years’ ICC include the clam garden rehabilitation, lectures and workshops about waste reduction and management to local high schools and elementary schools in Puerto Galera, and a shore clean up in Hondura Beach. Watch out for the ICC this September 19, 2009!

Join UP MBS!

2009-07-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hi! For all those interested, UP MBS is now accepting applicants for this school year's recruitment process! No Tambay Hours & Sig Sheets! Just hours of getting wet and wild! Learn about the marine environment and dive into it! For questions, contact Angel (0922 8507737) or Diet (0917 4777147). Deadline for application sign-up is on Saturday, July 25, 2009. See you!

Welcome!

2009-07-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hi! Welcome to the new site of the UP Marine Biological Society! This site will be regularly updated about the events and announcements of the organization. Members, feel free to post! Send me a message! Thanks!

David Gonzales EVP 09-10

Life's A Beach

Valentines Day Dive II

Lahat puede sa Kamantigue

Calatagan 2011: Kalinisan, Kapaligiran, Karagatan, Natatanging Kayamanan!

Calatagan 2011

Inihahandog ng UP Marine Biological Society, CAP Oceans, CDO at URC ang Calatagan 2011: Kalinisan, Kapaligiran, Karagatan Natatanging kayamanan! Makiisa sa International Coastal Cleanup ngayong Setyembre 17-18.

Join UP MBS

Love Dive

Valentines Dive

Singing Divers

to Palauig

Map to Palauig

ICC KALIKASINING 2010

SEAduction Apps' Party

Pool Session 2

rashguard? board shorts?

International Coastal Cleanup "Kalikasining 2010"

Orientation AVP

Join UP MBS This Semester :D

Orgfair AVP 2010

To The Future DOT Secretary

James & the Giant Peach

Earth Hour 2010

Executive Board AY 2010-2011

Executive Board Nominees

Welcome Home Pagkilatan

MBS Week Exhibit

Pagkilatan OPEN DIVE 2010

MBS Week 2010: Raise the Reef!

Isko Cleans UP!

Happy Birthday Gene!

Cheerdance Champions!

Happy New Year!

Our Picture Pictorial

Saklolo Taklobo Documentation

ICC 2009 Clean Up Results

Walang Kalat Kung Walang Magkakalat

International Coastal Clean Up 2009

Clearing the Coast

Meet Bel!

ICC Pre-dive!

ICC 2009: Saklolo Taklobo!

Sea Turtles!

Pagkilatan Open Dive

Meet Ernest, James, Joanne & Angel

UP MBS Rashguard

For Sale!

Pawikan Do It's Skills Test

Pagkilatan Open Dive!

Puerto Galera Ocular

App's Cookout!

Pool Session 3

International Coastal Clean Up Shirts!

Pool Session 2

Frisbee Friday

Pool Session 1

International Coastal Clean Up 2009

Join UP MBS!

Welcome!

Inihahandog ng UP Marine Biological Society, CAP Oceans, CDO at URC ang

Calatagan 2011: Kalinisan, Kapaligiran, Karagatan

Natatanging kayamanan!

Makiisa sa International Coastal Cleanup ngayong Setyembre 17-18.