The Camp for Earth Little Rays of Sunshine

At the exuberant first CAMP for EARTH in Ilocos, “little hands and little steps” were the focal point of the summer camp out.

More often than not, parents underestimate the child’s thirst for knowledge. The initiators, non-government entities Laoag Eco-Adventure Movemnent (LEAD) and Project 101, in partnership with the Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanical Gardens (NUEBG), see so much promise. The stimulus of fun in action expectantly help “rewire” young minds for a cleaner and happier earth.

The youth are a bundle of thoughts and passion — it amazes the volunteers of the said pilot project to no end.

Experts such as manager Michael Calaramo of the NUEBG, the search and rescue crew of the Philippine Air Force 505th SAR Grp and the SAR unit of the Philippine National Police-Ilocos Norte, and celebrity cake artists Ace and Kit Mandac of Ava’s Cakes and Partyshop were tapped to share their skills on select lively topics relevant to skill and idea building and empowerment.

New friendships were forged as well.

The 3 R’s and the concept of sustainabilty were introduced and practiced while at camp. A commemorative group tree planting activity before the graduation ceremonies made the event more meaningful.

On a personal note, words are not enough to describe how proud I am for the first campers for earth. The summer heat was not a damper to their spirits. Congrats, eco-campers!

Camp for Earth wishes to thank Viajero Outdoor Center in Cagayan de Oro for the outdoor gear gifts, Northwestern University President Ms. Liza Nicolas, Mrs. Erlinda Gloria, Raine Mateo Calucag, Philippine National Red Cross Ilocos Norte Chapter, the volunteers and facilitators, Ms. Alma Ajero, Crystal Dew, Leah’s Empanaditas, Red Dot, the NUEBG staff, Mr. Butch Nicolas, Mr. Reny Tan, the little campers and their parents.

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OOTD: Low-Key

How I wish all park keepers are like my friend Michael Calaramo, the most passionate, knowledgeable horticulturist in the entire Ilocos region.

Flowers rightfully belong to the garden for now:)

{Red Dot top, Lee jeans, Aldo satchel, Vans slip-ons, thrifted sunnies}

The Northwesterniana Forum

I was invited by the Northwestern Ecotourism Park and Botanic Gardens (NUEBG) and the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society to present the Ecotourism Status of Ilocos Norte at the 2nd Northwesterniana Forum attended by avid plant lovers, conservationists, botanists, horticulturists and Department of Natural Resources (DENR) officials. DENR NCR Director Tony Manila was there. Emcee Jasper Obico beat me saying “We’re facebook friends” and “Status: It’s complicated.”

I quit government service after my contract expired and opted to be a full-time adventurer/blogger, promoting my province as a tourist destination, so I had to base my presentation on firsthand view. Out of the different types of tourism, ecotourism is the most maligned concept. To be able to classify a natural site of ecological importance an ecotourism area, all the three key aspects should be present — environment protection, community participation and livehood, working in synergy with each other. Ilocos Norte is abundant in natural places of beauty, and we are in dire need of ecotourism programs, involving communities as stewards and direct benefieciaries, to be able manage these beautiful places responsibly and sustainably.

Only through NUEBG manager Michael Calaramo’s presentation that co-speaker Shermon Cruz and I learned we have acorns in the province. Michael pointed out that there are so many beautiful native plants for urban greening other than bougainvillea:)

Plant lovers like Michael are nuts about plants. You’ll be amazed about the number of native plants we have in the country. Just like natural tourist sites, these plants need to be conserved for future generations.

There’s an endemic hoya-like specie named after Col Ben Nicolas, former president of the Northwestern Unversity. Visit the newly opened Asclepiadarium and Orchidarium of the NUEBG, a gem of a living museum of flora.