South Beach andun ako!

After a refreshing nap, we decided to have a walk on the beach. And it is not just one ordinary beach. Yes! it is the famous South Beach. Kung saan pinangalan ang diet ng South Beach Diet hahahahaha :) kakatuwa! It is one of the longest white beach I've visited. K said it goes up to Ft. Lauderdale. It is a public beach very much nicer than Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

Top photo shows a sign of a turtle nest. We found these marked along the beach. These nest are protected by Federal Law. We saw a couple of these turtle nest.

What's so nice about summer in the US is the sun is up til 10PM.

memories of palawan

In Miami, K was kind enough to open her home for me to stay in. When I entered the house and saw the futon it distinctly reminded me of my room in Palawan. I met K in circa 1997 when she was Peacecorp for Sibuyan. It was only after 10 years that I met her again. Thanks to D who is a close friend of K. Everywhere in the house there are reminders of the Philippines. The bathroom mirror there is the Ifugao fertility necklace. Here in the photo the native backpack. I really had a good afternoon nap and dozed off after I took this picture of my foot and the surf board.

Miami Everglades

One of the state national parks in Florida is the Everglades. It is a huge flowing river that is only a few inches deep. That Saturday morning, K drove up to Ft Lauderdale and we drove up to the Everglades. We got into one of the small airboats. These airboats glide over the water it is powered by a genuine airplane propeller. We had to wear earplugs while were riding on it. It was an amazing ride with the wind blowing in your face and no seat belts. The whole great expanse of the Everglades before you. I imagined myself a true explorer those that I watch only on TV or movies. There are alligators all around. Birds flying. Even heard that anacondas can be found in these waters.

exploring the canals

Ft. Lauderdale canals. I took this photo on top of Pier 66.

The top photo was taken at the top floor of the Pier 66 tower. You can see the convention center just behind the draw bridge with the shiny windows. I was really excited to take a picture of the bridge with the roads up in an angle.

water taxi

Here are my friends from Vanuatu from L to R: Kalo, Chris and Zaidy. We went for a ride on the water taxi with Toni. We only did the outbound route and didnt have time to see the inbound route.

It was mind blowing how much these mansions and boats cost as narrated by the tour guide. We saw the Miami Vice house, Tarzan's house, Cher and Lucille Ball's mansions and other boats seen on movies. Instead of cars in their garage each mansion have boat parked outside their homes.

trolley surprise

On Thursday, there was a long lunch break so Zaidy (my friend from Vanuatu) and I decided to check out the nearby shops. it was really hot humid day. on our way back we saw a trolley parked in a corner and since there are no tricyle or bus or taxi in sight we dashed from behind the trolley and got a ride. I was trying to get a dollar from my purse when someone said "they are free on thursdays"! Wow I thought what luck! We decided to take a short ride to see the sights and went back just in time to catch the last batch of talks before the banguet dinner. We took this photo when got off the trolley! God is good all the time, indeed!

imax

We got free tickets to watch Deep Sea 3D at Ft. Lauderdale IMAX theater. it was yet to be released and the tickets were a special screening for the ICRS participants. Ticket ran out fast. This was my first ever full length 3D film on IMAX.

beer bottle

There were flowing drinks at the evening receptions four days in a row. What really intrigued me was the bottle of beers. when I asked for a bud light, i realized that the bottle was made of plastic. I asked the bar tender why and he said "because of the games".

And I noted that the bud light bottle was re-sealable :)

babies at icrs

There were many babies at the symposium. How I wish that baby can be with me. This mom looks super cool!

M at Seattle was giving me the Kelty baby carrier like this one in the photo. But I opted not to bring as baby Isay already uses one that was made by R for his baby H. We used it in HK last year when baby Isay was just a year old.

Thanks M for reserving that one for little bro.

the bus

This is the bus that took us to the convention center everyday except the first day when we walked from the Bridge at Cordova. It is a modern bus but the design is the classic truck like front which is really interesting.

We didnt stay in the listed hotels but we got this good place for boat crew people as Ft Lauderdale is a yatching community there are many accommodations that are mini apartments with complete kitchen and ensuite bathrooms. All that for only $155 per week per person! Great deal!

Seaweb: journalist and scientist

This photos was during the Seaweb reception where scientist and journalist was face to face trying to understand each other. It was funny and a bit intense in some parts. i think they have an update on this in their website and will refer you to them for the details.

it was good to meet Pulitzer prize winner Ken Weiss of LA Times here ( the white haired guy behind the vase of flowers) only posting partly hidden photos here.

I wasnt able to finish my chardonay.

apple juice

We had blueberry muffins and apple juice for snacks the first day. I was happy to have apple juice as I rarely have these at home. But it was only the first day that they serve this. The next 4 days sobra nag tipid na coffee na lang ba sa umaga. In the afternoon coffee then popcorn...can you imagine? and then next day coffee and ice cream popsicles but I enjoyed it na rin. :) kakatuwa lang idea naisip ko para hindi mailagay sa bag ng mga utaw.

turtle in the carpet

This is one of the lobbies in the convention center in Ft. Lauderdale. Sobra lang akong naaliw sa carpet because the theme are all marine animals :) I love this photo! This is just outside the 3 ballrooms were the reef management and reef restoration presentations were made.

There was free wi-fi to boot in this area.

Opening Ceremonies at 11th ICRS

This is the opening ceremonies last July 7th. I was funny in a way it was very short and different from the opening ceremonies in Okinawa 4 years ago with all the drums and cultural dances.

Florida

Just to let everyone that I am here in Florida for the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium to present my poster. Here is a picture of the poster session hall with the reception drinks in the forground.

will write more later.

a blast from the past

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have an amnesia and then all of sudden in one sweeping moment your memories came back? I experienced something similar last Saturday. It was my first official homecoming to my student organization UPAEMS (University of the Philippines Alliance of Economics and Management Students) now celebrating its 25th year. Old brods and sis called and sent sms. It all caught me by surprise in a way. Last Friday, they called me to come and attend the anniv. It was actually a blur at how fast things unfold. Just told my batchmate I need a ride and be back at home same day and that was it. I just went. Not even bothered to ask for all the other details. I only learned on the way how special it was because its the silver anniversary. At that time, I thought I made the right decision to go.

It was amazing to see old friends, batchmates and all those people that you thought "no longer existed" suddenly came to life again. It was 17 years ago when I joined this student organization. Each memory and image came back one at a time as I greet each one. It was eerie in a way. Something like Arnold Schwarzanegger's Total Recall.

A new morning

I felt that I want to give thanks for everything that is. We have weathered many storms in the past. We survived, we recovered. After every storm there is a calm. We keep on living. Every morning a promise of new hope.

Camiguin

Ang drama ng mga ulap ng umaga. Malayo ang tinatanaw niya. Nagiintay? Nagpapahinga...

This is my second visit to the Island of Camiguin. The first time I visited was circa 2004. At that time, I was not able to visit this wonderful stretch of white sand. This place is called White Island. Actually it is a huge winding sand bar similar to Snake Island in Honda Bay. It is about 5-10 minute boat ride from the shoreline. I was excited to explore this part and was up by 5am. Early morning is the best time to visit with still the soft morning sun to enjoy.

I love the first photo on top with the boy in the red shirt. It was really by chance that I caught him there. Eventually, I learned that he was a fisherman's son and they were resting from the early morning fishing. I have a complete series of them and maybe I will share in future post.

The sea was relatively calm that day. This was taken more than a week before the big storm hit the islands.

The Grand Palace

Unbelievable! I've never been to a palace this grand before. Just this trip I took over 800 pictures on a borrowed digi cam. Thanks so much El!

Tom Yum ala martilyo

What really got me excited was the authentic Thai food. Our first lunch there we were served with what else but my favorite! Tom Yum-- the real thing. I was really hungry and craving for some hot soup after the long hours travel over land and a short ferry ride on the ro-ro. Then there we were serve with the best. My first sip was with real gusto and then wham! it hit me like a martilyo on the tongue! That is why I called it ala martilyo (ala sledgehammer). But I love it nonetheless! Through out the meal we were saying "aww", aw, aw in short burst that our host can you believe it ordered a bland fried food for our delegation hahaha.

Message from a Chocolate

I am now eating Dove smooth milk chocolate with Almonds. Been enjoying this treat for a few days now. Its a "pasalubong" ( travel gift) from a friend who came home for a vacation to the Philippines.

When you open the golden foil wrapper, inside there is a message. Been wanting to share all the quotes that I've been getting lately but this one is the best. It came to me while I am blogging and have the honor to post first! i love it!

"Keep the promise you make to yourself"--Dove chocolates

Yes to that!

ps i wish i have a camera now so that I can post a picture. well you know the story.

monks at the Suvarnabhumi airport

I love their robes! Always been intrigued by their ways. I also love taking pictures of monks. This series is such a treasure because I caught them taking pictures of themselves hahaha. What is so interesting is that they are now high tech they have their laptops with them. The great recorders of history are not left behind by technology. Awesome!!!! I love them!

airports

During my last trip to Thailand. The first thing that struck me was the Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced as "Su-Wana-poom") Suvarnabhumi means "The Golden Land". The last time I was in Thailand was in 1995 and the airport they have back then was very similar to the NAIA. I was happily surprised that now they have something similar to Singapore less the orchids in the center. A big and better airport.

That brings me to our own airport. More than twenty years ago I distinctly remembered the time when we brought our Tita to the airport back then it was the MIA or Manila International Airport. She was going to migrate to the States. As you know the tradition is that the whole barangay of relatives are in tow to send off the relative who is migrating. I also remembered we had picture taking with everyone in front of the jeep that brought the whole clan. My cousins and I were climbing up and down the escalators. I still have that picture.

Then circa 2008 last month when I went to Thailand. Now called the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, but nothing is different from more than 20 years ago. I felt sad for the condition of our airport every time. Recently I heard that the newly built terminal 3 has already these supposed cracks from an earthquake. Not even open yet and already broken. tsk tsk.

Oh well.

Same time 2 years ago

June 20th 2 years ago, we were expecting our baby to be born. That night, I had a bloody show and I was relieved that finally I was giving birth. But also afraid of the right of passage that I will go through at that time.

Tomorrow will be baby's 2nd birthday. We didnt plan for anything big like the 1st birthday. We will still have family and friends over at the house. I followed Ninang Susan's advise that blessings will come to the home that open its doors to people. We will be celebrating Isay's 2nd birthday this Saturday.

Really have nothing prepared yet. But we will have the classic pansit for long life and a nice cake and maybe a few balloons for the cousins and friends.

It has been a while

It has been more than a month since I blogged. I miss sharing my thoughts. I wanted to share the many things that are happening the past month. Yes, I am still going to share more about Thailand and then the workshop we had in Camiguin last week. Recently, a really good friend and her family was in town from the States with her two kids. M and I are been catching up a bit. Now I am preparing for a long trip to the US first week of July. I still need to prepare alot for that. Excited to share my adventure of how people have shown their generosity in helping me with this trip. I will write more on that later as well.

Well, that being said, I just wanted to have some time to ponder. Alone time with myself is priceless these days.

Also just wanted to add that Tatay is in Maguindanao. Haay, I will note here that I will share something really struck me about Mindanao and our people.

I will carve out the time for this blog. It helps me remember and enjoy the many small and great blessings that come my way each day.

My Elephant Encounter!!!

I just arrived from my Thailand trip. The post above is my happiest memory during my recent trip. It was truly off the charts wonderful experience. I love it!!! I was able to hug their massive trunks. The moment I was in their presence it was overwhelming. You can actually sense their palpable strength! My companions stayed a few meters away saying that they are afraid to be sucked in by their trunks. Here in the photo I am giving some sugarcane stalks.

The encounter with the elephants was just a short side trip to our official business in the Island of Mu Koh Chang approximately 500 kilometers south of Bangkok near the boarders of Cambodia. We visited the Mu Koh Chang Demonstration site of the UNEP GEF South China Sea project on their environment and conservation efforts in the island of Koh Chang.

I will be posting more about Thailand in the coming days.

X deals for a good deed

Last February, I received word that my post graduate thesis (actually referred to as Special Problem at UP) was accepted for presentation at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium this event will be for July 2008. This event takes place every 4 years where marine conservationist, researchers, students and practitioners gather together to share and learn the developments in coral reef conservation. Four years ago it was held at Okinawa, Japan. I've been so blessed that I was able to receive a grant from Packard in 2004 and was able to actively participate. The host this year will be Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. But this time I am unable to secure a grant from ISRS Intl Society of Reef Studies.

I am now actively searching for possible sponsors. I reached out to several organizations for support and still awaiting for their reply. But I am happy to share that as of today I am able to raise approximately 20% of my travel cost with a couple of confirmed pledges from sponsors! God bless you! You know who you are!

Learning from Aloy, Ala and others who creatively raised funds, I am now kindly asking for your help. I am open for X-deals for donations to support my travel in exchange for a good deed. It can be a research project that you may need help, a slide presentation for a wedding of a friend, deliver flowers to a loved one, something that can be done in a week or two, let me know what you need help on. Just as long as it is legal and is fair to all concerned :)

Lastly, if you know of any organization that provides travel grants and support specially for women of the 3rd world please let me know email me at day_flores@yahoo.com.

Abundance

"For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him"--Matthew 13:12

Today, I think now I finally realized the essence of this verse. For the longest time in the back of my mind I was wondering "how can that be?" answer came to me today after a discourse of knowing oneself.

I've been immersing myself in the concept of abundance and I realized this has brought me to this moment. A great aha moment came this afternoon that recognizing abundance can only come from within and not without. I am also reminded that abundance is all around us. And again reminded to be grateful of many things in my life. Abundance is everywhere, the sun, the wind, the dog full of play around the corner while we are walking, the presence of my daughter, the space to create, and the list just goes on and on. Amazing. I am prompted to continue my gratitude journal. Actually this blog started with that idea. Most of the things and events that I write here brings me joy and inspires me. I rarely put anything that gives me anxiety. I realize it is my way of making it a gratitude journal without calling it one.

Now going back to the verse, it is clear to me now that it is only when we recognize the abundance in our lives that we are continually blessed of even more abundance. Thus, to those who have abundance will be given more. All this come from within. Acknowledging that you are already blessed, truly blessed that allows more abundance to flow into your life.

It has been weeks since I shared anything in this blog. But it doesn't mean that nothing eventful has happened. Many things to be thankful for has come to be. I want to share some highlights.

1) Baby and I together with Tatay was able to visit a friend Ria and her baby Maksil who is in Manila just before they went back to Kyoto. We spent an afternoon with friends. We swam in the small pool and baby Isay was able to play with Baby Maksil. It was the first time we met Baby Kylie of Mhel and Paul who just passed the bar.

2) There was one day when we went to a playground and for the first time Tatay and Nanay together with baby Isay played in a see-saw! Amazing! The last time I did this was when I was 8 years old in a playground in Laguna. We had a great time walking, spending the afternoon sliding down in the outdoor playground

3) Last Sunday, Isay for the first time played and run with her 2 cousins Jake and Kaila. Baby Isay doesn't mind that she is always the "taya". It was good to spend time with the family of Tatay A since we haven't seen them for a few months now.

4) Jollibee party of Baby Timothy that Baby Isay enjoyed together with cousins Jane and Julius. It was the first time she took on a huge slide on her own at the party place. I was so amazed that she was so brave to take on the challenge of the many older kids around her. I am one proud Nanay!!!