There may be fossils of marine monsters in the Silungan ning Higante site north of Dugui Too in Virac.
Last April 5-7, three staffers of the National Museum – museum curators Roberto de Ocampo and Priscila Ong, and budget officer and ISLA composer Jerry Tabirao – joined Oseas Alberto, her sister Marilyn and five guides in a grueling, eight-hour trek to the site to verify the fossil find reported last year by Mr. Alberto.
According to the National Museum researchers, there could be fossils of ancient marine predators buried under the rock at the base of the Silungan rock formation. One of the marine monsters that could be possible found is the long-necked plesiosaur called elasmosaurus, which lived 70 million years ago. Fossils of ammonites, which lived at almost the same time, have been found by Alberto at the Silungan and he has donated his find to the National Museum.
A proper expedition to the site would need funding, something which the Museum does not have. Probably, foreign scientists could take a look at the site in the near future.
While the Philippines is being regarded as the center of marine biodiversity, it has now become a “center of threats” with its diversity declining too fast due to human exploitation, a visiting US marine biodiversity expert said Monday.
Dr. Kent Carpenter, a professor of Biological Sciences in Old Dominion University, is in the country to help in the assessment of threats of extinction to certain marine species as part of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) project.
The Coral Triangle is bordered by six countries, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste.
The Coral Triangle, where Philippines is at the apex, covers 6.5 million square kilometers and is considered the global center of marine biodiversity, with over 600 reef-building coral species or 75 percent of all known coral species in the world and more than 3,000 fish species.
In 2004, Carpenter led a study that discovered the Philippines as the “center of marine biodiversity” due to the country’s great concentration of marine species.
“Unfortunately, many of these resources are being overexploited and the biodiversity and the habitats that harbor these riches are at increasing risk because of human impacts,” Carpenter said.
CTI, with the six coral triangle-bordering countries as members, was launched in response to the threats to biodiversity.
“The Philippines is the center of marine biodiversity and we got the best in the world. (The) unfortunate side of that story is that because of the concentration of the population in the Philippines, we also are center of threats to the diversity,” Carpenter pointed out.
“The Philippines, unfortunately, has one of the worst records, in terms of threats to coral reefs that’s why it is even more important that we make the CTI work,” he added.
Carpenter said that among the countries in the coral triangle, the Philippines is in the “most bad shape,” closely followed by Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.
“Indonesia is fast behind; they are starting to do all the bad practices that the Philippines has been doing for a long time. Papua New Guinea is remote, Solomon Islands is fairly remote, but at the apex of the coral triangle is also the apex of both biodiversity and threats, as well,” he said.
“As part of the CTI, I am here to help in the assessing of important parts of the coral reef fauna here,” Carpenter said, who just arrived from a one-week workshop as part of the CTI project held in Dumaguete City.
Carpenter, a coordinator of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said he joined other world experts in assessing the threat of extinction of wrasses in the coral triangle.
By ELLALYN B. DE VERA March 30, 2009, 9:06pm mb.com.ph
In many movies, old lighthouses are often depicted as a rendezvous for lovers, a beckon of hope for navigators and a lure for fishermen. It is also a temporary refuge for birds and wildlife. For designers and builders, it is a structural challenge and an engineering feat. Centuries old lighthouses still stand today in many parts of the world.
Catanduanes being an island, has numerous lighthouses. Designs and sizes varies, the most modern of which, is located on Panay Island in Panganiban (Payo). It is fully automated and solar powered.
Decades ago, most of these lighthouses are kerosene powered and manually operated. A lighthouse keeper has to brave the dark, armed only with a flashlight, matches and a torch, rain or shine, just to get his job done. Possibly, a challenging task and extremely dangerous job when one has to cross a sea during a stormy weather.
This one is possibly the smallest of its kind, one located in Batalay, Bato. Perhaps, this one is a navigational aid to warn navigators of a shallow part or reef nearby.
This one in Gigmoto, can be mistaken for a watch tower, a very simple yet designed to last.
The extreme location, design and surroundings of lighthouses, makes it a good inspiration for a romantic plot and an interesting background for a movie scene.
RELATED LINKS:
Visiting Bagamanoc - View of coastal fishing villages and sights on way to Bagamanoc.
These photos taken in 2007 at the Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve, a protected area. Twenty-two years after being proclaimed as a forest reserve, now a part (500 hectares) of it, is under threat of inclusion in the looming coal mining operation on the island. Please view the map below.
The white line on the map is the area proclaimed as Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve on June 23, 1987 under Proclamation No. 123 by the former President Corazon C. Aquino. A 26,010 hectares of forested areas, covering the municipalities of Virac, San Andres, Caramoran, San Miguel and Baras.
...maybe, its about time to know the true value of our forest, now, and not by the time they are gone, permanently and irreversibly damaged.
RELATED LINKS:
Rice, Not Mines - British MP Reports on mining in the Philippines
Catanduanes is composed of 11 municipalities, but there are 18 parishes distributed island wide. There are 3 parishes in the capital town Virac, 3 in Viga, 3 in Bato and 2 in San Andres. Although radical architectural changes have been made in many of the centuries old churches. From baroque to contemporary architecture and basic structural changes from coral stones to cement. Still many of the old practices and traditions are revered and observed up to this day. Happy Easter!
Vicariate of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Vicar Forane: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jose B. Molina, PA, VG
Virac Cathedral (F-1755), Virac 4800 Catanduanes Population: 42,045; Catholics: 41,204 Titular: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, December 8 Parish Priest: Rev. Msgr. Jose B. Molina, PA, VG Parochial Vicars: Fr. Allan Martin Basilio, Fr. Joseph Saratan, Fr. Pascual Macuja (Retired, In Residence), Fr. Sid Jose Sanchez, Fr. Paul I. Isorena
Cabugao (F-1911), Bato 4801 Catanduanes Population: 9,288; Catholics: 9,185 Titular: St. Anthony of Padua, June 13 Parish Priest: Fr. Francis M. Sarmiento
Magnesia (F-1956), Virac 4800 Catanduanes Population: 5,713; Catholics: 5,427 Titular: St. Isidore The Farmer, May 15 Parish Priest: Fr. Constantino Soriao
Palta (F-1955), Virac 4800 Catanduanes Population: 6,037; Catholics: 6,018 Titular: Our Lady of Salvation, May 24 Parish Priest: Fr. Virgilio R. Bea
Vicariate of St. John the Baptist Vicar Forane: Fr. Juan Lizaso, Jr.
Bato (F-1830), 4801 Catanduanes Population: 17,858; Catholics: 17,643 Titular: St. John The Baptist, June 24 Parish Priest: Fr. Laudemer Jose Gapaz Parochial Vicar: Fr. Allan Pereyra
Baras (F-1897), 4803 Catanduanes Population: 12,790; Catholics: 12,522 Titular: St. Lawrence, August 10 Parish Priest: Fr. Eduardo Manibale
Gigmoto (F-1951), 4804 Catanduanes Population: 7,275; Catholics: 7,246 Titular: St. Isidore the Farmer, May 15 Parish Priest: Fr. Fernando Genogaling
San Miguel (F-1953), 4802 Catanduanes Population: 13,016; Catholics: 12,677 Titular: St. Michael the Archangel, May 8 Parish Priest: Fr. Juan Lizaso, Jr. Parochial Vicar: Fr. Leonardo B. Tamayo, Jr.
Vicariate of St. Andrew the Apostle Vicar Forane: Fr. Vicente Borre III
San Andres (F-1798), 4810 Catanduanes Population: 22,864; Catholics: 22,407 Titular: St. Andrew, November 30 Parish Priest: Fr. Vicente A. Borre III Parochial Vicar: Fr. Jose Peña, Fr. Joel Rama
Caramoran (F-1600), 4808 Catanduanes Population: 23,720; Catholics: 21,822 Titular: St. John The Baptist, June 24 Parish Priest: Fr. Jose C. Tejada Parochial Vicar: Fr. Avelino Sualibio
Manambrag (F-1953), San Andres 4810 Catanduanes Population: 9,798; Catholics: 9,601 Titular: St. Isidore The Farmer, May 15 Parish Priest: Fr. Renato de la Rosa
Pandan (F-1650), 4809 Catanduanes Population: 16,983; Catholics: 16,813 Titular: St. Ignatius of Loyola, July 31 Parish Priest: Fr. Edison Bernardo Parochial Vicar: Fr. Benedicto Tugano
Vicariate of Our Lady of the Assumption Vicar Forane: Very Rev. Fr. Leandro S. Atutubo, Jr.
Viga (F-1661), 4805 Catanduanes Population: 9,626; Catholics: 9,385 Titular: Our Lady of the Assumption, August 15 Parish Priest: Fr. Leandro S. Atutubo, Jr. Parochial Vicars: Fr. Arnel M. Barba
Bagamanoc (F-1929), 4807 Catanduanes Population: 11,240; Catholics: 11,205 Titular: St. Anthony of Padua, June 13 Parish Priest: Fr. Felipe S. Faustino Parochial Vicar: Fr. Rolando de la Rosa
Panganiban (F-1683), 4806 Catanduanes Population: 16,983; Catholics: 16,812 Titular: St. James The Greater, July 25 Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph O. Infante
Oco (F-1811), Viga 4805 Catanduanes Population: 5,615; Catholics: 5,384 Titular: St. Joseph, May 1 Parish Priest: Fr. Felix B. Mira
Tambongon (F-1952), Viga 4805 Catanduanes Population: 4,612; Catholics: 4,602 Titular: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16 Parish Admin.: Fr. Juan Tejerero
Unknown to many, there are many waterfalls that could be a good place to visit this summer, two in Barangay Kilikilihan in San Miguel, Tatoy and Imog falls. Roughly an one hour ride from Virac and same if coming from Viga. This small village is located at the heart of the island, population as of 2007 census is 996. Please view the videos of Tatoy falls and its surroundings.
As you read this, you only have four days to plan a vacation. The Lenten retreat weekend arrives next week – the time of the year when a mass of urbanites escape the metropolis and the summer heat that leave EDSA and the malls surprisingly empty. And if you’ve entirely forgotten about planning any activity, you can drive to the usual pools in Laguna or Batangas or you can drive farther to Subic or the perennial favorite destination – Baguio. But I’m warning you – those destinations are sure to be packed with people that there’s a big possibility that you may see a colleague at a restaurant or be booked in the same hotel as your boss! How’s that for a vacation?
This year, I challenge you to awaken the “adventurous kid” inside you. No, this doesn’t mean that you have to try out an extreme sport or eat some exotic food. This is just a long drive that requires you to just have a reliable vehicle, a few thousand pesos, an updated road map, and of course, a great company – whether they are your family, relatives, officemates or friends.
Where to? One of the most scenic and easy long drives to take is a trip to Bicolandia. For those who will take this trip for the first time, Mayon Volcano is not the only attraction in the Bicol Region. There are beautiful churches, exotic resorts, refreshing nature sites – and more! Pasalubong shopping ain’t bad either. Most of all, it’s easy on the pocket and can be done from Thursday to Easter Sunday.
In this region, there are boundless adventures waiting to be explored. And if you don’t have any vehicle with you, Bicol is highly accessible via public transport.
For this trip, I recommend the region’s most popular destinations: Daet in Camarines Norte, Naga City, and Legazpi City in Albay. For this four-day journey, it’s easy to come up with a “functioning” itinerary to see and experience the most of the region.
An early departure from Manila is advisable for motorists, since the first stop, Daet, is around eight hours away by land. For those taking the bus, take the night trip, which will bring you to Daet by sunrise the following morning. For those bringing a vehicle, leave early morning, and make sure to assign at least two drivers who can alternate during the eight-hour drive.
Various bus companies offer transport to the region, among them Cagsawa Tours, Penafrancia, and Superlines. There is a terminal at the back of Ali Mall Cubao which offers bus trips to various locations including spots around Bicol. It is always advisable to reserve for your seats in advance – especially next week when the trips almost always get fully booked.
A day in Daet
Daet is a charming small town. Once there, you can take a tricycle along Bagasbas Road and get a breath of fresh air. If you have your vehicle, park somewhere along the Bagasbas shoreline. The seemingly endless beach stretch is popular among townsfolk and even visitors because of the powder-fine silvery sands and the strong waves that encourage watersports like surfing.
You and your companions can spend the rest of the day on the beach or you can do a rolling tour of Daet and the neighboring towns. Explore the town's old churches, parks, and other interesting spots. Daet's next-door neighbor, the town of Vinzons, is home to the ancestral house of Wenceslao Q. Vinzons – a brave hero who led the resistance against the Japanese during World War II.
For the history buff, Daet is the location of the first Rizal monument – an irregularly-shaped obelisk painted in white, with the name of Rizal highlighted in black. The monument was built in Dec. 1898, fashioned from mortars and boulders collected from the old Spanish jail in Daet which was later demolished. The monument, located at the foot of a bridge, can be found across the old Daet municipal hall.
Around Naga
About three hours away from Daet is Naga City. If you’re done with the tour of Daet, drive on and you will be guided by road signs to reach Naga. Or take the next bus with the “Naga” signboard and ride off to this city which is bustling with activity.
There are various hotels and resorts to choose from. Check the Internet now for your hotel of choice and book in advance. If you arrive in Naga by nightfall, you can check in to your hotel then go out again for dinner. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from. Also try the local delicacies in native-themed restaurants and be surprised by the legendary spicy Bicolano cuisine.
The following morning can be set for a rolling tour of the city’s famous churches, and there are many of them. Take time to reflect at the Metropolitan Church (the largest in Bicol), Penafrancia Basilica Minore, and the Our Lady of Penafrancia Church which is popular stop for pilgrims.
Naga City is also known as the gateway to CamSur’s Caramoan – the latest tourist hub in the Bicol Region. Be more adventuros and have some photo ops at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) in the town of Pili which offers wakeboarding facilities.
Caramoan has gained fame among Europeans as the site of the French version of Survivor called “Kohlanta” which was filmed in the islands. There are at least two boat trips to take before you can reach Caramoan, but upon arrival, you will be amazed to discover a world-class resort called Gota Village which is the jump-off point to an island hopping tour in this part of Bicol.
Legazpi leg
On your third day, drive to Legazpi City in Albay. This is the place where the famous Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga are located.
Don’t forget your cameras. This is a perfect place to take lots of photos since the Mayon Volcano offers a perfect backdrop. It is also a convenient jump-off point to other tourist destinations in the region such as the Cagsawa Ruins, the upscale resort of Misibis, Donsol – the site of one of the world's largest annual migration of whale sharks and the white sand beaches of Sorsogon and Catanduanes (if you have more time).
There are a lot of places to visit around Legazpi. You can drop by the Albay Park and Wildlife, the Liberty Bell, the Magayon Art Gallery – found at the lobby of the Albay Provincial Capitol; Legazpi City Museum and the Albay Park and Wildlife, one of the best places to view Mayon Volcano and Legazpi City.
Since this itinerary is very flexible, you also have the option of switching the spots per day. You can first proceed to Legazpi and from there work your way through Naga and Daet as the days pass. Just make sure to check the bus schedules and book your hotels in advance. If you’re driving back to Manila, expect a back-breaking trip. But with great company, the long drive will feel short since you have lots of things – and new memories – to talk about!
According to the National Museum researchers, there could be fossils of ancient marine predators buried under the rock at the base of the Silungan rock formation. One of the marine monsters that could be possible found is the long-necked plesiosaur called elasmosaurus, which lived 70 million years ago. Fossils of ammonites, which lived at almost the same time, have been found by Alberto at the Silungan and he has donated his find to the National Museum.
According to the National Museum researchers, there could be fossils of ancient marine predators buried under the rock at the base of the Silungan rock formation. One of the marine monsters that could be possible found is the long-necked plesiosaur called elasmosaurus, which lived 70 million years ago. Fossils of ammonites, which lived at almost the same time, have been found by Alberto at the Silungan and he has donated his find to the National Museum.
