The State of Philippine Environment

The state of Philippine environment is very alarming in the sense that almost 90% of our forests covers are already gone. This would mean our country is already prone to landslide, flash floods and other natural and man - made calamities. According to IBON, depleted forests would mean fewer sources of food, medicinal plants and renewable energy, and less capacity to nurture genetic species. The Philippine forests are one of the most diverse in the world and also one of the most endangered. This rapid decline of forested land is already critical in the sense that there are flora and fauna in the country which are already endangered, threatened or extinct. The Philippine forests have been steadily shrinking at an average rate of 2% per annum, or a relatively fast deforestation rate of 550,000 hectares per year (IBON, 2006). This rate means that every hour, 63 hectares of forests are cleared.

BC Growling LEOPARDS

In the picture: (Back: Left - Right) - Raphael Masapequeña, Neil Patrick Donayre, Arnold Sison, Kim Te, Laurence Albacite
(Front: Left - Right) - Richie Andales, Johnlie Quiamco, Christan Joy Edralin, Daryl John Contigo (Captain), Gary Eben, Concon and Hallyric Damicog
(Not in the picture) - James Rodrigo, Aaron Ortega, George Dean, Gino Bonajos

Once a leopards always be a leopard..... Long Live the BC Leopards

The Philippine Sailed Finned Lizard

Scientific name: Hydrosaurus pustulatus 

Common Name/s:

English

–

Crested Lizard, Sail-fin Lizard, Sailfin Water Lizard, Soa-soa Water Lizard

Habitat and Ecology: This semi-aquatic species is generally restricted to riparian vegetation present in lowland tropical moist forests (both primary and secondary) to open cultivated areas. It is probably omnivorous, and is associated with certain food trees. It appears to have a preference for particular shrubs and trees as resting places (often overhanging water), and is usually collected from these. This is an oviparous species that buries eggs within river banks.

Major Threat(s):The threats to the two species of Hydrosaurus in the Philippines are generally very similar. Populations appear to be principally threatened by habitat loss, often the conversion of wooded land to alternative uses (including agriculture), and through logging operations. In addition, animals (especially hatchlings) are heavily collected for both the pet trade (national and possibly international) and local consumption. Because of inter-island trade, there is some possibility of introduced animals mixing with indigenous populations. In some parts of is range it is additionally threatened by water pollution resulting from the use of agrochemicals and increased sedimentation.

Reference: http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/10335/0

Philippine Kagwang

Scientifically it is called Cynocephalus volans. This mammal is now considered endangered species because of continues destruction of its habitat through logging in the lowland dipterocarp forests (legal and illegal) and also continues hunting.

Haribon: A keystone species

Pithecophaga jefferyi 

Some facts about the Philippine Eagle:

The Philippine Eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, also known as the Great Philippine Eagle or Monkey-eating Eagle, is among the rarest, largest, and most powerful birds in the world (Wikipedia.com)

Upon its discovery, the Philippine Eagle was first called the monkey-eating eagle because of reports from natives of Bonga, Samar where the species was first discovered that it preyed exclusively on monkeys; from these reports it gained its generic name, from the Greek pithecus ("ape or monkey") and phagus ("eater of")

The Philippine Eagle is endemic to the Philippines and can be found on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao

This eagle is found in dipterocarp and mid-montane forests, particularly in steep areas. Its elevation ranges from the lowlands to mountains of over 1,800 meters (5,905 ft). It is estimated that only 9,220 square kilometers (2,280,000 acres) of old growth forest remain in the bird's range. However, its total estimated range is about 146,000 square kilometers (56,000 sq mi)

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Falconiformes (or Accipitriformes, q.v.)
Family:	Accipitridae
Genus:	Pithecophaga Ogilvie-Grant, 1897
Species:	P. jefferyi

New WBO and WBC Bantamweight Champion: The Filipino Flash

The Flash did it again: An elite fighter with a humble heart

Feel free to know the Azkals

Can you identify their names? Give me your answers.

Azkals: Philippine Football Team

The Rise of the Azkals: Support the Philippine Football Team. Watch their games especially the second leg of the qualifying round for the AFC Challenge Cup. Be proud to be an Azkal!

Pacman's Heir is Here!

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire stunned the WBO and WBC Champion Montiel in second round via technical knock out. Donaire knock down Montiel using his left hook which landed in the face of the champion. Montiel try to recover but with two more combination of Donaire sent the referee to the rescue of Montiel for further damage.

Pacquiao's heir is already here in the mold of Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire. Filipinos are already assured that another elite fighter is born.

A missionary doctor: People's Doctor

Medical Mission at Sagop Palad Foundation

Animal Watch: A critically endangered reptile

Crocodylus mindorensis commonly known as the Philippine Freshwater Crocodile is critical endangered because over hunting for leather and meat purposes. There are only few individuals cited all over the archipelago. Another reason for its status today, is the destruction of its natural habitat. Rivers are now polluted and soil erosion on riverbanks also contributes to the decline of this reptile.

You'll Never Walk Alone

According to the song "The Greatest Love of All", and I quote "I believe the children is our future, teach them will and let them lead the way, show them all the beauty they possess inside", is one of the important stanzas of the lyrics. It depicts on how we should raise our children and mold them into being a responsible and productive citizens of our society. The picture shows how the children enjoy playing under the banana plants. A simple way of giving them the freedom and right to play and enjoy their childhood years.

Mt. Candalaga: A Lady behind the Mountain

The BC Growling Leopards

The BC Growling Leopards is the basketball team men of Brokenshire College. The team endured several challenges and trials. One notable trial is the scholarships of the players were not renewed because of financial constraints experience by the college. However, it did not dampen the spirit of the Leopards. They keep on fighting for the honor of the school and the team. The 2009 - 2010 batch of players made history by winning the 1st Orange Generations Cup against the fancied team of Holy Child of Davao. This is the first time that men's basketball team of Brokenshire lifted a championship trophy. Players like Christan Joy Edralin, Richie Andales, Daryl Contigo, Laurence Albacite, Kim Te, Arnold Sison, Hallyric Damicog, Archie Barrios, Mark Milgo were part of the championship team. This school year 2010 - 2011, the Leopards once again prove to their doubters that they are capable of playing good basketball despite the lack of support. With the strong support of their coach, Mr. Arnulfo Rojas, they were able to bag 3rd place honors in the following tournaments: Buhangin Fiesta Cup, DACS, and 8th GS Cup. Hopefully, the team will grow stronger as the year goes by. People might come and go but the memories of the Leopards will remain for a lifetime. Long Live BC Leopards!

The State of Poverty in the Philippines

The state of poverty in the Philippines become a critical issue both for political and economic point of few. The picture above is just one of the realities that can be seen in our very eyes in the different streets in urban locations in the country. Even though the Philippines has a lot of natural resources bestowed by God in the archipelago however millions of Filipinos experienced hunger and poverty. Many people suffer because of corruption and greediness of power among government leaders as well as multinational corporations. Underemployment and unemployment rates increases which may also triggers increase crime rate.

Typical Jeep in Rural Areas

This is the road going to Mati from Maragusan. It traverse on the mountain side. This is a common form of transportation in rural areas in the Philippines. The loads on the ceiling of the jeep are different agricultural products in the different localities along the this dusty road.

The Burned Site in Maragusan

This picture is taken in the one of the burned sites in Mt. Candalaga. This was taken above the Marangig Falls in New Leyte, Maragusan, Compostela Valley. Different plant species were observed in the burned sites. Tree ferns dominated the said site.

What is hypercalcemia?

It is a condition in which the level of calcium in the blood is higher from its normal value. This condition is conducive for bone building because more calcium can be used to build bones in the form of hydroxyapatite. One of the hormones in the body is responsible for stimulating bone forming cells (osteoblasts) to remove calcium from the blood and store them into the bones. Calcitonin is released by the thyroid gland if the level of calcium is too high in the blood.

It is necessary to maintain the normal level of calcium in the body because normal muscle and nervous system functions can be affected if there is fluctuations of calcium level in the blood.

Rabid Azkals down the Blue Wolves

It was memorable night for the Philippine Football. The Philippine Azkals in front of the 25,000 strong cheering fans stunned the Blue Wolves with the score 2 - 1. The Azkals pressured their opponent from the opening minute of the game until the final whistle was blown. Caligdong, break the deadlock in the 42 minutes of the first half. He was able to find the net with his Messi like technique. The leather passed the legs of the visiting keeper and the crowd erupted in jubilation after the goal. Phil Younghusband put the exclamation point in the closing seconds of the game by swerving the leather using his left foot into the left corner of the goal. The Azkals will play the second leg in Mongolia this coming March 15 having the advantage of 2 goals.