BORACAY... SHOULD IT BE CLOSED?!

For the last few days & weeks, I have been questioned about the status of Boracay Island after the statement made by President Rodrigo Duterte about Boracay becoming a cesspool. There were lots of questions… Is it true? Will Boracay be closed? Should we cancel our trip to Boracay? What is going to happen to the workers in Boracay Island?

Look at the pictures of Boracay, does it look like a cesspool? This is located at the West of Boracay and the water was tested by DENR to be safe for swimming. Why did the President mention cesspool in Boracay and why are there pictures of dirty water in Boracay?

Are you wondering what is true and fake? Well, those dirty water that you see in the pictures are true and they are located at the East of Boracay. The drainage system was not properly done that caused some problems and some irresponsible establishments are having problems with their sewage system but the fake news is the whole of Boracay Island is a cesspool! The whole of Boracay Island IS NOT a cesspool, only some part of it.

For your information, how can a cesspool Boracay be known as one of the best beaches in the world? In fact, Boracay Island topped in Condé Nast Traveler's 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards. The island also received numerous awards for the past few years from Leisure & Travel Magazine & Trip Advisor, to name a few. All these rating were not given by local but tourists from different countries. Would they rate us as one of the best beaches in the world if we are indeed a cesspool?

The President instructed Secretary of DENR to clean up the mess in Boracay for the next 6 months or else he will close Boracay. Did he instruct to close Boracay? He said clearly, fix the mess in 6 months and give him recommendation on the status of Boracay. There was no instructions that he will close Boracay after 6 months! Our President listen to the plight of Filipinos and he always consider the welfare, do you think he will close it and see the suffering of thousands of Filipinos?

Furthermore; Senate Chairman for Environment & Natural Resources; Senator Cynthia Villar came to Boracay and inspected the island. She mentioned that she will recommend to President not to close Boracay Island. Why punish those who compliant with the laws? All those establishments that violate the law should be punished. Those structures that build on no build zone should be demolished. Why punished those investors who invested millions and follow all regulations in the island?

Accordingly to some reports, there are 20,000 registered workers in Boracay Island. I strongly believe the numbers on people working in Boracay are more than the registered 20,000 workers. Have they consider if Boracay Island is close then what about people in Caticlan? Do we still need to operate the airport if Boracay Island is close? What about Kalibo Airport? Do we still need so many flights in Kalibo? Well, someone mentioned that all these workers are from other provinces and they can just simply go back to their province and look for another job. Do you think it is easy to find a job? Why do they have to work in Boracay Island if they can find work in their own province? What about Aklanos? Where are they going to work? Will the government be able to get them a job placement if they ever decide to close Boracay Island. What about those people in the island that rely on tourism, will they support them too?

In 2017, there were more than 2,100,000 tourists visited Boracay with a receipts income of Php56 Billion Peso. Are there any islands in the Philippines that can generate so many tourists and receipts for the country? Do they really want to push for closure of Boracay? Where are all the money made? There was a collection of Php75.00 of Environmental Fees collected upon entry to Boracay from Tourists and if we have 2,100,000 tourists visited in 2017 then it will be an amount of Php157,500,000.00. This amount can be used to rehabilitate Boracay, where did they spend the money?

The DENR is in serious tone with the mandated given by President to fix the island. They been going around to inspect establishments in Boracay to make sure they do compliant with the law and Notice of Closure were given to those who violate the law. There were some establishments given Notice of Demolition since they build structure on no build zone. As for Local Government Unit of Malay, they are also taking a serious tone with a 6 months plans that was shared with the stakeholders of Boracay. We wish them success and hopefully all these can be done before 6 months as mandated by the President.

Can you still visit and enjoy Boracay in the next few months? Of course you can but do expect some inconvenience in some places. There will be renovation and repair in some places, there will be some demolition of building for those who build on no build zone. This is perhaps one of the reason why the Secretary of DILG recommend a closure of Boracay for 2months but is it necessary? If proper planning is done, I don’t think it is necessary to close the island. We are not compromising and sacrificing the National Treasure of the Philippines if we don’t suggest to close but is it necessary?

The DOT & DILG suggested a closure of 60days, what are their plans? What are their proposal for the closure? As stakeholders, we don’t get to hear from them about their proposal on the closure. There is no consultation with stakeholders in Boracay. They said they need to repair the road then why don’t we use the sea as a mean of transportation? Before the One Entry One Exit Policy implemented in the Boracay, our mean of transportation was via boat to different Stations in Boracay and there was less traffic. We can go back to using boat while the road is being repaired, this will also lessen the traffic on the road.

I been living in Boracay for more than 10 years and there were so many developments. I am so glad that the National Government finally look into Boracay Island and make things right again but I hope whatever decision they made, they will always consider those who follow the law, consider the plight of Filipino in the island and alternate ways to rebuild Boracay again. Is time for us to Preserve What We Have & Restore What We Lost!

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SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR DOGS IN THE BEACH

Safety Tips of Bringing your Dogs in the Beach.

Bringing your dogs in the beach will always be so much fun but there are things you have to know for the safety of your dogs, Read this tips and learn.

1. Not all dogs can swim. That’s right, the doggie paddle does not come naturally to every dog … like Ty for example. In fact, certain breeds like Corgis and Pugs don’t swim at all. Find some quiet water and give your dog a chance to show you if he can swim or not by encouraging him to follow you. Never throw your dog in the water and expect him to swim.

2. Drinking salt water is a bad idea. This is logical, and yet getting Buster continues to try to lap up the ocean. The more I want him to stop – the more he wants to drink. In the event you have more luck with your dog, pack plenty of water to keep you both hydrated.

3. Invest in a life vest. Waves, current, and rip tides can quickly exhaust your dog, and that can be deadly. Life vests made specially for dogs come in all sizes. When you’re making your selection, look for one that fastens at three points and has a handle on the back, making it easy for you to lift your dog out of the water.

4. Use sun screen. You’re not the only one that needs to be concerned with sun burn. Get a sun screen specially formulated for dogs and apply it to your dog’s nose and ears 30 minutes before hitting the beach.

5. Beware of submerged dangers. Sharp rocks, shells, coral, and jellyfish can injure your dog. And, because dogs often don’t indicate when they’re in pain, you’ll need to watch his body language and carefully check him for cuts and scrapes.

6. Calm water is best. Surf boards, jet skis, and big waves can frighten your dog. Find a quiet place to play with your pup, or locate a local dog beach were surfing and boating are not allowed.

7. Head for cover. The sun and the sand are fun, but it’s nice to have a place to take a break in the shade and out of the wind. Consider  bringing an inexpensive tent to give you and your dog a comfortable place to relax.

8. Don’t overdo it. Running on sand is strenuous, so don’t expect your dog to be able to fetch as long as he might at the dog park. And, start slow, giving him time to warm up to avoid a muscle pull.

9. Cold water can hurt. Remember, if your dog has arthritis or other joint issues, swimming in cold water can irritate the condition. Stick to shallow water and bays where the water is warmer.

10. Rinse thoroughly. When you’re done playing, take time to rinse salt, sand, and microscopic organisms from your dog’s coat. Also, be sure to dry your dog’s ears as moisture in the ear canal can cause ear infections.

Do you have any additional tips for dogs going to the beach?

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TIPS OF BRINGING SENIORS TO THE BEACH

Planning to Take Seniors to the Beach: Consider Important Tips for a Safe Trip

Grandparents have arrived for a few days, and you are planning to take them to the beach for some fun time. Getting in the car and going on a trip with our grandparents is not the same as going on an impromptu weekend trip when we were in our 20s.

A trip to the beach is not about what we want to do, but what others can do, and by this I mean grandparents and our senior parents. We need to consider everyone’s limitations, including medical conditions before planning any trip. Also, before going on a short trip in Boracay Island, select nearby areas that will not take lengthy travel times.

The following are some important tips to consider when going on a trip to the beach with a senior loved one:

• Consider travel-time, distance and time of day; making a short trip would be a first good choice.

• Make sure to include extra time for restroom stops, and always select a safe area to stop.

• If you are going to the beach in hot weather, the best time of the day is the early morning.

• Identify the best parking access for seniors. In fact, make sure there is a broad flat area adjacent to the vehicle to minimize falls while getting in and out of the vehicle.

• Make sure to make a note of the beach access road’s name, block or street address when
  parking; taking a picture of where you park your vehicle would not be a bad idea.

• Plan to arrive at your beach destination during low-tide. 

• Plan your short beach trips during the week and not on busy weekends, especially if you are bringing someone who has dementia. Busy beaches, noise, and commotion could cause frustration and agitation in some seniors.

• Prep your vehicle before the trip. Your car should have a full tank of gas, and tires and brakes should be in good condition. Don’t place yourself and a loved one in harm’s way by having to stop on the side of the road in the middle of a hot summer day, just because you failed to take the necessary precautions    

• Include a small cooler with water bottles, along with towels and healthy snacks.

• Don’t forget the sunscreen and the hats!

• Always park near a lifeguard.

• Never leave senior loved ones alone.

• Always bring along necessary medical contact information for your loved ones.

Wherever you decide to go, always plan ahead for a more enjoyable time with your family.

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10 WAYS TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

10 Ways to Communicate Effectively

We are facing communication daily in our lives and its very important to understand the most effective communication skills. Check this 10 ways to help you improve and become a better communicator.

1. Pause before responding. I don't know about you, but I'm often in a rush for something and whenever I'm trying to communicate, I'm usually trying to do so quickly. As hard as it is for me to just pause sometimes, I've actually found that it works wonders when it comes to communicating more effectively with others. Sometimes just that tiny break, giving you time to think, is just what you need to really understand what someone else has said or to formulate the thoughts you really want to convey.
2. Be trustworthy and honest. When you're trustworthy and honest, communication becomes a lot less complicated. You don't have to think about what you're going to say wrong and you don't have to worry about uncovering a secret or a dishonest statement. If you remain open, honest, and worth of trust, you'll have a much easier time communicating with others and others will be a lot more willing to communicate with you. Words like "trustworthy" and "honest" are thrown around a lot, but they really are valuable and they are particularly important when it comes to communication.
3. Don't rush communication. This goes back to the point that came up in #1. When you're rushing and trying to get through your communication quickly that's when things can go wrong. Often when we're in a rush, we forget things or misplace things and the same goes for when we're rushing through any type of communication. So next time you find yourself communicating with someone else, slow down and really pay attention. Taking just a little extra time could end up making a huge difference.
4. Adapt your ideas to others. When we come up with an idea, we often have a set image of it in our minds and that image isn't always easily conveyed to others. If you really want your ideas to be heard, you have to work with the person you're speaking to and find a way to communicate that idea in a way s/he will understand. This means you have to take the time to get to know your audience if you really, truly want to be able to communicate with them effectively.
5. Stay in the moment. You know I love this one! When you devote your full attention to the person or people you are communicating with, you're more likely to have much better results. I know for a fact that's very, very true. Whenever I've gotten distracted and stopped paying attention to the person I'm communicating with, the communication as quickly gone south. If you want to communicate your thoughts effectively, you have to stay in the present moment and really be there when you're speaking and listening.
6. Pay attention to non-verbal cues. This is essential when it comes to effective communication. So much of what we say is actually not said, and if you want to understand what others are really thinking or saying you have to do more than just listen. You have to look and experience too. It's very easy to say something and not really feel it so it's very important that, when communicating, you look both at your own non-verbal cues and those others are sending you. There's a lot to be said for what's not really being said.
7. Intend to understand. This idea comes from Stephen Covey and focuses on the concept of listening to actually understand what is being said, rather than listening just to respond with what you want to say. This can be a tricky thing to do if you're anything like me, always ready to respond with your own opinion. Too often we're not really trying to understand what others are saying but instead are trying to find a way to jump from their points to our own. Next time you're communicating, do what you can to really work on understanding what others are saying.
8. Be patient and open-minded. Communication, even the easiest of communication, can be tough at times, which is why it's so very important to be both patient and open-minded in your interactions with others. Recognize that you might not necessarily be communicating as effectively as you'd like and remember to also be patient with yourself. No matter what the situation, there is a way to communicate -- sometimes it just takes time. Be patient and keep your mind open for new ways of sharing and understanding.
9. Follow up after communicating. To often we assume that whatever we've attempted to communicate was received just the way we sent it and, unfortunately, more often than not that's just not the case. If you're communicating with someone (especially if it's important!), make sure that you follow up after you've communicated. Assuming that your message was heard and understand is a big no-no in the effective communication world. No matter how obvious your message might seem, it never hurts to follow up!


10. Ask for feedback from others. When it's all said and done, one of the best ways you can learn to communicate more effectively (particularly with specific individuals) is to ask for feedback. Take some time to speak to those who you communicate with frequently to find out how you can improve on your communication with them. Sometimes all it takes is a few suggestions and you'll be on the road to creating a better understanding with someone else. It's not always easy to ask for feedback, but it's worth it!

Communication can be tricky at times (especially if you're in a situation where you need to communicate difficult topics or discuss hard-to-grasp ideas). There are many ways communication can be made ineffective and it's all too easy to let effective communication skills slip through the cracks. However, if you really want to make the most of your life and you want to continually strive to improve your relationships with others (and with yourself!), you must stay on top of your communicating game. Pay attention to how you communicate with others and also pay attention to how others communicate with you. You may have learned a thing or two from this post, but you can always learn more and one of the best ways to learn is by observing and then taking action. So pay attention to what's going on around you and what choices you're making when it comes to communicating with others; being more aware will help you be more proactive in your effective communication efforts. Now go on -- get out there and communicate!

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CHARACTER OF A GOOD READER

Character of a Good Reader

Photo By: Times Higher Education

A good reader actively thinks as he reads and Good readers possess the following characteristics: 

Reads Rapidly and Accurately

A good reader reads fluently. A child must progress from individual word decoding to automaticity -fast, accurate and effortless word identification. The ability to read words rapidly and accurately allows a child to focus on understanding the text – the ultimate goal of reading. As a child progresses, the evolution will lead to understanding the text as a whole rather than the individual words. When a child struggles with word identification, his attention is no longer on understanding the written text but rather identifying the word. Repeated reading (rereading the text for speed and accuracy) and modeled reading (hearing what it should sound like) are both great ways to improve fluency.

Sets Goals

A good reader establishes a purpose for reading. Prior to reading, a child needs to identify the reading purpose. Quite simply, she must know the answer to the following question: why am I reading this? Knowing your objective helps you achieve it. Whether you are reading the step by step directions in a cookbook while making dinner or engrossed in a novel, we read for various reasons. A child will also read for various reasons but much of their reading will be to learn. 

Identifies text structure

A good reader can identify the structure of the text. When a child can picture the organization of the text, she is more likely to understand and absorb it. Authors often use transitional words to connect ideas. Recognizing these signal words helps a child indentify the text’s structure. 

Monitors understanding



A good reader monitors his own reading to ensure comprehension. While reading, a child needs to monitor their understanding of the text and indentify concepts or words that they do not understand. In addition, they need to apply “fix-it” strategies to repair any misunderstandings. A child should reread, identify the unfamiliar phrase or word or ask a question to help him interpret the meaning. When your child gives you a confused look, take the time to explain the word or concept. Clarifying confusing concepts aids in both vocabulary and comprehension.

Creates mental notes and summaries



A good reader creates mental notes and summarizes while reading. She can recall the main character’s dilemma at the beginning of the story. Mental notes and summaries help a child remember what they are reading. Help your child by modeling this strategy. While reading to your child, visualize and summarize aloud. As you read a book, describe the visual images that you are creating in your mind and summarize what you read so far.

Anticipates the next move



A good reader makes predictions, which gets a child actively involved in what they are reading. It motivates them to further investigate the text in search of meaning and understanding. While reading to your child, encourage them to recognize foreshadowing and predict what will happen next.

Edits thoughts



A good reader revises and evaluate as she reads. She can determine both the important and trivial ideas and integrates new and existing information. A child’s thinking changes as they progress through a book and gather more details. As a child collects new information, she also obtains a deeper understanding of what she is reading and can draw conclusions.
Learning to read is critical and doing it well certainly has its benefits!

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LAUNCHING OF SAFETY VIDEO

Today February 9, 2018 is the Launching of Safety Video for Chinese tourists coming to the Philippines. 

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UNDERWATER CAVING AT EL NIDO

The Beauty in the Island of El Nido.

One of the best thing to embrace the beauty of the Islands is to explore their attractions, It is often said that we're living in this world full of beauty, charm and adventure so enjoy and exlpore more to discover more amazing experience.

Check this photos as Master Peter Tay explore the beauty of Underwater Cave at El Nido.

Getting Ready To Explore The Paglugaban Underwater Cave In El Nido.

Dive Briefing By Master Alex Santos Before Entering The Cave For Day 2. Practice Out of Air Situation As Doner & Receiver And Light Out Situation. Swimming In Total Darkness In The Cave.

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