DAVAO, Phils. (Feb. 2, 2001) --- In a move that has been highly praised by organizations dedicated to preserving the environment, as a long overdue recognition from the Arroyo gov’t of the importance of participating in conservation actions, newly installed DENR secretary Jeomari D. Gerochi signed a MOA with the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEFI) Pres. Carlos A. Pedrosa, to radio tag the country’s endangered national bird, the Philippine Eagle.
Radio tagging or telemetry is a high technology application, which has been in worldwide use for the last three decades as the imperative tool for the study of endangered species. This method involves the capture of the wild species and strapping compact radio transmitters to their backs either by backpack harnesses or tail tags.
By homing in to the radio signals, or triangulating from two or more receiver positions with a directional receiving antenna, the PEFI field biologists are able to get an estimation of the Philippine Eagle locations and track them. This provides useful data on the species survival, productivity, home range and habitat use. Extensive studies on the backpack harnesses and tail tags have shown no adverse effect on their flying or reproductive abilities.
Dr. Hector C. Miranda Jr.’s (PEFI science director) proposal to DENR emphasized the significance of telemetry in unlocking the secrets to enable the PEFI to make informed decisions for better hands on management of the country’s national birds.
The testing sites for tracking and trapping the eagles will be conducted at known eagle nests at the Mt. Apo National Park covering Davao City, the province of Cotabato and the mountain regions of Bukidnon province.
While Dr. Hector C. Miranda Jr. and PEF Field Biologists will be the lead team to conduct the tracking and trapping expeditions of the Philippine Eagles, they’ll be aided by the DENR – Regional Eagle Watch Teams (REWT). Prior to this, PEFI will train DENR-REWTs on radio tracking, transceivers and other necessary skills for the expeditions.
Intensive fieldwork conducted in the 1970s’ and early 1980s’ have resulted in a better understanding of the endangered Philippine Eagles. But important questions remain unanswered. No reliable estimate of the Eagles population, its home range, habitat, territories, patterns of movements, dispersal, and mortality rates have been established.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEFI), the country’s only private non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of our national bird, believes that radio telemetry is a valuable tool in unlocking these vital questions.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
MY RESUME
CAREER FOCUS:
Free lance contracts as a writer/editor/ graphics artist responsibilities
A results-oriented team player who can work alone in an efficient & organized manner.
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
13 years experience in public relations working with corporate, and non-government organizations with a strong technical command of the English language, familiar with virtually all writing styles. Such as conceptualization of & writing/editing of the following:
Advocacy campaigns, press conferences & familiarization tours.
Board meetings & cocktail parties
Experienced speaker & host for televised events, seminars & board meetings
Layout artist for creative print/radio ad copy (develops concepts & contents)
Photographer (Sony DVD, 8mm & digital camera)
WEB EXPERIENCE:
Keyword content writer for online content providers such as www.justarticles.com, Ms. Hetu, and articlesauthor.net, since 09/04.
2002-2003 Content writer & photographer for www.cometomati.com,
official website of the municipality.
2000-2002 Content writer for the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. official website.
1999-2002 Content writer for www.davaocity.com and co-partner for this domain.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
“Adopting an Eaglet - Serendipity” Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sept. 14, 2001)
“Davao’s Eagle Man TOYM Awardee” Manila Times (Jan. 27, 2001)
“Eagles’ Surrogate mates” National Enquirer USA Edition (Feb.9, 2002)
“WomenTalk” opinion writer from 1996-2003 for Mindanao Daily Mirror, a multi-awarded community newspaper in the Philippines.
Feature writer for Manila Times (January 2000-2002)
“Deep Breasted”
“Boss of the Year Award”
“Hatching an Eagle”
“Back To The Wild”
Project Assistant Writer & Translator (English to the vernacular)
“ Their War, Our Struggle” information primer 09/20/04-02/15/05
Commissioned by: Save The Children Project UK thru Guava Consultancy, Inc.
For: National Government & Local Government Units, Non-government Organizations
FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT WORK:
IEC - Project Management Assistant
A DENR (foreign funded project) Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (SMICZMP) 09/03 - 08/04
Conceptualized, co-authored & edited four (4) central themes for DENR-SMICZMP
quarterly newsletters.
Designed & executed lay-outs of four (4) DENR-SMICZMP quarterly newsletters.
Authored new format and contents for the Project Director speeches & presentations
for DBM – central Office, NEDA, FASPO; Region XI & XII .
Conceptualized and led organized press tour for Region XII press
Created and authored new materials & content for exhibits:
Province of Sarangani Anniversary
PEF Annual Eagle Week June 2004.
Communications Officer
The Philippine Eagle Foundation
Communications Officer — The Philippine Eagle Foundation 12/2000 - 02/2002
Foundations’ counterpart producer & guide/translator for the National Geographic – Asia team. This collaboration resulted in the first footages taken of the hatching of an incubated eaglet and rare sighting of a week old eaglet in the wild.
Interviewed on National Geographic-Asia on work done for the foundation.
Designed & packaged a new look for the Eagle Center’s tour guides
including new uniforms, tickets & guide speeches geared for different audiences.
Raised Davao city grant from Php 250,000.00 to Php 1,000,000.00 for the year 2001.
FREELANCE WORK
CUES – USAid organization
Script writer for the seminar framework & tours set for Region XII, XI & IX
"South east Asian Cooperatives Summit ", December 17-19,2002.
Audience: 300 participants from the Philippines & other Southeast Asian Countries
USAid officials
Lecturer : “Basics for News writing & campaigns” February 2003
Audience: CUES partner/donor organizations & office personnel on the basics
of public relations
ECO-GOVERNANCE USAid organization February 5-12, 2003
Documentor & photographer: 5 Day seminar on the crucial module of the Solid Waste Management Plan of 6 municipalities from Region XII.
PUBLICIST WORK
Municipality of Mati
Created media plan & coordinated the press coverage for the municipality’s first festival: SAMBUOKAN 2001.
RESULTED: Festivities were fully covered by three Mindanaonan Dailies and one news agency, two (2) teams of both features & news teams of GMA and ABS-CBN broadcast networks, earning Mati its’ first extensive publicity in two decades.
Kadayawan Foundation, Inc.
Davao City’s private sector tourism promotional board
member of a 3-person team commissioned to make a road show presentation for the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) this February 19th, 2002.
Accomplishments:
scriptwriter for the multimedia presentation
editor for the audio-video presentation
authored the speeches for the following
Davao city Mayor's speech for the audio-video presentation
Kadayawan President’s speech to PANA
RESULTED IN: Audio-video presentation cited for excellence by and requested by the Aboitiz Shipping, Inc. corporate communications officer, for viewing on their ships.
SKYCABLE PUBLICIST
Work resulted in creating rapport between media publications, the city officials, subscribers; general public and the company.
Free lance contracts as a writer/editor/ graphics artist responsibilities
A results-oriented team player who can work alone in an efficient & organized manner.
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
13 years experience in public relations working with corporate, and non-government organizations with a strong technical command of the English language, familiar with virtually all writing styles. Such as conceptualization of & writing/editing of the following:
- Annual reports, brochures, posters, seminar & tour materials;
- Campaign materials and process documentation
- Advocacy directed feature articles, commentaries, speeches and press releases.
- Public relations directed materials
- Press kits
Advocacy campaigns, press conferences & familiarization tours.
Board meetings & cocktail parties
Experienced speaker & host for televised events, seminars & board meetings
Layout artist for creative print/radio ad copy (develops concepts & contents)
Photographer (Sony DVD, 8mm & digital camera)
WEB EXPERIENCE:
Keyword content writer for online content providers such as www.justarticles.com, Ms. Hetu, and articlesauthor.net, since 09/04.
2002-2003 Content writer & photographer for www.cometomati.com,
official website of the municipality.
2000-2002 Content writer for the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. official website.
1999-2002 Content writer for www.davaocity.com and co-partner for this domain.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
“Adopting an Eaglet - Serendipity” Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sept. 14, 2001)
“Davao’s Eagle Man TOYM Awardee” Manila Times (Jan. 27, 2001)
“Eagles’ Surrogate mates” National Enquirer USA Edition (Feb.9, 2002)
“WomenTalk” opinion writer from 1996-2003 for Mindanao Daily Mirror, a multi-awarded community newspaper in the Philippines.
Feature writer for Manila Times (January 2000-2002)
“Deep Breasted”
“Boss of the Year Award”
“Hatching an Eagle”
“Back To The Wild”
Project Assistant Writer & Translator (English to the vernacular)
“ Their War, Our Struggle” information primer 09/20/04-02/15/05
Commissioned by: Save The Children Project UK thru Guava Consultancy, Inc.
For: National Government & Local Government Units, Non-government Organizations
FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT WORK:
IEC - Project Management Assistant
A DENR (foreign funded project) Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (SMICZMP) 09/03 - 08/04
Conceptualized, co-authored & edited four (4) central themes for DENR-SMICZMP
quarterly newsletters.
Designed & executed lay-outs of four (4) DENR-SMICZMP quarterly newsletters.
Authored new format and contents for the Project Director speeches & presentations
for DBM – central Office, NEDA, FASPO; Region XI & XII .
Conceptualized and led organized press tour for Region XII press
Created and authored new materials & content for exhibits:
Province of Sarangani Anniversary
PEF Annual Eagle Week June 2004.
Communications Officer
The Philippine Eagle Foundation
Communications Officer — The Philippine Eagle Foundation 12/2000 - 02/2002
Foundations’ counterpart producer & guide/translator for the National Geographic – Asia team. This collaboration resulted in the first footages taken of the hatching of an incubated eaglet and rare sighting of a week old eaglet in the wild.
Interviewed on National Geographic-Asia on work done for the foundation.
Designed & packaged a new look for the Eagle Center’s tour guides
including new uniforms, tickets & guide speeches geared for different audiences.
Raised Davao city grant from Php 250,000.00 to Php 1,000,000.00 for the year 2001.
FREELANCE WORK
CUES – USAid organization
Script writer for the seminar framework & tours set for Region XII, XI & IX
"South east Asian Cooperatives Summit ", December 17-19,2002.
Audience: 300 participants from the Philippines & other Southeast Asian Countries
USAid officials
Lecturer : “Basics for News writing & campaigns” February 2003
Audience: CUES partner/donor organizations & office personnel on the basics
of public relations
ECO-GOVERNANCE USAid organization February 5-12, 2003
Documentor & photographer: 5 Day seminar on the crucial module of the Solid Waste Management Plan of 6 municipalities from Region XII.
PUBLICIST WORK
Municipality of Mati
Created media plan & coordinated the press coverage for the municipality’s first festival: SAMBUOKAN 2001.
RESULTED: Festivities were fully covered by three Mindanaonan Dailies and one news agency, two (2) teams of both features & news teams of GMA and ABS-CBN broadcast networks, earning Mati its’ first extensive publicity in two decades.
Kadayawan Foundation, Inc.
Davao City’s private sector tourism promotional board
member of a 3-person team commissioned to make a road show presentation for the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) this February 19th, 2002.
Accomplishments:
scriptwriter for the multimedia presentation
editor for the audio-video presentation
authored the speeches for the following
Davao city Mayor's speech for the audio-video presentation
Kadayawan President’s speech to PANA
RESULTED IN: Audio-video presentation cited for excellence by and requested by the Aboitiz Shipping, Inc. corporate communications officer, for viewing on their ships.
SKYCABLE PUBLICIST
Work resulted in creating rapport between media publications, the city officials, subscribers; general public and the company.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Sample Public Relations Article No.1
“SERENDIPITY”
“Serendipity” is the word that Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEFI) exec. dir and 2000 TOYM awardee, Dennis I. Salvador, uses to describe the major gift donation a very generous couple endowed the foundation with.
Two weekends ago, this soft-spoken couple strolled into Philippine Eagle Center at Malagos, as guests of a local university. The accompanying hosts recognized deputy dir. Doming Tadena (captive breeding head) and requested him to accompany them for the tour.
The couple listened intently as deputy dir. Tadena passionately explained why we needed to save Philippine Eagles from extinction, the larger problems this mission represents such as the continuing degradation of our forests and the loss of biological diversity. And, ultimately, the question of what we are leaving our children with. At the end of his impassioned speech they asked, “How can we help?”
“Among our many needs, we need generous godparents who can help us house one of the two eagles born last year and provide for their annual maintenance,” Tadena replies.
“We will help,” the couple answered. “We will adopt one eaglet and donate an enclosure for this. We will give the entire six year funding for its’ maintenance support now instead of on a yearly basis. This will enable you to utilize the annual earnings of the funds as additional sources of funding” At the end of this sunny afternoon, the November eaglet was adopted.
A few days later, the couple came back with their gift donation. Their one request : “No media funfare or photo releases." The very casual turnover ceremony was witnessed by one of their children, the university hosts and the Foundation team.
Many would define serendipity as pure luck – but PEF President Carlos A. Pedrosa says, “Serendipity is made possible when the right set of circumstances come into place. In this case, an enlightened couple who saw beyond the symbolism of the Philippine Eagle and on the other hand a group of people who work endlessly against environmental degradation.”
“With the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. I witnessed landmark results which given our present challenges, shouldn't have but did take place. I attribute this to the dedication, perseverance and hard work that the entire Malagos and Davao Philippine Eagle team have put into creating a legacy for a healthy environment. That’s the bottom line – leaving our children and generations to come with clean water and clean air by preserving the country’s rainforests – the Eagle’s habitat.” explained Pedrosa.
NOTE: published Sunday Inquirer Magazine 2001
“Serendipity” is the word that Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEFI) exec. dir and 2000 TOYM awardee, Dennis I. Salvador, uses to describe the major gift donation a very generous couple endowed the foundation with.
Two weekends ago, this soft-spoken couple strolled into Philippine Eagle Center at Malagos, as guests of a local university. The accompanying hosts recognized deputy dir. Doming Tadena (captive breeding head) and requested him to accompany them for the tour.
The couple listened intently as deputy dir. Tadena passionately explained why we needed to save Philippine Eagles from extinction, the larger problems this mission represents such as the continuing degradation of our forests and the loss of biological diversity. And, ultimately, the question of what we are leaving our children with. At the end of his impassioned speech they asked, “How can we help?”
“Among our many needs, we need generous godparents who can help us house one of the two eagles born last year and provide for their annual maintenance,” Tadena replies.
“We will help,” the couple answered. “We will adopt one eaglet and donate an enclosure for this. We will give the entire six year funding for its’ maintenance support now instead of on a yearly basis. This will enable you to utilize the annual earnings of the funds as additional sources of funding” At the end of this sunny afternoon, the November eaglet was adopted.
A few days later, the couple came back with their gift donation. Their one request : “No media funfare or photo releases." The very casual turnover ceremony was witnessed by one of their children, the university hosts and the Foundation team.
Many would define serendipity as pure luck – but PEF President Carlos A. Pedrosa says, “Serendipity is made possible when the right set of circumstances come into place. In this case, an enlightened couple who saw beyond the symbolism of the Philippine Eagle and on the other hand a group of people who work endlessly against environmental degradation.”
“With the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. I witnessed landmark results which given our present challenges, shouldn't have but did take place. I attribute this to the dedication, perseverance and hard work that the entire Malagos and Davao Philippine Eagle team have put into creating a legacy for a healthy environment. That’s the bottom line – leaving our children and generations to come with clean water and clean air by preserving the country’s rainforests – the Eagle’s habitat.” explained Pedrosa.
NOTE: published Sunday Inquirer Magazine 2001
Position Paper Addressed To The Philippine Gov't
Pinoy Independent Film Makers Group
Brief to: Honorable Jose Isidro Camacho
Secretary - The Department Of Finance
Regarding the
FILM POLICIES FOR INDEPENDENT FILM MAKERS
From Pinoy Independent Film Makers Group
Prepared by Cyril L_______ , National Coordinator,2003
Executive Summary
INTRODUCTION:
Introduced to Pilipino audiences in 1897, Philippine Cinema though the youngest of all our arts, remains the single major influence on our country’s’ imagination. Today, in reflection of the volatile political situation in our country, the existence of this one hundred year old art form is in jeopardy. In the last three years alone, annual output of local films has steadily plunged from an average of 130 movies to 89 movies. Along with the increasing paucity of quality made films are these factors:
OPENING STATEMENT:
We, the Pinoy Indie Filmmakers Group in consonance with the December 30 movement seek to support and engage President Arroyos’ reform agenda. Our vision and belief is that the answers to revitalizing the Philippine film industry is can be realized in its ability create films that show Philippine realities in complex and textured stories, and to developing world class Filipino talents.
Sadly, in today’s movies three formulaic story trends pre-dominate: sex & action oriented; teenyboppers love stories and scary thrillers. Because these films are consistently devoid of Filipino traditions, culture and values, made purely for profit, box office receipts continue to drop. Yet we know that Filipino viewers will pay to watch local movies even if they are not technologically sophisticated as long as they are speak of Pilipino voices. Examples of Filipino block busters are: Tanging Yaman, American Adobo, Rizal and Muro Ami, all were well patronized. Yet to compare, with the grosses of Hollywood movies that earn as much a 100 million pesos during a run here and that of local big production houses which usually gross 25 to 40 million to be considered blockbusters, you can see that the Filipino viewers needs are largely ignored and untapped.
We submit that Philippine independent film makers can revitalize the industry given opportunities and vital support by the Philippine government. To cite two recent examples of Independent film makers:
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP OUR SECTOR?We seek the support of the Department of Trade and Industry for the following measures:
CLOSING STATEMENT:
With the celebration of Philippine Cinemas’ 100 years of existence as an art, comes the pressing obligation to bridge the gap between entertaining and reflecting Philippine consciousness. While prognosis on the Film industry’s state is of deep concern, we know with this present administration’s commitment to the reform agenda, our industry will be re-energized. We, the independent film makers group are dedicated to assisting in the establishment of these measures in response to President Arroyos’ call to mount an effective reform agenda for the country.
Note: Secretary Isidro Camacho granted their petition.
Brief to: Honorable Jose Isidro Camacho
Secretary - The Department Of Finance
Regarding the
FILM POLICIES FOR INDEPENDENT FILM MAKERS
From Pinoy Independent Film Makers Group
Prepared by Cyril L_______ , National Coordinator,2003
Executive Summary
- Introduction: State of the Filipino Film Industry today
- Opening Statement: Name of the Film makers and vision
- Proposals:
- An executive order to create an Independent Film makers’ commission
- Create an Emerging Filmmakers Fund for production.
- Creation of an Independent Film makers’ Festival
- Closing Statement
INTRODUCTION:
Introduced to Pilipino audiences in 1897, Philippine Cinema though the youngest of all our arts, remains the single major influence on our country’s’ imagination. Today, in reflection of the volatile political situation in our country, the existence of this one hundred year old art form is in jeopardy. In the last three years alone, annual output of local films has steadily plunged from an average of 130 movies to 89 movies. Along with the increasing paucity of quality made films are these factors:
- Escalating costs of film production, from the films used to the processing is all imported.
- Exorbitant taxes -- Among such taxes are the amusement tax, culture tax, flood tax, and tax on raw materials.
- Film piracy -- high-tech film pirates deprive legitimate producers of potential income. Piracy forms include unauthorized airing, exhibition, and distribution of films in CAT-TV networks, video theaters, buses, hotels, restaurants, ships, etc., and video reproduction and retail establishments.
OPENING STATEMENT:
We, the Pinoy Indie Filmmakers Group in consonance with the December 30 movement seek to support and engage President Arroyos’ reform agenda. Our vision and belief is that the answers to revitalizing the Philippine film industry is can be realized in its ability create films that show Philippine realities in complex and textured stories, and to developing world class Filipino talents.
Sadly, in today’s movies three formulaic story trends pre-dominate: sex & action oriented; teenyboppers love stories and scary thrillers. Because these films are consistently devoid of Filipino traditions, culture and values, made purely for profit, box office receipts continue to drop. Yet we know that Filipino viewers will pay to watch local movies even if they are not technologically sophisticated as long as they are speak of Pilipino voices. Examples of Filipino block busters are: Tanging Yaman, American Adobo, Rizal and Muro Ami, all were well patronized. Yet to compare, with the grosses of Hollywood movies that earn as much a 100 million pesos during a run here and that of local big production houses which usually gross 25 to 40 million to be considered blockbusters, you can see that the Filipino viewers needs are largely ignored and untapped.
We submit that Philippine independent film makers can revitalize the industry given opportunities and vital support by the Philippine government. To cite two recent examples of Independent film makers:
- Tikoy Aguiluz’s, "Rizal Sa Dapitan" (Rizal in Dapitan, 1996), is an independently produced guerilla-style for a miniscule sum. The film focuses on a single episode of Rizal’s life, his four-year exile to Dapitan. It swept the 1996 Manila film festivals, went on to several international festivals, and won Best Picture and Best Actor in the 1998 Brussels International Film Festival.
- On the 23rd of March, a Filipino American made history in the United States. Too Much Sleep-an indie feature by David Maquiling, a magna cum laude graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts-became the first film made by a Filipino American to receive national distribution in the US. The product is a debut effort playing in 14 cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Dallas, and San Francisco among others. Dubbed as a subversive slice of suburban America and described as a sly and witty first film, it garnered rave reviews from The New York Times, The Village Voice, New York Post and New York Daily News.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP OUR SECTOR?We seek the support of the Department of Trade and Industry for the following measures:
- Support for an Executive Order for the creation of an Independent Film Makers Commission. This commission is envisioned to support the objectives of the independent film makers in the following ways but not limited:
- To provide policy and support services and advice to government agencies on the production of films and sound recordings,
- to contribute, financially and otherwise, to the work of film festivals and markets,
- to assist in the promotion of public interest in film as a medium of communication and as an art form and in the development of an informed and critical film audience,
- to provide financial and other assistance to the film and television industry in carrying out the industry's activities and to disseminate information about those activities,
- To work hand in hand with the proposed Emerging Filmmakers Fund to identify and give other assistance for productions. This aside from assistance to persons (including directors, producers, actors, writers and technicians) whose work in the film and television industry merits encouragement.
- Emerging Filmmakers Fund - In creating this fund we stress the importance of filmmakers maintaining their independence, i.e. retaining copyright and creative control of their work. How selections will be made is critical to the success of the fund. Who will be the decision-makers, advisors and readers and how will they be chosen? Input from the local independent filmmaking community will help answer these questions. We are prepared to put all our experience and expertise to help create this funding agency.
- A specifically created : Annual Film Festival for Independent Film Producers- This should be a nationwide celebration, which stipulates that these film entries be the only movies shown in theaters in the country for the duration of the festival. These would allow independent film makers’ access to a broader base of viewers, in first class cinemas, to which access is rarely given.
CLOSING STATEMENT:
With the celebration of Philippine Cinemas’ 100 years of existence as an art, comes the pressing obligation to bridge the gap between entertaining and reflecting Philippine consciousness. While prognosis on the Film industry’s state is of deep concern, we know with this present administration’s commitment to the reform agenda, our industry will be re-energized. We, the independent film makers group are dedicated to assisting in the establishment of these measures in response to President Arroyos’ call to mount an effective reform agenda for the country.
Note: Secretary Isidro Camacho granted their petition.
Sample Opinion Piece No.1
Mastering The English Language
I always preen when complimented on my excellent command of English. I can assure you, I’ll never tire of compliments said along this vein. It certainly makes up for all the Dial soaps, I was forced to consume as a young girl.
Being loquacious, I wanted to speak to the world! But I had to adhere to this important house rule: SPEAK ONLY ENGLISH! This rule meant I had to finish an entire narrative of who really really spilled my chocolate drink or why I had not done my assignment in math, in The King’s English. Not a single word that smacked of Datu Lapu-lapu (Even if he was a valiant Filipino warrior), must be heard in my narrative. If I broke the rule (ditto with my siblings and cousins) Dial got soaped into my mouth.
On the plus side, I could tattle tale on a cousin or sibling for not speaking English. Then gleefully watch as they froth at the mouth with soap. Except that sooner rather than later, my turn to froth would come.
English was the first language we heard as we crawled towards our parents. My dreams are conducted in English. I can cuss profusely in this language. When surprised, happy and excited, I speak English. When embarrassed and needing to pick up my tattered pride, I speak English. When inebriated, English is the language I am most likely to collapse into.
English is the language, I remember my paternal grandmother intone with all the solemnity of the Greek Oracle, that will lift us out of the pages of obscurity and swing wide the door to high society. I’m still waiting for that door to swing my way.
Meanwhile, I’m busy learning how to speak, understand and write in better English, for professional reasons, and as a personal commitment.
Because I am not a native speaker, I face certain unique challenges in my aim to master the English language.
The skills of reading/understanding, writing and speaking in English, are separate ones. You may be good at understanding English, or speaking it, yet lack the ability to write English in such a way as to be clearly understood.
Some of my deficiencies such as not properly identifying the differences between a determiner, a modifier or an adverb as opposed to an adjective, are common problems writers face. A weighty one is the ability to use phrases, in such a way that English native speakers/readers would immediately understand.
To effectively communicate a thought to the reader, and have the reader clearly understand this.
It's a challenge alright! I know so well, because I work as a freelance professional English writer. And in my line of work, I’m most often competing with English native speakers, for writing assignments. I’ve come to painfully realize, the direct link my earnings have on my proficiency in writing grammatically correct English.
The solution? Constantly immerse myself in reading, writing and listening to English. To regularly review the grammatical structures, the usages of adjectives; be able to identify adverbs or the uses of punctuation marks.
But it’s an fulfilling professional life – where else is one paid to do what one is passionate about?
I always preen when complimented on my excellent command of English. I can assure you, I’ll never tire of compliments said along this vein. It certainly makes up for all the Dial soaps, I was forced to consume as a young girl.
Being loquacious, I wanted to speak to the world! But I had to adhere to this important house rule: SPEAK ONLY ENGLISH! This rule meant I had to finish an entire narrative of who really really spilled my chocolate drink or why I had not done my assignment in math, in The King’s English. Not a single word that smacked of Datu Lapu-lapu (Even if he was a valiant Filipino warrior), must be heard in my narrative. If I broke the rule (ditto with my siblings and cousins) Dial got soaped into my mouth.
On the plus side, I could tattle tale on a cousin or sibling for not speaking English. Then gleefully watch as they froth at the mouth with soap. Except that sooner rather than later, my turn to froth would come.
English was the first language we heard as we crawled towards our parents. My dreams are conducted in English. I can cuss profusely in this language. When surprised, happy and excited, I speak English. When embarrassed and needing to pick up my tattered pride, I speak English. When inebriated, English is the language I am most likely to collapse into.
English is the language, I remember my paternal grandmother intone with all the solemnity of the Greek Oracle, that will lift us out of the pages of obscurity and swing wide the door to high society. I’m still waiting for that door to swing my way.
Meanwhile, I’m busy learning how to speak, understand and write in better English, for professional reasons, and as a personal commitment.
Because I am not a native speaker, I face certain unique challenges in my aim to master the English language.
The skills of reading/understanding, writing and speaking in English, are separate ones. You may be good at understanding English, or speaking it, yet lack the ability to write English in such a way as to be clearly understood.
Some of my deficiencies such as not properly identifying the differences between a determiner, a modifier or an adverb as opposed to an adjective, are common problems writers face. A weighty one is the ability to use phrases, in such a way that English native speakers/readers would immediately understand.
To effectively communicate a thought to the reader, and have the reader clearly understand this.
It's a challenge alright! I know so well, because I work as a freelance professional English writer. And in my line of work, I’m most often competing with English native speakers, for writing assignments. I’ve come to painfully realize, the direct link my earnings have on my proficiency in writing grammatically correct English.
The solution? Constantly immerse myself in reading, writing and listening to English. To regularly review the grammatical structures, the usages of adjectives; be able to identify adverbs or the uses of punctuation marks.
But it’s an fulfilling professional life – where else is one paid to do what one is passionate about?
Treasurer's Letter to The Board, Staff and Donors of The Foundation
Sample No. 1 Commissioned Treasurers' Letter In Annual Report
I am pleased to report that we’ve generated P11, 947,496.00 in revenues during the fiscal year of 2000. This is a gain of 6% even as our gate receipts suffered a decrease of 30%. The increase in revenues is attributed to the grants, membership fees, eagle adoption programs, and an unexpected gain in foreign exchange transactions.
As the extent and scope of our operations continued to grow, so did our operating expenses. Our greatest resources are our people and an increase of 14% in expenses is due to the cost of additional personnel for new field projects and some salary adjustments given to our staff. Investments in training community partners, educating our staff and the public also contributed to the higher expenses in 2000.
It is clear that the PEFI continues to depend heavily on grants from our generous donors. The Board is actively working to establish a broader base of support for the foundation.We therefore wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and to all our generous donors, the individuals and organizations whose support enables the Philippine Eagle Foundation to maintain our track record in excellence in direct conservation work.
Yours is an investment in our common future and we thank you because your unwavering support and commitment allows us to successfully carry on this mission.
CARLOS G. *
Treasurer
I am pleased to report that we’ve generated P11, 947,496.00 in revenues during the fiscal year of 2000. This is a gain of 6% even as our gate receipts suffered a decrease of 30%. The increase in revenues is attributed to the grants, membership fees, eagle adoption programs, and an unexpected gain in foreign exchange transactions.
As the extent and scope of our operations continued to grow, so did our operating expenses. Our greatest resources are our people and an increase of 14% in expenses is due to the cost of additional personnel for new field projects and some salary adjustments given to our staff. Investments in training community partners, educating our staff and the public also contributed to the higher expenses in 2000.
It is clear that the PEFI continues to depend heavily on grants from our generous donors. The Board is actively working to establish a broader base of support for the foundation.We therefore wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and to all our generous donors, the individuals and organizations whose support enables the Philippine Eagle Foundation to maintain our track record in excellence in direct conservation work.
Yours is an investment in our common future and we thank you because your unwavering support and commitment allows us to successfully carry on this mission.
CARLOS G. *
Treasurer
Sample SEO Article No.1 550 Word Count
"Cloned Golf Clubs - Are They Worth Buying?"
The golf club clones market is a striving segment in the golf equipment industry. But if you think you’re saving more by buying a clone (defined as a golf club that has copied the basic design of a famous brand), you could be wrong. That’s not to say – you shouldn’t buy a clone club. But you’ll save more in the long run, by educating yourself on the pros and cons of buying a clone club.
Here are two important qualities a clone club should have: The ideal clone club should carry the manufacturers seal on the product. When company takes pride in having their cloned clubs associated with their corporate identity – they’re explicitly acknowledging the fact that they’ve copied or cloned from a famous brand. More to the point, they’ve invested good materials and workmanships in these products and guarantee the quality. The second quality worth considering is – being able to tell at a glance, that while the cloned golf club bears characteristics to a famous brand, there are discernible differences. You know you’re buying a cloned golf club. You’re making an informed decision.The next step is to classify golf club clones into three types. “Inspired by” clubs are not strictly speaking golf club clones. Instead, they are clubs that were designed to be “in the same style as” certain famous clubs. The main difference here, is that the manufacturers have established the identify of their golf clubs as separate from the inspirational golf club. The golf club clone that is “A Lot like” is different from the “Inspired by” clubs. The intent of the designer here is to subtly remind the buyer of the actual design that inspired it. When you look at it, you can see the resemblances, but at the same time you can clearly identify the manufacturer. You know immediately that the golf club is from another company as the manufacturer has his logo on it. There are noticeable similarities between the branded and clone clubs.
It’s the third kind of golf club clone that is rightfully called “A Knock off” or “A Rip-off” that could be the worse possible buy of your life. The “Knock-off” is almost the exact duplicate of the famous club but carelessly constructed with inferior materials. Take time to inspect the logos, the quality of the paints used and the lettering styles of the clones. It could be difficult to know who made it. The letterings may be sloppily done, the logo is fuzzy looking or untidy.
Although these golf club clones play in a similar manner due to the similar design, this may be the only good thing about it. And even that quality will soon disappear. Why? The shafts are often inferior factory seconds painted to look like serious golf shafts. Some knock-offs don’t put real tungsten inserts and just apply an imitation paint pattern that appears as though an insert had been added. The heads may be made from cheap stainless steel formulas that will rust when exposed to dampness. The paint will fade away.
So educate yourself on the pros and cons of buying a clone club. Quality will always be an issue, when it comes to purchasing a golf club clone.
The golf club clones market is a striving segment in the golf equipment industry. But if you think you’re saving more by buying a clone (defined as a golf club that has copied the basic design of a famous brand), you could be wrong. That’s not to say – you shouldn’t buy a clone club. But you’ll save more in the long run, by educating yourself on the pros and cons of buying a clone club.
Here are two important qualities a clone club should have: The ideal clone club should carry the manufacturers seal on the product. When company takes pride in having their cloned clubs associated with their corporate identity – they’re explicitly acknowledging the fact that they’ve copied or cloned from a famous brand. More to the point, they’ve invested good materials and workmanships in these products and guarantee the quality. The second quality worth considering is – being able to tell at a glance, that while the cloned golf club bears characteristics to a famous brand, there are discernible differences. You know you’re buying a cloned golf club. You’re making an informed decision.The next step is to classify golf club clones into three types. “Inspired by” clubs are not strictly speaking golf club clones. Instead, they are clubs that were designed to be “in the same style as” certain famous clubs. The main difference here, is that the manufacturers have established the identify of their golf clubs as separate from the inspirational golf club. The golf club clone that is “A Lot like” is different from the “Inspired by” clubs. The intent of the designer here is to subtly remind the buyer of the actual design that inspired it. When you look at it, you can see the resemblances, but at the same time you can clearly identify the manufacturer. You know immediately that the golf club is from another company as the manufacturer has his logo on it. There are noticeable similarities between the branded and clone clubs.
It’s the third kind of golf club clone that is rightfully called “A Knock off” or “A Rip-off” that could be the worse possible buy of your life. The “Knock-off” is almost the exact duplicate of the famous club but carelessly constructed with inferior materials. Take time to inspect the logos, the quality of the paints used and the lettering styles of the clones. It could be difficult to know who made it. The letterings may be sloppily done, the logo is fuzzy looking or untidy.
Although these golf club clones play in a similar manner due to the similar design, this may be the only good thing about it. And even that quality will soon disappear. Why? The shafts are often inferior factory seconds painted to look like serious golf shafts. Some knock-offs don’t put real tungsten inserts and just apply an imitation paint pattern that appears as though an insert had been added. The heads may be made from cheap stainless steel formulas that will rust when exposed to dampness. The paint will fade away.
So educate yourself on the pros and cons of buying a clone club. Quality will always be an issue, when it comes to purchasing a golf club clone.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Meet the Philippine Eagle Human Mates
FEATURE STORY
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/30 April) -- "Kee-a!" "Kee-a!" Piercing cries rend the early morning air as these magnificent but endangered Philippine Eagles (Pithecophaga Jefferyi) call out from their nesting chambers at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Calinan.
In the wild, these cries meant certain peril for the animal that these raptors had marked out as prey. Here at the Center, they signal the start of another working day for the animal keepers. Work begins at 7 a.m., as the animal keepers carry sprigs to the nesting chambers of their specific charges. This necessary activity is called socialization and is the contribution of the human surrogate mate to the eagles' preparations in nest building, for their breeding. This ritual is performed daily with the keepers spending an average of 25 to 30 minutes on each eagle. As the September to February breeding season goes underway, average time spent lengthens significantly. The Philippine Eagle, the country's national bird which aviator Charles Lindbergh described as "the world's noblest flier," is the top predator in the country's animal food chain. A nesting pair would need at least 127-133 sq. kms. Of forest hunting and nesting areas. When a forest system can sustain and feed these predators, it is an excellent indication that there is a healthy balance and interaction between the populations of the various animal species. It also indicates that there is ample forest cover to maintain the biodiversity of the animal kingdom and water supplies in that particular area.
Habitat loss
Today, despite a slew of laws to protect the world's only blue-eyed raptors, they remain on the world's critically endangered list. Habitat loss is the main reason for its decline, as well as evidence pointing to hunting for the death of the juveniles. These eagles breed once every two years, a very slow rate for a species whose young takes 5-6 years to become sexually mature. In 1982, the Philippine Eagle Foundation adapted the human surrogate mate as a management tool to propagate and maintain captive populations that will serve as genetic insurance for the dwindling population.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation uses cryptogenic equipment (donated by Caltex, Philippines), to freeze the eagle sperm. The animal keepers act as surrogate mates to stimulate breeding. They collect the sperm from the male eagles and insert this into the females. Success was first obtained in 1992, when the Foundation artificially inseminated eagle Diola with the semen of eagle Junior. The result was the hatching of Pag-asa (Hope) on January 15. Nine months later, on October 25, its sibling, Pagkakaisa (Unity) was born.
In 1999, Bayani was hatched, followed by Ellen Therese in 2000 of December. It is these two eaglets that are slated for release to the wild at the appropriate time.
Ten years after Pag-asa's birth, 10 eagles have been produced in the Center through artificial and natural means. Only one of the 10 -- the eaglet Mindanaw died (due to a congenital disease), a few hours after hatching in November 1995. Mindanaw was the first conceived out of a natural pair in captivity.
Pairing with eagles
Currently, the Philippine Eagle Foundation has seven animal keepers, and three of them work in direct contact with these raptors. All three keepers first began working in a different capacity, around 15 years ago at the Philippine Eagle Center, when it was first located at Baracatan, Toril.
The senior animal keeper is Eddie Juntilla, a robust 38 year old male, equipped with broad shoulders especially convenient for the male eagles to grip on to when mounting. Juntilla is fulltime surrogate mate to five eagles. As a male surrogate mate, he pairs up with eagles Pitha, Marikit and Kahayag. He holds the distinction of being the female surrogate mate
to the Foundation's two best known successes of the technique of cooperative artificial insemination -- Pag-asa and Pagkakaisa.
Then there is Ben Salazar, who became a surrogate mate in 1990. For the last ten years, Ben has been handling six eagles under his care. Unlike Eddie, however, Ben is surrogate mate to only two imprinted eagles with the remaining four under his care in a strictly caretaker capacity.
The third animal keeper is Eddie Dayos. He takes a direct hand in ensuring food stock, medical supplies and vehicle maintenance aside from handling the raptors. He takes on another critical aspect of the caretaker function. He handles eagles bred in the center but slated for release into the wild. This means the eaglets will not be imprinted. Of the three, Dayos is the one who is essentially handling wild creatures.
Before entering the chamber, the eagles' surrogate mates don gloves and a leather jacket. The leather jacket ensures protection from the sharp talons of the eagles, who perch on the keeper's shoulder to copulate.
But it is not just any leather jacket. Each eagle is assigned its own distinct jacket to enable the eagle to easily and instantly recognize its mate. For the surrogate animal keeper, it is imperative for them to be recognized and welcomed as it will minimize the danger of their being attacked. There is always the real danger of being killed.
Dedicated, Committed
Captive Breeding Director Doming Tadena attributes their very good work record to the fact that these men are dedicated and more, committed to the work they do. "You cannot, he says, work for 17 years on this job and not be committed. There are no immediately upward career moves in this line of work. You need to stay one hundred percent focused on the eagle. The work is stressful and you need to be alert on a daily basis to stay on guard. It also carries with it, mundane aspects: cleaning the cages and changing water pools year in and out."
Still nothing beats the security of work tenure if you are interested and love working with these dangerous birds of prey. As an eagle's keeper, you will have a long union as they are a long-lived species (70 years, recorded age of the Philippine Eagle). Yet, Eddie and the other keeper, Mang Ben Salazar never allow themselves to become overly confident even with their personal charges. Protocols or procedures are strictly adhered to in making contact with the birds. You must immediately establish eye contact with the eagle before you step into its chamber. You must maintain this eye contact the entire time you stay in its presence. The only time it is safe for you to turn your back on the eagle is when the bird is fully occupied with its meal. The eagles are fed once a day. During this time, the eagle gives its full attention to the meal, making this the optimum time for the surrogate mate animal keeper to clean the cage.
Don't help them pick up their food, Mang Ben cautions. He has reason to warn and remember. Years ago, he turned his back when he picked up the stray entrails of the food of his charge, Luyag, a non-productive female eagle. She had not been imprinted and, therefore, was slightly more dangerous. The result was disastrous for Mang Ben's hand as Luyag swooped down and grasped his hand with a sharp talon that went right through his palm, gorged out part of his inner thighs. He says remembering what happened still gives him the shakes.
Tender side
However, a tender side exists in these eagles, that surrogate mate though the animal keepers are, they appreciate. During the breeding season and only during the breeding season, the eagle keeps a portion of its meal for its mate and offers it to the animal keeper when he enters the nesting chambers. The rest of the year, the eagles are all wild, untamed predators. Though they have imprinted to their human animal keepers, these creatures still hear the call of the wild, to soar in the sky and hunt for their prey.
All three keepers had been working in the Center before they got married. So their wives had been conditioned to their husbands eating and sleeping at the Center for six days a week. Eddie's wife and three children view his work simply as Daddy's work. Eddie echoes the sentiments of the two other keepers when he intoned solemnly, "unless things change, the economy takes several turns for the worse, for example leading the Center to close up, I will still be working here five years from now."
"Kee-a!" Kee-a," the eagles' cries fill the air and signal the end of another working day at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos. (Mylene M. Suaco was the Philippine Eagle Foundation's
Communications officer from 2000 to early this year. Her two most memorable experiences with the Philippine Eagles are when she witnessed first hand the hatching of an eaglet at the Center and the feeding of a one-week old eaglet by its parent in the mountains of Arakan, North Cotabato).
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/30 April) -- "Kee-a!" "Kee-a!" Piercing cries rend the early morning air as these magnificent but endangered Philippine Eagles (Pithecophaga Jefferyi) call out from their nesting chambers at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Calinan.
In the wild, these cries meant certain peril for the animal that these raptors had marked out as prey. Here at the Center, they signal the start of another working day for the animal keepers. Work begins at 7 a.m., as the animal keepers carry sprigs to the nesting chambers of their specific charges. This necessary activity is called socialization and is the contribution of the human surrogate mate to the eagles' preparations in nest building, for their breeding. This ritual is performed daily with the keepers spending an average of 25 to 30 minutes on each eagle. As the September to February breeding season goes underway, average time spent lengthens significantly. The Philippine Eagle, the country's national bird which aviator Charles Lindbergh described as "the world's noblest flier," is the top predator in the country's animal food chain. A nesting pair would need at least 127-133 sq. kms. Of forest hunting and nesting areas. When a forest system can sustain and feed these predators, it is an excellent indication that there is a healthy balance and interaction between the populations of the various animal species. It also indicates that there is ample forest cover to maintain the biodiversity of the animal kingdom and water supplies in that particular area.
Habitat loss
Today, despite a slew of laws to protect the world's only blue-eyed raptors, they remain on the world's critically endangered list. Habitat loss is the main reason for its decline, as well as evidence pointing to hunting for the death of the juveniles. These eagles breed once every two years, a very slow rate for a species whose young takes 5-6 years to become sexually mature. In 1982, the Philippine Eagle Foundation adapted the human surrogate mate as a management tool to propagate and maintain captive populations that will serve as genetic insurance for the dwindling population.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation uses cryptogenic equipment (donated by Caltex, Philippines), to freeze the eagle sperm. The animal keepers act as surrogate mates to stimulate breeding. They collect the sperm from the male eagles and insert this into the females. Success was first obtained in 1992, when the Foundation artificially inseminated eagle Diola with the semen of eagle Junior. The result was the hatching of Pag-asa (Hope) on January 15. Nine months later, on October 25, its sibling, Pagkakaisa (Unity) was born.
In 1999, Bayani was hatched, followed by Ellen Therese in 2000 of December. It is these two eaglets that are slated for release to the wild at the appropriate time.
Ten years after Pag-asa's birth, 10 eagles have been produced in the Center through artificial and natural means. Only one of the 10 -- the eaglet Mindanaw died (due to a congenital disease), a few hours after hatching in November 1995. Mindanaw was the first conceived out of a natural pair in captivity.
Pairing with eagles
Currently, the Philippine Eagle Foundation has seven animal keepers, and three of them work in direct contact with these raptors. All three keepers first began working in a different capacity, around 15 years ago at the Philippine Eagle Center, when it was first located at Baracatan, Toril.
The senior animal keeper is Eddie Juntilla, a robust 38 year old male, equipped with broad shoulders especially convenient for the male eagles to grip on to when mounting. Juntilla is fulltime surrogate mate to five eagles. As a male surrogate mate, he pairs up with eagles Pitha, Marikit and Kahayag. He holds the distinction of being the female surrogate mate
to the Foundation's two best known successes of the technique of cooperative artificial insemination -- Pag-asa and Pagkakaisa.
Then there is Ben Salazar, who became a surrogate mate in 1990. For the last ten years, Ben has been handling six eagles under his care. Unlike Eddie, however, Ben is surrogate mate to only two imprinted eagles with the remaining four under his care in a strictly caretaker capacity.
The third animal keeper is Eddie Dayos. He takes a direct hand in ensuring food stock, medical supplies and vehicle maintenance aside from handling the raptors. He takes on another critical aspect of the caretaker function. He handles eagles bred in the center but slated for release into the wild. This means the eaglets will not be imprinted. Of the three, Dayos is the one who is essentially handling wild creatures.
Before entering the chamber, the eagles' surrogate mates don gloves and a leather jacket. The leather jacket ensures protection from the sharp talons of the eagles, who perch on the keeper's shoulder to copulate.
But it is not just any leather jacket. Each eagle is assigned its own distinct jacket to enable the eagle to easily and instantly recognize its mate. For the surrogate animal keeper, it is imperative for them to be recognized and welcomed as it will minimize the danger of their being attacked. There is always the real danger of being killed.
Dedicated, Committed
Captive Breeding Director Doming Tadena attributes their very good work record to the fact that these men are dedicated and more, committed to the work they do. "You cannot, he says, work for 17 years on this job and not be committed. There are no immediately upward career moves in this line of work. You need to stay one hundred percent focused on the eagle. The work is stressful and you need to be alert on a daily basis to stay on guard. It also carries with it, mundane aspects: cleaning the cages and changing water pools year in and out."
Still nothing beats the security of work tenure if you are interested and love working with these dangerous birds of prey. As an eagle's keeper, you will have a long union as they are a long-lived species (70 years, recorded age of the Philippine Eagle). Yet, Eddie and the other keeper, Mang Ben Salazar never allow themselves to become overly confident even with their personal charges. Protocols or procedures are strictly adhered to in making contact with the birds. You must immediately establish eye contact with the eagle before you step into its chamber. You must maintain this eye contact the entire time you stay in its presence. The only time it is safe for you to turn your back on the eagle is when the bird is fully occupied with its meal. The eagles are fed once a day. During this time, the eagle gives its full attention to the meal, making this the optimum time for the surrogate mate animal keeper to clean the cage.
Don't help them pick up their food, Mang Ben cautions. He has reason to warn and remember. Years ago, he turned his back when he picked up the stray entrails of the food of his charge, Luyag, a non-productive female eagle. She had not been imprinted and, therefore, was slightly more dangerous. The result was disastrous for Mang Ben's hand as Luyag swooped down and grasped his hand with a sharp talon that went right through his palm, gorged out part of his inner thighs. He says remembering what happened still gives him the shakes.
Tender side
However, a tender side exists in these eagles, that surrogate mate though the animal keepers are, they appreciate. During the breeding season and only during the breeding season, the eagle keeps a portion of its meal for its mate and offers it to the animal keeper when he enters the nesting chambers. The rest of the year, the eagles are all wild, untamed predators. Though they have imprinted to their human animal keepers, these creatures still hear the call of the wild, to soar in the sky and hunt for their prey.
All three keepers had been working in the Center before they got married. So their wives had been conditioned to their husbands eating and sleeping at the Center for six days a week. Eddie's wife and three children view his work simply as Daddy's work. Eddie echoes the sentiments of the two other keepers when he intoned solemnly, "unless things change, the economy takes several turns for the worse, for example leading the Center to close up, I will still be working here five years from now."
"Kee-a!" Kee-a," the eagles' cries fill the air and signal the end of another working day at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos. (Mylene M. Suaco was the Philippine Eagle Foundation's
Communications officer from 2000 to early this year. Her two most memorable experiences with the Philippine Eagles are when she witnessed first hand the hatching of an eaglet at the Center and the feeding of a one-week old eaglet by its parent in the mountains of Arakan, North Cotabato).
TREASURERS' REPORT
I am pleased to report that we’ve generated P11, 947,496.00 in revenues during the fiscal year of 2000. This is a gain of 6% even as our gate receipts suffered a decrease of 30%. The increase in revenues is attributed to the grants, membership fees, eagle adoption programs, and an unexpected gain in foreign exchange transactions.
As the extent and scope of our operations continued to grow, so did our operating expenses. Our greatest resources are our people and an increase of 14% in expenses is due to the cost of additional personnel for new field projects and some salary adjustments given to our staff. Investments in training community partners, educating our staff and the public also contributed to the higher expenses in 2000.
It is clear that the PEFI continues to depend heavily on grants from our generous donors. The Board is actively working to establish a broader base of support for the foundation.
We therefore wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and to all our generous donors, the individuals and organizations whose support enables the Philippine Eagle Foundation to maintain our track record in excellence in direct conservation work.
Yours is an investment in our common future and we thank you because your unwavering support and commitment allows us to successfully carry on this mission.
CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ
Treasurer
Friday, December 09, 2005
Sample Opinion Piece No. 2
“A Simple Story of Bed and I ”
As a bona fide member of a basketball team number of siblings, I did not have my own bed until I was 8 years old. Even then, not sure how I was supposed to occupy a 6 ft. long bed by myself, I often asked my sister to join our beds together. I somehow felt that space was there to be occupied, to be filled up.
When I separated from my husband, I could not face the thought of an empty bed. Often in the dead of night, I would wander into the room of my mother and ask her if I could sleep with her. I was this nocturnal creature who would fall asleep in front of the TV or on the dining table’s chairs and beside my son’s bed. Anywhere except my own empty bed that seemed to miss a huge lump for me to bump into at night.
Finally, to wean me away, my mother changed my bed and gave me one that was so narrow; there was space only for me between five pillows and the wall. I felt ensconced and better yet, like I was on a crowded bed.
From that time on, no matter how I would redecorate my room, my narrow good only for one bed was always against the wall. No matter what new furniture I would put in the room, the bed was always against the wall.
Realization by itself is not an insight you immediately use or a thought that spurs you to action. Most often it is a nugget that swirls in your brain and slowly takes root. An incident, a phrase, a movie or just a trivial thought that would act as a catalyst. Bits and pieces, of the entire idea, are flowing in your brain, and connecting. Until it becomes whole and identifiable, an idea your mind can grasp in its entirety and learn from.
In the years to follow, my one dilemma in traveling was the thought of my bed in hotel rooms. Whether I was in Manila or Cebu and out of my own bed, I would always ask for an extra pillow. For as you know all single matrimonial beds are positioned right smack in the room; both sides accessible for you to be able to climb on to. But even with the extra pillows, my sleep was often fragmented; I could not press my back against a hard surface. There was this gap, which lay there, empty. You don’t know if you haven’t been single in a long time, how vexing it is to have that space proclaiming your bed is half empty. I would (a force of habit) fall asleep anywhere else except on THE BED (caps all mine).
Fun was sleeping sardines style with friends. Even if I had to sleep fetus like – I was in my element. The point was the bed was full of other people and I was not alone.
This year, after much redecorating I was forced to finally have a bigger bed. The room I occupy is smaller and the beds’ frame is heavier. For practical reasons, it stands alone in the middle of the room and to change its position would mean eliminating my precious shoe rack.
Looking back it is only now that I realize that, I’ve finally grown comfortable with empty spaces around me. I don’t feel the urge to fill it up or endure a bed companion for the sake of not being alone. Sleeping is no longer just a necessity where white bed sheets and pillows are the norm.
My bed is now my new home; I love color coordinating my blankets and pillows. I want colors and put perfume all over the bed. A bundle of books are always at the opposite side of the bed, for me to reach out to read or just browse through. There is anticipation in the air, as I prepare for bed to lie down and finally sleep the sleep of the just.
Such fuss over the simple but really not so simple matter of lying down and sleeping. For you see, you’re spending 1/3 of your life recuperating lost energy at sleep.
Now, I feel no anxiety, my spirit is comfortable in its skin and space is a needed companion.
Physical space has finally become my necessity. A necessary chasm that all humans must perforce desire and have, in order for them to become more fiercely their own person.
From this perspective, I can now sleep in any hotel in Manila or Cebu, but can I live there?
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