The skeptic in me was asking if what we're doing is actually worth it. If this one-hour beach clean-up would actually make an impact. I still didn't get an answer as I scoured the shore for things that doesn't naturally belong to it. But after seeing the eager eyes and thankful smiles from the locals, I knew that we're igniting an initiative that would spark to something for this beach community in Baler.
I once joined a volunteering effort four years
ago on the conflict-ridden area of Patikul in Sulu. We took photographs of
school kids and handed them a printed copy afterwards. It may seem simple, yet
the odds to get our mission done were so great that we needed three military
escorts wherever we went.
The finished product was fulfilling though. The kids and I spoke different languages, but seeing their reserved smiles after receiving copies of their likenesses made my heart melt. I wasn't really into volunteering as I am usually more focused on my day job as a public school teacher, but this trip made me realize that I could do more.
The finished product was fulfilling though. The kids and I spoke different languages, but seeing their reserved smiles after receiving copies of their likenesses made my heart melt. I wasn't really into volunteering as I am usually more focused on my day job as a public school teacher, but this trip made me realize that I could do more.
Surf Babies | Baler, Aurora |
Now on its
second year, Free the Sea Movement was an exciting three-day event that took
place last September 29 to October 1, 2017 in one of the top surfing spots in
the Philippines, Baler in Aurora. Guests were treated to fun activities that
let them experience the thrill of riding the waves while helping to preserve
the beauty of Sabang Beach.
View From Our Bungalow At Nalu Surf Camp |
The sky was grey and it started to drizzle as
we were having breakfast. Me, I just wanted to go straight to my assigned bed and
cocoon all day; I had trouble sleeping during the bus ride on the way here. But no, we
didn't come here to simply laze around.
Free The Sea Movement 2 In Baler |
We were grouped into four and were given sacks and
data monitoring sheet for the activity. There was a short briefing on what
to collect and what to leave on the shore, taking note that what's from nature should
be left with nature.
Coastal Clean-Up Briefing |
The task looks easy at first, but after seeing
loads of trash along the coast, I knew right away that it would be a challenging
one. From broken glasses, plastic wrappers, to used diapers, and rubber slippers--the shoreline was full of unwanted items washed ashore.
Sabang Beach, Baler Coastal Clean-Up |
Reef x WWF x Volunteers |
The result saddened me. But after seeing the collective
effort of the volunteers, it kindled hope that somehow we have conveyed the message that a
simple effort can help conserve our seas.
Later that afternoon, a one-hour free surfing lessons from the guys at
Nalu Surf Camp kept the participants busy. After spending much
time on post-clean-up discussions, my friends and I realized too late that the surfing schedule was already full, we opted to join the next day's batch instead.
Free Surfing Lessons By Nalu Surf Camp |
After Party |
My mind was set on simply watching the
participants while they compete with fellow surfing newbies. But then, with the
urge of some friends, my name was included on the last heat of the competition. But
I'm always ready for an adventure.
Surfari Beginners' Competition |
So there I was, joining the group with
thoughts of just enjoying the ride and ignoring the fact that I'm in a surfing competition. With the help
of my instructor Alvin (who was really nice), we conquered the game and
advanced to the semifinals. Yes, us, it wasn't just me who won that round, it
was both of us.
That afternoon, the finalists did a superb showdown of balancing skills. I love their energy and resilience in spite some bad falls. In the end, a young girl emerged as the winner; everyone’s cheering for her win.
Party music went on as I left the crowd at
midnight. The tita in me couldn't keep up with these kids' raging hormones; they were actually just the same age as my students, five, or even three years ago.
But it was all clean fun.
Nalu Surf Camp |
Reef’s Free the Sea Movement: Baler was sponsored by
Juan Light Studio, Bike King’s Kitchen, Madison’s Café Baler, La Patricia
Hotel, Baler and The Shack, Baler with music partners Ann Clerigo, Banna
Harbera, Eazyhead, DJ Domes Badwolf, and DJ CC.
Naks! Good job naman! :D
ReplyDeleteSalamat po! We can do beach clean-ups din sa personal travels :)
DeleteLove to discover some beautiful sea moments. Nature care us and we need to care nature. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hanz! :)
Delete