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The Philippines is a beautiful country. And during summer, its beauty shines more specially. For one thing, our country is not lacking in the beach department. Our islands are so spectacular, diverse, and incomparable. Yet, sometimes, I think we do not fully understand how lucky we are. It is said that familiarity breeds contempt, but in the case of the Philippines, it is neglect that the former spawns. Sometimes, even worse: apathy.

After writing about the basic Etiquette for Travelers, and the 6 Places in the Philippines That Could Disappear, and have these well received, I now feel even more compelled to continue using my platform to create better travelers out of Filipinos, especially now that summer is here, and our beaches become even more vulnerable to irresponsible visitors.

So, when packing your vacation essentials, never ever forget these 6 simple rules for when you're on the beach:

1. MIND THE SUNSCREEN

While sunscreens prevent sunburns and protect us from skin cancer, most of them have active ingredients that result to coral-bleaching. According to a study that appeared on online journal "Environmental Health Perspectives," popular sunscreen brands have four ingredients in common: paraben, cinnamate, benzophenone, and a camphor derivative. These ingredients are said to activate a dormant virus in a reef-building algae, causing it to explode and spill viruses to the water. Zooxanthellae, the algae, provide a coral with food and contribute to the organisms' vibrant color. Without them, the coral turns white and dies. Recent studies have also shown that sunscreens are toxic to sea creatures and disrupt the ocean's food chain.

So, use sunscreen sparingly and properly. Lather a small amount and only on exposed body parts. Wait at least 30 minutes before going into the water so that your skin could absorb most of it. This way, you'll maximize its benefits and minimize the damage to the reefs.

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Traveling is now becoming a more and more popular pursuit for Filipinos. Every weekend, every holiday, every "leave" is  being spent with trips and sojourns to places all over the country. Whether it be a quick getaway or a week of backpacking, one thing we can be sure is that the Philippines has more marvelous destinations than we could ever have dreamed of. Unfortunately, some of these unbelievable places are under threat and are bound to go to ruin sooner or later if nothing is done. As travelers, we should be the first ones to stand up against despicable abuse of the environment. 

From the world's best island to lesser-known but equally beautiful places, here are six places that are in danger of being destroyed beyond repair:

1. BORACAY

Malay, Aklan

By now, I'm sure all of us are aware of the rapid commercialization of Boracay island. With it receiving several accolades ranging from World's Best Island to World's Best Beach, it should come as no surprise that investors and developers would swoop in on this island. Regardless, it is unacceptable that indiscriminate use of land and declassification of the remaining wildlife forests are still rampant while concerned government institutions are doing absolutely nil to prevent further damage. In fact, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) told developers they had managed to reclassify Puka Shell Beach at the northern part of Boracay for commercial development. It should be noted that in this beach lies one of Boracay's remaining tropical forests and is home to endangered, almost extinct, species.

Puka Shell Beach Photo credit: Boracay Travel

At present, a 426-room resort is being constructed on what is supposedly a protected piece of forest land. Continued land developing and construction is greatly contributing to Boracay's ecological and coastal degradation as well as to social and cultural dislocation.

Photo credit: Change.org

A petition to reclassify Puka Shell Beach as a protected area, and for the LGU to abolish building permits in the island is on going. To know more about and to help on this issue, go here. Visit also the Facebook page of the Save Boracay movement.

2. BUCAS GRANDE

Socorro, Surigao del Norte

Across the island of Bucas Grande is the municipality of Claver. This first-class municipality relies on mining because of the large iron mineral deposits on its land. While the mining industry has provided Claver's residents livelihood for decades, the environmental consequences of this activity are not to be taken lightly.

Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Photo credit: Jeffrey Rilles

An islet in Claver, once bordered with white sands, is now surrounded by orange sediments from the mining activities. The silt seeps into the blue waters of Claver's beaches. Mountains are heartrendingly denuded.

Although it is claimed that the mining corporations are doing their activities responsibly and are spearheading rehabilitation projects all throughout Surigao, there is likelihood that the orange silt could reach the shores of Bucas Grande where Sohoton Cove is found – home of the sting-less jellyfish, potentially harming marine life and destroying its ecological balance. 

An islet in Claver surrounded by orange sediments from the mining activities Photo credit: Ervin Mascariñas

Pro-mining individuals have stated that this is a far cry and would be impossible. Yet despite the assurance, and more than the alleged connivance with the national government, it is undeniable that mining has grave consequences, some of which we do not yet fully understand. I hope that by the time we do, it's not too late.

To know more about this, visit the Facebook page of the Save Surigao movement. 

3. TURTLE BAY

Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan

Turtle Bay is home to a diverse ecosystem, including a population of already vulnerable Asian small-clawed otters. The small shallow bay is also surrounded by mangroves which act as sea life nurseries, forming a habitat for 108 varieties of clams and shells and other unique species.

Turtle Bay Photo credit: Puerto Prinsesa LGU

Permits have been given for the building of an ocean park in Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. As a result, this established marine sanctuary has been rezoned by the LGU to accommodate the project. This project is being conducted by a firm recently cited for building on Boracay’s last pristine beach without an Environmental Clearance Certificate. The ecosystem in Turtle bay could be permanently damaged by earth-moving activities necessary for construction of the proposed park, silt would be trapped within the shallow bay, compromising the bays' natural environment.

Asian clawed otters of Turtle Bay Photo credit: Rene Limjoco

An online petition to rescind the permits is currently afoot. An informative blog dedicated to saving these bays is also up.

4. MASUNGI GEORESERVE

Baras, Rizal

Masungi Georeserve is a geotourism park situated inside the 1500+ hectares of the Masungi conservation area. It was once a site of rampant logging until decades of reforestation, rehabilitation and sustainable developments were undertaken by a private firm. Now, wildlife is returning to the area and rare and endemic flora and fauna thrive in its limestone forest. Jade vines, civet cats, and cloud rats are some of the fascinating residents of Masungi.

Nanay, one of the three peaks inside the Reserve

Recent incidents of illegal logging and land-grabbing in apparent connivance with the Tanay LGU (a great part of Masungi is in Tanay), however, have placed this delicate area in danger. Masungi is being subjected to harassment and politicking on a daily basis, posing threat to the security and safety of not only visitors but also the people working to protect it. In the wrong hands, all the hard work that brought Masungi back to life could all be in vain.

Masungi's iconic giant steel web

Know more about the events that transpired here. Visit also the Facebook page of the Save Masungi movement.

5. MOUNT TALINIS aka CUERNOS DE NEGROS

Valencia/Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

Mount Talinis is second only to Kanlaon as the highest mountain in Negros. It already has several established trails in Valencia, making it popular among hikers. Its summit is heavily forested and its forest system is home to endemic and rare wildlife including Philippine spotted deer and Negros bleeding-hearts. Flora include 91 tree species, edible berries, and broad-leafed tree ferns.

Mount Talinis Photo credit: Trip Advsor

The rich biodiversity of Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros) is already threatened by illegal logging, "kaingin," increased tourist activity and the gradual build-up of houses near its forested areas. Another threat is posed on this ecological treasure, in the form of the 60-megawatt geothermal expansion of renewable energy firm Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

Photo credit: R. Montano

Environmental activitists claim that the project had already uprooted more than 500 century-old trees and could result into the loss of the last remaining forest cover of Mount Talinis. The most recent development was the "disappointing" public hearing conducted on March 16, 2016. Representatives from environmental groups walked out on the  hearing, citing insufficient talk-time as the cause. 

Know more about this issue and the online petition here.

One of the most recent places to get media hype is the pristine white sand island of Kalanggaman. This place is ringed with crystal clear deep blue waters, its surface bare of any structures. While the previously mentioned destinations are threatened because of commercialization, regulation issues, and politicking, Kalanggaman's primary threat is irresponsibility. By whom? By Filipinos.

The unbelievable island of Kalanggaman Photo credit: Mike Lagaan

A Facebook post by a concerned traveler had brought to light the impending ruin of the island. He said that overnight stays are being regulated but day tours are taking its toll on the place. He claims to have seen a boat operator throwing bags of garbage into the middle of the sea. Lack of proper regulations and implementation are cited for these incidents, but the main culprit, I believe, is irresponsibility of both visitors and locals. Come on, people, we've discussed this already! Have some shame and be responsible!

This could disappear if we continue with our irresponsibility Photo credit: Out of Town Blog

Before we demand action from others, we must always start with ourselves. We owe it to the environment! It provides us with so much, the least we can do is to protect it. The future generations may never get the chance to see the beauty we are seeing now, to experience the marvel that we are experiencing. Let us spread awareness and bring attention to these issues. And of course, let us be responsible travelers, above all else! In the words of Edmund Burke: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. 

Do you know of other beautiful places in the Philippines that are facing similar issues? Share them in the comment section below!

Be a responsible traveler and read these basic etiquette for travelers, and simple rules when you're on the beach.

#WeTravelWeCare

This is the second installment of the Spread The Impact series – a collection of travel narratives and guides to less-traveled places in the Philippines, with the aim to spread human impact to the environment as well as uplift the lives of communities through tourism.

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I'm writing this article and using Celineism's reach to hopefully stop, once and for all, the spreading of hate in the travel and outdoor communities.

We all know the cause of all the irresponsibility that is now plaguing our beloved lifestyle: lack of, or worse – mis- information.

So, let's just cut the crap and delineate a code of conduct for modern travelers, especially for fellow Filipinos. Instead of the online bashing, let's all be adults just this once, and come together and remind everyone what it takes to be a responsible traveler.

I know I have a lot to learn and there are moments when even I have lapses in judgment, but thing is, I put an effort to correct them. I read. I listen. And I don't presume to be better than everybody else. I just want to do something that I know would make things better, one way or another, okay?

Most of the things you need to know about responsible travel can be found in the LNT (Leave No Trace) Principles, but here are the very basic ones that everyone should practice not only during traveling but also in everyday life. This list is not numbered by degree of importance – everything here is absolutely important, whoever says otherwise is terribly misinformed. This list isn't also definitive and is bound to grow as we continue to go on adventures.

Feel free to add your own in the comments section below.

Of all people, travelers should be the first ones to denounce littering. Pick up trash – whether it's yours or others'. Dispose of waste properly. Don't leave your garbage in the mountains where it'll most likely stay. Take them back to the plains with you. Stuff that candy wrapper in your pocket and do not throw it out the window of your car, gaddamit! Put those cigarette butts in your bag. Make it a habit to bring trash bags during your adventures, but don't just leave it. Take it somewhere where you can dispose of it properly.

Also, if you see something that clearly doesn't belong there (like a Malaysian flag in Osmeña Peak), talk to the authorities and arrange for it to be taken down (just like what one adventurer had already done – kudos!).

Likewise, please do not disrespect the places we visit by redecorating them (like leaving a padlock on a mountain or carving your name on a rock). How would you feel if someone pierced your ear without your consent? Come on, people, this is as simple as it gets.

Think you're a bad-ass because you have a collection of "rocks" from all the places you've visited? Listen; pocketing seashells, scooping sands, and picking flowers for "remembrance" do not make you unique or practical or whatever. It makes you irresponsible.


How would you feel if someone plucks a clump of your hair and puts it on a scrapbook? Not only is that violation of your personal space, it is also really creepy and verging on the psychotic. Take pictures instead – they last longer. Or better yet:

What Cavite lacks in nature spots, it more than makes up for in its vibrant history. But don't count out Cavite in that department just yet, for just about an hour and a half drive from the Metro is a waterfalls that's known to be a favorite destination among Caviteños and a popular sidetrip when heading back from Tagaytay. 

Balite Falls is located in Cavite's coffee capital of Amadeo. It has been developed into a resort by private individuals and is divided into two parts (more on this later.)

Bamboo bridges have been installed around the area

Aside from bridge, bamboo huts where ihaw-ihaw can be done are also plentiful around

The waterfalls is not as high as that of Hulugan Falls or Bukal Falls in Laguna, making it relatively safe for diving. The water is generally clean but looks murky because of the stream floor which consists of tan soil and dark-colored rocks. It is cold too, with some portions shallow enough for children.

This is the first installment of the Spread the Impact series -- a collection of travel narratives and guides to less-traveled places in the Philippines, with the aim to spread human impact to the environment as well as uplift the lives of communities through tourism.