Contact me
If you have any comments and/or questions about this blog, this would be where you get to say it. Your email address will NOT be used to spam you nor will you be unwillingly added to a mailing list (that’s what the “Sign me up” button is for! *hint hint*)
Dear Islander Girl,
First of all, my compliments about your blog. It’s nice to see somebody writing positive stories about diving here in El Nido. In this way we promote the destination and we can welcome more divers in the future. We run a diveshop in El Nido and we would like to invite you for a day of free diving with us. It would be nice if you can return the favour by writing a story about this day and put a text link to our website. Let me know if you are interested. It would be great if you join us for a day.
Dear Daan,
I’m very honored to receive a sponsored post offer from you. It’s much appreciated. However, since I work for El Nido Resorts, it would be a conflict of interest for me to accept this offer. Thank you for your understanding.
we will be in hongkong on dec. 1, 2013 and will be staying in kimberley hotel. we will be in a griup of 8. we plan to visit ngongping 360 then to the peak. ocean park and disneyland. where can we buy the tickets? and how can we avail the 10%? on our first day we will first visit ngongping then the peak.. please give me the complete details on how to buy the tickets. thaank you.
I bought my tickets here:
http://www.ctshk.com/ap/english/ticket/queryticket.jsp
Dear Island Girl,
First of all a Happy Xmas to you !
I first came upon your blog when searching for a trip to Hong Kong. I liked your writing and decided to follow your advice to visit Philippines after the catastrophe you just underwent.
I am hearing contradictory news. This is a 50th anniversary birthday celebration for us and we planned to visit Borocay and Palawan. I do not know the state of the hotels there. Could you please give us some advice ?
Greetings from Paris.
Meyer
Hi Meyer,
Thank you for your kind words regarding my writing 🙂
Boracay was only slightly affected by typhoon Haiyan. I have friends working in hotels there and the properties only suffered minor cosmetic damage. As for Palawan, where are you planning on going? Coron was badly hit and I’m not sure about its current general status. The only place I know for sure is okay is Busuanga Bay Lodge, also since I have friends there. Places south of Coron (such as El Nido, San Vicente, and Puerto Princesa) were not affected by the typhoon.
Hope that helped! 🙂
Many thanks Macy. As per your advice we will adjust our plans to Borocay and El Nido.
Dear Island girl, We just completed 2 days at Miniloc and are completing our stay at Pangalusian. Paradise on earth.
Glad you had fun! Yes, El Nido really is paradise 🙂 Can’t wait to go back.
Hello Macy,
I read the article about your group doing kite aerial photography to map coral reefs. I’m a Filipino kite aerial photographer and would like to know more about that project 🙂
Thanks,
Gerome
Hi Gerome! Thank you for your interest 🙂 Unfortunately, I’m not part of the ARRAS team: I just reported on it
Hi! I just re’ad your write up of Napantao…Very nice one. It made me miss my play ground and project site. I am away from the ocean for the mean time but rest assured it will stay protected in years to come.. It was my first MPA established and also has my important ring on it. Thank you for that nice write up. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your kind words and the Napantao MPA! Napantao was a pleasure to visit, despite the giant moray eel that decided to swim near me. Haha!
Sorry I didn’t know you to reach you otherwise.
While I know you’ve written your piece about the study on the antibacterial ingredient triclosan, I hope a further update could include some informed perspective from the American Cleaning Institute (www.cleaninginstitute.org).
http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/aci_analysis_of_research_on_antibacterial_ingredient_triclosan/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Sansoni, American Cleaning Institute, 202.662.2517 or bsansoni@cleaninginstitute.org
ACI: Analysis of Research on Antibacterial Ingredient “Distorts and Misrepresents” Safe Use of Triclosan
• Publicity Statement Claiming that Ingredient Can Affect Human Health Not Borne Out By What the Research Actually Shows
• Independent Scientists Also Refute Researchers’ Claims
• Credible, Scientific Information on Triclosan Safety Available at http://www.fightgermsnow.com
Washington, DC, November 19, 2014 – Summaries of a study on the antibacterial ingredient triclosan grossly misrepresent what the research actually found, according to the American Cleaning Institute (ACI – http://www.cleaninginstitute.org).
Independent scientists at the UK-based Science Media Centre also took issue with some of conclusions of the study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which claim that triclosan could negatively affect human health.
“The fact is that overdosing mice with triclosan at levels they would never likely come in contact with does not represent a realistic circumstance for humans,” said Dr. Paul DeLeo, ACI Associate Vice President, Environmental Safety. “We’ve known for decades that the mouse is not a good model for human risk assessment of triclosan.”
Independent reviews of the research from the Science Media Centre state very clearly that:
“The paper does not prove the claim that TCS [triclosan] use promotes tumor growth in humans.”
Additional comments from the Centre (excerpted below):
From Dr Nick Plant, Reader in Molecular Toxicology at the University of Surrey:
“…the authors study only mice, and draw conclusion only on mice. Their comments on human health are very circumspect. As the authors state, it is difficult to assess if the dose that they use in mice is relevant to human exposure levels, but at a simple examination it appears to be much higher than I would expect to see in a human. This further complicates extrapolation to the human situation as we are not comparing equivalent exposures.
… it is not valid to state that the effect of triclosan in mice will occur in humans as well.”
From Dr Oliver A.H. Jones, Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry at RMIT University Melbourne:
“The results of this study are certainly interesting but I do not think they are a cause for concern for human health. Firstly the mice used in the study were primed with a tumor promoting chemical before being exposed to triclosan (which humans would not be) and the concentrations of triclosan used were much higher than those found in the environment.”
ACI expressed disappointment with a press statement from the University of San Diego Health System (where one of the researchers is based) that was “sophomorically” headlined: The Dirty Side of Soap.
“Consumers and the research community at-large are ill-served by over-the-top and distorted headlines and hype that accompany this research,” said ACI’s Paul DeLeo.
“Consumers need to know that antibacterial soap ingredients like triclosan have been extensively researched, reviewed and regulated for decades. Antibacterial soaps continue to play an important role in everyday handwashing routines in homes and hospitals alike.”
In comments submitted earlier this year to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the safety of triclosan, ACI wrote:
“Triclosan-containing consumer antiseptic wash products play a beneficial role in the daily hygiene routines of millions of people throughout the U.S. and worldwide. They have been and are used safely and effectively in homes, hospitals, schools and workplaces every single day.
“Furthermore, triclosan and products containing it are regulated by a number of governmental bodies around the world and have a long track record of human and environmental safety which is supported by a multitude of science-based, transparent risk analyses.”
For a historical perspective showcasing research that demonstrates triclosan’s safe and effective use in antibacterial soaps, visit http://www.fightgermsnow.com.
###
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. ACI members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org) and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for taking the time to find my personal site. The article has been updated to reflect the statements from ACI.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/388633/scitech/science/check-your-soap-for-triclosan-it-may-cause-cancer
Dear Macy,
just an inquiry regarding the article you’ve written for GMA news online.
PHL to experience stronger typhoons as coastal sea levels rise 4x faster than world average
July 24, 2014 9:29pm
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/371854/scitech/science/phl-to-experience-stronger-typhoons-as-coastal-sea-levels-rise-4x-faster-than-world-average
does this mean that we in the eastern board esp. Bicol region would be expecting category 5 typhoons this year 2015?
lmstodomingo
It would be better to read the published paper or consult with the authors directly about this 🙂
Hi Ms. Macy!
My name is Joan, an incoming graduate student at the College of Science. I’ve read your blog post about the non-academic side of graduate school. For the Academic side: What are your tips for graduate school?
Thank You.
Respectfully Yours,
Joan
Hi Joan! I’m flattered that you decided to ask me. Haha. For the non-academic side, are you referring to this post?
My academic side tips:
1. Talk to your graduate adviser. They’re there to advise you 😀 They’ll help you organize a program that will (hopefully) get you to where you want to go.
2. Join a research lab in your second year. Practically speaking, becoming a research assistant is the only way you’re going to get funding to do your thesis. Yes, I managed to do mine while being a full-time student but that was because my (former) employer was willing to support me. My employer took care of plane fare, assistants, food, boats, and dive gear, while I used the P50,000 DOST thesis grant to pay for the rest. However, an employer like that is few and far between so being a research assistant is more feasible.
3. Don’t be afraid to talk to your thesis adviser. He/she is there to guide you 😀
4. Once you’re in thesis mode, dedicate your time to it. I found it impossible to balance writing my thesis with working. I had to take two months off work to hammer out the first draft of my thesis, then went back to work for the next few months. Unfortunately, I still wasn’t able to balance writing and working so I quit my job so that I could do the thesis full-time.
Hello Ms. Macy! Thank you for your reply 🙂 Yes, I was referring to that post 🙂 Have a Good Day 🙂
Hi Ms. Macy!
I am interested on becoming a marine biologist too. how do you become a marine biologist? Can one become a marine biologist without any experience yet on marine work?
Thank You.
Respectfully Yours,
Joan
How do you become a marine biologist?
That is a VERY difficult question. Haha!
I can’t comment on other people’s paths but for me, first thing was an undergraduate degree in general biology then a master’s degree in marine science, specializing in marine biology. I didn’t have any formal experience in marine fieldwork prior to getting my master’s degree (my undergrad thesis was on birds!) but depending on what you want to do, it helps to already have associated skills like scuba diving 🙂
Good luck with your master’s degree!
Hi, Macy!
This is Bernadette from the Foundation for the Philippine Environment. We are holding the 2nd Sarihay Media Awards to recognize outstanding journalists (writers, bloggers, reporters) and their work in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Our team came across several of your very compelling and inspiring articles at GMA News Online. We would like to invite you to submit these articles/features to the Sarihay Media Awards.
May I ask for your email address so I can send you a formal letter of invitation and the details of the awards.
Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you!
Bernadette
Hi, Macy!
This is Pat from Speed magazine. We would like to invite you to write for a column in one of the issue of the magazine.
May we ask for your email or any contact details where we can send a formal invitation and details of this request.
We look forward to your reply.Thank you very much!
Hi Macy, I am also a Marine Biologist, I just found your blog and I find it very interesting. I also participated to various Research expeditions in different countries ( I miss scientific diving a lot!). I am curious to ask you how to become a Sustainabilty manager? I mean once you get a degree and work a bit what path should I follow in order to do a similar job? I am Italian altough I live in China at the moment. I would like to work in sustainabily in Europe. Thank you, if you could give me any advice I would really appreciate it !
Maxine
Hi Maxine! I apologize for the late reply.
Becoming a Sustainability Manager was not planned at all! My first job was with El Nido Resorts as an Environmental Officer. I was a Biology graduate with no experience in sustainability, sustainable tourism, or business. I learned everything on the job. Was lucky also to have a boss who mentored me 🙂
I was hired to be the Sustainability Manager of a property management company because the company president used to be the general manager of ENR. He wanted to bring that sustainability culture into his new company so he hired someone he’d worked with previously.
As to what path to take, that would be tricky. My path worked for me because I started out with zero knowledge in sustainability. I’d recommend joining a company that already has a proven track record in sustainability. Learn everything you can there and get to know people. Once you feel like you’re up to the challenge, then you can join a company where you’d have to build the sustainability culture and practices from the ground up.
Hi Islander Girl!
Everything about your travel and travail article in mantle magazine is an inspiration for me. Anyway, I am Erica, a Bs Biology graduate, also I wanted to pursue ms marine bio . I just graduated this February do u have any reminders or suggestions? Will greatly appreciate that
Hi Erica! So sorry for the late reply.
As for reminders or suggestions:
1. Are you absolutely sure?
2. What are your reasons for going to grad school?
3. Decide on a school that would best fit your needs. Different universities have different specialties. Research their faculty.
4. Best if you already have a plan for what you want to do in grad school 🙂
Good day!
I am Noreen, a grade 11 student from Manila. I am currently taking the STEM Strand and I have a Personality Development Subject. In one of our outputs, we were tasked to interview someone who is working in the field I’d like to know more about. Ever since 2nd grade, I have always aspired to become a Marine Biologist. After reading your blog and article with Mantle Magazine, I was able to gain more inspiration in pursuing this career. With this, I would like to ask a few questions.
1.) How relevant was your undergraduate major to your current work?
2.) What are the skills, abilities, and attributes are essential in graduating in this course?
3.) What are common career paths in your chosen undergraduate course?
4.) What are your tips for teens like me who aspires in becoming a Marine biologist?
Thank you so much for being an inspiration and I hope you are safe!
Hi Noreen,
Thanks for reaching out. So sorry that this reply is late. Not sure if it would still be useful for you, but to answer your questions:
1.) How relevant was your undergraduate major to your current work?
<< I currently work as a Sustainability Manager for Business for Sustainable Development (BSD). No, my BS Biology degree is not related to my current work 2.) What are the skills, abilities, and attributes are essential in graduating in this course? << To graduate with an MS Marine Science degree, you need a lot of perseverance and convictions. You have to want it and are willing to push through the difficulties 3.) What are common career paths in your chosen undergraduate course? << I graduated with a BS Biology degree. The most common career path afterwards is medicine. 4.) What are your tips for teens like me who aspires in becoming a Marine biologist? << Read more about the current situation of research in the Philippines so that you enter the field with your eyes wide open.
Good Evening!
I’m Reene P. Besañez, a student of Saint Louis College-Cebu. My school requires a minimum of 40 hours of online immersion, related to our chosen course, as a requirement to graduate.
I would like to ask if your institute is willing to conduct an online immersion. My chosen course is marine biology/oceanography.
Hoping to hear from you soon. Thank you.
Please contact The Marine Science Institute directly 🙂
Hi Macy,
Thanks for writing about your experiences with your studies. Engaging and informative. Any advice for my son who is in grade 10 and looking to study (internationally) marine biology and oceanography? We also want to visit the Philippines and was wondering if there is a type of marine camp for teenagers or a resort that would take the care and have the knowledge to teach? He is PADI certified. If not, that might be a great angle for you! Kids from around the world look for ‘intro’ courses in their field of study. Thank you for your time!
Hi Margarette,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! 🙂
Re: advice for those looking to study marine biology and oceanography
– As with all college courses, do your research 🙂 There are a lot of universities that offer these courses but they all have different specialties. Also, not all universities offer marine bio as an undergrad.
Re: marine camp or resort
– El Nido Resorts did a summer camp like this a few years ago. I don’t think they’re doing it now though.
Re: it might be a good angle for me
– I know! My friends and I have talked about putting up our own marine camp for students. Haven’t done anything about it yet though. *hides*