Rare turtles returned to the Philippines!

Thirty-one live turtles, including some rare species, that were smuggled to Hong Kong were flown back to the Philippines on Friday but five others did not live to make the trip, an official said.

Three environment department workers arrived at Manila international airport carrying the turtles in a wooden crate more than two months after they were recovered from a Chinese smuggler in February, said Theresa Lim.

photo courtesy of yahoo ph

"The turtles are fine, active. Unfortunately, two of the pond turtles and three Asian box turtles died in Hong Kong due to stress," said Lim, director of the government wildlife bureau.

She said the turtles suffered stress when they were kept hidden as they were smuggled into Hong Kong.

The turtles, many slightly larger than the size of a matchbox, were cradled in pink foam-like material soaked in water in individual compartments inside the crate.

The animals, which include the critically-endangered Siebenrockiella leytensis pond turtle and the vulnerable Cuora amboinensis box turtle, will be taken to the western island of Palawan, Lim told AFP.

The Katala Foundation, a private wildlife protection group, will rehabilitate the animals for about three months before they are released back into the wild.

The Chinese smuggler was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on February 8 after the turtles were seized from his luggage.

He was charged and fined HK$8,000 ($1,000) under local laws aimed at protecting endangered species.

-yahoo.ph

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There's no other place like Home!

Last March, I was invited as a guest speaker for the 33rd Commencement Exercises of my Alma Mater. I was hesitant to accept the invitation, yet in the end I was persuaded having in mind that this might be right time to give back for all the things that my Alma mater done to me.

Any way, as a preparation, I set my digital camera (DSLR actually) so that i can capture this special event. I decided to bought a new lens, Tamron AF70-300mm, far better than my 18-55mm lens. I know a lot of amazing things and scenes will come in my way home and I'm so excited for this.

To my excitement, I decided to leave my work early fearing that I might be left by the last trip of ferry. It might took a long time to travel to Dalahican Pier, considering the weather condition ( it has been raining for almost five days). With all the things packed, I set off to Dalahican riding a jeepney from Lipa to Sto. Tomas, Batangas. I ride the first bus to Dalahican that pass by. But when I pay the fare, the bus is bound to SM Lucena only. OMG. (I'll try to tell the whole story on my next blog).

To make the story short, I arrived at Dalahican port at exactly 8:30 in the evening yet I still manage to get the 10:30 trip. Though the weather is bad, I know this is worth my while. I feel something strange in my stomach, so I care to buy some food in the stall. I still have 2 hours to take some rest. I try to find some familiar faces but I found nothing.

The heaven keeps on pouring its tears and the wind  constantly blowing hard, literary, my way home will be hard. It's 2:30am when I reached Marinduque. The usually 2.5hrs trip take 4hrs. Thanks to the bad weather. Huh.

Finally, I'm home. I miss everything in this place, cool wind breeze, fresh air, peaceful ambiance, everything. I take a deep sleep and I know there's is a great day waiting ahead.

_______________

I was awaken by the ringing of my phone. I check the time.. it was 8:30 am and my friend is checking me if a got home safe. I get off the bed and the table is ready. This is one of the things I missed the most, a hot and delicious "tinolang manok" of my mother. I can't help my self eating a lot.

I started wandering around, trying to capture beautiful spots and strange things with my cam. But the rain is keep on trying to hinder so I just go back and try to capture the thing that my lens can reach.

And these are some of my it..

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.260425130715732.63018.171157052975874&type=1

Later in the afternoon. I had a little conversation with my cousins, telling stories of how, what and why life is while drinking local wine called "tuba". I decided to get back home when the rain had a pause. It' s my chance.

I take my rest as we finish our dinner. Tomorrow is the day.

_______________

It was a long and peaceful sleep. I feel so comfortable. It's not hard waking up except my....hahaha.. The rain is still on, yet today's activity must go on. After the breakfast i started preparing for it. The program will start at 10 so I must be there early.

And the ceremony goes... It started well and it ends well...Congratulations graduates!

I had a little nice conversation with my former mentor after the program. It's really nice to be back and give thanks to all the people who contribute much for your success.

It's worthy. It is