Choco’s, the pioneer lechon manok stand in Ilocos, has a new house in Gaoa, along the National Highway, just past the road going to Blue Lagoon. It’s a spacious Choco’s Pasalubong Shop with a select line of popular Ilocos products like basi, fruit wines, cornick, dried fruits, sukang Iloco, camote chips, exclusive frozen meat products and ready to go liempo and choco chops at very tourist-friendly prices. Even if it’s in Pagudpud, prices are comparable to those at the city stores. You will also see fashion and home accessories.

My friend Leehua, the owner, says there’s more to come. Dirty ice cream was a hit on opening day, so she lets it stay all summer.

Buena mano from tourists.

Janet Tamayo, another buena mano customer, balikbayan from Bakersfield, California.

Choco Chops is only 12 pesos each.

The Kapangpagangan tourists liked the Chocos’s embutido known in Ilocos as morton. My fave at Choco’s is roasted liempo.

The just opened Choco’s Pasalubong Shop is conveniently located near the Gaoa fish stands along the main road.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Between Laoag and Pagudpud, there are not too many really restful pit stops. Monte Mar Restaurant in Burgos offers authentic Ilocano food, a nice and quiet recess and a great view of the ocean. Owner Bob sees to it that travelers will have to enjoy the local flavors of Ilocos. Everything looked good especially the pokpoklo salad, longaniza and chicharon aka bagnet.

Check out this hideaway along the National Highway. It’s near Cape Bojeador.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Hi, parents of Ilocos! My organization, the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement (LEAD), has partnered with Project 101, in cooperation with Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanic Gardens, for a summer ecological conservation camp for kids, ages 5 and up. We chose the NU Botanic Gardens as venue because it is a living museum of more than 1400 plant species. It has a butterfly sanctuary, a grass-covered lawn and tree-shaded grounds, ideal for camping, as well as comfort and indoor facilities. The 2 and a half-day camping event on April 25- 27,  is sure to be fun-filled, what with a lineup of outdoor adventure activities, arts and crafts, dish gardening and, yes, culinary with the experts.

At heart, we aim to empower the kids to get out of their comfort zones and embrace the outdoors and adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.

After all, a  fresh perspective on the environment at youth makes all the difference.

For more inquiries, and registration forms, you can also contact: blauearth@yahoo.com

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

You can cry in awe at the natural riches of the mountain town of Adams, you can also cry in alarm at the beauty in retrograde. More than a week ago, a hornbill-wielding Adams local made the rounds in the net. On Holy Thursday, walking the paths to glorious havens, howling slices of burnt old sod cripple you momentarily.

Late last year, 3,250 hectares (32.3 sq km) of the only remaining high-biodiversity lands were proclaimed the Adams Wildlife Critical Habitat (AWCH) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). (Read my story on Rappler here.)

Who is terrified of a fangless snake?

Going to Adams in 2005 was a turning point in my life. So much beauty to suck in. Before the rainforest town turns into another denuded town, I made a pact with myself  to help save in my own little way what is there left.

Between 2005 and the present, the town has changed hands at least 2 times. The concept of ecotourism my organization (LEAD Movement) has tried to establish in partnership with the local government in 2005 has evolved into two things, economy and tourism. The third element — the eco in ecology was left behind.

Natural assets are magnets to the lust of greed and power. Miners from the outside world remain to threaten these ancestral domains. Sitio Bucarot is a looming security issue — shades of  Spratlys. Archaic indigenous culture persists to defy conservation.

All an ordinary citizen like me can do is bask and pray in Adams.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

I’m usually just at home the day after Good Friday. My Havaianas never run out of stories to tell.

Making a splash at the Municipal Beach in Pagudpud were the fruity pop-up shop and beach bar. Havaianaticos were treated to Plato Wraps, halo-halo and summer spritzers. Selfie-ing just got more zealous:) There was visual fire dancing by sundown.

The hardworking Bernard and Me-Ann Macaraeg of Visionaire, Inc. and Red Dot stores

There’s something about Kit Mandac’s OOTD and her floral arrangement:) She’s matchy-matchy like the time she did the tropical flowers at the press launch of last year’s first MYOH in Ilocos.

A Kaway-Kampay event of the PGIN was happening simultaneously.

Rubbed eyeballs with a bunch of friends like Spider Rodas, photographer Glenn Tumaneng, the Vertext family, Pagudpud tourism officer Peps, Lovely Abadilla and a lot more.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

At the exuberant first CAMP for EARTH in Ilocos, “little hands and little steps” were the focal point of the summer camp out.

More often than not, parents underestimate the child’s thirst for knowledge. The initiators, non-government entities Laoag Eco-Adventure Movemnent (LEAD) and Project 101, in partnership with the Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanical Gardens (NUEBG), see so much promise. The stimulus of fun in action expectantly help “rewire” young minds for a cleaner and happier earth.

The youth are a bundle of thoughts and passion — it amazes the volunteers of the said pilot project to no end.

Experts such as manager Michael Calaramo of the NUEBG, the search and rescue crew of the Philippine Air Force 505th SAR Grp and the SAR unit of the Philippine National Police-Ilocos Norte, and celebrity cake artists Ace and Kit Mandac of Ava’s Cakes and Partyshop were tapped to share their skills on select lively topics relevant to skill and idea building and empowerment.

New friendships were forged as well.

The 3 R’s and the concept of sustainabilty were introduced and practiced while at camp. A commemorative group tree planting activity before the graduation ceremonies made the event more meaningful.

On a personal note, words are not enough to describe how proud I am for the first campers for earth. The summer heat was not a damper to their spirits. Congrats, eco-campers!

Camp for Earth wishes to thank Viajero Outdoor Center in Cagayan de Oro for the outdoor gear gifts, Northwestern University President Ms. Liza Nicolas, Mrs. Erlinda Gloria, Raine Mateo Calucag, Philippine National Red Cross Ilocos Norte Chapter, the volunteers and facilitators, Ms. Alma Ajero, Crystal Dew, Leah’s Empanaditas, Red Dot, the NUEBG staff, Mr. Butch Nicolas, Mr. Reny Tan, the little campers and their parents.

Like Camp for Earth on Facebook.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

If you’ll remember, I hopped on a Partas bus to experience Chef Nic Rodriguez’s cookery in the town of Candon, almost the center of  the province of Ilocos Sur (story here). Just this afternoon, I hoped to catch him at his very new Rufino’s Cafe at the Arte Luna museum in Paoay. I missed him. Nevertheless, My friends and I sampled his fresh lumpia with sweet potatoes and lechon baka (roast beef) in pita bread and two of his famous desserts.

At his Bistro Candon garden, he showed me how to make fragrant taburkik bagoong. A special blend that is churned only with a piece of molave oar. I was surprised to see several bottles on the pasalubong shelves. Chef Nic said the fish is seasonal, so demand is hard to cope with. I got a bottle for some apple mangoes which are abundant in Laoag right now.

I loved the pita sandwich with ranchy dressing. The beef was very tender and not dry. His old-fashioned chocolate cake was so good the first time I had it in Candon. I had the whole big round cake to bring home, in fact, so my eyes were only for the brazo de Mercedes. One wasn’t enough. Like Chef Sandy’s famous line, “Sira ang diet!”

Rufino’s Cafe is walking distance from the UNESCO Wold Heritage Paoay Church. The cafe has a very Ilocano ambiance. Service is warm, though it seems the waiters are still learning the ropes.

Not related to Rufino’s, the cafe, something was just so turn-offish at the government structure’s comfort rooms. There is a particular restroom with a post that said: reserved for the ___ (the position of the public official). Making weight or call it by any other name:(

Photographed by Gilbert and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

We were in Pagudpud today and we couldn”t leave without eating at Bergblick. Sometimes it’s not just about wonderful food, but the warmth and realness of the people behind a restaurant.

Chef Detlev Cotte always springs new surprises. He suggested baked pork leg which is crisp on the outside and beautifully succulent on the inside, a bit like crispy pata minus the grease, and more like lechon, but sweeter and tastier. This German-style crispy shank is a must-try. I like the meat that sticks to the bone, I ate last:)

His sauerkraut platter, besides the Bergblick pan, is always on our list, but we only had room for a snack. And that snack turned into a big meal. Who can resist strawberries in this sizzling weather?

His waffles are so nice, dense, unlike soft cake, with a teeny weeny bit of chewiness to it. He made me a fresh strawberry soda:) Thanks, Bergblick!
 
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

We flaunt icons like jewels on a crown, celebrate life’s blessings and miracles with pomp. Do we truly care about our splendid coastal sands in Ilocos Norte?

I was furnished a copy of the letter of Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba to the Governor of  Ilocos Norte Imee Marcos, dated May 21, 2014, asking her assurance that black sand mining be not allowed in the province. The Catholic bishop stresses that long term effects of black sand mining on our land and the community outweigh whatever financial gains we may benefit from.

Prior to the provincial government’s position on black sand mining. PENRO Juan de los Reyes, insisted “there has not been any black sand mining in Ilocos Norte for the past ten years, especially in our coastal areas.”  (Read here.)

In October last year, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Board passed a resolution banning black sand mining, enjoining the issuance of permits, urging the recall of permits already been issued and voiding all favorable endorsements by LGUs to mining applicants.

In a sudden turn of events, the same official, Board Member Joel Garcia, sponsors a new resolution “rationalizing the position of the Ilocos Norte government on black sand mining.” (Read full story here). He said “They don’t want to injure the rights of persons or entities engaged in legitimate black sand mining operations in the province.”

I thought there has been no black sand mining in the province of Ilocos Norte, like PENRO de los Reyes wrote.

It’s been told to us in a WWF study that the broad expanse of sand dunes stretching from Currimao to the north serves as a natural barrier from sea level rise and storm surge effects. We’ve been blessed in the north. The Ilocos sands are also rich in magnetite and other minerals, both onshore and offshore.

We have less forests to talk about, we’ve polluted our rivers in the north, we’ve traded our natural resources to ravenous souls

How do we really want to define our province?

Truth or folklore, the story of the inundated avaricious village, known today as Paoay Lake, should frighten man.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

I remember vividly. At the school auditorium while in college, I was tasked to represent my department in an extemporaneous speaking contest. The topic was activism taken to the streets. I went to the stage, greeted the audience, and then left the podium. Nothing would come out of my head. Here in Ilocos, peace was ordinary. Here in Ilocos, we were unspeaking. Here in Ilocos, a distinct, strong culture pervaded.

Gone are those days. Seeing firsthand the effects of man-made disasters allowed by people in power has put a point on the voice.

I remember a visit to the beach in Masintoc, Paoay, in 2006. Back then, I didn’t know that black sand mining was what I was witnessing. It looked like a huge construction site in the middle of paradise.

Today, I joined social and environmental activists representing the various sectors in the province. A calm unanimous protest against black sand mining in the province was lobbied at the Sanggunian Session Hall of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol.

A couple of SP members were present to tackle the issue and only two or three also voiced out their support for the environment.

In the course of deliberations, it was reported that sons of a government community development officer were given permits for large-scale mining explo in the towns of Dingras and Marcos. The very same government official vested the authority to serve and protect is supporting mining.

Along with the effort to protect the province from another Haiyan, let it be the start for public officials to “think of land as a community and not a commodity.”

I enjoin you, dear provincemates, to be vigilant.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Brandon drove me to Bacarra to scrutinize Petrina’s. Paul, my dear friend from Adams, has been egging me on to visit the shop. A tiny bite of their insane cassava cake left me hanging for quite a while. It was closed on Good Friday when I first went. A few days ago, another guy friend asked me to compare the Petrina’s carrot cake with another one that’s quite popular in Laoag. So in demand right now, from the grapevine, the 14-month old pasalubong shop is the object of desire of a rich and famous personality in Ilocos.

I got stoked to dig deeper into the sweet stuff.

A generous layer of caramel goes on top of pure yellow Ilocos balanghoy, the diket kind, which means there is a kilnet factor that adds up to the special quality of their cassava cake. The challenge is on how to make it stay soft for 7 days even with refrigeration, said Albert Tugade, the husband of baker Coney Orprecio, who was at their commissary somewhere in Bacarra.

Coney got her training in baking, cake decoration and other short courses from prominent culinary figures such as Heny Sison in a span of two years. For 12 years, the business was home-based; she took orders and made cakes for other people, before the husband and wife team put up shop in the balikbayan town of Bacarra.

Petrina’s was given a grant for product enhancement and packaging improvement by the Department of Science and Technology through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.

Currently, they are able to grate 1.2 tons of cassava in a month. Other than setting up a bigger store in Bacarra, as they want to preserve the novelty of being a traveler’s pit stop for pasalubong shopping, the couple’s focus is product development.

I bought Brandon his favorite leche flan. It looks rather ordinary from afar. Up close, the  syrup is a beautiful amber color. The texture is unlike jello. It is the real deal, much like tocino del cielo, rich but not too sweet.

A customer at the store suggested the ensaymada, but unfortunately they ran out of them. Another friend swears by the choco-banana loaf.

You might have seen this twist to carrot cake before. Coney likes to add freshly grated carrot. If you like it without stringy carrots like I do, it is as good because she uses only quality ingredients like walnuts, cream cheese, etc. The buttercream frosting has a tempered sweetness.

I’ll tell you about the ensaymada when I go again. Remember Petrina’s on your next trip to the north. You won’t miss the pink flags:)

Petrina’s Pastries & Delicacies National Highway, Brgy. 22 Bani, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte (8 kms north of Laoag City) Contact Nos: 077-676-0161 / 0922-815-9203

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

As of late, anti-mining protesters in Ilocos Norte can heave a sigh of relief with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s junking of a resolution that will favor black sand mining in Ilocos Norte. Citing environmental implications at a joint committee hearing in June, eco-warriors hailing from the different sectors in the province protested against the said resolution, rationalizing the position of the government of Ilocos Norte on black sand mining, passed by Board Member Joel Garcia.

The total ban on black sand mining stays.

I have to agree with Defend Ilocos that the collective courage displayed by the people of Ilocos Norte is very commendable and a model for mining-affected communities to follow.

Environment watchdogs in Ilocos Norte vow to fight all forms of mining and environment degradation.

Update: From Board Member Joel Garcia — the resolution rationalizing the position of the government of Ilocos Norte on black sand mining has been withdrawn.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

I have to confess to you, dear readers, I’ve been a biased blogger all these years. Out of my loyalty to the late Nana Carmen Dawang of Dawang’s Place, a favorite carinderia in Ilocos, I turned a blind eye to the other uber popular Lidamero’s on the same side of the road.

I met Jasper Pacapac Dawang of the Dawang’s clan and serendipity made its way. There is always a right time for anything.

After meeting with him at Lidamero’s (I paid my own food, btw), I can slap my own face with my own lechon lard-laden hand. Lidamero’s, or Jamiroze now, is a class of its own.

The Lidamero’s turo-turo (point-point) counter is fillled with very Ilocano dishes like monggo a ginisa, presko a baka (beef kilawen), igado, nateng, dinardaraan with crispy bagbagis, lechon and so much more. Tinuno a paltat (grilled catfish) and sinanglao (or paksiw) are the other bestsellers.

Their not too oily sinanglao is a different version, a very good version with very tender, tasty chunky beef. “Napalukneng a justo,” without the aid of pressure cooker, you’ll just know if you love eating.

I never knew there’s an everyday lechon place in town. That’s a big regret. I like Lidamero’s way of presenting the lechon which is cooked by them. The skin’s color and texture made me drool at first sight. The homemade Ilocano liver sauce and spoonful of lasona stuffing from the very roast pig are wonderful additions.

SinanglaoPresko a baka.

Jasper’s mom, Milagros, a native of Abra province, is hands-on with the eatery. She’s there Mondays to Sundays. Dad Rommel is the Dawang. Their son says, “Lidamero’s is all about the merging of two worlds — the Abreño and Ilocano cultures. He adds, “We build good relations with our customers and try our best to be the best in Laoag.” Lidamero’s is located near the Laoag-San Nicolas boundary.

Grilled catfish.

I recommend Lidamero’s or Jamiroze for authentic Ilocano food. It’s been around for 19 years. You won’t be disappointed. I love their budget-friendly prices too.

Lidamero’s (Jamiroze Eatery) National Highway, Nangalisan-A, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Palpalokada was the most picturesque place I’ve ever photographed. It captured the imagination of people when I first posted it on Facebook.

Three weeks after Ilocos Norte’s best-kept secret came out in the news, a television crew arranged a shoot for its inclusion in a feature story about the country’s paradise-like places.

Some people who have visited Palpalokada would compare, it’s the nearer alternative to say Batanes or Hawaii.

I’ve grown attached to the blog header. I still get a lot of inquiries about the location.

Several weeks ago, an in-flight magazine wanted to borrow my old photos they stumbled upon in the net. I declined on purpose. What is there to promote to the world when that perfect, unusual landscape that Ilocanos thought they never had has been altered and can never be enjoyed whole again?

I liked the Bangui windmills when they were the only ones standing along the windy coastline. They launched a million photographs. Those were the first in Southeast Asia.

Burgos and Caparispisan, Pagudpud, are the next hosts to industrial wind turbines. With a second and a third wind farm in progress, the appeal of wind turbines has turned cloying.

Wind is free, we know. But to the larger majority of residents in Ilocos Norte, there is no direct benefit. Power is sold to the grid and we buy power from the coop.

The turbines reduce greenhouse gases, we understand. But has it even occurred in the minds of the leaders that their constituents need to be consulted when hundreds of hectares of land to accommodate these gigantic turbines are compromised?

Is it enough that the project is labeled green?

What happens to an ecosystem that has been disturbed?

I say goodbye to the unsullied beauty of Palpalokada. Forever blown away in the wind.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

With the dawning of the digital age, we talk and talk more through pictures. We’ve flooded the social media with our duck faces, crossed eyes, peace signs, hand hearts, jump shots, hahah, amusing antics (sometimes costly) and, well, our restless wandering feet. The advent of the monopod, GoPro, sophisticated drone, and whatnot, have made us even more ambitious and extreme to feed our wanderlust. We want ourselves to be part of that most picturesque tree, the most cottony clouds, the most mysterious territory and so on. The whole selfie thing has turned many to be masters of details. And we’re all loving it.

Check out the most uncontrived places for a selfie in Ilocos Norte. You can scale a mountain or, perhaps, just stand over the Patapat Viaduct.

Once and again, a picture says a thousand words. Find your piece of heaven.

Saud Beach Cove

Balaoi, Pagudpud

Mt. Palemlem, Adams

Anuplig Falls, Adams

Lover’s Peak, Adams

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos

Tanap-Avis Falls, Burgos

Bangui Windmills

Solsona-Apayao Road

Laoag “La Paz” Sand Dunes

The Paoay Church

And, of course, the coastal villages.

And the countryside.

*With major thanks to Dei Cimatu, Phillip Co, Irma Tan, Arthur Valiente, Eugene Tan, Ericke Tan, Hembee Josa, Ivon Domingo, Dennis Torrecampo, JR Borja, Elizer Manuel, Glenn Tumaneng, LEAD Movement, Luis Monroy, Jao, Eloissa Natividad for the selfies.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The REFMAD Farms of the Dacuycuys will always have a special place in the heart of the author of BlauEarth. She has witnessed how the humble hut, surrounded by varying heights of dragon fruit posts, has been markedly reduced in prominence over the years. The baby of Ms. Edita Dacuycuy is now a lady, ever blooming and ripening.

From time to time, Ms. Edita is able to leave the farm to her daughter Mildred aka Mimie (her co-planner and gal Friday since day one) and travel and share the good news about how growing dragon fruit in Ilocos has helped not only her family, but other farmers and communities as well, besides the healthy benefits of this high value crop.

The well-loved farmer in Ilocos Norte has made a significant contribution to tourism — the bucolic yet contemporary destination continues to attract visitors from all walks of life.

Mimie shares with us photos from one of the international exhibits and expositions REFMAD Farms has participated in. She carries the nation’s colors everywhere she goes. She’s met many wonderful people (like Chef Gaita Fores, in photo below) and learned significant global trends and techniques that she wishes to adopt and practice in the farm. “Her hands are full,” Mimie says when asked if her mom is ready to leave the nitty gritty to her.

The brainchild of Mimie, the just concluded first Dragon Fruit Picking festival at the farm (the start of a yearly thing) was well-attended by friends and dragon fruit fans, and covered by both national and local media. I was actually the last picker at the 5-day festival. I liked it because I was able to sit down with her for the first time. It was always Tita Edita who taught me the things I needed to learn about dragon fruit.

The hardworking duo behind the successful REFMAD Farms wish they have more time for all the things they haven’t done yet. With a lot of TLC, quality soil and, yes, music (you have to go there to believe), they are able to harvest 10-12 times in 6 months. Their ice cream and vegan dragon fruit lumpia (that tastes like meat) are attractions in themselves. Their dragon fruit wine was featured at Sofitel. Their vinegar is also doing well.

Ripe for the picking: my fruit.It’s sweet and fruity, but interestingly, it makes a very good cider when it  ages.

International exhibit photos courtesy of Mildred Dacuycuy
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

A package was waiting at my desk. The pretty card read – from Kit M. (of Ava’s). I was envisioning a custom cake. Open sesame… a cake without the froufrou! I honestly thought it was a joke. However, upon close scrutiny, I see the moistest-looking fruitcake.

I was told later that the classic cake is from Chef Nic Rodriguez of Bistro Candon and Rufino’s in Paoay. Drenched in rum, the tiny cake is a bundle of love. Thanks, Kit!

A normcore kind of day:)

{Mango button down, Cotton On rolled shorts, Marc Jacobs bean bag, Bensimons}

Photographed by Shirley and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

When spontaneity hits, Chef Nic Rodriguez’s Rufino’s is our new go to for desserts. We had the Bailey’s and chocolate cakes first. For dessert, we split a Caesar salad, roast beef pita and Sunny Vigan Pizza. Hahah, I know! An instance when cakes make good appetizers. The ant sculpture just gave me the idea to make ant our totem.

The Sunny Vigan Pizza is not for everyone. It has egg in the middle, and normally Vigan longaniza has that quirky smell. The ham bits add a salty kick. It makes a savory breakfast food.

You can’t go wrong with their Caesar salad, one of the best in Ilocos. I already did a post on the roast beef pita a couple of months back. It’s like shawarma with ranch dressing.

I like the cafe’s ambiance better at night. Even the well-lit Paoay Church photographs so well.

That sucks! Who does that to a UNESCO World Heritage Site?Laoag by night..

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Yesterday, with some 300 students, I went to vote at the first ever forum on BLACK SAND MINING at the Northwestern University New Media Hall.

Ilocanos protested all forms of mining at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall back in June (here). In spite of Board Member Joel Garcia’s withdrawal of his infamous resolution (here), the threat of black sand mining in the province continues to hang over.

Representing DEFEND Ilocos, Madonna Rabang Peta was instrumental in bringing an art and photo exhibit by students in Ilocos Sur. Also one of the panelists, she gave a clear-cut presentation of the mining status in the Ilocos Region

Co-guest panelist Arthur Valente of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte says — there should be more follow-ups for fora on environmental threats and degradation, especially for the young minds to ponder on.

Anti-mining advocates, Ilocos Times columnist Steve Barreiro and Patrick Cerezo of the Kabataan party-list served as reactors.

Atty. Joel Garcia assured the attendees that he will not support black sand mining, not now, and in the future, garnering him a courteous applause.

Says Shermon Cruz, convenor of the black sand mining forum, organized by the KWAGO Society.

The “revealing” discussion on Black Sand Mining this afternoon is bit better in “content and context” than the SP Public Hearing we had a few months back. What was presented were real data, assessments, intensive research, case studies, immersion experiences, personal stories, legal and media views on black sand mining and its real (not potential) impacts. Students, professors and concerned citizens were exposed to real NGO-GO-GA-NGA-PO-Party list-Media talks and dynamics of mining (small and large scale), quarrying, public safety and risks, environmental governance, government enforcement issues, impact to poverty incidence, food security, public safety, resilience, climate change and others. Student questions were direct and reactions were straight to the point.

Sharing my journey as a LEAD Movement member.Taking out the black in black sand and the verdant in nature.
Photos by DEFEND Ilocos, LEAD Movement , Shermon Cruz and BlauEarth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Something wonderful came up. I met this guy on the phone ‘coz I had to inquire about a hexacam, and then a beautiful inspiring story started to unfold. I was up on the computer the whole afternoon, talking to him about life and his newfound passion for photography.

Not enough to ruin his spirit, his unfortunate first break more than a year ago led him to strive hard to be one of Ilocos Norte’s sought-after photographers and videographers, though he still calls himself a newbie.

Alvin Cariaso was born in Apayao. His dad passed away when he was still a small boy. He and his mother moved to Laoag in the 90s. As if trying to tell him something, he also eventually lost his mother and a sister, making him a complete orphan. In his own words, he says, “I used to be happy-go-lucky.”

He has a masters in information technology from the St. Paul University in Tuguegarao. Trying to make both ends meet, before his current teaching position at Northwestern University, he worked as merchandiser, and then supervisor at a gas station He now finds inspiration from his two children, a boy and a girl.

Q&A with Alvin Cariaso

What sparked your passion for photography?

I started photography in Sept 2012. I had difficulties in setting the camera because I don’t have formal education in photography. I bought a camera for personal use. I’m a hobbyist. I used to play with remote-controlled helicopters and planes. My cousin, who was doing photography, brought me along to his wedding shoots until the time that I was given my own chance to shoot, but without pay. I always got laughed at by my cousin, so every time I would go home from school, because I also teach at Northwestern University, I stay on the net to learn from YouTube tutorials. I mustered courage to ask one of my students if we could shoot. That was the pilot testing of the photography skills I gained from YouTube. I didn’t even know how to edit  back then. One of my relatives was getting married and offered to hire me as photographer. Minimum charge lang and a collaboration with my photographer cousin. I consider it a failure. I didn’t finish the layouts ‘coz my cousin lost the files. After that, I decided to move on and told myself — it is time to stand on my own two feet. I hired talents with gadgets, ‘pag may offer, til I was able to invest in new equipment.

What is Lente Iloco all about?

Lente Iloco is a photography and videography group that caters to any occasion for Ilocanos.

Do you enjoy your work?

Much.

Do you always have a camera with you even on ordinary days?

Yes, especially when I travel.

Portraiture or landscape photography?

Portraiture.

What can you tell photographers who are just starting?

Be creative, be yourself, be a natural. Never stop innovating. Be a warrior. In everything we do, dapat may tiyaga.

Alvin’s Work