Citizens’ photos of oil spill can help marine scientists save our seas

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Researchers are banking on Filipinos’ inherent love of photography and social media, bringing everyone together through collaborative “citizen science” to help save the country’s precious marine resources from the ravages of a recent disastrous oil spill.

The public is encouraged to send photos of the MT Princess Empress oil spill, along with a description and location to https://bit.ly/MTPE_GPS. Scientists can use this information to improve their understanding of the disaster and to make better forecast models. (Photo credit: UPD-CS SciComm)

The University of the Philippines - Diliman Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) is rallying the public to use their mobile phones to help get a better idea of the extent of the oil spill from the tanker MT Princess Empress, which sank last February 28 off the coast of Naujan, Occidental Mindoro.

The simple act of taking a photo and uploading it along with the time and location will be used by the researchers as starting points for their forecast models, complemented by data from other sources including satellite images and computer simulations. (The submission form can be found here: https://bit.ly/MTPE_GPS)

“It’s as easy as uploading your favorite photo to social media,” said UPD-CS MSI Associate Professor Irene Rodriguez. “We need continuous monitoring for the presence of oil along the coasts to inform our models. All you have to do is send us your photo of the oil spill, along with when and where the picture was taken.”

 

A sample photograph from a concerned citizen pointing to spots of oil on a beach. The photographer also volunteered when and where the photo was taken, to help scientists develop more accurate forecasts. (Photo credit: Denmark Recamora / Blue Alliance)

The UPD-CS MSI’s team of experts has been working closely around the clock with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) alongside other universities, government agencies, and stakeholders in a race to address the Mindoro oil spill and stop it from spreading.

Such public-sourced initiatives, often called “citizen science” and “citizen journalism,” are regularly used around the world to tap into the local knowledge of people on the ground to help build up a better understanding of oftentimes complex, large-scale phenomena. The US Geological Survey’s (USGS’s) “Did You Feel It?”, for example, aggregates public responses and social media mentions to assess and understand the impact of recent earthquakes. National Geographic Magazine also lists several citizen science initiatives in which even gradeschool kids can participate, from reef monitoring to space exploration.

Meanwhile, citizen journalism has long been a staple of online reportage in the Philippines as far back as 2009, when local news websites had to rely heavily on social media posts for updates on the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy.

The public is encouraged to contribute geotagged images of the MT Princess Empress oil spill through this form: https://bit.ly/MTPE_GPS. The use of a GPS-enabled phone and a GPS camera app such as “GPS Map Camera” (available on Google Play and the Apple Store) are recommended so that geotag location data can be preserved.

Revisiting the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

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Probably the biggest and oldest musical instrument of its kind, the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is a unique and remarkable device that has captured the attention of music enthusiasts and history buffs around the world. Considered as a Philippine National Treasure, the bamboo organ can be found in its home inside the St. Joseph Church in Las Piñas City in Metro Manila. The organ is renowned for its beautiful sound and unique construction, which uses bamboo as its primary material.




History of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. The organ was built by Las Piñas residents led by the Spanish missionary Fr. Diego Cera, who arrived in the Philippines in 1795. Fr. Cera was a member of the Franciscan Order and was assigned to the St. Joseph Parish in Las Piñas, where he was tasked with the construction of a new church.

The sound of the bamboo and its availability as the main material for the organ's construction during those times were said to have motivated Fr. Cera, who was well-known for his musical ability and enthusiasm in the creation of musical instruments. On the other hand, the German Jesuit priest Fr. Ignacio Villanueva, who constructed a pipe organ in Manila in the 18th century, reportedly taught him how to construct pipe organs.

The bamboo used for the construction of the organ was harvested from the nearby Las Piñas and Zapote forests. The bamboo was carefully selected based on its thickness and sound quality. Fr. Cera used a special technique to treat the bamboo, which involved soaking it in saltwater and drying it in the sun for several months. This process helped to preserve the bamboo and improve its durability.







Construction of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

The construction of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ began in 1816 and was completed in 1824. The organ consists of 1,031 bamboo pipes, ranging in length from 8 inches to 16 feet, and is controlled by a keyboard with 13 ranks and 14 stops. The organ is housed in a wooden case with ornate carvings and decorations, which were crafted by local artisans.

Given the limited resources and technology available at the time, the creation of the Las Pias Bamboo Organ was a remarkable accomplishment. The inventiveness and imagination of Fr. Cera, along with the craftsmanship of the Filipino artisans, led to the creation of a musical instrument that was not only unique but also beautiful and functional.








Short history of the Bamboo Organ

1816 - Cutting of the bamboo and selection of wood

1821 - Completion of the Bamboo Organ, except for the reed stops

1824 - Addition of the 122 horizontal reed pipes

1880 - Bamboo Organ and Church severely damaged by three earthquakes. The Bamboo Organ is disassembled and the pipes are placed in the old sacristy

1882 - A typhoon blows up the roof, the chest of the Bamboo Organ suffers additional damages

1888 - The church is rebuilt. However, the Bamboo Organ remains unplayable for the next decades

1911 - The Bamboo Organ is rediscovered by tourists

1917 - Only two stops of the Bamboo Organ are repaired

1932 - An electric motor is installed to supply the wind

1943 - Partial repairs are made; 1961 - Additional partial repairs are made

1972 - Award of the contract for the restoration of the Bamboo Organ to Johannes Klais Orgelbau KG in Bonn, Germany

1973 - (June 29) The complete Bamboo Organ is shipped to Bonn Germany

1975 - (Feb 17) The restored Bamboo Organ is played again for the first time at the Klais factory in Bonn, Germany

1975 - (March 13) The complete Bamboo Organ is flown back to the Philippines via Sabena Airlines

1975 - (May 9) Inaugural concert of the Bamboo Organ by Wolfgang Oehms, an organist of the Trier Cathedral, Germany

(Source: Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Museum)





The Sound of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

The soft, mellow tone of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ's distinctive and alluring sound is reminiscent of the sounds of nature. The adaptability of the organ allows it to play a variety of musical genres, including classical, religious, and folk music. It has been utilized in numerous concerts and events through the years.

The organ's unique sound is due to its bamboo pipes, which produce a warmer and softer tone than traditional metal pipes. The bamboo pipes also have a natural vibrato that gives the organ its distinctive sound. The sound of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is further enhanced by the acoustics of the St. Joseph Church, which was designed to amplify and enhance the organ's sound.









The Significance of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is more than just a musical instrument. It is a cultural and historical landmark of the Philippines and an important symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage. The organ has survived earthquakes, typhoons, and wars, and has become a symbol of resilience and perseverance.

The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is also a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Filipino people. It is a remarkable and unique musical instrument that embodies the ingenuity, creativity, and cultural heritage of the Filipino people.

On the other hand, the construction of the organ, using bamboo as the primary material, is a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of early Las Piñas residents, who have long been known for their ability to make the most out of limited resources.




How to get to the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is located inside the Saint Joseph Parish at 1742 Quirino Avenue, Las Piñas City.

From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), there are several ways to get to the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ from the, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some of the most common options:

Taxi or Ride-hailing Service - This is the most convenient and quickest way to get to the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ from NAIA. You can either hail a taxi, for a metered fare, or book a ride-hailing service such as Grab or Angkas. The ride will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Private Car Rental - If you prefer to have your own car and driver, you can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies located at the airport. This option is more expensive than taking a taxi or ride-hailing service, but it offers more flexibility and convenience.

Public Transportation - For a more budget-friendly option, you can take public transportation from NAIA to Las Piñas. From the airport, take the airport shuttle bus or jeepney to Baclaran or Pasay. From there, take a bus or jeepney to Las Piñas. Once you reach Las Piñas, you can take a tricycle or taxi to the St. Joseph Church where the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is located.

From LRT Line 1: Take the Light Rail Transit Line 1, from Roosevelt Station to Baclaran Station, and get off at the Baclaran Station. From there ride a bus (Moonwalk or SM Southmall) or jeepney going to Alabang-Zapote (Please note NOT to ride the jeepney with the "via COASTAL" signage and to choose “via QUIRINO” instead).

From Alabang: Ride the traditional or modern jeep with the signboard Las Piñas bayan or Baclaran via Kabihasnan and alight in front of the St. Joseph Cathedral.

To commute by bus from Alabang, ride the PITX bus beside Starmall Alabang and ask the conductor to drop you off before Zapote flyover. From Zapote, ride the jeepneys heading to Las Piñas bayan or Baclaran via Kabihasnan/San Dionisio.

From España or Quezon Avenue: Take a jeep going to Lawton. Alight at the Philippine Post Office. From there take a UV Express to Alabang-Zapote.

It is also important to note that traffic conditions in Metro Manila can be unpredictable, and it is best to plan your trip accordingly, especially if you have a specific time schedule. It is also recommended to travel during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic congestion.















Other sites to visit

Adjacent the Saint Joseph Parish is a museum dedicated to the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. Here visitors can learn more about the history and challenges of having and maintaining the Philippine National Treasure. There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and memorabilia of the one-of-a-kind musical instrument.







Just a few steps away from the museum is the Caritas’ Segunda Mana, where visitors can shop quality second-hand items and clothing at a very cheap price. Plus, you can ask for a more reasonable discount from the very friendly and accommodating store cashier. (PIA-NCR)


Written By Jerome Carlo Paunan

Photos by Jumalynne V. Doctolero/PIA-NCR

*Special thanks to the Offices of Las Piñas Mayor Imelda "Mel" Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, and the Public Information Office

The Best Desert Holiday Destinations in the World

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Vacations in the desert have a special attraction that is difficult to resist. It is the perfect location for individuals seeking seclusion and relaxation because of the wide expanse of sand, the calmness of the desert, and the stark beauty of the scenery. Here are a few of the world's top desert vacation spots.

The Namib Desert, Namibia

The Namib Desert, which has some of the highest sand dunes in the world, is a region of ethereal beauty and intrigue. With their rich red color brought on by the oxidation of iron in the sand, the dunes themselves are a wonder. Unique vegetation and animals, such as the elephant and oryx, which have evolved into the desert, can be found only in the desert. The area can be explored on foot, in a hot air balloon, or with a 4x4 car. The greatest times to go are at sunrise and sunset when the sand's hues radically change and produce an astounding show of nature's beauty.

 
The Sahara Desert, North Africa

The well-known Sahara Desert is located in eleven nations in Africa. With daytime highs over 120°F and nightly lows almost zero, it is a location of extremes. In spite of this, the Desert is home to an unexpectedly large number of species, including camels, hyenas, and even the very endangered Saharan cheetah. Tourists can experience the desert in a variety of ways, such as camel riding, sandboarding, and spending the night in a traditional Bedouin camp.

 
Wadi Rum, Jordan

The desert wilderness of Wadi Rum is found in southern Jordan and is well-known for its breathtaking red sandstone formations and connections to the fabled Lawrence of Arabia. Visitors can see prehistoric rock art and engravings, as well as the ruins of Roman and Nabatean settlements, in this special setting that combines natural beauty with cultural history. Cameleer riding, rock climbing, and desert jeep tours are among the Wadi Rum attractions.

 
The Atacama Desert, Chile

One of the most breathtaking desert landscapes on earth is found in Chile's northern Atacama Desert. With less than 1 inch of rain falling there each year, it is the world's driest non-polar desert. The Atacama is home to a variety of fauna, including flamingos, vicunas, and foxes, despite the harsh environment. Tourists may discover the Atacama's distinctive geography, which includes geysers, hot springs, and salt flats, as well as the area's colorful culture and gastronomy.

 
The Thar Desert, India

The northwest region of India and the eastern region of Pakistan are home to the Thar Desert, a special place. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Great Indian Bustard and the Indian wild ass. The native food, which includes meals like dal-baati-churma and ker-sangri, may be enjoyed by visitors, and they can ride camels across the desert, experience the local communities' traditional music and dance, and explore the desert on their own. However, you need to do these things with a local, so finding experts in desert adventure in India is the only way to make the most of your time in the Thar Desert.

 
The Mojave Desert, USA

The Mojave Desert is a region of stark beauty and distinctive geology in the southwest of the United States. Many plants and animals can be found there, including the well-known Joshua tree. From the enormous sand dunes at the Kelso Dunes to the towering rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park, tourists may discover the distinctive scenery of the Desert. Outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and off-road driving are also available in the vicinity.

The Gobi Desert, Mongolia

The huge Gobi Desert extends into sections of northern and western China as well as southern Mongolia. With its soaring sand dunes, historic rock formations, and distinctive animals, including the rare snow leopard, it is a destination of breathtaking natural beauty. Travelers to the Gobi can stay in yurts to experience the nomadic lifestyle, see historic Buddhist monasteries and caves, and eat traditional Mongolian food like buuz and khorkhog.

 
The Simpson Desert, Australia

In the center of Australia, there is a sparsely populated area known as the Simpson Desert. One of the hottest and driest deserts in the world, it frequently reaches temperatures above 100°F. Despite this, the Simpson is home to a wide range of unusual fauna, including the mulgara and the spinifex hopping mouse. A picturesque flight over the dunes, a 4x4 desert tour, or an immersion in the local Aboriginal culture are all options for tourists.

 
The Rub' al Khali Desert, Saudi Arabia

One of the biggest sand deserts in the world, the Rub' al Khali Desert, often called the "Empty Quarter," spans parts of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. It is a breathtaking location with huge sand dunes that can rise more than 800 feet. Visitors can experience the traditional Bedouin way of life by living in a desert camp, riding camels across the desert, or flying over the dunes in a hot air balloon.

 
The Taklamakan Desert, China

Around 130,000 square miles of land make up the Taklamakan Desert, which may be found in western China.Extreme weather is common there, with lows below zero and highs of over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Despite this, a variety of unusual wildlife, including the Bactrian camel and the desert hedgehog, call the Taklamakan home. Tourists can ride camels through the desert, discover the historic Silk Road cities of Kashgar and Dunhuang, or engage with the local Uyghur culture.

 

The world's deserts provide an abundance of unmatched natural beauty, unusual animals, and cultural experiences. Each desert has its own unique personality and allure, from the towering sand dunes of the Namib and Rub' al Khali to the rough terrain of the Mojave and Simpson. Tourists can enjoy the traditional traditions and cuisines of the local populations while exploring the deserts on foot, by a 4x4 vehicle, or while riding camels. A trip to a desert region is a great choice whether you're looking for adventure, leisure, or cultural enrichment.