Join the Fight to save our seas

*gets on sparkly pink soapbox*

June 8 is World Oceans Day as well as Blog Action Day. The upshot of which is this:

If you would like to bring awareness to the plight of our marine ecosystems or find a way to help/volunteer/pass legislation/create noise/fight the good fight then please head to the Save Philippine Seas group page on Facebook and join up.

On Twitter, search the hashtag #reefwatchph to keep updated on what's been going on the last few weeks.

*gets off sparkly pink soapbox*

And now I leave you with some photos taken on various dives and snorkeling trips in the country.


Coron, Palawan













Panglao, Bohol














Panglao, Bohol












One of thousands of stingless jellyfish in Suhoton Cove just off Siargao Island.












Butanding, Donsol.











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It's Baaaack! The Ugly Postcard Contest.

Some of you know that I am an active member of a travel message board filled with lovely people (and our fair share of freaks). About five years ago, I casually posted a message there about my love of snail mail - especially postcards. Long story short: to date, I have received over 100 postcards from all over the world. Cool beans. Some from people I have come to see as friends. Others from total strangers just willing to send a postie junkie her snail mail fix. They range from scenic travel shots to witty one-liners to self-designed. And I love them all.

And so I launched the Ugly Postie Contest. I gave everyone a month and a half to send me the ugliest/tackiest postcard they could get their hands on. I picked my top three. And had everyone help me decide on the winner. The winner -- a wonderful person who usually has amazingly good taste -- received a prize in the mail.

I wasn't in the mood to throw a contest in 2009 and I totally forgot to in 2010. But I think I'm up for it this year. So, everyone interested, you have a month and a half to send me the fugliest, tackiest, campiest postcards you can find. Send me a message to get my address. Winner will receive a special prize.

Below is a sample of one of the postcards that made it to the winner's circle. Gotta love the grass-lined roof.

One Day I'd Like to Do This For Pinay Surfers

Record numbers turn out for the Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing days in Bali

29 May 2011, Double Six beach Legian – Bali.

Bright sky’s and perfect 2 -3ft waves decorated Sunday morning at Double 6 beach Legian, Bali for the 2011 Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing day.

A record breaking 130 girls of all ages and nationality turned out from as far away as Malaysia and Thailand to register and join the annual Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day now in its 8^th year.

The day began with registration at 9.30 followed by the first class of the day ready hit the surf at 10.30. Joining the lesson were Rip Curl facebook photo competition winners from Jakarta who had won an all expenses paid trip from Jakarta by posting pictures of themselves to Rip Curl’s fan page. Girls started out with a warm-up and stretching followed by basic standing, positioning on the surfboard and how to paddle. The introduction was made by Rip Curl School of Surf Pro instructor Jonathan Deaker who made all the girls feel right at home with his relaxed and fun spirit before they took to the perfect clean waves.

While the first group was getting amongst the action on the water, the beach scene was hotting-up with fun and games to win top prizes, girls having manicures, body massages and temporary tattoos in the specially designed beauty booth.

As the third and final session of the afternoon came to a close around 3pm, live music kicked-in on the stage and the crowds of girls gathered to dance together to a hot salsa music lessons with fun choreographer and dance instructor.

A beach BBQ added to a perfect afternoon of fun and games in true Rip Curl style with hot dogs and cold drinks ready to feed the hungry girls.

To end the day on stage, the prize giving of the Coca Cola ISC Women Division Tour was announced with Rip Curl team rider Diah Rahayu Dewi taking first place starting her 2011 campaign on a high note. The presentation was followed up with some special awards for best wipe-out, best ride and best style that was won by Rip Curl’s media guest’s form Thailand and Malaysia.

“It was a great start for the women's pro tour. We had some good waves and the girls were challenged but showed that they are more than motivated and are frothing to compete. We are looking forward to a tough and challenging competition for the 2011 women’s championship.” (Tim Hain - Media Director- Coca-Cola ISC Tour)

Thanks to Rip Curl’s co - sponsors and media partners; GUS, All Seasons Legian Hotel, Rip Curl School Of Surf, Coca Cola ISC, OZ radio, JUICE, Magic Wave, Sister Girlfriend and Go girl.