inspired by the discovery of a family of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle inside a forest in Davao, Mindanao, Philippines

Molawin Creek in Mount Makiling flows from midmontane part of the rainforest and downstream to the UPLB Campus. During the rainy season the sound of gushing waters dominate the sounds along the trail. In the drier months the flow brings calming sounds of a gentle stream.

inspired by the Mudspring, an acidic hot spring in Mount Makiling, Laguna Province, the Philippines. Local mythology says a goddess, Mariang Makiling, guards the forest. Despite the sulfurous fumes, the site, along with surrounding little mudpots, amazes me.

inspired by a river flowing through a forest

Widespread destruction of lives, sources of income and natural habitats - happening in the Philippines and in other places in the world right now are products of human activities - worsening as climate change increasingly approaches the point of no return. It reminds me of the Cree Indian saying: "Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money." This haiku paraphrases it.

The Philippines just experienced its 21st typhoon this year, from last Tuesday until today, 12 November 2020. Locally named Ulysses (International name: Vamco), it is the 7th in a succession of destructive tropical cyclones within just 6 weeks. Climate change is real.

Dedicated to an Indian rubber tree planted in front of the Biological Sciences Building (LB Uichanco Hall) in the University of the Philippines Los Baños, from where I collected the type specimens of my first new species of mealybug.