Piapot is still in awe… 
I was assigned to do field work for our student publication for the 5th Philippine Bird Festival held at Balanga City, Bataan last October 8-10. And honestly, I wasn’t really that ecstatic about the fact that I will do it the first time my mentor have told me to do so.
First, I was 100% sure that people will be flooding all corners of the streets. If I haven’t blogged about it, I do have a little thing about crowding, sort of a mild claustrophobia (I can’t stand a trip inside an elevator for a long time!). Second, it will be very tiring because I have to run around and take some pictures to cover the event. And third, I have to interview big people, which is not really a bad idea, though what I was really worried about it is that they would be really hard to find and would be hesitant to be interviewed. But…
Piapot was W-R-O-N-G.
The event was a blast. I really never imagined that I would really have a good time covering the event. Yes, I was tired from all of the running and walking plus carrying the EOS 500D DSLR. But it was all worth it.
People were flooding the streets during the parade, but it wasn’t that hard for me to go around and take some shots. I was also able to interview big people, like Ace Durano, Department of Tourism Secretary; Mike Lu, president of the Wild Birds Club of the Philippines; Mr. Robert Brinks, Ambassador of the Netherlands; and of course our city mayor, Mr. Joet Garcia; and have fun with a lot of bird enthusiasts from all over the world not to mention hanging around with great bird watchers and photographers
Sir Alain Pascua and Sir Jun Onas! And the best part about it is that they were really warm and welcoming, aside from the fact that they are brilliant people who cares not only for bird watching and the conservation of birds, but the conservation of the environment and the ecosystem as a whole, educating the public of its importance and its life contribution to mankind.
this photo is by Sir Alain Pascua
What I really can’t forget about this fact is that these people from all around the world came to Balanga City, in the far off place of province of Bataan, with no personal interests, no ego tripping, no manipulation, no corruption, but just one caring voice - “Preserve what’s left.Replace what’s lost. Love Birds. Love animals. Love the environment.”
With the purpose of the 5th Philippine Bird Festival to raise awareness about the conservation of the planet and its animals, I do believe that it was attained with flying colors. Why? Because before, I am reallynot fund of birds, but after 2 days and a half, I love them already. I am an advocate of the preservation of the environment and animals way before, though I am raising the level a little bit higher now by volunteering for the reforestation of Bataan.
Let’s love the environment. Not so much is left of our lands. Let us be one for its conservation. So that for the next generations to come, children will still be able to be in awe of how beautiful this world is.
Dipped in Milk