Lolong: The Largest Salt-Water Crocodile Ever Caught

This blog entry is in response to ABS-CBN special report for Lolong aired Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Lolong is a giant salt-water crocodile 21  ft. long and weighs about 1 ton. He was captured at the age of 50. Meaning he may be roaming the water since 1961.

Locals of Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur marshes confirmed sightings of this giant crocodile for a long time. Locals have been heard said that some are injured by various crocodile attacks. But when a beheaded corpse of a child has been found which was whole heatedly blamed on the giant crocodile of the marshes. Soon, a fisherman was found missing and the giant croc was soon blamed for this too after being sighted killing a water buffalo.

After 3 weeks of hunting, the giant crocodile was captured by 30 men on September 4, 2011 and was temporarily detained in Bunawan, Agusan Del Norte.

Lolong is named after Ernesto "Lolong" Coñate, a Palawan hunter who led the team tasked to catch the monster crocodile. Coñate died of a heart attack during the operation. As a tribute, the people all thought to name the giant croc after the man.

With a little research for myself, I found out that Lolong is now transferred to a Wildlife preserve in Agusan Del Sur. Despite the involvement of DENR on the matter, Lolong has shown but a little movement while in his new captivity but has refused to eat since capture.

Experts say that salt-water crocodiles are extremely territorial and that Lolong's poor response to his environment is because of this. Now, the giant crocodile faces a new threat as he may have suffered serious injuries in regards to the method of his capture and may detain his recovery by not eating.

In addition to this, he is stressed regarding all that has happened to him and so soon after his capture the gates are now opened for the public viewing of said crocodile.

This has been met by a huge outrage by animal lovers and PETA is now shouting about the release of Lolong back to its natural habitat. Being 50 years of age, Lolong is now old and may have trouble adjusting to his new life. It is also feared that Lolong may have the same fate as Rio, a huge crocodile caught in Palawan who died soon after its capture due to injuries and sickness.

Lolong is also suspected to have a mate or offspring of his own. Agusan locals still believe that another giant crocodile still roams the marshes and now, crocodile hunters have been coming in to town for the frenzy. Locals think it only right to rid them of the threat that are the salt-water crocodiles of the Agusan Marshes.

Animal rights activists think that Lolong may have responded to the overcrowding of its natural habitat. Bunawan, Agusan Del Norte is a poverty-striken town and a huge population of the people get a living out of the fishes caught on the marshes. Some have also gotten the habit of living on the water themselves. Experts believe that the wildlife crocs feel the decline on the supply of its natural prey so that it adapted to other sources of food in the area. The animals of the locals or if they can get them, the locals themselves.

I strongly believe that Lolong should be returned to his natural habitat and provide protection for him and his species. Salt-water crocodiles weren't meant to be kept in enclosures and be displayed for the public not knowing the effects it would give to Lolong. Above all, if the animal itself responds negatively to its capture, the opposite must be done in order to assist it in surviving longer and being there for the next generation to behold and cherish in the future.

For one thing, the institution to which he is detained is not qualified to meet Lolong's needs conducive to his natural habitat. He is used to eating live prey and that may be the reason he is not eating the food given to him on the wild life preserve. He may also be used to a big area to roam around and also deeper waters to submerged itself in it. Also, some may think that it misses its family. But Lolong cant be mixed with the other salt-water crocs on the preserve since the keepers still dont know the diseases he may carry from the Marshes.

The authorities of Bunawan are now waiting for the Guinness Book team to confirm that Lolong is the biggest salt-water crocodile caught alive in the whole world. The only known croc to rival Lolong is of "Cassius Clay," a brute named after the famed Afro-American heavy weight boxer, was caught in the wilds of Australia's Northern Territories in 1984.

Safe Haven By Nicholas Sparks

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival arises questions about her past. Beautiful, yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie being to fall in love, she struggles with a dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her... a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport.

With Jo's empathetic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards... and that in the darkest hour; love truly is the only safe haven.

Nicholas Sparks has yet done it again. With this book, Katie, the heroine, has proven that even at your lowest point, even when you thought that you're all alone, love truly conquers all.

I can relate to this book quite closely as a similar thing has happened at some point in my life. When you feel like your getting the worst treatment in the world and you have no one to blame but yourself, this book will teach you how to feel good about yourself and to accept the mistakes that you've made and move on for the better.

This book made me realize the strength in me and not to wallow in self-blame and self-pity but instead try to do something for yourself instead of being subjected to the suffering.

BOOMZ 2.6

I would have lost my mind these past few months with no money, no job, no nothing to occupy my time except sleep and lounge around on my bed facebooking or twittering until I found out how to play those damned game requests on facebook you keep ignoring. I thought I'd try one or two. I tried family feud and Hero City for a while but I hated the crap out of it. Family Feud I can slightly enjoy but I didnt get the entertainment out of enlarging some effed up city full of super heroes with nothing to do but collect something.

When I tried out Boomz 2.6 that was a different story. Boomz as they say it is a new airland combat game thing with cute characters. Yeah its an aiming game. You can level up to 40 and increase your power by thousands through right metallurgy, synthesizing and fortification (which is another challenge in itself).

Meet and battle players all over the country. Get married and accomplish task all for the sake of glory. Additional scenes are there for those looking for more adventure defeating monsters and other creatures getting more challenging as you proceed to level up and be more powerful.

For all you guys looking for time killers online go to BOOMZ app in your facebook or go to www.mmog.asia.com and see BOOMZ and lots of other games from MMOG. Catch you guys online!

My Name in Black Gothic Letters :)

The realization of graduating didn't sink in when I heard from a friend that my name was posted on one of the school bulletin boards titled "Candidates for Graduation". It didn't sink it when my graduation pictures were taken nor when I saw it framed and in hard copy. It didn't sink in when I was sweaty and tired, standing in line, having my clearance slip signed. Nor did I feel it when we were up at our auditorium rehearsing, neither when I was fitting my gown and cap. I felt the actual graduation when, we were at PICC, about ready to toss our caps, victorious, diploma in hand. That half a minute of seeing all those graduation caps up in the air, was when I really felt the relief of all the hard work (can't really say "hard" for I graduated not caring about anything, just having fun). I could feel the happiness radiating from everyone and it seems all facial muscles were stuck to that stretched out grin not only from the triumphant students, but also, the faculty who felt they are responsible for half the victory and specially the audience, who were made up mostly of proud parents, head held high of finally achieving a lifelong goal of having their children step by step conquer higher education. I couldn't remember half of all the emotions I was feeling that moment. It was an emotional turmoil for all. Some were crying, some were laughing at each other. I felt happy mostly. Along with the feeling of excitement knowing I would be taking on a new challenge.There was the thirst to get going and prove myself to the world, especially to those who insisted I will never accomplish what I had that day.

There was no sadness at college. There were no tears from having to part with your friends like the drama there was at high school. Everybody was just happy it was over. No one cared if they didn't see each other again. Throughout college, goodbyes were inevitable. Everyone was used to seeing one person leave for some reason or another. Graduating from college wasn't a goodbye, it was a huge hello to a new world of the unknown professionalism of which, all students have had only but a brief glimpse of. Seeing that diploma in my hands, with my name written in Gothic black letters, I felt I owned the world and anything was possible. I couldn't wait to start earning my place in the society and proving I could be a success no matter what I had done in the past. There were a thousand possibilities, a thousand opportunities. I could conquer them all, I was king of the world!

1 month after graduation, I realized how very wrong I was. No new doors were opened for me, now that I can really call myself a professional. Yes, the strain of having to pass deadlines and do assignments were over, but the feeling of having nothing to do and nothing to look forward to for tomorrow was as more straining than all the school crap put together. Looking for a job was easy. They were everywhere, but choosing and finding the right one, was hell! When you start out having high expectations, you will most certainly be disappointed. Unless you're one of the people who are the exception to the rule, then you got it made. But as for the average lucky-go-happy kind of people, you will be eaten alive on the real world. Jobs are there but they are mediocre or do not live up to what you envision yourself doing. Jobs available offer low wages to trap ambitious graduates who think they are so great passing a company who is famous for the name. What they dont realize is that, the company, agency or whatever is trapping them, so the company could benefit from having fresh, eager and young, employees whom they can exploit by having them do overwhelming jobs or working for them 24/7 in exchange for low wages and crap benefits they wont ever get to use, plus the fresh grads would be so excited to even call themselves employed not to notice the exploitation.

Some, out of finding an easy way not get stuck in a rut, apply at call centers thinking that it would be an answer to their problems. I have nothing against the industry and to those who work there, I actually see great potential in working in a call center while waiting for a better job opportunity, but when you earn that much at a not so tiring job, except of course for the shifting schedules, some would doubt leaving an opportunity like that. They would choose to risk their health and subject themselves to a profession so far out of their chosen field of study, thereby wasting all their hard work of obtaining a college diploma and of course  disregarding all the skills acquired in the said studies.

With that in mind, here I am stuck at home doing nothing. Living day by day with nothing to look forward to, nothing to brag about, but the piece of paper with my name written in black Gothic letters. Wish me luck on the job hunting! I have to start sooner or later and if I were to start, I'd prefer to start at the bottom going up than the other way around :)

Virtual Life

Witnessing the transition of the Internet from being a prestigious commodity to being a common need as perceived by Filipinos, I find it amusing how today's generation value their virtual life more to their actual one's. The way I see it, a person who doesn't have much going on in their actual life is quite active on their virtual counter part. The same goes vice versa. I feel kinda sorry for those who live their life online. They get the low class kind of pleasure life has to offer. I mean, how great is it to actually experience things first hand than through a computer screen? Yeah, the Internet may have your life records for as long as there is no world wide Internet crash or something like that, but what are written words to the actual ecstasy itself? Priceless

Im not hating on the Internet and all it stands for. I LOVE IT as a matter of fact. Im actually bothered about how the people respond to the amazing resources and potential the Internet provides. It wont be the first time people misinterpret and abuse something that can be quite helpful to mankind. Im just saying :)

And actually for want of something better to do than contemplate it on my own, Im blogging about it. How's that for a hypocrite? :))

P.S I love you By Cecilia Ahern

"Holly and Gerry are the kind of married couple that others envy. Then, at the age of 30, Gerry is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Holly doesn't know how she'll go on without him, and in truth, she doesn't want to. But Gerry has other plans for Holly. Months after Gerry's death, Holly receives a package of letters that he's left for her, instructing her to perform unexpected tasks. With the help of the letters - and her fun, quick-witted girlfriends and a raucously endearing family that smothers, loves and drives her crazy - Holly wobbles, weaves and jokes her way toward a new life, even larger than the one that she'd been forced to leave behind. PS, I Love You is a tender, funny, unexpectedly romantic novel that readers will treasure in their hearts and minds long after closing the pages."

I didn't want to read it at first because I thought, "I dont need another happily ever after story to add to my frustrations," but for want of a new book to read, I splurged and read it anyway. After losing her prince charming of a husband, Holly is devastated and is as much of a wreck as any heartbroken girl would be in her situation. The book is about how Holly survives day by day with the help of a list left by her husband, Gerry, which are to be opened monthly. The list contains tasks for her to do in order for Holly to help herself and to find the new her that would have to exist without Gerry. It's a surprisingly funny novel of rebirth and getting all your broken pieces back together.

I highly recommend this book for all those heartbroken wrecks out there looking for a new life and finding the strength to accept things just live your life. It's a feel-good book for anyone feeling depressed. I loved it. It's witty and clever and a splendid blend of funny and sad which is what is life itself. Definitely a must-read!

Info Regarding the Author:

Cecilia Ahern is a 22-year old daughter of Ireland's prime minister. She holds a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and was studying for a Master's degree in Film when she decided to leave school and write her first novel. She resides in Dublin.

Info Regarding the Book:

Published By: Hyperion
Published in: 77 West 66th Street, New York, New York 10023-6298
Published On: 2004
Number of Pages: 470

Cover Illustration By: Mary Lynn Blasutta

Collected Quotes :)

Some collected quotes to ponder:

• People say that one day, I would be happy again and that this feeling would be a distant memory. It was getting to that day that was the hard part.
• Your first relationships after the loss of a love may not be successful but those early groping tries will move you toward the sweet permanence that you deserve
• Sometimes love puts on a funny disguise just to give you a lovely surprise
• I want to know if you can be alone with yourself or If you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
• There will come a time when you believe everything is finished, that will be the beginning
• Storms make trees take deeper roots
• Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new beginning.
• Sometimes its hard to let go of the one dollar in your hand to make room for the uncertain ten dollar you might or might not have. The ten you might get includes countless blessings that you could never have imagined in your old life, but before you could have any of them, you have to open your hand and release everything you were holding on to.
• Keep your eye in the direction of the light even if you cant see it. Have faith that one day you will see it again.
• The naked truth is always better than the best dressed lie.
• True relationships are eternal. Keep the memory close to your heart. Maybe you'll meet again in the afterlife.
• Sometimes it's best to love at a distance. Other times it means letting go.
• I will always have a pocket of sorrow in my life but that will not keep me from plunging into life again.
• Sometimes you dance with a partner, sometimes you dance alone. The important thing is to keep dancing

Yes, Im blogging again. When it's summer vacation and its too hot to even go out of your room, you either play online games, watch vids on youtube, wait for Facebook News Feed updates, wait for irrelevant tweets and if all else fails, Blog.

It's kinda pointless knowing that you'll be the only one who gets to read it unless you have the self confidence to publish it to different social networking sites which is my case never gonna happen except for twitter. Still it is nice to have something to do in the wee hours of the morning when you no one to talk to and you have all these ideas swimming in your head. Why waste 'em?

No more of my silly little blogs of before, after all, Im a young adult now. There's gotta be something in my head worth telling the world to