Yapak Travel And Leisure Magazine: Online Version: Ecotourism/ Responsible Travel

Leave Nothing But...

Bilmoko Blues
By Roda Novenario

And we're on to the next… After the scramble for gifts for 2007's Christmas, it's another mad scramble ahead. Valentine's coming up; and, sure, who wouldn't want a token or two from a special someone.

Don't get me wrong. Giving (and receiving!) is good. And if there has to be a season or occasion for it, then why not.

What I do not go for is how many succumb to equating the joys of the occasion to what they get. A new phone, a new laptop, a new gaming system, brand new designer clothes -are these all there is to celebrate for? Are these all there is to spend for? Live for?

This day and age, it is hard not to want. Just switching on the TV for a few seconds and we're bombarded with what we should have and how we should live. Walking through the city, billboards scream at you to buy this and that.

And there is nothing wrong in knowing our options. Yet, we must realize that that's what they are, just options.

We live in a consumerist world; there's no getting away from that. Yet, we can decide to be discerning consumers. Spend wisely. Remember the cliché: It's the thought that counts. And know that you are not your clothes, your phone, your stuff - you're God's creature, life's traveler, unique, loving and special

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On another note, this bit of "news" has been circulating on the web. It's about this air-gunning club in Bacolod, and one of its members posted several pictures of what they do online. The club is for bird-hunters; and pictures have these men wear their dead catches around their necks - imagine a guy with a mean-looking rifle propped up against his abdomen and heads of dead birds around his body.

One does not have to be vegetarian to feel some revulsion in seeing this. Because, come on, can't these guys pick on something their own size? Or at least something that can fight back?

Hunting is an old sport, I know, and maybe it's not my place to comment. But in these enlightened days, when most everyone should be scuffling all over the place to save dying flora and fauna, why needlessly kill endemic bird species?

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I want to end with a few words for one of this issue's writers. Those who truly love do not judge who you are and who you love. Love is boundless and amazing - you know that. In your exile, remember that your friends are with you.

I wish everyone love and peace this new year.

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