WOV’s Insectarium: Apple Green Moth

NITE VIM |

A close-up of nighttime’s most active creature

[Green-Winged Lepidopteran: An apple-green moth adorning the walls during the hours of darkness.]

This Christmas, I am not going anywhere – but home – to bring you the lights and glitters of the holiday. Here’s what I got first… an alluring moth painted with my favorite apple green color and freckled with some dazzling gold spots and lining.

Moths are night-flying insects that resemble like a butterfly. Mostly, they are boring, that is, they are hued with the dimmest colors – brown, gray and black. But sometimes they are actually very beautiful. Yes, few of them are like so because they have the most interesting colors (girl’s pink, rare greens, etc.) and fascinating prints ever!

Highlight And Isolation: This brilliant moth will surely make your eyes flickering excitingly leaving your surrounds black.

That’s how nature works! Even to the darkest night, they are up to dazzle you…

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WOV’s Insectarium: Yellow Dragonfly

RURAL BLISS |

Look around and gaze this flying gem of nature

[Veggie Shade: A yellow-colored dragonfly closed up over a Bermuda grass background for a photo op.]

Nature has a lot to offer – from dramatic landscapes to eye-catching creatures. Sure thing, they attract us. Tourists, photographers and nature lovers are increasing in trend because of this glorious spectacles.

Walking near the farmlands of Bangui, Ilocos Norte feels like you're a visitor to your own place. You get to see a lot of nature wonders – more than 20 species of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, migratory birds and colorful bugs. You'd wish you were a resident of the place. Then realizing, you just live nearby. And you won't stop smiling after.

The only problem now would be the difficulty level of classifying these marvelous species. For instance, this dragonfly that came before my eyes last September. First, I thought they were the usual Diplacodes trivialis. Then, I identified them Trithemis pallidinervis. But they are not; they have different markings in the abdomen. Can anyone help me about this?

Unknown Dragonfly: A dragonfly with black and yellow markings alighted in a barbwire of a house near the ricefields.

God created the world ingeniously. Very clever and imaginative that everything has its own purpose. Sometimes, you might think you lose the game but actually you did not. You just received your prize from Him. We are not talking about your consolation prize here my dear friend but your biggest lesson in life that you might waste if you will not recycle your principles. Drive smoothly. Our journey has just started. Do not fool yourself to shortcuts because you might miss this one of a kind learning experience.

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WOV’s Insectarium: Gaika Butterfly

RURAL BLISS |

Photographing the tiniest in Ilocos Norte

[Gaika Blue: The half-inch butterfly in the lush farmland of Bangui overlooked by many locals.]

DESCRIPTION

By just taking this photo of a particular grass blue butterfly species, I can say that a lot of passers-by there have ignored another marvel of nature because of its size comparable to the nail of your (schoolage children) smallest finger. Yes, they are really tiny that it took me some time to find the proper angle of my poor point and shoot camera for this dream macro shot. Why blue anyway? This is simply because the upperside wings (the hidden part when the wings are held together) are amazingly colored with blue.

CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lebidoptera

Family: Lycaenidae

Genus: Zizula

Species: Zizula hylax
Common Name: Tiny Grass Blue

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WOV’s Insectarium: Colorful Damselfly

RURAL BLISS |

Behold this awesome splendor of nature

[Tinted Shaft: An orange young female Agriocnemis damselfly perching near the verdant rice fields of Ilocos Norte.]

DESCRIPTION

Prime your eyes because scouting them is difficult! Ward off your hands because picking them is rude! And smile because seeing them is marvelous! They are damselflies – slender, delicate, and weak-flying insects resembling like dragonflies which eyes are separated and wings are held vertically.

Embellishing the grasses of Bangui, Ilocos Norte, alongside drains, forest and open streams, ponds and rice fields are colorful variety of damselfly, the Agriocnemis rubeola. This particular species originating in Southeast Asia is extending 25-millimeter length and spreading 17-millimeter wings.

These marvels of the greensward, gliding during the daytime are observed to change in color as they mature – from an orangey young to greenish adult female Agriocnemis rubeola. They also differ in color according to their sexes, for instance, male species are hued turquoise or greenish blue.

Damselflies are very beneficial in the environment, in the ecosystem. They help in controlling the numbers of harmful insects as they are ferocious predators of flies, mosquitoes, moths and beetles. They are also used as indicators of clean or polluted waterways, streams and ponds, that is, they are unable to breed without such sanitary body of water.

Turquoise Damselfly: A vibrant bluish damselfly maneuvering the grasses of rural houses.

CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Odonata

Suborder: Zygoptera

Family: Coenagrionidae

Genus: Agriocnemis

Species: Agriocnemis (rubescens) rubeola

Adult Damselfly: A female Agriocnemis damselfly that has changed its color from orange to green.

We live in nature – very rich and useful. So we should take good care and preserve these treasures if we want them to last for the next generations. Because if Mother Earth cries, all of these natural luxuries we have will vanish in just a sneeze of a typhoon, slap of a tsunami, punch of a soil erosion and a kick of a hurricane. Now, do you want that? Not at all! Let’s hold our hands, take a  walk and move purposefully for the future… 

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WOV’s Insectarium: Pale Grass Blue Butterfly

RURAL BLISS |

Every inch of life is indispensable…

[Dry Season Brood: The pink-tinged light brown butterfly adorning the grass-covered area of an Ilocos rustic house.]

DESCRIPTION

They have built their realm in Northern Luzon; they have invaded the greensward in the community. Appearing like a dried leaf in the ground, you may ignore them; resembling like a nice petal, you may touch them. They are the petite but endearing butterflies emerging in the grasses of Asia which come in light-pink-to-light-yellow-to-light-brown-colored wings, black-and-white-striped antennae and physique comparable to a letter “C” 72-font-size.

CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lebidoptera

Family: Lycaenidae

Genus: Pseudozizeeria

Species: Pseudozizeeria maha

Brood: Dry Season

Appreciate small things and receive big things!

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WOV’s Insectarium: Red Dragonfly

WILDLIFE REVERIE

Launching a new section in my blog…

Regal Advent: An auburn dragonfly alighted on a branch of a young rambutan tree.

DESCRIPTION

Spreading about 70 millimeter wings, 45-millimeter length Neurothemis ramburii uninhibitedly soar Asia, taking their way across South Eastern region which includes the farms, ponds, orchards and lowland forests of the Philippines. These dark-red-to-brown-to-orange-winged dragonflies, belonging in the largest family of skimmers, are known as great predators of mosquitoes. Their species are difficult-to-get-close-to, unless weak and immature, along with Neurothemis terminata, their closest relatives.

CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Odonata

Suborder: Anisoptera

Family: Libellulidae

Genus: Neurothemis

Species: Neurothemis ramburii

You don't need it but you would love it. But with the surprises in life you have experienced it. Life is tough. Life is fair. Life is sweet.

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The Life Cycle Of A Lime Butterfly: Photographing, Documenting, Observing, Learning

WILDLIFE REVERIE

Metamorphosis 101 has never been this fun…

Week-Old Butterfly: This worn-out butterfly landed in a mandarin fruit leaf on a cloudy afternoon waiting its desertion to the world.

Life’s a journey. We travel in length and time. But no matter what the numbers tell us, it is still the experiences that count. Wait… numbers can’t be counted anymore? They are supposed to be reliable, right? Now, they are mere pretty facts!  So what’s the whole point of this?  In this world that we live in, numbers (kilometers, hours, pesos, etc.) are of little importance – they only make us cram, give us stress, create problems and cause a more complicated life. You’re lucky if you can handle them well. Wow! All praise to you, f–e–w, successful men! But again, I don’t think they are making any sense – like – Ninoy and Marcos should have just embraced each other then instead of wasting time and money. Because, it is absurdly ridiculous having them now, their insubstantial apparitions, watching us, after they have made names years ago! And after all, Philippines is still Philippines. Where I am coming from now is… what if we don’t have clocks, moneys, years or any idea of amounts, quantities… what if we only have air to breathe, food to eat and environment to reside… what if we’re butterflies living in a colorful, unprotected, erratic world… THINK my friend, RELAX your numbers and ENJOY life!

The Life Cycle Of A Butterfly

Laying Eggs¹. A butterfly begins its life as an egg. Butterfly eggs differ in size and shape. Hatching Caterpillar². A caterpillar arises within the egg and comes out of the shell. 


Molting Caterpillar³. A caterpillar spends all its time eating, grows through time and molts to reveal new skin. Emerging Chrysalis⁴. The caterpillar twists and turns to detach its old skin, showing off their new skin, chrysalis, where it will stay for some time and transform to an adult butterfly.

     

Becoming Adult⁵. When the change completes, the butterfly splits the chrysalis. Blood is gradually supplied to its immature wings until the butterfly starts to fly. Mating Butterflies⁶. The male and female butterflies join the tips of their abdomens together when they are ready to copulate.

 

10 Things To Know About Butterflies

Butterflies use their antennae for smelling.

Butterflies use their little hairs on their feet for tasting.

Butterflies use their tongue for sucking.

Butterflies have colorful wings for them to find each other.

Butterflies have spots on their wings that look like big eyes to scare predators.

Butterflies harm plants during their caterpillar days.

Butterflies help plants when they carry pollen grains that serve as fertilizers.

Butterflies hibernate (sleep deeply) during the coldest months.

Butterflies fly if and only if their body temperature is higher than 30⁰ Celsius.

Butterflies have sex (stay in the act) for several hours.

They have worn the sexiest colors. They have landed on the most comfortable leaf. They have tasted the sweetest nectar. They have experienced the greatest pleasure. You may want that too (naughty smile).

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Awe-Stuffed Afternoon at La Union

WANDER TRANCE

Strolling the San Fernando stretch…

Laid-Back: The still and quiet San Fernando stretch in a mind-numbing afternoon.

A relief for some, a respite for many – that was how the NLE thing stirred us after its windup. But at the end of the day, this only means, suggests, and calls… party, party!

The swimming pool seemed like a rice field partied by rumbling giant frogs while the grubby beach looked as if a canal reveled by young indiscriminate children. Pretty much, they were all enjoying the scene and I was just watching here – envious – of the fun brimming over the picture.

So what can I do now? I knew I cannot jump over the crowded pool and plunge in the dirty beach!

I, tired and impatient, encouraged my friend then – who belittled the shoreline too on our first day at the resort – to go with me for a stroll. She stared me with disgust, saying, “That beach! What’s with that beach?”

“I don’t know. But we’ll see. Come on, it’s our fourth day here and we haven’t seen the San Fernando sunset,” I answered.

 

 

Clockwise from Top Left: The calm shoreline of San Fernando. Huge and colorful clams collected by the folks. On our way to the grotto.

At first, we were disappointed - the muddy shore, the wastes and the smell. But later, we were mesmerized - the clams, the grotto and the magnificent sunset.

Last Surprise: The dull moment was followed with a powerful orange-radiating sky scene.

In life, it is ok to say something as long as it is not fabricated, it does not involve character humiliation and most importantly, it will not keep the arrogance in you (just in case you realize you're wrong) later.

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Flipping Around Baguio City

TRAVEL WHIM

A jaunt after the board exam…

Out of Focus: This daisy graces the side roads of Coldillera while it embellishes occasions and parties in Ilocos.

Sauntering in a pine-dappled city other than ambling along the hometown of windmills in Asia is entrancing! Pilfering one or two blossoms in highland parks other than playing with the immaculate to ivory white sands of northern beaches is uplifting! Indulging the scrumptiousness of salad vegetables and fruit spreads other than relishing the goodness of homemade sausages and home-style meals is overwhelming! And turning the cold streets into loud runways other than making the year-round hot weather the best days of our lives is outstanding!

Baguio City is all about the fogs, the pine trees, the strawberries, the flowers, the trails – in a large frame hanging at the living room – beckoning you back time and time again whereas Ilocos Norte is all about the sun, the waters, the tasty foods and the actions – in a one photo album at the end table – taking you back to the old days. Indeed, Baguio and Ilocos conjure up the scenes of the past which doesn’t help you get over, rather keep you fall in love of these places endlessly.

While Ilocos Norte myself is a treasure to hold and not a chance to grab, I am plumping for an adventure – taking my happy feet from seaboard to cordillera; an amazement – proffering my particular eyes from typical to extraordinary; and an experience – realizing my unrelenting dream from home to vacation. That is, after the board exam – now ready – to flip around the city of inspiration, Baguio!

1. A Taste of Baguio

My heart was pounding. My breath was running.

Five Layer: The streak of the residences, the greenery, the mountain, the clouds and the sky.

I slackened my grasp and then dropped my handbag. I swabbed the spill of sedulousness and enthusiasm in my face and inhaled unreservedly, then exhaled. I stood up as erect as the pine trees around and witnessed an inspiring 180⁰ picture.

At last, I arrived at Baguio after a dramatic prelude – a San Fernando tricycle back ride, our 1 hour wait time at the bus station, my 1-kilometer standing stint in Partas, the direction-finding dilemma to Pinsao, and a rock-climbing experience to reach our free transient house!

We then ate our lunch. Though the mung bean soup served to us was already cold, I was surprised when I savored it hot. Spicy sardines were added to complement our expectations of a soup. I am not a food expert but a food addict and I actually commend humble recipes like this.

After our talks of the recent board exam, we decided to avail a Mines-View-to-Botanical-Garden-via-Mansion-House itinerary.

Mines View: The classic view of house-strewn mountain in Baguio City.

We alighted to Mines View – very eager – for our first sojourn. Souvenir shops, craft shops, garden shops and potential pet shops (suggested by paid photos with highbred dogs and horses) largely filled the supposedly nature sight.


 

  

Clockwise from Top Left: The view deck in Mines View. Spree at the souvenir shops. The traditional Igorot costume - with Ashel, Tine, Jona, Kenneth, Eden and Jamie.

Laugh trips came en route to the Mansion House. We did countless jump shots. We wandered the whole foliage. We passed by derelict houses. We glimpsed rare floras. Eco-walking… such a pleasure, isn’t it?

 

Clockwise from Top Left: The mansion house. The gate. The view of the mansion house from the rear end of Wright Park.

We didn’t go to the Botanical Garden anymore. Instead, we chose to invade SM Baguio. We dined early at their food court then attended to our shopping cravings. Lastly, we took a look at Baguio City’s market – got lettuces for tomorrow.

The day was just a pinch – but it wasn’t salty – it was sweet.

2. Downpour, Downfall

Everything is falling away…

My bedcover, my blanket, my pillows, my phone – all slipped and plunged into the floor. And now, my rightward foot went along with my things. Is this a sign? Of what? I don’t know but my body was seemingly excited to get up for a new day in Baguio.

The surrounds gave me feelings of – (1.) Yes! (2.) No! This isn’t Heaven! – as fogs overwhelmed my eyes. Later on, I noticed something dark. Oh! It was my friend – I’m so sorry for the word. Well, I must not really reared Heaven after all, and only experienced heav·en [hévvən] noun blissful happiness.

Don't Disturb: It isn't an ordinary traditional hut but a humble sex den among lovers.

Following a deep slumber, we started out at about eleven. We visited the neighboring vista – Tam-awan Village: Garden in the Sky. The place was just a small compound of tribal huts yet offers a lavish display – nature, culture, arts.

 

 
  
  
  
 
 
From Top Left Downwards: Entrance. Sample huts. The amazing rock arts where it promotes commensalism. Wood arts. Beautiful ranib. Long bamboo stems. Eye catching red plants. Rock stairs. More arts and views of Tam-awan Village. Fossil. The awesome tree. Paintings. Logo and banner.


Drizzles caressed us after we departed the hamlet. From trickles, they turned to prickles that killed our intended Camp John Hay excursion. This deluge was too awful. But our auto-digesting stomach needed more of an immediate intervention.

We headed on a Korean Restaurant. We’ve been yearning for this – since yesterday? 


Shabu-shabu: The mixture of seafoods, pork, salad vegetables, fish cakes, fishballs, mushroom balls and dumplings.

  

Clockwise from Top Left: The phenomenal kimchi - of two kinds - the cabbages and onion. Lettuces. The Korean rice.

Very comforting, mostly spicy and really yummy as other Oriental ones – these were the reasons why I love Korean foods. We ordered two dishes, cooked them on our own and splurged Php. 1,400.00.


  

 
From Top Left Downwards: The restaurant owner taught us how to cook the Shabu-shabu. The ingredients. The dish starting to boil. Chopstick 101. The owner assisting us in cooking. Sankypsal with Tine frying.

My eyeballs bowled in enticement; my hands flirted with the hangers; my feet enfeebled eventually as we conquered the House of Economy Fashion: Ukay-Ukay. But my nose – itching – didn’t resist the reek strewing the shopping precinct!

Determinedly, I alluded for relocation. We then transferred to SM Baguio. I parted from the group and went on a spree alone – shopped at my favorite boutiques – Penshoppe and Oxygen.

We went home after the sky went dusky and the rain poured remorselessly.

3. Toing and Froing

We asked for the sun and he came.

Higher than the Sky: The breathtaking view of the mountain from our canopy ride.

Smiles pervaded the morning panorama in celebration of the early sunlight. We were very happy to get out and meet Baguio’s sunup – we took the opportunity then when we sent off four friends after they opted to end their Baguio trip in two days.

Three of the group remained – now – a quieter adventure. But this didn’t encumber our Camp John Hay escapade (Tree Top Adventure).

 

   
   
 
 
From Top Left Downwards: The Villa. Miniature Liberty. Bell's house. Canopy ride. Trekking. The rainforest. The baby pine tree. Deforestation.

We missed touring the wide-ranging golf course, the eco-trail, and the whole of Camp John Hay because of that recurring rainfall. I just don’t get why things in the past keep on coming back (irritated).

We expended the rest of the day in window-shopping (cannot recover).

My good morning didn’t end in a good evening!

4. Separation Anxiety

I don’t feel like doing anything.

It’s a lazy Thursday! I don’t want to rise from bed. I don’t want to go home. But I have to because I don’t have any relatives in Baguio to stay at and I don’t have my friends to stay with – they are all going home (sad).

Now that my legs were used to climb the steep rocky pathway and my body have adjusted to the ice-cold bathing water?! Oh mama! I don’t want to go home yet!

Silence came. I have contemplated – something good will happen today. Then smiles kicked off my day.

First stop – Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto!

 
Clockwise from Top Left: Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. The white blossom that ensembles a rose. The candle.

While taking the flight of stairs, mizzle bothered me. Are we really going to revel in this day? Despite the setback, we advanced to Burnham Park – the heart of Baguio City (as they say).


The Jeepney Show:  A view of the busy streets of Baguio in a rainy afternoon, introducing the King of the Road - Jeepney, at a carinderia.

We spent more or less 2 hours in boat riding. We also took a glance at the Orchidarium but the rain intensified so we left straightaway.

From Top Downwards: The white swans; the yellow ducks at Burnham Park.


We proceeded to SM Baguio. Shortly, we moved out to visit Tam-awan’s Rock Garden.

 

Clockwise from Top Left: The entrance. The huge rock containing 35 artworks. Portrait sketching at 100 pesos.

After this, we walked off to our place. We packed our things and we departed Baguio by 8 p.m.

5.  Home Sweet Home

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