National Geographic Channel launches Big Blue exhibit in Manila

National Geographic Channel, in partnership with Ayala Malls and The Mind Museum, unveiled a life-size sculpture of the world’s biggest baby blue whale in Manila last November 17, 2009. This is the last stop of the Asian tour that aims to further public understanding of blue whales. Blue whales are the largest creature to ever inhabit the earth. Bigger than the greatest dinosaurs, they weigh up to 200 tons and extend up to 30 meters.

The Big Blue Exhibition will take visitors into the world of the magnificent blue whales. The sophisticated sculpture will be the highlight of the event. It is a life-like rendering of a nine-meter long, two-month old, female blue whale that was created by a team of professional model makers in Australia.

 Baby Blue Whale replica

The exhibition also includes expert sharing sessions, conservation and education activities, and a feature writing competition. It features never-before-seen footages from National Geographic’s groundbreaking documentary, Big Blue.

The Big Blue Exhibition will run in five different venues on the following dates:  Glorietta 5, November 17-26; Trinoma Mall, November 28-December 11; Alabang Town Center, January 4-17; Market! Market!, January 18-February 2; and Greenbelt Mall, February 3-17.

Lorie Tan of WWF

“Te National Geographic Channel is delighted to launch Asia’s first Blue Whale Exhibition in Manila, in partnership with Ayala Malls and the Mind Museum. We hope that this inspiring encounter with this majestic creature will spark imaginations and further interest in marine conservation and how oceans relates closely to the well-being of humans,” said Sonia Jackson, senior vice president for marketing and general manager for Hong Kong and the Philippines of Fox International Channel, the mother company of National Geographic Channel.

The Ayala Malls, led by Ayala Group senior vice president Marivic Anonuevo, is committed to support the National Geographic’s efforts to encourage Filipinos to care for this beautiful creature and raise awareness of marine conservation in the Philippines.

Learn from the expert

National Geographic and The Mind Museum have invited local marine mammal scientist Dr. Arnel Andrew Yaptinchay to host special sharing sessions to inspire students and visitors of the Big Blue Exhibition.

Dr. Yaptinchay is one of the volunteer scientists providing advice on some exhibits for the museum. He is involved in conservation initiatives on threatened marine species such as the whale shark, cetaceans, and dugong in the Philippines. Dr. Yaptinchay has once served as director for the Species Conservation Program of World Wide Fund-Philippines. He will share his experiences with local audiences and answer questions.

Big Blue documentary

Showing on National Geographic Channel 18 November at 7 pm, 21 November at 11 am, and 22 November at 8 pm, the two-hour Big Blue special is the first documentary to uncover the mysteries of the blue whale.

The special features never-before-seen moments in the life of blue whales, with stunning first-time footage of a blue whale calf and its mother and amazing shots of an adult blue whale singing. 

Audiences will also get a unique whale’s view through an advanced technology developed by National Geographic called CRITTERCAM®, which allows unprecedented access into the animal kingdom without human interference.

This state-of-the-art research device was attached to a blue whale’s back to record footages of the animal as it travels deep into the ocean to allow scientists to study its behaviors.

For more information about the Big Blue Multimedia Exhibition and the Big Blue documentary, please visit http://www.ngcasia.com/programmes/blue-whale  

Leira

Earth

Flow

Agatep Team

 

AAI Media Relations Team

Run for Pasig River

Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) will hold the “A Run for the River”, a fund raising event for the rehabilitation of Pasig River. It aims to provide participants a glimpse Pasig River's current state via a nontraditional route that will cross nine of the 13 bridges of Pasig River. It will be staged at Quirino Grandstand, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on November 8, 2009.

ABSCBN Foundation Inc managing director Gina Lopez appeals concerened citizens to "make a statement and run for the River." Lopez is also one of the lead partners of KBPIP.

Individuals and corporate groups are invited to join. Registration fee is P250 per participant. First time runners may avail Pinoy Ultra Runners' free running clinics. Registration forms are available at the following outlets: KBPIP office at 3/F ELJ Building, Mother Ignacia QC, ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. Head office, IZOD boutiques, Vanheusen Boutiques, Gold’s Gym, ROX Running Store, Second Wind, Race Inc. For more info, call 4161911/4152272 or email ilogpasig@abs-cbn.com

TckTckTck: Filipinos should join the Biggest Human Clock of All Time

Beds are Burning MTV

TckTckTck Campaign

In December of this year, the United Nations will meet to decide on the replacement of the Kyoto protocol, a defining agreement that will determine the future of our planet in the face of the climate crisis. People around the world are dying today as a result of climate change and without our collective action, this will continue. We have a collective opportunity to stop the clock.

The Biggest Human Clock of All Time

Become a Climate Ally by recording a one-second video of yourself or group saying 'tck'. You may also send in your photos or simply write a text message (view samples here). All materials can be uploaded at http://www.timeforclimatejustice.org/

Spread the Word

TckTckTck encourages everyone to be a part of this global campaign against climate change.  There are several ways to show your support:

• Download and share "Beds are Burning", TckTckTck's official music video
• Visit the TckTckTck official website
• Become a fan of TckTckTck on Facebook
• Add TckTckTck on Myspace
  
• Follow TckTckTck on Twitter

Bloggers, you may download TckTckTck logos and flash banners and put them on your websites.

After Ondoy and Pepeng, I believe Filipinos must be more vigilant in taking care of the environment. Let's make good use of our online social networks by spreading information about this campaign. It will only take a few seconds of your time to help save the world. Please pass.