An Embarrassment of Riches

One of the things Filipinos in the San Francisco Bay Area can rightfully brag about is the California Academy of Sciences' Philippine Coral Reef Gallery, a spectacular living display of our homeland's unsurpassed aquatic riches. The 25-foot, 212-gallon aquarium (replenished with fresh Pacific Ocean water every hour) is a technological marvel and it features thousands of live corals and fish that are native to Philippine waters.

The marine scientists at the Academy continue to research and discover new aquatic species at the Verde Island Passage, considered the world's center of marine biodiversity. Astrid M. Barros reports on their work in "Dive to the 'Center of the Center' of Marine Biodiversity" in this issue.

The merry month of May traditionally includes a trip to Antipolo to worship, to picnic and to enjoy the cool mountain breeze. The town has now become a city and is part of Metro Manila's suburban sprawl, but the attractions remain. "Let's Go to Antipolo" by Excel V. Dyquiangco brings us to the continuing delights of this place that's part of our childhood memories.

A mixed marriage always presents some challenges, but it also provides a valuable education on the benefits and delights of multicultural interaction. Regina Manzana-Sawhney's personal story gives as an insight on how Filipino and Indian cultures merge in "A Happily Mixed Up Marriage."

Finally, I posted something new on my blog. Here's the link: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/gemma/grieving

For those who are in the midst of a tropical summer, I hope it hasn't brought too much bungang araw (heat rash) and mosquito bites.