Firefly360's Blog
A Collection of Published 360VR Articles and Personal JournalsThe Ship of Hope
The largest floating library in the world, the Logos Hope, arrived in Manila last February 17; carrying more than 5,000 titles, the ship officially opened its doors to Manila, providing high-quality books at a fraction of the cost.
Having come from Cebu, the crew of the ship, comprising about 56 nationalities is regarded as a genuine expression of international goodwill and understanding. The primary aims of the vessel is to provide quality reading materials at affordable cost, promoting peace in diversity, expressing love to those in need and guiding people towards a purposeful life.
Many of the volunteer crewmembers are in their 20s and 30s, coming from a broad range of disciplines and professions. From the captain down to the newest staff, each one is assigned a job that is essential in keeping the ship running; they normally serve for a period of 2 years.
Good Books for All (GBA Ships e.V.) which runs the Logos Hope is a non-profit organization based in Germany. Since 1970, the organization’s vessels have made over 1400 port visits in over 160 countries and territories and were enjoyed by over 42 million visitors, bringing knowledge, help and hope.
Logos Hope is currently docked at Pier 15 in South Harbor, behind the Manila Hotel until 13th of March. The floating bookstore is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10AM – 9:30PM) and Sunday (1PM to 9:30PM), entrance fee is 20 pesos, children under 12 are free. After Manila, her next port of call will be in Subic.
VRs taken on March 1, 2012. The author can be reached at: fung.yu@gmail.com
26th EDSA Celebrations
The nation marks the 26th Anniversary of the EDSA Revolution last February 25 at the People Power Monument lead by President Benigno S. Aquino III.
The program was highlighted with the signing of pledges from several provincial governors including the President who wrote “Gawin ang tama sa araw-araw tungo sa nagtatapos ng laban ng EDSA”, translate as “Do good everyday towards the end of fighting in EDSA.”
The EDSA Foundation awarded two youths for their effort of bringing solar lamps to remote communities.
The traditional “Salubong” or meet-up between the civilian and military factions was re-enacted followed by the showering of confetti from a PAF chopper which passes overhead.
President Aquino’s speech centered on the economy of the country.
The Cercado sisters rendered the song “Magkaisa” and Freddie Aguilar sang “Bayan Ko” to the delight of the crowd.
All VRs taken on February 25, 2012. The author can be reached at: fung.yu@gmail.com
Mt. Guiting-Guiting: A Ravenous Journey
The Hike for Light (H4L) project is being undertaken by the Philippine Solar Foundation to provide solar lamps to those communities living near the mountains that has no access to electricity. In cooperation with Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation and the 1st Philippine Mt. Everest Team, the project aims to summit 6 of the country’s highest peaks with 200 climbers and distribute 500 solar lamps to change the lives of those communities.
Chocolates, rich creamy chocolates, the kind that you step on and make the trail slippery amidst torrential rain as we make our descent from Mt. Guiting Guiting on the island of Sibuyan, Province of Romblon.
No amount of rain gear can protect you from the continuous downpour as we trekked down under the steep forest canopy, our paths turned into mini rivers, drenched to the bones, for nearly 9 hours, this was the longest shower I ever took.
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Mt. Pulag – At the Peak of Luzon
The Hike for Light (H4L) project is being undertaken by the Philippine Solar Foundation to provide solar lamps to those communities living near the mountains that has no access to electricity. In cooperation with Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation and the 1st Philippine Mt. Everest Team, the project aims to summit 6 of the country’s highest peaks with 200 climbers and distribute 500 solar lamps to change the lives of those communities.
Darkness surrounds us, the temperature at a chilling 12 degrees Celsius as we woke up that morning ready for the final trek towards the summit of Mt. Pulag, the third highest mountain in the Philippines. With no time for breakfast and together with some 200 climbers, our group started the slow ascent in a bid to catch the sunrise atop Luzon’s tallest peak.
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Rizal Day 2011
The nation marks today the 115th commemoration of Jose Rizal’s martyrdom at Luneta.
The flag raising ceremony was led by President Benigno S. Aquino III with Vice President Jejomar Binay, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, NHCP Chairman Dr. Serena Diokno, other government officials, dignitaries, members of the AFP, PNP, and the general public.
After the wreath laying at Rizal’s monument and a 21-gun salute to the National Hero, the President unveiled the new marker for the “Rizal Fountain” at the Noli Me Tangere Garden in Luneta.
Here are the 360 panoramas of today’s event at Rizal Park.
