Fishing has always been part of the Filipino way of life. In an archipelagic country like the Philippines, where communities have long lived with the rhythm of the sea, fishing is livelihood, food, memory, and tradition.

But in Barangay Pudoc, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, I was reminded that fishing is also joy.

Near the shore, in a small and simple cottage facing the sea, stands the headquarters of the Pudoc West Antipolo Fishermen Association. It is a humble place, but it carries the life of a community. This is where the fishermen gather, rest, wait, sort their catch, and welcome visitors like us into their world.

It is also where I first learned more closely about the lambaklad, an environmentally friendly fishing net that originated from Japanese technology and was later adapted in the Philippines.

Unlike more aggressive fishing methods, the lambaklad is a stationary net system that allows fish to be guided into the gear. In Tagudin, it has become a source of pride for the fishermen, a way of earning from the sea while respecting it.

As we waited to go out into the water, the fisherfolk welcomed our team and asked us to take shelter in their modest cottage, away from the scorching sun. There was no formality in the gesture, only warmth. It felt natural to them to make space for others.

Leonardo Acosta, chairman of the association and himself a fisherman, asked if we would be joining them to observe how they fish using the lambaklad. He looked visibly delighted.

Soon, we boarded a boat marked with the words “In God We Trust” — a quiet prayer carried by the fishermen each time they went out to sea.

As we ventured farther into the waters of Pudoc, I realized that what I was about to witness was not merely the technical process of operating the lambaklad. What unfolded before me was a portrait of camaraderie.

The fishermen worked together with ease, pulling and gathering the net in rhythm. Their movements were coordinated and relaxed. Laughter rose above the sound of the waves. They counted “1, 2, 3, go!” in unison, teasing one another as they worked, their conversations floating comfortably in the salty air.

It was bayanihan at sea.

After about an hour in the sea, I began to feel seasick and decided to observe the rest of the activity from the shore. When we returned, Acosta noticed my discomfort and asked what had happened. When I told him I was feeling queasy, he laughed and said I could not marry a man of the sea.

Then, with the same easy kindness that seemed to define the community, he offered me water and gave me a fisherman’s advice for seasickness: drink a bit of seawater, splash your face with water, and look only at the horizon.

It stayed with me — not only because the advice was practical, but because of the way it was given. He treated me like I was one of them, someone who simply needed to learn how to steady herself at sea.

From that moment, I understood more clearly why the bond among the members of the association felt so strong.

Later, Acosta expressed his gratitude and said he wanted to show other barangays how the bond within their association cannot be broken.

That bond is visible not only in the way they fish, but also in the way they share the blessings of the sea.

According to Edgar Labiano, administrative officer of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the association catches an average of 80 to 100 kilograms of fish daily. Around last month, he said, they were able to catch as much as 400 kilograms of fish in a single harvest.

For the fishermen, every catch is a source of pride. After the fish are brought in through the lambaklad, people from the community and other vendors gather around the small cottage by the sea, buying what the waters of Pudoc have given.

Labiano said the members of the association are happy people. Whether the catch is small or abundant, they continue to fish with their heart — in Filipino, “bukal sa puso.”

That phrase seemed to explain what I had been seeing all along.

The fishermen of Pudoc do not romanticize the hardship of their work. They know the sea can be generous, but also uncertain. Labiano, in his message to fishermen across the Philippines, urged them to remain diligent because not every day brings the opportunity to catch plenty of fish.

The Pudoc West Antipolo Fishermen Association lives by that reminder.

Even during difficult seasons, they push through. During the rainy season and the fishing ban implemented by BFAR to allow fish to reproduce, the community finds another source of livelihood in Tagudin’s calamansi farms — another blessing that helps sustain them when the sea must rest.

As I watched the fishermen under the heat of the sun, their faces lit with laughter and pride, I saw joy.

I came to Tagudin to observe a fishing method. I left with a heart warmed by a community that fishes with skill, faith, humor, and heart. Bukal sa puso.

As temperatures continue to rise across the Philippines, staying hydrated has become a daily necessity rather than a matter of choice. In a country where heat and humidity shape everyday routines, bottled water has become a constant companion—whether in offices, schools, public transport, or outdoor work environments.

Alongside this reliance, however, a common habit has quietly taken hold: the repeated refilling of single-use plastic water bottles.

Across the country, it is a familiar scene. Office workers keep the same plastic bottle on their desks throughout the day. Students refill disposable bottles between classes. Commuters bring them along for convenience, topping them up at water stations or nearby stores. Workers in outdoor jobs often reuse whatever is available, prioritizing practicality in fast-moving and sometimes resource-limited conditions.

On the surface, the practice appears harmless—and in many cases, practical. It saves money, reduces waste, and ensures access to drinking water in a tropical environment where hydration is essential.

But health experts caution that this everyday habit may carry risks that are often overlooked.

A container not designed for repeated use

WHICH EXPERT SAID THIS: Most bottled water containers sold commercially are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), labeled with recycling code #1. These bottles are intended primarily for single use and short-term consumption.

Once opened and repeatedly handled, the condition of the container can change. Exposure to heat, sunlight, and frequent contact with hands or mouths may create conditions where bacteria can develop if the bottle is reused without proper cleaning.

WHY CANADA? NO EXPERT IN THE PHILIPPINES? THE CONDITIONS / WEATHER IN THE PH DIFFER FROM CANADA’S

In response to an email inquiry I sent, representatives from Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Government of Canada, provided guidance on the proper use, handling, and storage of bottled water containers — offering practical dos and don’ts that can help consumers make safer choices.

They emphasized that while bottled water is regulated and treated for safety before distribution, consumers also play an important role in maintaining hygiene after purchase. Their guidance reinforces a key principle: safety does not end at the point of sale — it continues in how containers are used, stored, and handled in daily life.

Environmental guidance adds another layer of awareness

An infographic from the Nebraska Recycling Council (NRC), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization based in Nebraska, United States focused on recycling and waste reduction, highlights practical guidance on the use and handling of plastic bottles in everyday life.

While its primary focus is environmental education, the infographic emphasizes that single-use plastic bottles are not designed for prolonged or repeated reuse. It also encourages consumers to avoid exposing plastic containers to heat and direct sunlight, to understand that different materials have different durability levels, and to transition to reusable containers designed for long-term use such as stainless steel or food-grade bottles that can be properly cleaned and maintained.

Taken together, these reminders complement public health guidance by reinforcing a shared principle: that safety and sustainability both depend on how containers are used, handled, and exposed over time.

Why the risk becomes more relevant in the Philippines

The Philippines presents conditions where this habit becomes more significant. Bottles are often carried for long hours, stored in bags, left inside vehicles, or exposed to direct sunlight during commutes.

During peak summer months, heat index levels in some areas can exceed 40°C. Under these conditions, moisture and warmth inside reused containers may increase the likelihood of bacterial growth, especially when bottles are not regularly cleaned.

In many urban settings, a single bottle may be opened in the morning and refilled multiple times throughout the day, sometimes over several days, without proper washing. In other cases, convenience takes priority over hygiene due to limited access to clean reusable containers or washing facilities.

This makes the practice less about choice and more about everyday reality.

Between cost, convenience, and awareness

The continued reuse of plastic bottles reflects the everyday balance many Filipinos navigate.

For many households, repeatedly buying bottled water can be costly. At the same time, reusing plastic containers is also seen as a small effort to reduce waste in a country still facing environmental challenges.

These realities sit between affordability, convenience, and environmental responsibility. Yet without awareness of material limitations and hygiene practices, what seems like a simple habit may carry unintended health considerations.

What health experts advise

Health authorities generally recommend caution in the repeated use of single-use plastic bottles. They advise consuming bottled water soon after opening when possible, avoiding prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight, and not sharing bottles with others. For those using reusable containers, regular and thorough cleaning is important, and durable food-grade alternatives are often recommended for long-term use.

Perhaps, personally, this is my take on it—what matters most is not overcomplicating a daily habit, but becoming more aware of how small choices can quietly affect our well-being. Reusing plastic water bottles may seem harmless, even practical, but understanding how heat, handling, and time interact with these containers can help us make better decisions without disrupting everyday life. In the end, it is about finding that balance between convenience and care, and being just a little more mindful of the things we often take for granted.

Japan is set to deepen its energy partnership with the Philippines, positioning Manila as one of the early beneficiaries under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, as both countries mark the 70th year of diplomatic relations — underscoring a renewed push for closer cooperation in energy security, transition, and investment.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC, said he expects the Philippines to be among the first countries to receive support under the newly launched POWERR Asia (Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia), a regional financing initiative involving 11 economies aimed at strengthening energy resilience and advancing decarbonization across Asia.

Kishida made the statement during the AZEC press conference following separate meetings with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin in Manila, where discussions centered on expanding cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear energy, and long-term energy system stability.

He stressed that growing geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainties, particularly in the Middle East, are reinforcing the urgency for more diversified and resilient energy systems in the region.

Kishida also underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN-wide collaboration through AZEC, noting that Japan and the Philippines will co-host the fourth AZEC leaders’ meeting in November, which is expected to further refine regional energy cooperation mechanisms.

He confirmed that detailed discussions on POWERR Asia will continue among its 11 member economies—Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, and Cambodia—to define funding pathways and project priorities.

Japan currently has more than 540 AZEC-related projects across Southeast Asia, including over 30 in the Philippines covering renewable energy, bioenergy, and other transition-related investments.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to visit Japan later this month, where both sides are seen to further advance discussions on financing, strategic energy investments, and expanded cooperation under the AZEC and POWERR Asia frameworks.

For many travelers, Qatar is first defined by Doha’s skyline and the glow of the Corniche at night. Yet beyond the capital’s waterfront lies a deeper narrative—one shaped by art, marine wonder, and time-honored wellness traditions.

As Qatar continues to evolve, it is crafting an identity that extends beyond its modern façade. Outside Doha’s striking architecture, the country reveals a quieter, more reflective side—expressed through public art, rare marine encounters, and wellness practices rooted in centuries of knowledge.

Together, these experiences signal a growing focus on heritage, sustainability, and lifestyle-driven travel.

Art in the Streets of Doha

Across Doha, artist Mubarak Al-Malik is part of a movement transforming public spaces into open-air cultural canvases.

Known for blending abstract and realist styles, Al-Malik has long championed the idea that art should exist beyond gallery walls. Inspired by street art during a trip to Europe in 2010, he began bringing his work into everyday spaces—making it accessible to a wider audience.

A recurring motif in his work is the batoola, the traditional metallic face covering worn by older Arab women. For Al-Malik, it represents heritage, identity, and the enduring strength of past generations.

Among his notable pieces is a mural at Qatar Museums’ Fire Station, depicting a woman in a batoola beside burning bakhoor, a traditional aromatic incense—an evocative blend of cultural memory and contemporary expression.

His work also extends into older communities and villages, where weathered walls are reimagined as cultural landmarks, reinforcing art as part of daily life.

A Rare Encounter at Sea

Beyond the city, Qatar offers one of the region’s most remarkable natural spectacles.

In the waters of Al Shaheen, as many as 200 whale sharks gather seasonally between May and September. These gentle giants—the largest fish in the world—are typically solitary, making their congregation in Qatar’s warm waters a rare phenomenon.

The government strictly regulates guided tours, allowing visitors to observe the animals responsibly under conservation protocols. This reflects Qatar’s growing commitment to sustainable tourism and marine stewardship.

For those who experience it, the encounter is both unforgettable and humbling—a rare glimpse into the richness of marine life in the Arabian Gulf.

Wellness Rooted in Tradition

North of Doha, Zulal Wellness Retreat by Chiva-Som offers a contrasting experience—one centered on healing, balance, and tradition.

Built on the principles of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), the retreat draws from centuries of knowledge influenced by Islamic scholars and enriched by Persian, Graeco-Roman, Chinese, and Ayurvedic practices.

Its holistic programs combine therapies such as cupping, therapeutic massage, movement, meditation, and nutrition—creating a comprehensive approach to well-being.

Set between desert and sea, Zulal provides a tranquil environment designed for rest and renewal, offering a deliberate pause from the pace of urban life.

A Broader View of Qatar

From Doha’s evolving street art scene to the waters of Al Shaheen and the calm of its wellness retreats, Qatar is presenting a more layered identity to the world. It is a destination where modern development meets cultural depth, natural wonder, and a growing emphasis on meaningful travel—offering experiences that resonate beyond the surface.

In Qatar, the story no longer ends at the Corniche—it begins beyond it.

(This feature is based on the Qatar Now material shared by the Embassy of Qatar through His Excellency Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi to THEPHILBIZNEWS.)