*photo credits to dkeats under creative commons license.

The 7,107 islands of the Philippines sit on what some consider the “center of global marine biodiversity”, and more dive enthusiasts are catching on.

With its abundance of wildlife, the Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot in its entirety, one of only a few countries in the world with such distinction. It is also one of six whose waters comprise the Coral Triangle, the richest collection of marine life anywhere on the planet.

Here, the world’s most diverse array of corals and reef fish – three-fourths of all coral species and over 2,000 varieties of fish, to be exact – populate the sea. There’s even more upon closer inspection, as the array of wildlife includes everything from dolphins to crustaceans, sea slugs to eels. The variety of creatures is simply staggering.

While it shares some of this wealth with its neighbors, the Philippines is wonder on its own. In fact, biologists have been finding new creatures here consistently in recent years, both those thought to exist only elsewhere in the world and entirely new species altogether.

Among the more noteworthy marine ambassadors of the Philippines are five species of pawikan (sea turtle) and Sorsogon’s enormous butanding (whale shark). But among macro photographers, the small and often strange critters wandering the sea garner the most attention and intrigue.

With much of the world’s marine biodiversity housed in the Philippines and the Coral Triangle, collaborative conservation efforts among stakeholders have fittingly stepped up. Challenges posed by pollution, dangerous fishing practices and climate change, among others, remain.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) puts the Philippines’ marine marvels on show this summer as it hosts the 1^st Philippine Dive Seafari. To headline familiarization tours at four of the country’s top dive spots – Anilao, Bohol, Samal Island and Coron – are top international underwater lensmen Bob Whorton, Robert Yin, Dave Allen and Alex Wu as well as our very own Gutsy Tuazon.

“With this event, we hope not only to establish the Philippines as a world-class marine macro photography destination, but to build appreciation for the beauty and fragility of marine life as well,” said Secretary Alberto A. Lim.

Sponsored in part by STI-Tanauan & Lipa, Acacia Resort in Anilao, Batangas, Davao Pearl Farm, Bohol Divers Lodge, Balicasag Dive Resort, Peacock Garden Resort in Baclayon, Bohol, Calamianes Expeditions, Davao Dive Guides Association Sonny Dizon of the Davao City Government, the 1^st Philippine Dive Seafari will run from April 25 to May 5, 2011.

RISQ Grand Summer Fashion Show will gather together the country’s best young designers to present their summer creations.

On March 4 at the World Trade Center, 10 young designers will reveal whether they can take their place among the country’s best fashion experts. It’s a reality show like no other and for a hugely discounted ticket price on BUYanihan.com you can enjoy guaranteed admission, watching professional ramp models strut their stuff as you make like Rachel Zoe, deciding which look is in and which is definitely out.

You can buy your tickets now at a discounted price with Buyanihan.com 🙂

At only P200 for regular tickets from the regular price of P500 it’s absolutely worth the RISQ! Each ticket holder is entitled to a delicious cocktail drink.

Discounted tickets are only available on BUYanihan.com and nowhere else: 60% Off on Regular Tickets (P200).

Enjoy The RISQ Highlights!
• 10 young designers vying for top prize
• 50 professional ramp models
• Performances by Rico Blanco, DJ Funk Avy and country’s top party spinners, The Manoeuvres, and Hotlegs
• Hosted by Joey Mead
• Directed by Floy Quintos

The Risq Grand Summer Fashion Show will happen at the same time as Go Negosyo’s 3rd Women Entrepreneurship Summit and Expo.

I love summer because everyone is beach-bound and you know how much of a beach bum I am.  Check out more details about RISK and how you can purchase the discounted tickets on the link below:

http://buyanihan.com

See you there!

Check Official Website

Location:

RISQ Grand Summer Fashion Show

World Trade Center Metro Manila
Gil Puyat Ave. Extension cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.
Pasay City 1300 Philippines

UPDATE (3/4/10): THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED