Category: everyday life

Nothing wrong

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(This article was first published inmy column at Sun.Star Davao on February 10, 2019. [https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1786948/Davao/Opinion/Estremera-Nothing-wrong]. But to make it more fun for this blog, I’m posting here some file photos of my adventures and misadventures). THROUGH the 15 years as editor-in-chief and eight years as … Continue reading Nothing wrong

The ostriches of Queensland

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No, not Queensland in Australia. Rather Queensland Lodge, a well-known motel (and all that it implies) in Davao City. Queensland has a baywalk that has become a public park where people do their morning exercises and promenade or go fishing.

Mingling among them are five ostriches. Yeps, real live ostriches owned by the Queensland owner and allowed to walk free among the promenaders, walkers, joggers, some recreational fishers, and yes, those who dance the Zumba.

These ostriches strut around the baywalk.
These ostriches strut around the baywalk.
They like to walk along with walkers like me.
They like to walk along with walkers like me.
Sometimes, they paint a picture of brooding threat. But, no, they are just curious, actually.
Sometimes, they paint a picture of brooding threat. But, no, they are just curious, actually.
They have become favorite subjects of photos. Promenaders pose with them every chance they get.
They have become favorite subjects of photos. Promenaders pose with them every chance they get.
And this one loves playing with seawater, her caretaker says.
And this one loves playing with seawater, her caretaker says.
She even greeted me on my birthday.
She even greeted me on my birthday.
They sometimes give me a peek of their mating practice.
They sometimes give me a peek of their mating practice.
At times they walk in a group.
At times they walk in a group.
But I love them most when they join the Zumba.
But I love them most when they join the Zumba.
Which they love to do.
Which they love to do.
They strike funny poses with the dancing women.
They strike funny poses with the dancing women.
Peer down the rear of one of them.
This one is peering down the rear of one of them.
And even close and open her mouth like taunting her choice for the day.
And even close and open her mouth like taunting her choice for the day.
But would quickly retract its neck when accosted.
Only to retract its neck when accosted, as if saying, I am not doing anything!
And then return, as if wanting to learn.
And then return, as if wanting to learn.
And they can shake their butts like the Zumba dancers do.
And they can shake their butts like the Zumba dancers do.
And spread their wings as if showing how people should dance.
And spread their wings as if showing how people should dance.
The ostriches are now as ubiquitous as the giant replica of David.
The ostriches are now as ubiquitous as the giant replica of David. Yes, that replica.

Nudibranch ballet

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‘Tis a lesson you should heed: Try, try, try again. If at first you don’t succeed, Try, try, try again…” — William Edward Hickson   Stalking a nudibranch in the waters of Paradise Island Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal…