“Making the Invisible Visible” with Bird Window Strike PH

(Left to right) Panels featured in the “Making the Invisible Visible” pop-up exhibit. Bird displays serve as an example of the harm caused by window collisions. (Photo credits: Bird Window Strike PH & Marmol, 2024)

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In February 2024, the UP Diliman College of Science Institute of Biology (UPD - CS IB) housed the “Making the Invisible Visible” pop-up exhibition of the citizen science project, Bird Window Strike Philippines.

Featuring the feathered remains of unlucky birds that had collided into windows, the displays served as poignant and striking visuals for this strange, but common phenomenon. Infographics and posters provided possible solutions and detailed accounts of incidents from up to 290 citizen reports from all around the Philippines.

Bird Window Strike PH first started as a research initiative and passion project under Janina Castro of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, the school’s hub for sustainable development, and Jelaine Gan of The UP Wild, an online educational community raising awareness on UP Diliman’s wildlife and green spaces.

The two had long been avid bird watchers—or “birders”—when the idea formed after Janina rescued a Coppersmith Barbet that had struck a window in the Ateneo de Manila University. She realized that little to no research was being done on bird collisions with windows despite their somewhat common occurrence. Teaming up with Jelaine, the two discussed how they could bring more attention to this issue and what could be done to prevent further collisions.




Displays showcasing various installations that can help prevent window collisions, ranging from darker tinted glass, to stickers, to ropes and mesh. (Photo credit: Bird Window Strike PH, 2024)

Bird collisions with windows can happen when they are misled by either the reflections of trees and the sky on the glass surface or by the view of the environment through the glass. Based on studies by various researchers and the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) database, the most efficient means of prevention involved breaking up the reflection. This could be done by installing stickers at least 1 cm in size, ideally spaced around 5 cm apart. The “Making the Invisible Visible” pop-up exhibition showed other solutions, such as ropes and wire mesh screens for windows.

“[These solutions are] among the most effective, but this doesn’t mean that these are the only choices,” the Bird Window Strike PH team emphasized. “In the ABC database, there are a number of DIY solutions and commercial solutions that people can choose from.”

(The ABC database can be found here.)

Citizens from across the country aid in raising awareness on the endangerment of various species, as the Bird Window Strike PH regularly receives incident reports and photos—some of which were part of the exhibit. Pigeons (Columbidae), kingfishers (Alcedinidae), barbets (Megalaimidae), and pittas (Pittidae) were among the most common victims of window collisions.

“In particular, we get a lot of Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) and Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida) in the reports,” they explained. “We don’t know why these birds seem to be colliding more, but some of the explanations in literature are related to increased blue light pollution in cities and to birds’ behavior of moving around different forest patches.”

The citizen science and conservation initiative plans to set up more pop-up exhibitions in the future. By showcasing solutions through these displays and serving as an avenue for incident reports, they hope to reach more people and encourage them to take action in preventing any further accidents.

Keep an eye out for the Bird Window Strike PH’s next exhibit and work on their FB page.


By: Maria Alexandra Marmol

FDCP puts premium on film education

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




The Film Development Council of the Philippines will hold a Film Education Convention in September through its Academic Film Society, a nationwide association of schools, colleges, and universities involved in film education.

Newly appointed FDCP chairperson and chief executive officer Jose Javier Reyes revealed that the AFS “aims to bring together all the stakeholders in the shaping of film education in our country – from students, teachers, and audiences” as well as “professionals in the field for opportunities of networking, engagement, and conversation.”

Reyes described a recent gathering of AFS member schools as “a significant first meeting of the various chairpersons and representatives of different schools, universities and colleges offering Communication Arts, Media Arts, and Film programs in their respective institutions.”

Apart from Reyes and more than 30 representatives of AFS-registered institutions, also present during the general assembly to answer questions from the attendees were FDCP Education Division head Rica Arevalo, Education Consultant Seymour Sanchez, Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz, and Cinematheque Centre Manila Operations Supervisor Jen Lopez.

The new FDCP chair and CEO stressed that the AFS “will also be instrumental in hopefully providing venues for student filmmakers all over the archipelago to have access to the works of their peers regardless of language or region.”

The national agency, through the AFS, aims to nurture aspiring Filipino filmmakers by providing them access to training programs, financial assistance, and other forms of support.

The FDCP and AFS members talked about the progress of teaching film in educational institutions and forms of assistance that the schools may need. They also explored ways in which educators could receive support to improve their students’ understanding of film and enhance film education.

AFS offers funding grants ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 pesos through the Student Financial Assistance Program, which can be availed by those working on their thesis films or capstone projects.

In addition to the SFAP, member schools can also avail of film workshops, mentors and resource persons, access to media library, FDCP ratings and permits, school event promotions, and the use of cinematheque centers and JuanFlix; The FDCP Channel, among other benefits.

“FDCP prepares for the next generation of filmmakers and the upliftment of the Filipino moviegoing audience,” Reyes emphasized.

For many AFS members, their collaboration with FDCP marks a promising chapter in their journey to provide their students with enriching opportunities and support for their creative endeavors.

Flying during Holidays: Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Many people love celebrating the holidays with loved ones, especially since it makes the occasion all the more memorable. They often travel to their home province or visit beautiful spots in the Philippines to take advantage of their much-deserved vacation time. 

The only problem is that this isn’t a unique idea since the influx of holiday travelers can make airports quite crowded. It’s not unexpected to see long lines and even longer wait times at security checkpoints as a result. Additionally, there are potential flight delays and lost luggage. All these can make the prospect of holiday air travel stressful for anyone.

Thankfully, there are some ways you can make the journey more pleasant. From careful planning to strategic packing, here are some tips you can consider on your next flight. 

Allow for Extra Time

The holidays can be a very busy season at the airport. This means everything about your journey can take longer, including getting through security. If you want your trip to be less stressful, go to the airport earlier. Many aviation professionals and those enrolled in a pilot school in the Philippines also recommend this because it gives you ample time for all your travel needs as well as moments to relax. 

As a general rule, try to be at the airport two hours before your flight if it’s a short trip and three hours if it’s a longer flight.

Plan and Book in Advance

The key to stress-free air travel during the holidays is meticulous planning. This involves securing flights, accommodations, and transportation well in advance. Doing so can give you access to the best deals. If you’re flying overseas, pick non-stop flights. This helps avoid missing a connecting flight in case you run into some delays. 

It’s also a good idea to avoid traveling a couple of days before Christmas and after the New Year. While this travel schedule allows you to maximize your days off work, these are typically the busiest. Instead, consider flights on the actual holidays to experience fewer crowds at the airport.

Choose Your Seat

When you’re booking your flight, take time to pick your seat too. Having an assigned seat means you’re less likely to get offloaded from an overbooked flight. You also get the advantage of choosing seats next to your travel companions. While you’re at it, consider paying for the privilege of selecting seats with larger legroom. It may cost a bit, but the comfort is worth the extra money. 

Go Digital

Another way you can enhance your overall travel experience is by leveraging technology. Many airlines offer passengers online check-in and boarding passes. They also have separate check-in counters for those who opted for the digital route, helping expedite the process. So, check with your airline and see if such options are available. 

Pack Strategically

Efficient packing is a fundamental aspect of stress-free holiday travel. However, it can also be a challenging task if you don’t do it correctly. You want to ensure you don’t forget any travel essentials without overpacking. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying extra fees for excess baggage. With this in mind, create a list of everything you need and stick to it. 

Additionally, find out what items will be available for you at your destination. For example, if you’ll be staying at your relative’s home or a rental property, there might be a washer and dryer you can use. If so, it means you can pack fewer clothes. In the case of hotels, check for basic toiletries like shampoo, bath soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. You may no longer need to bring your own, which can help lighten your bags. 

Keep Valuables in Your Carry-On

One of the worst nightmares for any traveler is losing their luggage. The additional stress of such an event can also dampen your holiday mood. With this in mind, secure essential items in your carry-on luggage. This means keeping important documents, medications, and necessities with you when boarding. Make sure to bring a carry-on bag that fits the overhead bins and the airline’s regulations, along with the contents.

Opt for Travel-Friendly Gifts

Many individuals consider gift-giving as one of the highlights of the holidays. But when you’re traveling, you need to be extra mindful of the items you’ll be bringing. It’s best to avoid anything fragile. If you’re planning to bring anything breakable, it’s important to pack them securely with sturdy wrapping to prevent damage. You can also consider having gifts shipped to your destination to avoid any mishaps. 

Get Travel Insurance

Consider adding an extra layer of protection to your holiday travel plans by investing in travel insurance. 

Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage. It also offers you peace of mind, knowing that you are financially protected in case of unforeseen circumstances during your holiday trip. When selecting a policy, ensure it aligns with your specific needs and travel plans. 

Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Start by planning the trip early and allotting more time than you would usually do. By incorporating these tips into your travel plans, you can get to your destination safely and without worry, allowing you to focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones.