Sperm Whales!!

Recently came back from birdwatching (i know, they're quite different from marine mammals...ha ha) sortie in the municipality of Sablayan in Occ. Mindoro when we chanced upon two pods (groups) of sperm whales!!

The last time I saw sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Philippine waters was way back in 1995.

The most amazing thing about these guys in Mindoro was we encountered one pod of six whales in the morning. It had two calves in that group. Then on our way back from Apo Reef, we encountered another pod of 9 whales! This time, with only 1 calf. It could possibly be only one pod. But hey, we saw 9(!) whales!

It was also a good thing that they had calves which prevented the whales from diving very deep. Usually, when you see a sperm whale on the surface, it will stay there only for a few minutes. It will keep blowing air (expunging carbon dioxide while taking in oxygen), then it will dive very deep (as deep as 1,000 meters) to its feeding ground. The ones in Mindoro just kept on swimming in big circles! With some coming within ten feet from our boat!

Whale watching is not not yet an established tourist activity in the Philippines. But I'm counting the years since killing was made into a crime (which was bout 15 years ago). A few more years and the whale populations would jump back and this country could then offer this magnificent creature, not on a sushi platter, but for enthusiastic whale lovers. We've done that for the dolphins, it should also be possible for the gentle giants.


Three sperm whales that swim in tight pack.


The one in the middle is actually a calf, protected by bigger members of the pod.


A blowhole up close.

Provinces & Destinations - Occidental Mindoro

Apo Reef Natural Park
Sablayan
The second largest reef in the world presents good drift-diving opportunities in its blue water, covering an area of 35 sq. km. of coral reef teeming with a wide variety of marine life. Apo Island is divided by a narrow lagoon which runs from east to west.

Calawagan Mountain Resort
Alipaoy, Paluan
The resort's main attraction is the Calawagan River , perennial favorite for the Cleanest Inland Body of Water Award of Dialog's Clean and Green Program. It also features natural and man-made pools, a hanging bridge, tree houses, and a natural rainforest.

Hulagaan Falls
Binacas, Lubang
One of the lesser known attractions of the province that has a lot of potential as a tourist destination.

Ilin Island
San Jose
The main attraction of the island is the Mina de Oro Beach Resort which boasts of a fine, white sand beach. Fifteen minutes from the beach by boat is a cave, the entrance to which you have to swim through if the tide is high.

Mamburao Beach
Fatima, Mamburao
One of the beaches of the province with brownish gray sand ideal for swimming, boating, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, and water skiing.

Pandan Island
Sablayan
The home of Pandan Island Resort which features a beautiful strip of whitish-sand beach. The place is also very ideal for picnics.

Saknungan
San Jose
Saknungan is a Mangyan term for "bayanihan" or the spirit of cooperation, brotherhood and unity at work. It's a three-day festival celebrated with street dancing and showcasing the products from each barangay of San Jose town.

Tamaraw Gene Pool
Kanturoy, Rizal
It is a protected area with seven captive Tamaraws. The Tamaraw (Bubalus Mindorensis) is one of the world's rarest animal species and endemic to Mindoro Occ.

Tayamaan Beach
Tayamaan, Mamburao
It is a one-hectare beach lined with coconut trees. The beach is ideal for swimming and is frequented by local residents.

White Island
San Jose
It has almost a mile-long beach with smooth and powdery white sand ideal for picnics and swimming.