MALVAROSA FARM -2009

Trip to Malvarosa Farm

When you think of Cattleyas, the first think that will come into your mind is Orchids !!!! and Malvarosa Orchids and Ornamental Farmis one of the local farms which supplies the local market.

Philippine Orchid Society organized field trip

Dr. Hernando Perez started growing orchids as a hobby in the late 1960’s. The orchids were mostly given to him by his clients and friends . He started to acquire his specimen orchids in 1973.

He began his operation as a backyard hobby. He and his partner decided to go into full operation in 1989. Hence ” Malvarosa ” orchids was born. The name was derived from Malvar – the town’s name were the orchid farm is located and Rosario stand for the name of his wife.

cattleyas

The company initially focused on their production on Cattleyas , they continued to expand their production to other orchid genera such as Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis , Doritis , Vandas and other native Philippine orchid species.

The company is is producing ornamental plant varieties. In 1990 , the company started their maiden operation. The company initially to sell their orchids via catalogs and word of mouth .

The farm was hit by a super Bagyong Rosing ( Typhoon Angela ) in 1995 , The typhoon destroyed most of the greenhouses which were built on wooden bases. The damaged caused their orchid stocks got diseases, thus the company stopped temporarily their operation. Slowly after the rehabilitation of their greenhouses ( now built of steel frames and concrete).

The farm started to re-acquire new stocks and started mass propagation of new orchid hybrid cultivars.

a pair of peacock roaming the property

The company is proud to have named over 100 Cattleya hybrids,2 dozen Phalaenopsis croses, a dozen Dendrobium and 2 Vanda hybrids crosses registered with the Royal Horticultural Society of England.

Cattleya hybrids have been awarded ” Best Philippine Hybrids ” included BLC. Corazon Aquino , BLC. Malvarosa Sunrise, BLC. Malvarosa Sunset, BLC. Malvarosa Princess, LC. Annette Castroamong others.

BLC. Corazon Aquino ( yellow form)

The company had consistently won awards in the orchid shows and exhibit of the Philippine Orchid Society , Philippine Horticultural Society, Los Banos Orchid Society , Philippine International Flora and Fauna Garden Exposition among others.

Best Orchid landscape exhibit – Batangas Road Show of the Philippine Orchid Society held May 10 to 18, 2008 at SM Batangas City -Barangay Pallocan

A visit to their farm would show all the trophies , medals, ribbons that the company received during its 20 year operation. The farm had some peacocks, native chickens, native deers which roamed the property.

The farm can be visited via appointment:

For further inquiries :

Ms. Beth Quidagen (+632)409-6731 / (+632)638-2355

Telefax (+632)636-0504

Original post oct 11 2009

ARK AVILON 2009

Ark Avilon

AVILON had its un seeming beginnings when Mr. Jake Gaw, an avid animal hobbyist who,at the age of four had his first encounter with animals while staying at his grandpa’s farm in Sta. Ana,Manila (still quite rural then) mingled among goats, cows, pigs and chickens at the farm. This initial encounter would make such a lasting impression on young Jake that he carried his interest in animals from then on. Thus, from guppies and budgies, Jake over the years extended and expanded his interest and collection to arapaimas and eagles and lions and macaques, pythons,etc.

Mr. Jake Gaw – owner of Avilon zoo

There are two, so to say, crossroads in the history of AVILON. The FIRST was when Jake had to transfer his pet lion to a new home, because his neighbors were concerned about the presence of a full-grown male lion living amongst them inside a subdivision. This search for a new home to house IO led Jake to the scenic countryside of San Isidro, Montalban (later to be called Rodriguez) in the Province of Rizal where he decided to build a weekend place for his family and, of course,home to his other pets. It was 1992.

By 1994, the land within AVILON had been leveled and the concrete hollow block perimeter walls finished. Several man-made lagoons and ponds were then excavated, and the Big Lagoon where the Pavilion now stands is the largest, comprising an area of 3,000 square meters. Construction of animal exhibits followed, starting off with the Corrals where hoofed animals are being kept, the Multi-Purpose Building (now the Herpetarium) and the Hexagonal Birdcages (now the Avian Exhibit), followed by the Crocodiles and the Hornbills enclosures,and many more.

Avilon had also a big collection of exotic palms, orchids, bromeliads and trees aside from the animals from all over the country and the world.

PROPERTY DEVELOPER Ortigas & Co. Ltd. Partnership has added a zoo as one of the newest attractions in its children’s corridor in Frontera Verde, Pasig.

Ortigas Chief Operating Officer Rex C. Drilon II said “The zoo is meant to add to the wholesome family oriented experience Frontera Verde was built to offer.”

Mr. Drilon said the P24 million, two-storey ark-shaped structure sits on a 2,000-square-meter lot, which is home to over a dozen of animal species.

“The idea of the ark/mini zoo was born here,” in an interview, Zoo Administrator Jake Gaw said.

giant gourami

“The Ortigases were trying to come up with innovative developments for Frontera [Verde]. The original idea was to have a mini zoo and since I had Avilon Zoo in Montalban, I said, ’why not build an ark?,’” he added.

Mr. Gaw said that the Noah’s Ark-inspired structure was born out of a collaboration with Ortigas Technical Planning Manager Art Alcantara.

Avilon Zoo contact information:
Ms. Teena Gaw at 0917-8311224 or call 9418393 and 9489866
Bo. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal
Tel. Nos.: (632) 941-8393 * (632) 948-9866 (63917) 899-5126
Fax: (632) 941-8530
Entrance Fee: Php208.00 or $5.00/person

Ark Avilon
Weekdays 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Weekends & Holidays 10:00 am to 7:30pm

Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue Corner C5, Pasig City
Telephone Nos. (+632) 706-2992/ 706-2993

(oct 13,2009)

MANILA OCEANARIUM 2009

The Manila Ocean Park ( MOP) is an oceanarium at the back of Quirino grandstand in Manila . It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China .

There is also a hotel called H20, restaurants, souvenir shops and a place to find relaxation and watch the famous Manila bay sunset.

garoupa – lapu-lapu

Operating Hours

Manila Ocean Park is open from 10am – 9pm, Mondays through Sundays. Special tours may be requested and booked earlier than tour schedules.

Entrance Fee

The Entrance Fee for adults is PHP400 (approximately US$10) and PHP350 (approximately US$9) for children.

Security Checks

Everyone entering the Park is subject to a security check. Bags, parcels and/or items shall undergo inspection before entry.

Photography 

Flash photography is not allowed as this scares the marine animals. Photography, videotaping, recording of any kind, broadcast or transmission for commercial purposes is not allowed.

Guests with Special Needs

Guests of Manila Ocean Park requiring special assistance can bring their own wheelchairs to the Park. Guests bringing in small children may be allowed to use their strollers inside the Oceanarium. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers may be rented for a nominal fee at the entrance.

Personal Conduct

Interactive kiosks and projections, as well as educational materials and other equipment, have been installed within the Manila Ocean Park to enhance the learning experience. Guests are free to use the equipment under minimal supervision; however, it is expected that care shall be taken during its use.

First Aid 

First Aid Stations are available at the front desk and second floor activity center.

The Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, in Luneta, Manila. 

For more information, contact +(632) 567.7777 and +(632) 567 2309

(oct 13 2009)

SPOOKTACULAR – MANILA MOUNTS,MAUSOLEUM AND MONUMENT TOUR 2009 (PART 2)

Spooktacular Manila Mounts,Mausoleum and Monument Tour (2009) 

PART 2

Manila Chinese Cemetery

Manila Chinese Cemetery is the second oldest cemetery in Manila after Paco Cemetery and was designated as the resting place for the Chinese citizens who were denied burial in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial period. The cemetery was witness to many executions during World War II. Among them were Girl Scouts organizer Josefa Llanes Escoda , literary geniuses Rafael Roces and Manuel Arguilla , star athlete-turned-guerrilla spy Virgilio Logregat , and Chinese Consul General Yang Guangsheng. Apolinario Mabini was also buried in the cemetery before his remains were transferred to Batangas .

Chong Hock Tong Temple (宗福堂)

Built in the 1850s, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Manila. Though not as elaborate, the architecture is still reminiscent of those in Fujian province as well as those in Singapore and Malaysia with their colorful friezes and uniquely upturned eaves.

temple gate with fu-dog

Second World War memorial

Crematorium

2nd Lt. Carlos Lopez of AFP grave and monument

Dr. Clarence Kuangson Young memorial shrine

He was the consul general from China in the Philippine island with Frangipani trees Plumeria rubra- alba growing around the memorial rotunda . A school was named after the consul general Dr. Kwangson Young Memorial School at 1044 Albuquerque in Barangay 7 Tondo, Manila.

Familia Maria Uy de Tee mausoleum

The family mausoleum looked like a mansion with its own gate

Familia Eusebio Tankeh mausoleum circa 1948

Paulino P. Gocheco mausoleum

This family mausoleum is a typical art deco architecture style

A champaka tree ( Michelia champaca ) growing beside the family mausoleum.

This tree is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia . It is best known for its strongly fragrant yellow or white flowers. It is however primarily cultivated for its timber, and is also used in urban landscaping . Its aril -covered seeds are highly attractive to birds .

Common names include champaca, champaka , champak or champac, champa, cempaka, sampenga, sampangi, sampige and shamba.

The flowers are used in Southeast Asia for several purposes. They are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments. Old superstitious beliefs that unseen spirits may inhabit big champaka trees – spirits are usually attracted to fragrant smell emitted by the flowers .

Horticulturists and plant lovers may put cemeteries as ” one of their must been places to visit”. There are approximately several dozens species of plant varieties from trees, shrubs, ornamental plants that are planted all through out the cemetery.

a traditional Chinese style grave ( turtle shaped)

The turtle shell is the symbol of heaven and the flat square underside the symbol of earth. Based on this understanding, the turtle carries the world on its back. Being the symbol of fertility, vitality and great patience the Chinese believed these animals foretold future events and therefore, fortune tellers use turtles shell to read the future in the pattern on the turtle shell. In older grave sites of Okinawa , Taiwan , China, Malaysia and Korea you can still encounter this type of grave tomb site .

Visit the Filipino- Chinese families richly ornate buildings and mausoleum.

Manila Chinese Cemetery

Location :Felix Huertas Street corner Aurora Boulevard

Transportation : jeepney ride, tricycle , ( LRT- Blumentritt station) , pedicab

Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 7.00 pm daily.

Admission: Free.

Note: Tour guides are available ( offered by the cemetery) rates differ from Php 300 to Php 500 individual or group. But if you know someone with dead relatives or friends just hop along with them. Video taping is not allowed . ( permission must be sought)

* The author occasionally does a free walking tour around the area upon request by close friends or relatives.

Click here for SPOOKTACULAR TOUR PART 1 (Manila North Cemetery)

(oct,26,2009)

SPOOKTACULAR – MANILA MOUNTS,MAUSOLEUM AND MONUMENT TOUR 2009 (PART 1)

Spooktacular Manila Mounts,Mausoleum and Monument Tour (2009) 

Cemeteries from all over the world tells a lot of interesting stories from romantic relationships, tragedy, lavish lifestyles to ghost hunting and their spooky encounters with the living. Some famous attractions are the mausoleums examples are Vladimir Lenin , Ho Chi Minh , Eva Peron , Emperor’s tomb in Xian , China , Abraham Lincoln and ancient catacombs . Like the living , the dead also tell their stories.

Manila North Cemetery ( Cementerio del Norte) is Manila largest public cemetery occupying 54 hectares of land , is considered the biggest and one of the oldest cemeteries in Metro Manila. Beside it are two other important cemeteries, namely the La Loma Cemeteryand the Manila Chinese Cemetery. The cemetery is owned by the Manila city government and has initiated an expansion program to build more “apartment tombs” and a crematorium. Located inside the cemetery complex is a chapel, tennis court , veterinary office and is considered as home to a large group of informal communities .

Pyramid shaped family tomb of Tuazon -Arroyo family clan complete with Spinx

Gov. General Francis Burton Harrison

Francis Burton Harrison (December 18, 1873 – November 21, 1957) was an American statesman who served in the United States House of Representatives and appointed as Governor- General of the Philippines by United States President Woodrow Wilson . Harrison was a prominent adviser to a commonwealth president four other Presidents of the country. Harrison Plaza was named after him.

Pancho Villa tombstone marker

Francisco Guilledo (August 1, 1901 – July 14, 1925), more popularly known as Pancho Villa, boxer. Villa, who stood only 5 feet and 1 inch (154 cm) tall and never weighed more than 114 pounds (51 kg), rose from obscurity to win the World Flyweight boxing champion in 1923, earning acclaim in some quarters as “the greatest Asian fighter in boxing history”.

an ornately decorated family tomb

President Ramon Magsaysay tomb

Fernando Poe Jr. tomb and family mausoleum

Ronald Allan Kelley Poe (August 20, 1939 – December 14, 2004), better known as Fernando Poe, Jr. and colloquially known as FPJand Da King, was a an actor and cultural icon. He was honored on May 24, 2006 as Philippine National Artist through Philippine Proclamation No. 1065.

Notable personalities buried within the cemetery were Jose Corazon de Jesus ( poet) , President Roxas, President Sergio Osmeña y Suico among others.

Click here for SPOOKTACULAR TOUR PART 2 (Manila Chinese Cemetery) 

(oct 25,2009)

HOUSE OF BAMBOO IN LAGUNA 2009

Bamboo house

This is the ancestral house of Mr. Carlos Valeriano C. Lazaro of Laguna located near University of the Philippines .

This house is almost entirely made of local bamboo treated in sea beaches using the centuries -old technique which required bamboo poles to be buried into the beach sand for several months in order to treat the bamboo.

This house was built in early 1950’s and had withstood several calamities like typhoons and even termite infestations.garden with orchids, ferns and ornamental plants

garden with orchids, ferns and ornamental plants

The house , garden and dormitory compound is always a favorite stopover for members of plants and orchid societies which always made it to a point to visit the area whenever there is a field trip within Laguna area.

The house is an ideal location set -up for shooting in some of television series and movies . The garden also boast of various Philippine native orchids, hoyas , ferns , tillandsias, exotic plants and even had a koi pond .

The family also had a fine collections of old family photos, ceramic jars, old memorabilia and even orchid shows trophies .

For those who wanted to visit this magnificent house and garden you can contact Mr. Carlos Valeriano C. Lazaro who conducts local tour around UPLB with food trip . He also an award 

winning landscaper and florist.

Mr. Carlos Valeriano C. Lazaro contact information :

SMART (0918) 520-9795 Sun ( 0922)895-9545

Land line # (049) 536-2463

(September 16, 2009)

EARTH KEEPERS ORGANIC FARM & RESTAURANT 2009

Earth Keepers Garden and Restaurant is located on Kilometer 101, Brgy Talisay in Tiaong , Quezon

Last March 29, 2008, I was very excited to visit the restaurant and organic farm. The jam packed 50 seater tourist bus hired by the Philippine Orchid Society went to this place. The crowd was eager to see this wonderful place which promotes healthy lifestyles and living. Some parts of the property had small relaxation area which could be instantly be converted into a spa or an informal meeting place.

Pesticides, which is concentrated on the vegetables and foods that we usually buy from the market, had traces or laced harmful chemicals .

A lot of the people in this world is already facing with serious dilemma.

Ms. Teresa Perez Saniano conducting a short lecture

According to Ms. Teresa Saniano or simply Ms. Tere the owner of the demo farm said that urea, which is the primary source of fertilizer in farms is already increasing in price, the main component of which is made from petroleum based, the soaring world market of petroleum had caused increase in the prices of these fertilizer which also increases the farm gate prices of these foods.

We all know what is happening all over the world in the quest to have higher yield in food production.

Ms. Tere had warmly welcomed the group and had a short power point presentation in which her advocacy group want to spread not only within the province of Quezon But also all over the country.

native chicken fed with termites

Her demo farm is very productive; She had organically grown vegetables, papaya fruits, organic rice, free-range chickens is fed naturally with organically grown vegetables and termites which is high in protein unlike the usual poultry grown chicken that had to be fed with feeds .

She even had formulated an organic feeds for the pigs which are grown in the farm, she had also vermicomposing which used African night crawlers and their vermin –waste is transformed vermiculite into organic fertilizers and organic spray.

Even kitchen waste such as fish gills, fish innards and leftover bones are also transformed into organic fertilizers.

The fish gills and innards is then prepared with a ratio of 1kilo fish gills and innards to 1 kilo of molasses then fermented for 20 days, after which the organic waste is then filtered into a loin cloth then the fish emulsion is already ready substitute for a high nitrogen based organic foliar fertilizer . The fertilizer is then mixed with 155 grams of ordinary sardine can.

Congressman Prospero Alcala -second district of Quezon

While enjoying the sumptuous organic buffet lunch Congressman Prospero Alcala dropped by and joined the group. He is happy that the group had toured his district and ecstatically shared some of his insights on agriculture and organic farming. he also gladly posed for a souvenir shot with the group .

His involvement in agriculture is deepened and was convinced there is a big market for their crops. However, to be competitive they should get into organic farming.

According to Mr. Alcala , If the farmers, if motivated, could indeed maximize their produce. They were given the seeds and necessary farm inputs—from fertilizers to pesticides, and after their produce were sold in the market, they managed to pay for the inputs provided them. The rest of the profit goes to them.

he recent surge in prices of farm inputs—nearly doubling the cost of fertilizers—deepened their conviction of the need to go organic.

She had also collection of native handicrafts, jars , ornamental plants, native orchids, water lilies and wood work. Tere also accepts guided tour to her demo farm and restaurant but prior appointment must be made several weeks or even months before coming to the farm.

For reservations:

Contact Person : Ms. Teresa Perez Saniano

Km. 101, Brgy. Talisay, Tiaong Quezon Province

Tel: (042) 545-7112

(September 16,2009)

A BOTANIC GARDEN AND FARM 2009

Portion of the resort -style farm

This is a private farm garden owned by one of Metro Manila’s famous politician . The tour group was escorted by a security group upon reaching the place.

Koi Pond

The group saw a lot of collections ranging from family pictures, paintings , antiques, potteries, furniture, santos, jars, figurines, furniture , books and the south east Asian style inspired architecture in each of the pavilion like structures which resembles Bali in Indonesia , Bangkok or even in Mainland China .

Asian inspired pavilion guarded by Chinese- Fu dogs

There is like a big botanic garden which had themed landscape from European style manicured lawn and themed portions which separates expensive palms, adeniums, ornamental plants, shrubs and flowering trees including several aviaries .

Shade house filled with blooming Dendrobium anosmum

Dendrobium anosmum locally known as( sanggumay ), Vanda hybrids, Vanda teres and native orchids

There are also several big green houses which housed the collections of cacti, succulents, orchids, bromeliads,ferns,cycads ,aroids and anthuriums.

According to one of the caretakers, this is like a wonderland of plants from different parts of the world. The collection of the exotic plants spanned over 30 years which started during the pre-martial law days .

The group was treated to a sumptuous buffet style lunch which offered the best from the area.The group were very happy to spend some time in the resort style farm . Photo opportunities and small chit chat with the gracious hosts were the done after the lunch break.

man -made lagoon planted with lotus

There are several man-made pond and lagoons within the property which serves as a planting area for lotus, water lilies and were Peking ducks swim.

colorful service vehicle

The group needed a small service vehicle in order to tour the entire property.

Before the end of the day the group was again treated for a light afternoon snacks which consists of native rice cakes, young coconut pie , nuts and soft drinks.

crucifixion tableau scene late 19th century

According to the owner , they are planning to open the property to the public for a fee in a few years to come . The place is perfect for weddings, parties, location shooting , photo opportunity, convention , meeting place or simply a place to relax and to admire the wonders of nature.

(Original post September 18 2009)

PACEM ECO-PARK 2009

PACEM is a short acronym for Peace And Care For Earth Ministry . The PACEM Eco-Park was established in 1994 inside Assumption College in Antipolo City as a place for retreat and a rescue center of both animals and plants.

Assumption College – Antipolo entrance arch

There was an aviary and eagles were on the ground not in a cage! There was even a big bird,the Cassowary, monkeys,deers , bantam chicken , silky chicken, native chickens, Kabir chicken, parrots, parakeets, snake , pigeon, bear cats a walk through butterfly garden.There’s also an herb garden, a big fountain and fish pond with kois in it.

It has a trail that you have to go to in order for you to check the whole place and the animals can be pet like the snakes , rabbits and exotic birds. It was a breath of fresh air in the city after a nights work in an enclosed work place confined to a cubicle, talking to people half way accross the globe….

collection of preserved beetles

There is also a fine collection of mounted butterflies from different parts of the globe , shell collection, insect collection like mounted walking sticks, beetle, moths , flies , dragon flies etc… According to the guide this was mostly donated by private individuals, DENR Region IV rescued animals, who donated their collections to the center. The center served as a rescue center for all the live plants and animals.

collection of butterflies from Asia

There is also an audio visual center where a short film regarding nature was shown to the group.

stick insect

The staffs and the crew were very friendly and had given the members of the Philippine Orchid Society tour group a special discount when the group visited the place last September 19, 2009

a gaggle of geese

In return the organization through POS president Mr. Carlos Valeriano C. Lazaro donated a healthy Aerides quinquivulnera to the manager of the center.

The center had a small Orchidarium area where various orchids like Dendrobium anosum, Dendrobium aphyllum , Hoyas , native ferns , Cattleya hybrids, Dendrobium hybrids , Vanda Hybrids are gown and nurtured by the staffs. The center accepts donated plants and orchids.

Various components of PACEM Eco-Park, such as the Eco-Center, the Wildlife Sanctuary, the Butterfly Garden, are open for visits as follows :

From Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 3.30pm

On Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.00noon.

For inquiries pls write or call:

********PACEM*********

Center for Peace and Ecology

Assumption Antipolo

Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City

Tel.(+63-2)696-3274 or 697-2354

(original publish date on WP @september 23,2009)

MERALCO MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP CENTER FOUNDATION 2009

MMLDC is short for Meralco Management & Leadership Development Center located in  Kilometer 27 Sumulong Highwayin Antipolo, Rizal province.

But to thousands of others that have benefited from its programs, there is so much more to the 10-hectare expanse.

MMLDC started as an internal training facility for the 6,000- plus workforce of Meralco, including contractors, partners and managers. The utility was then undergoing a spate of transformation coming out of the 1980s and 1990s.

Before , Meralco conducts  a lot of out-of-town training; practically every week we were doing team building, living out of our suitcases . Then the management decided to  set up our own center to make it more convenient for the employees and the participants.

Manuel L. Lopez tarpaulin

On August 9, 1999, MMLDC was formally established, with the Academic Hall as the first structure to be opened. By 2000, the buzz was out about the new training center, with people from other companies requesting to rent the venue for their own training activities.

group photo

Social responsibility

As an educational foundation, MLDC’s stated vision is to create a brighter future through institutions and individuals who manifest and promote social responsibility through its five advocacies: ethical leadership, quality management, technical excellence, environmental stewardship, and safety and wellness practices.

In 2006, the corporate training and academic services programs were beefed up to complement the teambuilding programs, considered the centers bread and butter.

The big compound had old mango trees with huge Platycerium grande, bromeliad, tillandsias , orchids mounted on living trees in landscaped garden setting.

There were a lot of exotic bird  collection like parrots, budgerigars , peacocks, pigeons . There is a (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), or Hyacinthine Macaw or Hyacinth Macaw which is reputed on e of the rarest bird in the world which is endangered in the wild .

me with a common green parrot

The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species due to over collection for the cage bird trade and habitat loss. Annual grass fires set by farmers can destroy nest trees, and regions previously inhabited by this macaw are now unsuitable due to cattle-ranching, forest destruction , pet trade etc…

There was a short bird show which was duly reserved for the visiting POS members . The captive parrots and their trainers entertained the visitors . At the end of the bird show – the handlers let the visitors handle the parrot.

The group also went to a small museum and a gift shop within the compound.The foundation is ideal for social functions like seminars, filed trip, corporate parties etc…

tranvia replica

Contact information:
Location : Km 27 Sumulong Highway,Antipolo City , Rizal
Telephone 632-8111/696 -3051
Telefax 696-1027/26

(SEPTEMBER 24, 2009)