#SeatizenSunday Stay-in Series: SPS Team

The marine conservation community had big plans for 2020. At Save Philippine Seas, we were preparing to announce them in March. April-June has always been our busiest season. But alas, COVID-19 has postponed or cancelled nearly all of them.

The pandemic has affected many industries in different ways, and marine conservation isn't any different. There's been a lot of articles on COVID-19's impact on retail, entertainment, and travel, and through the #SeatizenSunday Stay-in Series, we hope to shine a light on how our field has been affected too - and how we're (trying our best) to stay on track.

May is the Philippines' Month of the Ocean, so we'll be publishing a new story every Sunday of the week. This week, we're starting with the SPS core team!

Anna Oposa (Chief Mermaid), Executive Director

How has COVID-19 affected your work?

No travels or fieldwork, all events cancelled or postponed. Our funding sources are also questionable now, since they've either been diverted to other causes or significantly reduced (especially if they were related to retail).

What's been keeping you busy?

I've been working on a lot of reports. A few weeks ago, I submitted a report due in July (sinong atat?!). This week, a report that should have been finished in early 2020! Gab and I are also constantly in touch with ideas for online content, thinking of what would be relevant or helpful to our community.

Outside work, I've been working out 5-6x a week, every morning. I've been reading a non-work related book a week. My April reads and reviews here.

How have you been taking care of yourself?

The first two weeks of ECQ was a self-care disaster, then I slowly learned to adjust and adapt. I limit my social media / news time. I check Twitter maybe just once a week and deactivated my Instagram account at one point. I only check one news source once a day or every other day (CNN Philippines).

What are you looking forward to the most?

Being in the sea again and running workshops again. I miss the energy of human connections formed from our activities.

Gab Paloma (Sardine Lustre), Creative Director and Community Manager

What's been keeping you busy (work/non-work)?

I have been working mobile/from home for almost two years (!) and most of my deals with co-creating content to keep our community engaged and educated online.

When I'm not working, my browser has tabs on newsletters, skincare forums, and Netflix shows and documentaries. Since I just moved into a new house, I have been unpacking and rearranging my new workspace/room.

What new skill did you learn during the ECQ?

I tried my hand at digitally illustrating different marine animals. Another skill I learned is how to repot plants (without them dying LOL).

How have you been taking care of yourself?

I start my day by cooking my own breakfast, and work out in the afternoon. I listen to WFH (work from home) Spotify playlists to help me boost my mood and stay energized. Some of my favorite songs can be found here.

Bryan Madera, Project Manager (SEA Camp and Haquathon)

How has COVID-19 affected your work?

Events will be implemented on later dates. We are supposed to conduct A-B-Seas in Guimaras this May with support from Sustainable Ocean Alliance, but we had to reschedule it on a later date. Follow our page for updates.

What's been keeping you busy?

I still work from home. I watch documentaries, enroll in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and garden.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Spending time in the beach and continue the work in the field.

What new skill did you learn or old skill did you pick up again?

Through a MOOC, I learned about the Multidimensional Poverty Index. I also learned about film photography again. I did film photography as a hobby from 2011-2013, but this time I learned the differences between formats and brands.

How have you been taking care of yourself? Any self-care tips?

I was able to start working out before the pandemic, so I started a workout routine. I believe physical exercise helps a lot.