What role does marine wildlife play in keeping our oceans and communities healthy? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan speaks with Dr. AA Yaptinchay, marine wildlife conservationist and Founder of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, about protecting threatened species such as whale sharks, marine turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and sharks. They discuss how responsible marine tourism, stronger public awareness, and science-based conservation can protect biodiversity while creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Dr. AA also shares practical ways everyone can help, from respecting wildlife in their natural habitats to reducing plastic waste and supporting responsible tourism.

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AA Yaptinchay, DVM, MSc is a marine wildlife conservationist with more than 30 years of experience protecting some of the Philippines' most threatened marine species, including whale sharks, dugongs, marine turtles, dolphins, and sharks. A pioneer in responsible marine wildlife tourism, his work helped secure legal protection for whale sharks in the Philippines and has influenced national policies on marine conservation. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP) and continues to champion science-based conservation, wildlife rescue, and sustainable tourism.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why marine wildlife is vital to healthy ocean ecosystems.
• How responsible tourism can support marine conservation.
• The biggest threats facing the Philippines' marine wildlife.
• Why awareness is key to protecting endangered marine species.
• Simple actions everyone can take to help protect our oceans.

QUOTES:

• The Philippines is in the center of marine biodiversity globally. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• Conservation-wise, the Philippines now has more marine protected areas. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• I would go for allowing marine wildlife to be in their natural habitat in the most natural way without any disturbance. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• When you enter the home of the marine species, it is their home. We need to respect these animals and their habitat. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• Remove any form of threat. Hunting is a threat. Plastic pollution is a threat. Coastal development is a threat. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Dr. AA Yaptinchay:

• Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines on Facebook
• Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines on Instagram

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

What if the best classroom was found in nature? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan sits down with Sara Francesca Soliven-De Guzman, President of O.B. Montessori Center and steward of Preziosa Farms, to share how a school campsite evolved into a 16-hectare destination for experiential learning, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Sara explains how hands-on experiences—from harvesting vegetables and caring for animals to planting native trees—help children and families develop a deeper appreciation for nature while inspiring future generations to live more sustainably.

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Sara Francesca Soliven-De Guzman is the President of O.B. Montessori Center and the steward of Preziosa Farms, a 16-hectare educational farm in Alfonso, Cavite. Building on her mother Dr. Preciosa Soliven's vision, she has transformed the farm into a destination for experiential learning, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Through camping programs, farm experiences, native tree conservation, and sustainable design, Sara continues to inspire children, families, and communities to develop a deeper appreciation for nature and responsible living.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Preziosa Farms grew from a school campsite into an educational farm.
• Why hands-on experiences help children connect with nature.
• How regenerative agriculture and native tree conservation support sustainability.
• Designing a farm that balances education, hospitality, and environmental stewardship.
• Simple ways families can reconnect with nature and inspire future environmental advocates.

QUOTES:

• In my family, we don't do things just abruptly. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• You don't just cut the trees. They are like elements. They also have life. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• I would advocate for parents to start bringing their kids to farms or rural areas around the country. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• We're happy because we're able to inspire people and share what we know, what we can do to teach them more about nature. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• We have a total of 5,000 kilos of vegetables harvested each year. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman
• Be inspired by experiencing nature. We need to activate our wonder and awe towards loving Mother Earth. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Sara Soliven-De Guzman:

• Preziosa Farms on IG
• Preziosa Farms on FB
• Preziosa Farms Website

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

Great farming doesn't begin with the harvest. It begins with healthy soil. In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan sits down with Raphael "Raffy" Dacones, Chief Farming Officer of Teraoka Farm, to share his journey from studying architecture and working in Japan to becoming one of the country's leading advocates for organic farming. What started as curiosity grew into a thriving farm that now supplies premium organic produce to some of Metro Manila's top restaurants.

Raffy shares the lessons he learned through years of trial and error, from finding the right market and diversifying crops to building a farm school, mentoring future farmers, and creating stronger partnerships with chefs. He also explains why healthy soil, regenerative agriculture, and continuous learning are essential to building farms that are both productive and sustainable for generations to come.

GUEST BIO:

Raphael "Raffy" Dacones is the Chief Farming Officer of Teraoka Farm, an organic farm in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. Under his leadership, the farm has become a national benchmark for sustainable agriculture, supplying premium organic produce to many of Metro Manila's leading restaurants. He also consults on farm development and leads Soil Studio, integrating agriculture, landscape design, and sustainability to create greener, more resilient spaces.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How curiosity led Raffy from architecture to organic farming.
• Building a successful organic farm through trial, error, and persistence.
• Finding the right market for premium organic produce.
• Growing farmers through education, partnerships, and farm immersion.
• Why healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture.

QUOTES:

• I've always liked getting my hands dirty. —Raffy Dacones
• I was so determined to start a farm, but I never had that give up attitude despite it being very difficult at first. —Raffy Dacones
• I like being challenged. —Raffy Dacones
• I've always believed a farm should have a track record of producing and selling commercially. —Raffy Dacones
• Take care of your soil. Soil is the life of everything. —Raffy Dacones
• Composting is the key. —Raffy Dacones

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Raffy Dacones:

• Teraoka Farm on Instagram
• Teraoka Farm on Facebook

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.