Young Fil-Am to join Ocean Exploration Trust in South Pacific

Fil-Am teen selected to explore marine life aboard Nautilus

Story by Mary Villegas
Inquirer.net
07 September 2024

Scientists have sent spacecraft to the dark side of the moon and landed rovers on Mars yet more than 80 percent of the ocean remains unexplored.

Filipino American student Samantha-Lynn Martinez wants to help unravel the mystery of the ocean and explore marine life and ecosystems. She will be one of 16 interns – chosen out of 400 applicants – to participate in the exploration of deep-sea habitats in the South Pacific. 

Martinez will join the Ocean Exploration Trust – founded by Dr. Robert Ballard, who is known for discovering the wreck of the Titanic – aboard the research vessel E/V Nautilus.

The Ocean Exploration Trust and the Nautilus Exploration Program seek out new discoveries in geology, biology and archaeology while conducting scientific exploration of the seafloor. 

It is a pioneer in ocean exploration using advanced technologies like remotely operated vehicles and seafloor mapping systems. Their expeditions are streamed live on NautilusLive.org.

“Very, very excited,” Martinez posted on Facebook. Scheduled this September, the ocean expedition will set a milestone for the University of Washington student who is eyeing a career in marine science.

In collaboration with the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, the expedition aims to highlight STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and instill curiosity and innovation among young people worldwide.

Martinez is not only passionate about science, but she’s also an artist, working as a graphic designer and illustrator.  Her work has been featured by government organizations, including NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Currently, Martinez is working with the Salish Sea School and the Pacific Mammal Research on various design projects.

In spite of her busy schedule, this Fil-Am teen finds time to honor her Filipino roots and serve the Fil-Am community.

Last year, she partnered with the Filipino Community of Seattle for the cultural event, “Pusit sa Pier,” where she shared her knowledge and showcased her creative side.

You may join Martinez on her exciting journey aboard E/V Nautilus by visiting NautilusLive.org.

Philippines wins 8 titles at World Travel Awards 2024

Philippines wins 8 titles at World Travel Awards 2024

By GMA Integrated News
September 4, 2024 

A major win for the Philippines!

The Philippines has once again cemented its status as one of Asia’s premier travel destinations by winning eight recognitions at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024.

The Philippines was honored as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year since 2019 during the Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 on Tuesday at the City of Dreams in Parañaque. It was also awarded the Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Asia’s Leading Island Destination titles.

Some of the country’s top destinations took the spotlight at this year’s WTA, as well, with the historic Intramuros recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction. At the same time, Boracay bagged the title of Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination.

The Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign also won Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign, while Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco was awarded the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance.

The 31st edition of WTA was special since it marked the first time the Philippines hosted the prestigious travel and tourism awards gala ceremony.

In 2023, the Philippines also bagged several awards at the 30th WTA, including the first-ever Global Tourism Resilience award, which the country proudly shared with four other nations.

Known as the Oscars of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards is a London-based organization established in 1993, acknowledging excellence in travel and tourism at national, regional, and global levels.

— Hermes Joy Tunac/CDC, GMA Integrated News