The Awesome God

Moonlight Mass Romance

The moonlight is enough to trigger their primitive instincts to reproduce. They may not have brains or eyes to see, but their whole beings become active and attuned to the pale blue light that make them romantic. The next thing that happens is a spectacle that many would love to see. Soon, the wide expanse of the silvery sea is covered with vast slicks of new life. Sperms and eggs are slowly pushed from the corals' mouths. How the right sperm ends up with the right egg is more complicated to solve.
The way corals reproduce is an amazing mystery even to this age of high technology.The pale blue light coming from the moon triggers a mass romance, causing acres of corals to spawn in perfect harmony after an October full moon.
Scientists say that corals possess this ancient protein known as cryptochromes, a gene in the coral's DNA that can detect moonlight. This gene is also present in other mammals, some insects and even humans. Studies show that it has an important role in our body clock , in terms of doing the right thing at the right time.

Last week, before the summer ends,I had another chance to get a glimpse of these primitive animals in their sanctuary. This is an added attraction to Antulang Beach Resort, where my husband and I spent our weekend together with writers and artists.
Most of us enjoyed activities like cruising, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and painting on the spot. Distinguished writers like Krip Yuson, and multiple Palanca awardee writer Ian Casocot and writing fellows from Manila were also present. Lito Aro, Susan canoy and myself, met Simo, the " manananggot" a very interesting subject to paint.
Juanito Lee, Japi Villegas Lee,Annabelle Lee Adriano and husband Edu Adriano together with their daughter, the youngest budding poet and writer Suyen were perfect hosts.

Just below the rocks and the cliff are the white sand and clear green waters. A few hundred meters away, between the world famous diving site of Apo island and Antulang is an awesome collection of underwater treasures. A bed of multicolored corals where rainbow colored fishes frolic and hide. Our snorkeling guide, Marcelo Palon or Loi Loi, the butler took Susan and me to the corals.
The corals' wide array of colors lying on the ocean's bed are all found in God's painting palette. They grow so slowly, weaving intricate designs that goes beyond man's imagination. A wide cluster of them look like thousands of fingers reaching out for humans who are invading their privacy. Others look like thin fiery fans waving goodbyes. They are in all kinds of shapes and colors. Their intriguing hues range from cool colors like blues to the warmest colors like fiery orange.
Spending time with nature and knowing how living things are coping with life strengthens my faith that God is in control of everything. He knows exactly my body clock. Our time is written on His hand. He thought about us, and made us wonderfully, including these corals.