New IO - Balincaguin Conservancy Grotto

[pub]

I am pleased to announce that the Balincaguin Conservancy Grotto has just become the latest NSS Chapter effective 9/25/09. It is located in the province of Pangasinan in the Philippines. The name derives from the fact that the group was already legally organized as a conservancy in the Philippines. Rather than change their name, I suggested that for purposes of the NSS they could add Grotto to their name. They wanted to be an NSS grotto rather than be associated as a conservancy. Their chairman is Rawen Balmaña. Please welcome the new grotto.

Keith Wheeland

Thank you Keith esp. for the helping us get our paperwork straightened out!

As a grotto we plan to actively promote safe caving and the NSS conservation policy in our area, Mabini, Pangasinan. In the past there has been no form of conservation for our caves and the caves show it (litter & vandalism). Also, safety is of little concern of those entering the caves.


The Ice Cream Cone Room in the Cacupangan Cave System (Rawen Balmaña on strobe)

jerry rendon

[Cheryl Jones]

[CaverScott]

[pub]

Thanks for the greeting Cheryl and Scott!

[pub]

6 Feb 2010 - As part of the SoCal Grotto’s Christmas party, Incoming Chairperson Betty Farfan, Daniel Veelik and Charley Nelson ask their fellow SoCal Grotto members to donate used but serviceable caving equipment for the newly formed Balincaguin Conservancy (BC) Grotto. They had planned to bring the donated equipment to the BC Grotto when they go back to the Philippines in early 2010.

EQUIPMENT DRIVE FOR THE B.C. GROTTO

Do you have some used caving gear sitting around the house collecting dust? Have you updated your equipment recently and don’t know what to do with your old usable gear? Why don’t you collect it up and donate it to a good cause?

Last April three members of the SoCal Grotto completed basic vertical training for aspiring cavers in the Philippines. At that time we noticed a need for basic safety equipment among the attendees. AS OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 THE BALINCAGUIN CONSERVANCY HAS BECOME A FULLY RECOGNIZED GROTTO OF THE NSS. Because specialized caving/climbing gear is difficult to find and quite costly in the Philippines, we are collecting up gently-used equipment to send them and get them started in a safe manner.

Any equipment in safe and usable condition will be accepted including knee & elbow pads, lights, helmets, surveying tools, lengths of webbing, gloves, ascenders & descenders, etc. Don’t have any old stuff sitting around to donate? We’ll take new stuff too!!!

Bring your donations to the December general meeting or the Christmas Party…

Rest assured that your contributions will be much appreciated and happily used by fellow cavers half a world away.

Well, the Eagle has landed and it was a joyous February Xmas for the BC Grotto members. After the equipment was properly checked out they were put to use for a SRT refresher session on our favorite mango tree at Cacupangan Cave Resort.

BC Grotto would like to acknowledge and thank the following donors:

*Matt Oliphant & *Nancy Pistole - 600’ rope, survey protractors
David (Dave) Campen - oval carabiners
*Carol Vesely - helmets, kneepads, quicklinks
Dell Quick - leather belaying gloves
San Diego Grotto (Luca Chiribini) - Western Regional Convention T-Shirts
John Woods - helmets
Doug Billings - headlamps, flagging tape, indelible markers
James & Alan Rice - lights w/ battery packs
*Daniel Veelik & *Betty Farfan - 147’ rope, knee & elbowpads, Petzl guidebook, NSS mugs
*Charley Nelson - AA Rechargeable batteries & chargers

Notes: * Have been caving in BC country
... and there were NEW equipment donated too!

MALIGAYANG PASKO & MARAMING SALAMAT PO!
(MERRY CHRISTMAS & MUCH THANKS!)

- Rawen Balmaña (BC President) & Jerry “pub” Rendon (BC Advisor)

[Speedemon636]

WOW! Looks like you guys have started something great!! Congrats!! Keep up the great work!!!

I'll ask my caving buddies if they have any extra equip they don't need

[pub]

Tnx Matt! We would definitely appreciate it! There's a SoCal Grotto member that come here for the first three month of every year who brings us caving equipment (kind of our Santa Claus) so you can just send the used stuff to SoCal Grotto. Let me know and I'll make the necessary arrangements...

[Speedemon636]

You're very welcome! Are there any specific things you need? Helmets? Rope?

[pub]

We're not picky Matt. Our grotto is not even 5 months-old and almost all of the membership are noobs with little experience and equipment. We're lucky to have close ties with SoCal Grotto that provides the mentors for our members. If you ever get a wild hair and want to try some wet, tropical, wet Filipino, wet caves (did I mention wet?), let me know, we'll do our best to make you feel welcome!