Moonlight Mass Romance

A JOURNEY THROUGH CANCER
by: MUFFET DOLAR VILLEGAS

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.

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.