Welcome to this issue of Silliman Journal. Without conscious intention, this issue has turned out to be a collection of ideas that address unique social concerns, from biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives. This second issue of SJ 2008 begins with biologists Ma. Rio A. Naguit, Hilconida Calumpong, Janet Estacion, and Wilson Tisera collaborating in a study on “The Siphonal Mantle Morphology of Tridacna crocea.” According to the authors, Tridacna crocea is the smallest among the eight species of Family Tridacnidae and the most abundant tridacnids in reefs around the Philippine archipelago. The study identified 13 mantle patterns in the tridacnids of six reef areas: Pamilacan, Tañon Strait, Carbin, Camiguin, Southeastern Samar, and Spratlys; and analysed mantle morphs and genetic structure. A somewhat related paper is an analysis of “Marine Protected Area-Based Tourism” by Silliman research director Dr. Enrique G. Oracion. Dauin, Negros Oriental has been the location of much of Oracion’s research work while coastal resource management has been an important personal research interest. In this particular study, he highlights the role of marine protected area-based tourism—that is, recreational diving and snorkeling—as a variant of coastal ecotourism that operates in a critical equation that is both very fragile and controversial. This type of tourism, he said, is particularly vulnerable “if not regulated or tempered by the actors of the tourism system composed of brokers, locals and tourists.” Then, biology professor Brigitt Villordon’s thesis entitled “Prevalence and Risk Factors of Enterobiasis Among Pre-School Children in Selected Barangays in Dumaguete City,” brings about concern over our children’s health and well-being. As knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) scores increase, prevalence decreases, and Villordon recommends continuing health education programs. Just as important to residents’ welfare, “A Profile of Street Noise in Dumaguete City Streets” by Physics professor Dr. Hope Bandal, considered data on sound pressure level, traffic density, and construction layout such as width of the street, make and construction type of buildings, and the presence of trees and open spaces beside the streets. The results indicate that there is a high correlation and thus, a marked relationship, between sound pressure level and traffic density, and Bandal points to the worthiness of considering how noise pollution may be minimized in urban planning. In the final paper among our full-length articles, Michele Valbuena, associate professor in women’s studies, asks “Who is Happy? Who is Not Happy?” in her study of technology mediated communication among Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong. In addressing life satisfaction among overseas workers, Valbuena contributes to family and women’s issues research as well as to a greater understanding of the diaspora experience. We have an interesting mix of essays in this issue’s Notes Section, beginning with biologist Abner Bucol’s observations of folk medicine for toothache relief using toob in Siquijor Island, Philippines. This is followed by “Asian Christologies: Images and Metaphor” by theologian and women’s studies educator Lilith Usog. The section is rounded off by Prof. Betsy Joy Tan’s essay on “Teaching as Service for Knowledge Work.” Finally, this SJ includes a book review by writer-poet Bobby FloresVillasis of The Folk Healers: Sorcerers of Siquijor, Isla del Fuego, published in 2004 by Silliman professors Rolly and Evelyn Mascuñana. Isla del Fuego (Island of Fire) is the old name of Siquijor Island and the anthropologists Mascuñana tell of the island’s yearly pangalap (search for materials that are used as ingredients in concoctions for their traditional practices). Villasis’ review is both personal and informed and it is a joy to read. I would like to thank all contributors to this issue—authors, reviewers, SJ Editorial Board (including our colleagues overseas) and SJ editorial staff. Special thanks go to history and fine arts professor, Jutsze Pamate, whose artwork graces our cover. As told by another local artist Muffet Villegas, Jutsze is versatile in using different media, his latest passion being the use of ancient coffee beans to bring back the past in his captivating landscapes. Of Jutsze’s work, Villegas says: “The coffee stains become the time machine which does not only promote the ancient feeling of the theme, but it becomes the color that spells magical memories to the young and the old.” I join the rest of the Silliman community in inviting contributions to Silliman Journal, for “one’s life is a quest,” so states Jill Ker Conway, editor of a collection of autobiographies Written by Herself (1992), “…to realize one’s vision of beauty, to see more deeply into nature, to escape from Egypt into the Promised Land.”