More Than A Bird Story- Klepetan and Malena

For over two decades, the skies above Croatia witnessed a love story that defied instinct and time. Klepetan, a white stork, flew nearly 9,000 miles each spring from South Africa to a small Croatian village just to reunite with Malena, his injured mate who could no longer migrate. Malena had been grounded by a hunter’s bullet in 1993, but her life was saved by retired school janitor Stjepan Vokić, who gave her warmth, safety, and eventually, a soulmate.

Klepetan and Malena raised 66 chicks together. While Malena stayed home caring for their young, Klepetan taught them how to fly, hunt, and journey into the wild. Their bond wasn’t built on biology alone it was built on loyalty and sacrifice. When winter came, Malena stayed behind with Vokić, and Klepetan braved the journey south alone. Yet each spring, he returned never late, never lost. Even after Malena passed in 2021, Klepetan still visits her resting place beneath an apple tree, a ritual now continued into 2024.

This is more than a bird story. It’s a reminder that love can cross oceans, defy survival instincts, and persist even after death. In an age of fleeting connection, Klepetan and Malena proved that devotion has wings and it never forgets where home is.

Meanwhile, Did you know that....? 

In the Philippines, there’s an actual phrase for being consistently late—it’s called “Filipino Time.”

Set a meeting at 3:00? Better expect people to show up by 4:00… maybe.

While traffic is a real beast (especially in Metro Manila), it's not the only culprit. Many Filipinos follow a more fluid concept of time. Chores might come first, or plans might get shuffled around last-minute. The unspoken rule? Just adjust. Or better yet, set the time an hour early if you want things to start “on time.”

But here’s the twist: Filipinos may be late to social gatherings, but never to a buffet, a basketball game, or a flight.

“Filipino Time” isn’t just tardiness—it’s a cultural rhythm shaped by our laid-back vibe, communal living, and, yes, sometimes too much trust in traffic apps.

Lastly, My Photo of the Day

A beach in the 70’s. Not one over weight body. My, how the food industry destroyed us.

My Food For Thought for Today:

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