26 May 2006

In search of Pag-asa and Waling-waling

Mindanao is blessed with abundant natural resources. The sad part is, these are being threatened to extinction by deforestation. The Philippine Eagle (or monkey-eating eagle), once proudly flying across the blue skies where it is king, is now kept in cages for breeding and preservation (though a number are being introduced into the wild). The waling-waling is also on the verge of extinction. This unique orchid was once found only in Mindanao, but are now being cultivated in other countries as well. Ironically, it is a threatened species in the Philippines due to its sensitive nature and the desctruction of its habitat.

The trip to the Eagle Sanctuary was a memorable one. I originally thought that there were only a handful of the eagles left. I was surprised that there more more. Over fifteen eagles, I think. Wait, that is indeed a handful. I do hope more are on the way.
The eagles were magnificent. Even from afar they are a sigh to behold. They would mostly perch silently on trunks and trees inside their cages, but when they would fly off to perch on another branch, we would stare in awe. Such huge wingspans! Here's a photo of Pag-asa's cage. I believe the original Pag-asa has long since died; he is a second-generation eagle with the same name. Can you spot where he is?

Hmmm... the eagle wouldn't look at us so let's not look at him to. Let's see who will budge first...
We also visited a butterfly garden at Malagos (which, sadly, is also in various states of disrepair; it must have been a wonderful place to visit when it was well-kept). The place ws huge, and plants were tagged with their names. An educational stroll overall.

Debbie wanted to kiss the frog. But that's no frog!

This fern is an endangered species, though we did also see some at the Waterfront Hotel where we had our conference.Butterflies fluttered in close proximity. It was mesmerizing, the way they glided about.

And there were also fowls of various shapes and sizes at the Paradise Island. Ostriches remind me of the good old movie Swiss Family Robinson.
Too bad I forgot to bring Visine.

I was not able to see a waling-waling up close and personal, so I settled for other breeds instead. Read the myth of the waling-waling in Filipino here.

It was wonderful doing the nature trips in Davao. There's another spot we weren't able to visit because it's too far away. It's called Eden.

I can only imagine how the eagles flew beyond the horizon from days of yore, and how the waling-waling thrived in the forests, and captured the imagination and awe of many a people.

Happy weekend everyone!

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:52 pm

    Great shots watson,..You brought nature to its most grandiose beauty.

    It is really sad that man's folly could destroy such beautiful creature as the Philippine Eagle.

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  2. Hello major Tom. Credit also go to my companions who loved taking photos :-) Some of the photos are theirs.

    The Philippine eagle is indeed majestic. I wish I saw this eagle while under the cover of trees and with binoculars, not through a wired cage. But I guess this is better, than seeing it as a stuffed animal, or in films.

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  3. Anonymous7:49 pm

    Wow! Field trip! Buti you got to enjoy the sights even if it was a business trip. :)

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  4. Anonymous10:51 pm

    sana makita pa ng magiging anak ko yang phil eagle. kaso ang tanong kelan ako magkakaanak :)

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  5. Here in America, we almost lost our national symbol the American Eagle to extinction due to chemical use that prevented their eggs from hatching. Growing up, I remember seeing my first wild eagle and thinking that I would probably never see one again for tens of years, they were that rare. Now, whenever I walk down by the river, I see scores of them on a daily basis and they have successfully been brought back. I hope the Philippines have the same success.

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  6. Isn't that weird? I just got back from my own trip to Davao. I was doing my own bit to help the vanishing Filipino species of WWII veteran! I'm writing my observations up right now Wat.

    I noticed on the map the large Apo Sanctuary where your eagle has its last chance to live in the wild. I assume that's where you visited, yes?

    Well, back to work. Nice to be back.

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  7. nakakalungkot naman tong post mong ito. lahat na lang magagandang tanawin sa Davao ay near to extinction na.

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  8. ang sarap talaga mag travel, noh?
    ang ganda ng mga pictures kuya nick! gusto kona tuloy pumunta sa Davao :)

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  9. Anonymous8:00 am

    Those waling-walings are so pretty.

    By the way, I've moved my site to http://niceheart.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. just read this post and some comments indeed it is sad to know most of Davao's treasure is slowly into extinction.

    Even my friends in Davao are going into extinction as well migrating to different provinces and countries.

    ReplyDelete

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