My third day adventure found me at the foot of Mt. Apo, known as the highest peak in the Philippines. There lies the home of the valued Philippine eagles and other animals common in Mindanao like goats, monkeys, and many kinds of local birds.
We first visited the hatchery and nursery section of the eagles, and then proceeded to the huge cages of the full-sized ones –whom impressed me with their great wingspan (that according to one of the caretakers I met, is about 2.5 meters). Those Philippine eagles in captivity carry such patriotic names as “Pag-asa,” “Pagkakaisa,” and a fashionable name like “Girlie”.
To become an instant enthusiast of the Philippine eagle was not that easy, it requires the skills of a good photographer. Cleverness is the key because unless you’re quick enough to click the camera, you might just be taking pictures of the branches of the trees minus the eagle. (Good thing that I captured him once. So here’s “Pagkakaisa’s “picture.)
Though the Philippine eagle was very distant to me, there were other animals in the center that showed exuberance in posing for my photographs. Take for instance this local goat whom upon seeing me holding a camera, moved towards my direction and gazed at me very closely as if making sure that I took it closed-up. Next was the family of little monkeys who showed off their skills of leaping and jolting.
The center also serves as a park to many families and friends during weekends. It has a good manicured and shaded lawn best for picnics.
Malagos Garden Resort
Two kilometers away from the nature center is the Malagos Garden Resort. Its façade is very simple that we almost underestimated the beauty that lies inside. Only after we entered its premises that we understood why the Department of Tourism put it on our itinerary ---because it is a “secret garden”.
Blooming native orchids served as our welcoming hosts. Its variety in colors, sizes and designs gave us a romantic setting with an atmosphere like that of the early 70s movies. (So after I had my films developed, this place turned out to be the most photographed---with me posing, of course!)
The resort offers cottages for overnight guests, but most of the tourists come here on day-tours. Its minimal entrance fee is very affordable that even school children make this their regular weekend playground ---where they enjoyed playing, riding horses and swimming the whole day. It also offers camping facilities for the more adventurous ones, and that was my pick!
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