Right along the commercialized main road of Sucat in Parañaque is an oasis not many know it’s there. Its facade is typical of Bio Research pet shops—you’d think the place is just one huge pet warehouse—but inside is a four-hectare garden of plants and animals.

I first heard of Lost Eden from my friend Jayvee, a fellow animal-lover. I honestly had a few reservations about going all the way to Parañaque to check out the place. Unlike him, I’m not an avid fish hobbyist (I prefer animals with fur, specifically dogs). But my husband Marc is. So together with our friend Juned (who also happens to be a huge fish fan like the two), we set forth on a day of nature tripping and pet shopping in the South’s hidden oasis. More…

The Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City is home to the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), one of the most powerful—and one of the largest—eagles in the world. Its local name is banog, and also known as “Haribon” or “Hari ng Ibon,” which means “Bird King.” In 1995, under Proclamation No. 615, President Fidel V. Ramos named the eagle as the national bird of the Philippines.

Unfortunately, poachers and deforestation pushed this magnificent bird into being critically endangered. The Philippine Eagle now have to be bred in captivity. Their cages are built with more than enough space in order to mimic their natural habitat, which would help them adapt easier when they’re released into the wild. More…