This month, the Makiling Botanic Gardens features a remarkable climbing plant known for one of nature’s most elegant seed dispersal mechanisms: kabatete (Alsomitra macrocarpa (Blume) Roem.), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family that produces winged seeds capable of gliding through the forest canopy. Where It Grows Kabatete is native to…
The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) is pleased to announce the addition of its new special policeman, Mr. Deomar Carlos O. Magkawas IV, who will be joining the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve Protection and Regulation Unit (PRU) of the center. Mr. Magkawas took his oath at the MCME Director’s…
With its rich chestnut-brown head, breast, and underparts contrasting beautifully against bright blue wings and back, the Brown-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon gularis) is a medium-sized bird that stands out in the Philippine landscape. Its large red bill adds a striking accent to this colorful combination. A Versatile Hunter The Brown-breasted Kingfisher…
Promoting responsible outdoor activity ethics, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems’ annual Lenten season visitor management program—Make It Makiling (MIM)! 2026—was successfully held from 29 March to 05 April 2026. The program was spearheaded by the MIM! 2026 Steering Committee, chaired by Forester Alexis John Fajardo and co-chaired by Forester…
This month, the Makiling Botanic Gardens features a versatile climbing vine that has served communities across the tropics in multiple ways: pukingan (Centrosema molle Mart. Ex Benth.), a member of the Fabaceae family native to the United States of America that has spread across tropical regions worldwide. Growth Habit and…
With a wingspan of 120-140 mm, the Scarlet Mormon (Papilio rumanzovia) is a large, striking butterfly that commands attention wherever it appears. This species is known for its strong, deliberate flight as it moves through forests and gardens across the Philippines. A Tale of Two Sexes The Scarlet Mormon displays…