800-YEAR OLD OLIVE TREE IN ABU DHABI



Image Credit: Abdel-Krim Kallouche/Gulf News

Olive trees such as this particular specimen, part of the Olea Europaea species, are not common to the UAE, but grow wild in other parts of the Middle East.



This native of the Mediterranean region is not a common sight in the UAE. But an 800-year-old specimen has managed to make its way to the capital from Lebanon. The olive tree, which was originally brought here to beautify the surroundings, has now gone on to occupy the pride of place at the entrance of the future Rawdhat residential district in Abu Dhabi. Looking at the tree's journey to the capital.

Abu Dhabi: On the side of a busy highway in the capital, a lone tree with silvery grey leaves stands guard. The olive tree, a native of the eastern Mediterranean coast, has been in the UAE for only nine months. But it is already spreading its roots in its new home, and drawing the attention of everyone who passes by it.

MANILA ZOOLOGICAL & BOTANICAL GARDENS

On July 25, 1959, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public. It serves as one of the educational centers in the country where the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the beauty of Philippine fauna and flora.

   

The zoo has 30 different kinds of mammals, 63 reptile species and 13 types of birds. The Manila Zoo also has a "kinder" zoo where children can play with tamed animals and learn about them and their environment. The "kinder" zoo features a butterfly dome, exotic birds aviary, koi pond, a petting zoo, turtle pond, party barn, a hanging bridge, playground, and a flamingo pond. Here you can also see exotic animals like the Kayman Crocodiles, peacocks, Peahen Ducks, different types of chickens from all over the world, rabbits, snakes, Sulcata Tortoises and Ostriches.

  

The zoo occupies 5.5 hectares of land and it houses several endemic and indigenous animals such as the long tailed macaques, crocodiles and the bearcats.

SIQUIJOR ISLAND - The Island of Fire and Magic

Siquijor is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the municipality also named Siquijor. To the northwest of Siquijor are Cebu and Negros, to the northeast is Bohol and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.


Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country both in terms of population and land area, after Camiguin and Batanes. For a time it was sub-province of Negros Oriental. Called Isla del Fuego or the “Island of Fire” by the Spanish before, Siquijor is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of witches and other supernatural phenomena.


Siquijor's reputation as a place of magic and sorcery both attracts visitors and keeps them away.