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.

LECHON KAWALI

Estimated cooking time: 50 minutes
Makes 2-4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 lbs pork liempo (pork belly)
•3 garlic cloves, crushed
•2 laurel leaves (bay leaves)
•1 teaspoon peppercorns or 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• salt
• water, for boiling
• oil (for frying)

PORK SISIG

Estimated cooking time: 3 to 4 hours
INGREDIENTS:
•1-1/2 lbs pork cheeks (or 2 lbs deboned pork hocks)
•1/2 lb beef or pork tongue
•1/2 lb beef or pork heart
•1/2 lb liver (pork, beef or chicken)
•2 cups water (for boiling)
•1 cup pineapple juice (for boiling)
•1 tsp whole black peppers (for boiling)