Philippine Bird Festival Takes Flight in Palawan
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Great Philippine Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax) by Karla Maquiling There’s no better timing for the fourth Philippine Bird Festival than this September, which marks the start of the annual winter migration of birds from mainland China and Japan to tropical countries such as the Philippines. As birds seek warmer climes, birdwatching hobbyists, conservationists, and eco tourism promoters flock to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, which, with its diverse birdlife and pristine forests, fits the theme “Aba, Kakaiba!” to a tee. The festival, which opens at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum on September 12 with an exhibit of rarely seen photos of Philippine birds, displays, lectures, films, and art activities for children, aims to encourage Filipinos to pursue eco-friendly recreational activities such as birdwatching and bird photography. Birdwatching, says Department of Tourism secretary Ace Durano, will “open up unestablished destinations to the world.” Th...