Rare vines and flowers await tourists at the Masungi Georeserve Park this Holy Week.
In social media posts , Masungi invited Filipinos to explore the georeserve in Rizal and appreciate the biodiversity of the place from April 3 to 10.
“This Holy Week, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the georeserve! Schedules from April 3-10, 2023 are available on our website,” it said in the post.
This Holy Week, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the georeserve! ⛰️ Schedules from April 3-10, 2023 are available on our website. 🗓️
Request a visit on our website:https://t.co/aSULOL4mcJ pic.twitter.com/d4jdfL4Hjw
— Masungi Georeserve (@MasungiGeo) March 29, 2023
Rare veins were also recently spotted in the park, according to Masungi.
- The JC’s Vine is now in bloom and can be spotted by the guests near the trails.
𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗝𝗖’𝘀 𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗚𝗜 𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦!
BARAS, RIZAL—The rare JC’s Vine, which has only been recorded in four (4) locations in the Philippines and the world, is now in bloom in Masungi. #SaveMasungi pic.twitter.com/6WejmfhXqb
— Masungi Georeserve (@MasungiGeo) March 28, 2023
- Jade Vine was found in the “same area that would have been leveled to the ground by quarries.”
ENDANGERED JADE VINE SPOTTED IN THE MASUNGI GEOPARK PROJECT 🌿
Masungi park rangers spotted the Jade Vine at the peak of MGP, the same area that would have been leveled to the ground by quarries if not for citizens’ vigilance. #SaveMasungi pic.twitter.com/aTu8IeuI7h
— Masungi Georeserve (@MasungiGeo) April 1, 2023
- The Salinggogon flowers, which resemble the cherry blossoms in Japan, are also in bloom this summer.
LOOK: ‘Philippine Cherry Blossoms’, the Salinggogon , bloom in Masungi this summer! 🌸
Native to the Philippines, the Salinggogon tree (𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘹𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘮) can grow up to 65 feet tall, with some known specimens reaching over 140 feet. #SaveMasungi pic.twitter.com/eW0yqTngRg
— Masungi Georeserve (@MasungiGeo) March 22, 2023
Last April, Masungi also shared stunning photos of the different species of butterflies that could be seen fluttering over the area.
“The presence of butterflies indicates a healthy ecosystem, while their loss serves as a warning sign of an imminent ecological catastrophe or potential habitat loss for other organisms,” it said.
Butterfly species that can be spotted in the park include the following:
- Golden Birdwing
- Blue-Moon Butterfly
- Purple Crow
- Lorquin’s Satyr
BUTTERFLIES OF MASUNGI—A THREAD:
🦋 The presence of butterflies indicates a healthy ecosystem, while their loss serves as a warning sign of an imminent ecological catastrophe or potential habitat loss for other organisms. #SaveMasungi pic.twitter.com/cGMlonQaPk
— Masungi Georeserve (@MasungiGeo) April 3, 2023
Based on its website, guests can still schedule or book their visits from April 5 to 9. The succeeding dates are also still available for booking.
They can choose between the following three trail experiences:
Discovery Trail lets guests get close to the karst terrain through a trek that lasts for three to four hours.
“A park ranger will be guiding guests through the trek providing a deeper understanding of the area,” the description on the website reads.
Legacy Trail is an immersion experience wherein guests can “directly participate in bringing life back in the abused land and care for the area.”
Garden Picnic is a relaxed trip wherein guests get to stroll for 20 minutes, sit in a designated picnic space and lounge during their stay to appreciate the surroundings.
Masungi is considered one of the few remaining karst landscapes in the Philippines.
A “karst” is defined as an area made of limestone that have different land and water formations.
National Geographic said that karst landscapes include “caves, underground streams and sinkholes on the surface.”
RELATED: ‘Ark of biodiversity’: Rundown of animals living in Masungi Georeserve
To help save Masungi from destructive activities, the foundation is asking for signatures to its petition here PBBM and DENR Sec Toni: Stop BuCor in Masungi! #HandsOffMasungi | BATARIS.
RELATED: Masungi Georeserve co-founder reaps award in Singapore for campaign vs quarrying