To celebrate Eco’s 30th birthday, we initially planned to go to La Mesa Dam Eco Park. But when we researched the activities and sights there, it seemed like we wouldn’t enjoy the day much—plus, it was raining like crazy. So we decided to stay home instead.

Then, around 2 a.m. on September 1st, Eco saw a post on social media about a Philippine Eagle staying at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, which was very close to where we live.

Here’s a fun fact about my husband: he’s an animal lover and, more specifically, a huge fan of the Philippine Eagle. We’ve been dreaming of going to Davao to see one in the flesh, but of course, traveling there isn’t easy and can be quite expensive. So when we saw the news and confirmed that the eagle was indeed still there and alive, we didn’t think twice—we went!

So here’s our experience…

Our trip to the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center was smooth. We booked a Grab, and the fare was affordable (less than ₱800) for a 6-seater vehicle. Upon arrival, we immediately bought our tickets.

Honestly, I think the Grab dropped us off at a different entrance. I was expecting to see the long pathway, but instead, we were greeted by a statue and a spacious parking lot.

The attendants at NAPWC were very accommodating—they even gave us a map to follow.

We headed straight to the “reservation center,” thinking the Philippine Eagle was there (LOL!). Instead, we saw various birds, snakes, crocodiles, and other mammals. Aia really enjoyed the parrots and ringnecks—she even shouted back at them as if trying to have a conversation.

As we roamed around, we explored different bird enclosures. We got up close with hornbills and admired several Brahminy Kites thriving in their large enclosure.

Not far from them were the big crocodiles. They looked healthy in their spacious habitat, and nearby were iguanas basking in the sun despite the gloomy weather.

Since we had walked so much, I asked one of the staff where we could find the Philippine Eagle. Thankfully, the staff knew exactly what we were looking for and told us to walk straight until we saw a huge sign with the name “Girlie”—the eagle’s name.

We followed the directions, and lo and behold—the Philippine Eagle!

She was breathtaking. All we could say was, “You’re beautiful!” I especially loved seeing my husband’s reaction. Eco was in awe—Girlie was majestic, much larger than I had imagined. I never thought I’d see a Philippine Eagle alive and in person. I gave Eco some time to admire her while I watched the kids, because I knew this was his long-time dream come true.

So, Was It Worth It?

Definitely yes! The location is spacious, so I highly recommend wearing something comfortable and choosing footwear designed for long walks. We honestly didn’t finish exploring the entire area and even missed some key highlights—like the lagoon and the bridge where most photoshoots usually take place.

Because NAPWC is so big, it didn’t feel crowded, even with several areas hosting martial arts classes, photoshoots, and families enjoying the natural surroundings. The only challenge we faced was finding a good spot to rest. Since it had rained the night before, the benches were wet, and the picnic tables were already occupied.

The map they gave us wasn’t very helpful since there weren’t enough signages scattered around. Of course, that’s not surprising because this isn’t a zoo. You really have to figure out your way to the areas you want to visit. I remember we walked a long way trying to find the bridge, only to end up near the parking lot by the exit. Instead of continuing the search, we decided to head home and just come back another time.

Once you’re inside, you’ll really immerse yourself in nature. It wasn’t too hot, but the place is definitely humid, which makes sense because the DENR has preserved the animals’ natural habitat. The towering trees, lush grasses, and dense plants create a true jungle vibe. But since there are so many plants, be prepared for insect bites. When we visited the Brahminy Kites, I ended up with a few bites—not mosquitoes, but something else. So, triple-apply your mosquito repellent!

We honestly didn’t have high expectations of NAPWC since it’s a conservation center for rescued animals. Naturally, it’s not the cleanest or most well-maintained place, and some areas were quite muddy.

Nevertheless, seeing the Philippine Eagle live and in the flesh was the cherry on top of the entire journey! It was absolutely worth it.

We’re already planning to go back once the rainy season is over.