A flower species thought lost for over 130 years is blooming again at Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal, a popular eco-tourism destination near Metro Manila. The rediscovery was reported around September 2026, drawing renewed attention to this protected landscape. For Quezon City residents, this rare botanical event highlights the value of nearby conservation areas that are easy to visit as day trips from Metro Manila. It also offers a fresh reason to experience Masungi’s guided eco-tourism trails and witness conservation success firsthand. Access to Masungi Georeserve is by guided tour only, and advance booking is made through the official Masungi Georeserve website. Quezon City visitors can plan a day trip to Baras, Rizal, but must arrange their own transport and follow the reserve’s visitor guidelines.
Background
Masungi Georeserve is a privately managed conservation area covering about 2,700 hectares of limestone karst terrain in the southern Sierra Madre, centered on Masungi Rock at an elevation of 640 meters. In 1993, the site was proposed as a strict nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary, and it has since become a popular hiking and eco-tourism destination from Metro Manila. The reappearance of a species not seen for over 130 years is an example of what scientists call a Lazarus taxon—a species once thought extinct that is found alive again.
Source: Philippine Star