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Mindanao Lorikeet — The Endemic Parrot of the Philippine Highlands
Stories: Mindanao Lorikeet — The Endemic Parrot of the Philippine Highlands; Mount Asog (Mount Iriga) — A Hidden Volcano Trek in Camarines Sur
KGM Resorts
January 16, 2026
In partnership with
Hello and Mabuhay!
Welcome to Finding Utopia — your trusted guide to exploring the wonders of the Philippines and beyond.
In this edition, we bring you inspiring stories and essential travel insights to fuel your next adventure:
Mindanao Lorikeet — The Endemic Parrot of the Philippine Highlands
Mount Asog (Mount Iriga) — A Hidden Volcano Trek in Camarines Sur
Wherever you're dreaming of going next, we're here to guide you closer to your utopia.
Enjoy the read!
— The Finding Utopia Team
Mindanao Lorikeet — The Endemic Parrot of the Philippine Highlands
Perched among mossy branches high in the mountains of Mindanao is one of the Philippines’ most brightly colored and ecologically valuable birds — the Mindanao Lorikeet (Saudareos johnstoniae). Often overlooked in favor of larger wildlife icons, this spectacular parrot offers a vivid reminder of the country’s extraordinary biodiversity, and why protecting its highland forests matters for future generations.
A Parrot Painted by Nature
Vibrant Plumage: The Mindanao Lorikeet is instantly eye-catching — brilliant green feathers with splashes of bright red and blue along the head and chest make it unmistakable in flight.
Living Color Palette: These luminous hues aren’t merely decorative; in dense forest light, they help individuals spot one another among leaves and blossoms as they forage.
A Rarity in the Sky: Unlike many parrots that thrive in lowland gardens or urban spaces, this species lives predominantly in the montane mossy forests of Mindanao — one of the Philippines’ most remote and mist-shrouded ecosystems.
Habitat & Highland Life
Mountain Home: Found at elevations generally above 1,000 meters, the Mindanao Lorikeet favors cool, wet forests where tree canopies drip with orchids and mosses.
Niche Forest Ecology: These birds cluster around flowering trees and shrubs, sipping nectar — a key part of how they help sustain plant populations.
Seasonal Movements: While largely resident, lorikeets may shift their range seasonally depending on food availability, following blooms up and down mountain slopes.
What They Eat & Why It Matters
Nectar & Pollen Specialists: Unlike many parrots that rely primarily on seeds, the Mindanao Lorikeet has a brush-like tongue adapted for nectar feeding — sipping sweet fluids and collecting pollen as it moves from flower to flower.
Ecological Partners: In doing so, it becomes a pollinator, helping flowering highland plants reproduce. This makes the lorikeet a critical ecological bridge between fauna and flora.
Fruit & Blossoms: Alongside nectar, they also enjoy soft fruits and buds — a varied diet that reflects the rich plant diversity of their cloud-forest home.
Threats & Conservation
Habitat Loss: Like many highland species, the Mindanao Lorikeet faces pressure from deforestation, logging, agricultural conversion and infrastructure expansion. Once continuous forest becomes patchwork, populations can become isolated.
Fragmentation & Risk: Small, disconnected forest pockets make it harder for lorikeets to find food, mates, or new territories — increasing vulnerability to environmental change.
Need for Protection: Conservationists advocate for stronger protection of remaining highland forests, community-based stewardship and sustainable land-use planning to ensure the lorikeet’s survival.
Why This Bird Matters
The Mindanao Lorikeet is more than a vivid feathered resident — it’s a symbol of ecosystem health and an ambassador for cloud-forest conservation. Its presence tells us a forest still functions, nourishes, and connects life from root to canopy.
For travelers and nature lovers visiting Mindanao’s highlands, spotting these rainbow birds can be a highlight — a moment of wonder that underscores how unique and precious the Philippines’ biodiversity truly is.
If you’re craving a trek that blends adventure, wildlife, culture and sweeping views — Mount Asog (also known as Mount Iriga) in Camarines Sur is a Philippine volcano experience that’s still under the radar for many travellers. Rising from the Bicol landscape, this volcano offers a unique trail through forest, ferns and rock formations all the way to panoramic crater views. Here’s what makes Mount Asog a must-explore for 2026.
Volcano Profile — What You Should Know
Dual Identity: Locals call it both Mount Asog and Mount Iriga. The name “Asog” refers to the peak itself, while “Iriga” stems from the nearby city it overlooks.
Type & Terrain: It’s a stratovolcano — meaning its slopes are built from alternating layers of lava flows, tephra and volcanic ash. This structure gives the trail variety: rocky ridges, forested sections and open crests.
Elevation: Roughly 1,196 meters above sea level, Asog offers a challenging yet rewarding trek with dramatic skies and coastal views on clear days.
Trail Highlights — What You’ll See & Do
Lush Forest Approach: The hike begins with green, shaded forest paths — bamboo, ferns and moss-covered roots give way to sudden open sections as you ascend.
Volcanic Rock Formations: Partway up, ancient volcanic ridges and rock outcrops create striking scenery — a reminder you’re on an active geological landscape shaped over millennia.
Sweeping Panoramas: As you near the summit ridge, islands, coastlines and lowland plains unfold before you. On a clear horizon, the vista reaches toward Ticao Island and neighboring volcanoes across Pintados Bay.
Trek Tips & What to Pack
Footwear is Essential: The terrain is uneven — rock, roots and soft soil — so sturdy hiking shoes with good grip make the climb smoother.
Water & Snacks: There are few resources on the trail; bring at least 1.5–2 L of water per person and calorie-rich snacks to sustain your energy.
Pace Yourself: The climb can be steep in places. Take breaks to enjoy views, capture photos, and acclimate — especially if you’re newer to volcano trekking.
Sun & Bugs: Lightweight long sleeves, sunscreen and insect repellent help with sun exposure on open ridges and insects in shaded forest sections.
Why Mount Asog Belongs on Your Trek List
Undiscovered Vibe: Unlike more popular Philippine volcanoes (e.g., Mayon, Taal), Asog still feels like a secret adventure — fewer crowds, more landscape intimacy.
Diverse Ecosystems: You cross different ecological zones in one trek — from shaded undergrowth to open crater ridges and panoramic vistas.
Local Connections: The trail threads through villages where warm Bicolano hospitality is common. Trekking with a local guide not only supports community tourism but deepens cultural perspective.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature lover seeking a new Philippine adventure, Mount Asog delivers on challenge, beauty, and discovery. It’s a trek that rewards effort with wide-sweeping views and a profound sense of place — an unforgettable way to start 2026.
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