WHAT BEGAN as a chance encounter and a shared passion has blossomed into one of the Philippines’ most enduring birdwatching traditions. On Saturday, Feb. 7, Big Year Davao and Malagos Garden Resort (MGR) celebrated five years of their “Birds in the Wild” partnership—a milestone that proves conservation is most effective when it’s a community affair.
The story of Big Year is one of persistence. Founded by a dedicated group of birders—British expatriate Pete Simpson alongside Sta Cruz tourism officer Julius Paner, educator Benito Anthony Pingoy, and field biologist/NGO worker Joshua Donato—the initiative sought to give birdwatching a platform in Davao.
Big Year Davao got its name from a 2011 American film wherein, over the course of one year, the film’s protagonists crisscross North America in a quest to count more species of birds than anyone else.
Simpson, reflecting on the journey via video message from Negros Oriental, recalled a time around 15 years ago when he was the lone active birdwatcher in the city.
“A lot of people couldn’t relate to what we’re doing,” shared Pingoy. “We didn’t have a platform. As an educator, I wanted to influence my students and the community.”
The turning point came in early 2020 through a serendipitous meeting in Camiguin between Paner and MGR President Charisse Puentespina, when the idea of initiating a birdwatching activity in the resort was hatched. While the pandemic initially grounded their plans, a second “coincidental” encounter in Davao Oriental months later finally greenlit the project.
Surprisingly, the pandemic provided the perfect window. While the world slowed down, the birds kept singing. The group used the lockdown’s end to train Malagos personnel as in-house bird guides, officially launching a program that combined leisure with deep-rooted environmental awareness.
The growth of the monthly “Birds in the Wild” activity, held every first Saturday, has been nothing short of remarkable. In their first year, they’ve identified about 10 or 15 birds within the resort. To date, the bird count is now up to 82. Moreover, MGR has welcomed over 4,000 guests in their birdwatching activity in the last 5 years.
”Those are really good numbers and a good experience for all of us to be able to share it with all of you,” Puentespina proudly said during the celebration.
For the Puentespina family, this anniversary is more than a corporate milestone; it is a tribute. The advocacy honors the late Dr. Roberto “Bo” Puentespina Jr., a renowned veterinarian and staunch bird conservationist. “Our advocacy for the environment is his,” Puentespina noted. “It’s very personal for my brother, so we’d also like to remember him today.”
To commemorate the 5th year, Malagos Chocolate added a delicious twist to the festivities. Rex Puentespina unveiled six new chocolate variants, featuring labels adorned with photos of birds found within the resort—including the elusive Southern Silvery Kingfisher. It’s a literal taste of conservation, blending Davao’s world-class cacao with its vibrant avian heritage.
As Big Year Davao enters its next half-decade, the message is clear: whether through a lens or a chocolate bar, protecting nature is a journey worth taking—one bird at a time.
