Michi Photostory

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It is not contagious and can affect anyone, regardless of family history. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others face severe flare-ups that impact daily life. Living with psoriasis often involves medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support. 

I was diagnosed with psoriasis during my fourth year of college. At first, it was mild, and I could live normally—wearing what I wanted and going about my daily life. But after giving birth to my son, the condition became severe, spreading all over my body. 

Before joining any support groups, I felt alone and frustrated. I tried topical medications, phototherapy, and other treatments, but progress was slow and expensive. There were times I felt depressed, wishing I could have normal skin again. 

Joining the Asian Psoriasis Club and the local PsorPhil group gave me hope. I realized I wasn’t alone—there were others who truly understood what I was going through. 

World Psoriasis Day, observed globally every year, is dedicated to raising awareness about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The event aims to educate people, improve access to treatments, and reduce discrimination against those living with the condition. 

In 2010, I joined the Fun Walk in Manila organized by PsorPhil. I wanted to show the world that psoriasis is not contagious and connect with others battling the same condition. It was my first step toward advocacy, and I left feeling empowered and supported.

Two years later, I joined the World Psoriasis Day Fun Walk at Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City. This time, my husband and son accompanied me. We participated alongside doctors, sponsors, volunteers, and other supporters, all under the global theme “Put Psoriasis on the Agenda Now.” After the walk, we enjoyed games, activities, and even won the sack race with Asian PsorClub! These events are not just fun—they help build community and amplify awareness. 

In 2014, I attended another World Psoriasis Day event at San Andres Complex. The celebration included: 

Free medical consultations with dermatologists and rheumatologists 

Health checks like blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, BMI, and urinalysis 

Free medications (while supplies lasted) 

Fun activities, including cheering competitions, raffles, and a Zumba party 

Each year, these events reinforce the importance of advocacy, support, and education for people living with psoriasis. 

Since 2011, the Philippines has observed National Psoriasis Awareness Week from October 23–29 via Presidential Proclamation. This initiative complements World Psoriasis Day by promoting education, reducing stigma, and increasing support for individuals with psoriasis. 

The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) also advocates worldwide for the 125 million people affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Together, these efforts give patients a voice and encourage global awareness. 

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition—it affects confidence, mental health, and daily life. Yet, with family support, medical care, and strong advocacy communities like Asian PsorClub and PsorPhil, living with psoriasis becomes manageable. 

I hope my story inspires others to: 

Seek support and join psoriasis communities 

Participate in awareness events like World Psoriasis Day 

Remember that psoriasis is not contagious 

Through continued education and advocacy, we can build a more understanding world for people living with psoriasis.

If you’re looking for fun activities during the semestral break, visiting zoos is a fantastic option. Over the years, our family has explored several zoos across the Philippines, and I’d like to share our experiences with you. 

I wasn’t feeling well on my birthday, so we had to delay the celebration. Since we only had one day to celebrate, I decided to go to Paradizoo. We paid ₱100 each for the entrance fee, and my son was still free. 

Paradizoo is located in Mendez, Cavite, and at that time, we lived in Laguna, so the travel time wasn’t long. I had read many good reviews beforehand, so I expected more. 

The place was just okay for me—not bad, but there were fewer activities than I anticipated. Attractions include Perpetual Park Pet Cemetery, Butterfly Garden, Mushroom Garden, Honeybee Farm, Camping Area, Picnic Area, and Infinity Pond of Positivism. According to my research, visitors can interact with animals such as camels, llamas, ostriches, miniature horses, and more.

However, when we went there, we just toured on our own—no tour guide. We did see animals freely roaming, like piglets and ducks. 

We also explored the flower and vegetable gardens, though it didn’t seem to be harvest time yet. Nature and animal lovers would enjoy this place. This visit happened in 2009, so I’m not sure how much it has improved since then. The entrance fee is reasonable if you want to see farm animals. Don’t forget to bring water, a hat, or an umbrella. 

Address: Km. 63 Panungyan Road, Mendez, 

Cavite, Philippines 

Entrance Fee: ₱100/adult, children free 

I hadn’t been to Manila Zoo in over two decades. Originally, I planned to visit Divisoria, but Tutuban Mall was closed for Good Friday, so we ended up at Manila Zoo instead. 

Honestly, I was a little disappointed. The zoo felt outdated, and I didn’t notice significant improvements since my last visit. It was still enjoyable for my son, who loved seeing the animals up close, but it’s a zoo that could use modernization to match other zoos around the country. 

Quirino Ave., Adriatico St., 

Malate, Manila, Luzon, Philippines

Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 

Telephone: (632) 400-1884 (Manila Zoo), (632) 522-6179 (Kinder Zoo) 

After visiting Science Centrum, the next stop of the Field Trip was Avilon Zoo in Rizal, the largest zoo in the Philippines. The place is really far—it took us more than 2 hours to get there from Marikina. The road was long, bumpy, and winding. 

Visitors can interact with animals, feed them, and even take photos for a minimal fee.

It’s better to bring your own food since there are no nearby restaurants, except for the one inside the zoo. The place is huge, so don’t forget a cap or umbrella, water to stay hydrated, and extra clothes. It took us more than 2 hours just to tour the entire zoo. 

Bo. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal 

Telephone: (632) 941-8393, (632) 948-9866, (63917) 899-5126 

Fax: (632) 941-8530 

Email: info@avilonzoo.com.ph Zoo 

Weekdays: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 

Weekends & Holidays: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm 

₱300 Adult ₱200 

Children under 3.5 feet 

Free for children under 1 year old 

20% discount for senior citizens 

For my son’s birthday, I researched places where we could celebrate. His birthday falls on a weekday, so we only had one day to celebrate. If you’ve been reading my blog for some time, you know we’re not into big parties; a simple celebration is enough. 

I narrowed my list down to three choices: Enchanted Kingdom, Ocean Adventure + Zoobic Safari, or Island Cove Resort, but none of these worked out because the weather was unpredictable. I woke up early to check the weather updates. There was no storm signal, but there would be ITCZ. So we went to Ark Avilon Zoo—the only interactive indoor zoo in the country, perfect for rain or shine. 

Ark Avilon Zoo is the sister zoo of the country’s largest wildlife park, Avilon Zoo. Ark Avilon Zoo is small compared to Avilon Zoo. It took us almost two hours to reach it, but less than an hour to tour. Fortunately, the place was not crowded—no field trips or birthday parties. The downside was that we couldn’t meet some animal residents like Brutus (miniature horse), Golem (donkey), and Selina (albino python). It’s better to call the zoo to ask which animals are available for interaction. Jenny (orangutan), Puti (eagle), and Narda (cockatoo) were present. Picture taking is free, unlike in Avilon Zoo. 

There are feeding stations where you can feed some animals, but you must buy the food. Prices were a bit high due to typhoons, but my son enjoyed feeding the rabbits and sheep, so it was worth it.

There’s also a mini playground and art corner on the second floor, plus a free foot spa (bring alcohol and towels to clean your feet). 

Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, 

Pasig City, Philippines 

Telephone: 706-2992 | Fax: 706-2993 

Email: arkavilonzoo@gmail.com 

Regular Rate: ₱300/head 

Kiddie Rate: ₱200/head 

Children below 1-year-old: Free 

Weekdays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 

Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm 

After visiting the zoo, you can explore Fun Ranch. There is no entrance fee, but rides cost ₱50 per ride or ₱295 for unlimited rides. God is so good for giving us good weather—it didn’t rain during our visit.

Update: As of June 4, 2020, Fun Ranch decided not to reopen after shutting its branches due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Branches in Ortigas, Alabang, and Pampanga confirmed permanent closure.

Baluarte is the only zoo in the Philippines with no entrance fee (as far as I know). It’s not just a zoo but a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can interact with animals. It is open every day from 7 AM to 6 PM.

At the entrance, you’ll see a small horse-drawn carriage called a “tiburin.” The rides are free, but tipping is expected. My husband asked if the ride was free, and the driver whispered, “Tip lang po.” 

You can also take photos with their tiger for ₱50 per picture or ₱20 if you use your own camera. We stayed less than two hours before heading to Calle Crisologo. 

Though we often visit Tagaytay, we had never been to Residence Inn Zoo (now Zoori) until last semestral break. I checked rates online and was shocked that I only paid ₱199 per person—online tickets were ₱250. 

The weather rained as we entered, but it didn’t stop us from enjoying the zoo. I bought animal chow for ₱20. We visited the Serpentarium (scary—snakes peek out!) and watched the Petz Action show. My son enjoyed feeding birds for ₱10. 

The zoo is not very large; you can enjoy it in about two hours, including the animal show. There’s also a souvenir shop and food area. 

Residence Inn Zoo (Zoori) 

Km. 65 Barrio Neogan, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Hwy, 

Tagaytay City 4120 

Phone: (046) 413 1376 

I wasn’t interested in zoos when I was single, but having a son changed that. Kids enjoy seeing and interacting with animals. 

We finally visited Zoobic Safari as part of a family outing with an itinerary including Camayan Beach Resort and Ocean Adventure. We left home around 4 AM to reach the zoo by 8 AM. 

We availed the White Safari Package: ₱645 (4 ft and above), ₱545 (below 4 ft), free for 3 ft and below.

11 attractions (Zoobic Park, Rodent World, Serpentarium, Zoobic Cave, Tiger Safari Ride, Close Encounter, Savannah, Animal MuZooeum, Aetas’ Trail, Hip-Hop-Bay-a-Wak, Croco Loco)

White Jeep and Tram 

Cold Towel 

White Lion Safari Ride 

Zoo Guide 

Unfortunately, there was no tour guide, so we explored on our own. Zoobic Safari is the first and only tiger safari in the Philippines, covering 25 hectares. 

We toured Bird Walk, Zoobic Park, Rodent World, Serpentarium, and goat milk feeding (₱30 per bottle). We also rode the tram to the Forbidden and Zoobic Cave, Tiger Safari Ride, White Lion Safari Ride, and more. Crocodile feeding costs ₱50. 

₱495 Adult 

₱395 Kids 4 ft and below 

Free for kids 3 ft and below 

8 AM - 4 PM (last admission) 

Zoobic Safari 

Group I Ilanin Forest, 

Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines 

Telefax: (+6347) 252-2272; (+63) 929-7072222 

Visiting zoos has become one of my favorite family activities. My son loves animals, and it’s amazing to see his excitement while interacting with them. Each zoo offers a unique experience—some better for short visits, others for full-day adventures. 

Whether feeding rabbits at Ark Avilon, exploring Avilon Zoo’s vast grounds, enjoying Zoori’s bird feeding, or riding the tram at Zoobic Safari, there’s always something new and memorable to discover. I hope this guide helps you plan your next family outing to a zoo in the Philippines!