DAVAO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – ‘Ibong adarna’ was spotted in the tropical forest of the Philippines’ highest mountain Mount Apo, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao region said on Friday, July 14. 

Ibong Adarna also known as The Adarna Bird, is a 16th-century Filipino epic poem that centers around a magical bird of the same name. The narrative focuses on the lives of King Fernando, Queen Valeriana, and their three sons: Don Pedro, Diego, and Juan. Upon learning of their father’s incurable illness, the three princes embark on a quest to find the legendary Adarna bird, whose healing powers can save their father.

But when DENR released snap shots, many noticed that the bird spotted in Mount Apo was a far cry from the legendary Ibong Adarna.

Did DENR make much ado about nothing, or was the bird potted in Mount Apo an impostor?