The Flaming Trees of the Philippines and Madagascar

1.The Salimbobog tree (Crateva religiosa) is a rare spectacle in summer—its branches explode into pinkish-white blooms, making it look like it's engulfed in flames the Philippines!

Also called the Spider Tree due to its unique, spindly flowers.

Used in traditional medicine and even considered sacred in some cultures.

A close relative of the Balai Lamok tree, known for its pest-repelling properties.

Despite its beauty, many Filipinos don’t even know this tree exists!

Another flaming tree is native to Madagascar: 💚* Delonix Regia

2. 💚Delonix regia is a species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae native to Madagascar. It is noted for its fern-like leaves and flamboyant display of orange-red flowers over summer. In many tropical parts of the world it is grown as an ornamental tree. It is a non-nodulating legume. Although its country of origin was unknown, it had been in widespread cultivation for centuries. Finally, in 1932, a natural colony was discovered on the west coast.

3. Moreover, Is this a tulip tree on the side of the Fairmont Building?  The flowers are small and whitish but not pinkish. 

The photo below is a tulip tree that I am familiar with. I have grown several of these trees in the Gardens of my previous residences here in the US.

4. And here's a magnolia flowering tree flower that I am familiar with:( similar in color)

5. Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of a cascading orchid inside a Greenhouse, I visited several years ago:

Also, Meanwhile Did you Know That....

—the Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) naturally sheds its bark, revealing stunning streaks of green, blue, purple, orange, and maroon! As the layers peel away, the colors shift, making it look like the tree paints itself over time. Native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, this tree isn't just beautiful—it grows incredibly fast and is used for paper production. But here’s the shocker: despite its natural masterpiece appearance, deforestation threatens its survival in the wild!

Lastly, Did you Know That....

The first settlers of Malaysia were Austronesians from the Philippines, making Filipinos and Malays distant relatives!

Shared Ancestry – Thousands of years ago, Austronesians migrated from the Philippines to Malaysia, spreading their language and culture.

Similar Languages – Malay and Filipino languages share many words, like anak (child) and bahay (house), proving their common roots.

Cultural Ties – From weaving patterns to boat-building techniques, Filipino and Malay traditions still reflect their ancient connection.

Palawan is the Oldest Landmass in the Philippines

Palawan is the oldest landmass in the Philippines, with fossils dating back to 22 million years ago!

This makes it the richest province in terms of prehistoric discoveries.

Tabon Caves hold the oldest human remains. The Tabon Man, estimated to be 16,500 years old, was discovered in Palawan.

Ancient marine fossils prove its age. Fossils of prehistoric clams, corals, and even sharks have been found in Palawan’s limestone formations.

A living time capsule. Due to its isolation, Palawan has rare flora and fauna that have survived since ancient times. Palawan isn’t just a paradise — it’s a window into the deep past of the Philippines!

For Details visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan_(island)

Meanwhile, Did you Know That.....

In 1942, the Japanese saw Artemio Ricarte as the perfect figurehead for their puppet government. However, despite living in exile in Japan for decades, Ricarte refused to become their president, showing his unwavering principles.

Unlike other exiles, he didn’t come back by choice. Japan forced him to return in 1942 to convince Filipinos to support the occupation, but he struggled with his divided loyalties.

Ricarte never swore allegiance to either the U.S. or Japan. He only recognized an independent Philippines, even if it meant exile, imprisonment, or war.

Lastly, Did You Know That.....

The Kulintang isn’t just an instrument—it was a symbol of prestige and power among Mindanao’s indigenous groups!

Its origins trace back over a thousand years, making it one of Southeast Asia’s oldest musical traditions. Played in royal courts and community gatherings, its rhythmic beats once echoed through the villages, signaling celebrations, warnings, or even battles!

Eight UNESCO Sites in Danger of Disappearing from Discover

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization works tirelessly to 

preserve the heritages of cultures both past and present, as they oversee 1,154

 World Heritage Sitesthroughout 167 countries. From Ecuador’s majestic Galápagos

 Islands to India’s awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, these UNESCO landmarks are renowned

 for their history and beauty. Tragically, however, there are several whose status is at risk.

Whether because of natural disasters, armed conflict, or rapid urbanization, the future 

of 52 World Heritage Sites is far from certain. While UNESCO will undoubtedly do 

everything to ensure these places remain for future generations, there’s no time like 

the present to witness them for yourself. We’ve rounded up a mix of deeply important 

and stunning UNESCO sites to visit before they potentially disappear for good.

1. Everglades National Park, Florida, US

Credit: SimonSkafar/ iStock

From its crystalline beaches to nonstop nightlife, Florida is an undeniable tourist Mecca.

 But throughout the entire Sunshine State, nothing is more alluring than its unparalleled

 biodiversity, best exemplified by the Florida Everglades. These 1.5 million acres of lush 

wetlands are truly unlike anywhere else in the world, serving as the largest subtropical 

wilderness in North America and combining a vast array of nine distinct ecosystems, 

from coastal lowlands to broadleaf forests. On top of its geographic beauty, the

 Everglades are the only place on Earth where crocodiles and alligators coexist, 

alongside the national park’s 39 endangered or threatened species, which famously 

includes the elusive Florida panther.

2. Historic Centre of Vienna, Austria

Credit: CHUNYIP WONG/ iStock

The idea of taking a trip to the Historic Centre of Vienna is music to anyone’s ears. 

The Austrian capital city has long served as the center of classical music , earning it 

the nickname “City of Music” and once being where both Beethoven and Mozart called

 home. Vienna’s cultural significance extends into the world of architecture as well,

 as the downtown boasts breathtaking palatial examples of the Baroque style — 

highlighted by marble, stucco, and gilded decor as well as countless frescoes 

— including sites like Belvedere Palace and State Hall of the National Library.

3. Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Democratic 

Republic of the Congo

Credit: Nick Greaves/ Shutterstock

Once mistaken for being some sort of mythical “African unicorn,” the okapi is a legendary

 animal and key part of the continent’s culture. Sadly, only 30,000 remain in the wild. 

Of the remaining population, 5,000 wander the wilderness at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve,

 located within the Ituri forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Along with okapi,

 keen nature lovers can witness countless additional threatened species of primate and

 birds that exist within the refuge's borders.

4. Old Towns of Djenné, Mali

Credit: oversnap/ iStock

Steel and concrete are but figments of the imagination in the Old Towns of Djenné, Mali,

 as the region is revered for its traditional mud houses — of which nearly 2,000 remain

 — that date back to 250 BCE when Djenné was first inhabited. Though Djenné is now 

far removed from its prime as a bustling economic hub during the 15th and 16th century 

trans-Saharan gold trade, the city’s mud villages make it seem as if visitors have been 

transformed back to that historic era. The people of Djenné are so invested in 

maintaining their heritage that every April, residents gather during an event called

 Crépissage (which translates to plastering) in which they work to reconstruct the city’s

 Grand Mosque — the largest mud-brick structure anywhere in the world. Due to 

political instability and insecurity, however, Malian cities like Djenné and the nearby

 Timbuktu have found themselves at risk because of the lack of governmental

 protections. But given these towns have survived for millennia thus far, they’ll

 hopefully stand for many more.

5. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, Indonesia

Credit: Pav-Pro Photography Ltd/ Shutterstock

A common theme within this roundup are sites that showcase stunning biodiversity,

 but such natural beauty often falls victim to various agricultural industries. The

 tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, are no different, and have been susceptible

 to extensive harmful logging practices in recent decades. Despite such concerns, 

the Sumatran rainforests can still proudly claim to be the only place on earth where

 tigers, rhinos, orangutans, and elephants coexist, with those animals surrounded 

by an estimated 10,000 plant species that offer researchers insight into how the 

island evolved bio-geographically. Some pessimistic estimates believe the 

rainforests could disappear by the 2030s, so don’t miss out on the opportunity

 to visit and immerse yourself in the unique natural landscape of Indonesia 

before they’re gone.

7. Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi,

 Uganda

Credit: FrankvandenBergh/ iStock

Some endangered UNESCO sites are at risk due to freak events which simply could 

not have been prevented. Among those sites are the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi,

 Uganda, which were partially destroyed by fire in 2010. The original domed structure 

dates back to 1882, and the area holds extreme religious and spiritual significance for

 locals given it serves as the burial place of four Ugandan kings. The original dome also

 represented a stunning architectural achievement that utilized organic elements to craft

 a revolutionary structure that stood for over a century. Despite the tragedy that befell 

the site, the tomb’s inner sanctum remained largely intact, and ongoing preservation 

efforts worked to finally restore the dome in 2022. The risk of fire still remains, but

 despite these concerns, the tombs remain a holy site within Ugandan culture and

 can hopefully offer a moment of spiritual enlightenment to any who choose to come 

and pay their respects.

8. Medieval Monuments in Kosovo

Credit: Denis Kabanov/ Shutterstock

The Kosovo region has been torn apart by war and instability, but through it all, 

centuries-old monasteries and churches have withstood the test of time to help preserve

 the country’s Serbian heritage. Throughout Kosovo exist four Medieval monuments 

which reflect unique artistic and spiritual elements from a combination of Orthodox 

Byzantine culture and Western Romanesque traditions. From the 14th-century era 

Church of the Holy Virgin of Ljevisa to the Dečani Monastery, these buildings showcase

 many religious frescoes as well as well-maintained surrounding gardens, offering

 a peaceful experience in an often chaotic and uncertain area.

About the author: Bennett Kleinman | Staff Writer

Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Digital. He is also a freelance comedy writer, devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.

Meanwhile, Did You Know that.....

 

In pre-colonial Philippine society, women enjoyed equal status with men — they could own property, lead communities, become warriors, and serve as spiritual leaders (like the babaylan).

Modern scholars say this egalitarian heritage is one reason why the Philippines consistently ranks high in gender equality, even compared to wealthier Asian nations.

Colonization introduced patriarchal systems, but traces of this early equality still shape Filipino gender dynamics today.

The Top Ten Highest IQ People in the World

This posting is inspired from my recent readings about Elon Musk IQ versus the clown in the White House, currently his best friend.  

Top 10 Highest IQ People In The World

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”— Albert Einstein

The intelligent quotient, or IQ, measures a person’s intellectual abilities. It is assessed through various standardized tests that create an evaluation parameter based on logical reasoning, mathematical ability, visual comprehension, etc. The average IQ is considered to be 100. Most people score between 85 and 115. Any score above 115 is considered to be above average or bright. Anything above 130 is considered moderately gifted. 

Anything above 145 is considered highly gifted. 160 and above are considered exceptionally talented, and 180 and above are considered profoundly gifted. Having the highest IQ above 190 allows one to become a member of the Giga Society.  Some of the most popular IQ tests are: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS),  Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Raven’s Progressive Matrices and Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test. For List of Popular IQ test read: 

list of popular Iq test

Some of the greatest minds with their genius IQ rankings, due to having the world’s highest IQ in history, are: Leonardo da Vinci, with an IQ range of 180 to 190,  Isaac Newton, with an estimated IQ between 190 and 200, Nikola Tesla, with an IQ range of 162 to 300 and Albert Einstein, with an estimated IQ of about 160.

TOP 10 World’s Highest IQs

1. YoungHoon Kim: IQ 276
2. Marnen Laibow-Koser: IQ 268
3. Ainan Cawley: IQ 263
4. Marilyn vos Savant: IQ 228
5. Terence Tao: IQ 225
6. Christopher Hirata: IQ 225
7. K. Visalini: IQ 225
8. Kim Ung-Yong: IQ 210
9. Sho Yano: IQ 200
10. Michael Kearney: IQ  200

YoungHoon Kim: IQ 276

The Giga Society, which comprises people with an IQ score above 190, announced on April 20, 2024, that YoungHoon Kim of South Korea is at the top among the highest IQ individuals. He is at the top of our list of the top 10 world’s highest IQs. With an IQ score of 276, he ranks first compared to the top IQ score worldwide.

Marnen Laibow-Koser: IQ 268

Marnen Laibow-Koser has the second-highest IQ score in the list of top IQ scores worldwide. He is a musical prodigy who started playing and composing music at age three. His IQ score of 268 places him second in the world’s highest IQ.

Ainan Cawley: IQ 263

With an IQ score of 263, Ainan Cawley ranks third in the list of the top 10 world‘s highest IQs. He was talented in science, mathematics, piano, computer programming, etc.

Marilyn vos Savant: IQ 228

Marilyn Vos Savant is on our highest-IQ individuals list with an IQ score of 228. She writes a column called Ask Marilyn for Parade and creates a logical-based Numbrix math puzzle.

Terence Tao: IQ 225

The genius IQ rankings place Terence Tao fifth with an IQ score of 225, the world’s highest IQ. He is also known as the Mozart of math.

Christopher Hirata: IQ 225

Christopher Hirata, with an IQ score of 225, is placed sixth in the top IQ scores worldwide and specializes in astrophysics and dark energy.

K. Visalini: IQ 225

Visalini, with an IQ score of 225, is an Indian prodigy and the youngest individual to receive the CCNA and EXIN cloud computing certifications.

Kim Ung-Yong: IQ 210

Kim Ung-Yong, with an IQ score of 210, has been dubbed a failed genius from South Korea. He is placed eighth in the top IQ scores worldwide. Currently, he is a professor at Shinhan University in Korea.

Sho Yano: IQ 200

Sho Yano is the next individual on our list of the top 10 people with the world’s highest IQ. With an IQ of 200, he is positioned ninth compared to the highest IQ individuals. He started composing music at the age of five and, by the age of 18, had earned his PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology.

Michael Kearney: IQ  200

The final individual on our list is Michael Kearney. He has a score of 200, which secures him a position in the top 10 of the world’s highest IQs. He graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree at the tender age of 10, and by 22, he had a PhD in chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University.

Who has the highest IQ in the world?

The Giga Society, which is a group of people who have very high IQs above 190, announced that YoungHoon Kim from South Korea has the highest IQ in the world with a score of 276. He works as an advisor for various councils and associations, such as World Memories, Sports Council, World Memory Champions, etc. He is also the president of the United Intelligence Association. Currently, he has the world’s highest IQ.

What is Elon Musk’s IQ?

Elon Musk, the founder of various companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and the boarding company, has not ever disclosed his IQ; however, it is believed that he has an above-average IQ score that ranges between 150 and 160. He is considered to be a gifted individual whose intelligence could be measured by his various accomplishments and innovation in the field of technology.

Who has 400 IQ?

Born on October 8, 1976, the American child prodigy, Adragon De Mello, has an IQ of 400. This score depends on what test you take. Generally, his IQ score is considered 185, which is still way above average.

Who on earth has the highest IQ?

Currently, YoungHoon Kim on earth has the highest IQ as of 2024. He has the highest score in the top IQ scores worldwide, which is 276. He is currently serving as an intelligence member on various committees, such as the World Speed Rating Championship, the World Mild Mapping Championship, etc. He is also part of Society. Society consists of people whose IQ score is above 190. He has the highest IQ on the list of the top 10 world’s highest IQs.

What is Einstein’s IQ?

Albert Einstein He is considered to be one of the geniuses who has made an immense contribution to science. His IQ score is estimated to a certain degree based on his extraordinary contribution and intellectual abilities. He never officially took any such IQ test. It is estimated that Albert Einstein has a Nike score of around 160.

Who has the highest IQ in India?

Born on May 23, 2000, the Indian child prodigy K. Visalini has an IQ score of 225. She is currently pursuing an MA in psychology. Visalini is the youngest person to have received both CCNA and EXIN cloud computing certifications. She is considered to be among the highest IQ individuals.

Meanwhile,  Did you Know that....

The earliest known inhabitants of the Philippines were the Negritos, indigenous peoples who lived as hunter-gatherers. Groups like the Agta, Aeta, Ati, Ata, and Batak trace their roots to migrations over 50,000 years ago. These communities represent the oldest continuous civilization in the archipelago, long before any waves of Austronesian settlers arrived. They lived in harmony with nature, moving through forests and mountains, and maintaining traditions that have survived for millennia despite colonization and modernization.

When, I was growing up as a child in the Philippines, I had seen a few of them begging for food from the back of our Kitchen. We gave them food so as not to bother as. As a child, at first I was scared because they looked different. However, my parents told us kids, that they will not bother us as long as we gave them food or used clothing's that they need. They were dark-skinned, curly black hair, flat noses and most of them are not taller than 4 ft.