MANILA OCEANARIUM 2009

The Manila Ocean Park ( MOP) is an oceanarium at the back of Quirino grandstand in Manila . It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China .

There is also a hotel called H20, restaurants, souvenir shops and a place to find relaxation and watch the famous Manila bay sunset.

garoupa – lapu-lapu

Operating Hours

Manila Ocean Park is open from 10am – 9pm, Mondays through Sundays. Special tours may be requested and booked earlier than tour schedules.

Entrance Fee

The Entrance Fee for adults is PHP400 (approximately US$10) and PHP350 (approximately US$9) for children.

Security Checks

Everyone entering the Park is subject to a security check. Bags, parcels and/or items shall undergo inspection before entry.

Photography 

Flash photography is not allowed as this scares the marine animals. Photography, videotaping, recording of any kind, broadcast or transmission for commercial purposes is not allowed.

Guests with Special Needs

Guests of Manila Ocean Park requiring special assistance can bring their own wheelchairs to the Park. Guests bringing in small children may be allowed to use their strollers inside the Oceanarium. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers may be rented for a nominal fee at the entrance.

Personal Conduct

Interactive kiosks and projections, as well as educational materials and other equipment, have been installed within the Manila Ocean Park to enhance the learning experience. Guests are free to use the equipment under minimal supervision; however, it is expected that care shall be taken during its use.

First Aid 

First Aid Stations are available at the front desk and second floor activity center.

The Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, in Luneta, Manila. 

For more information, contact +(632) 567.7777 and +(632) 567 2309

(oct 13 2009)

ORCHIDS IN PHILIPPINE LANDSCAPE 2009

Orchids in Philippine Landscape 

(*NOTE to add more pictures once we retrieve them)

In the city’s high-rise condominiums, posh residential villages or in the remote

barangays all over the country, orchids can add lovely colors , amazing beauty that dazzle one’s creative imagination and various artistic landscaping styles in every garden. 

The tropical climate in the Philippines in which many of the native orchids species as well as thousands of hybrids that are accustomed with, provide an opportunity for professional landscapers or just simple hobbyists with a few orchids and ornamental plants to use orchids as a landscape subjects or as a focal point in the garden. Some gardeners or hobbyists tend to cultivate orchids for good luck charm or prosperity .

People grow epiphytic orchids in fruit trees or trees in their own garden. In selecting a suitable host tree, a good host tree should have rough bark, not too dense canopy. The orchid roots will attach to the host, so the trees with smooth bark, or barks that can easily peels off the trees regularly will not be a good host . Trees with heavy canopy that tends to block the sunlight is not that suitable in growing orchids, If the lawn grass will not grow under the peculiar tree, the lighting conditions in the area might not

be right to grow orchids. 

There are a lot of ideal host trees, which makes an ideal host for epiphytes like orchids, hoyas, dischidias,ferns among others. One of the ideal host trees which is fondly called Kakawate tree ( Gliricidia sepium ) This shade tree was introduced  in the late 16th century from Mexico , where it is grown as a favorite shade tree in cocoa plantations hence the name “ Madre de cacao” in local vernacular in Tagalog .

Dendrobium hybrid

This tree is planted as a border plant in various places throughout the country, this plant is also used in livestock feeding . Mature trees are usually cut off and then made into driftwood with either steel or cement support at its base. Another is the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) which is extensively grown all over the country as crop or landscaped focal point of the garden .

Bunga China ( Veitchia merrillii ) the solitary and slender palm may grow up to 6 meter tall and found commonly cultivated throughout the country , Choose the palms with clear trunk below the foliage and rough texture on the trunk it is where you can tie or secure an orchid to grow. 

Other common fruit trees, which are also ideal host trees are Jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus ), Santol ( Sandoricum koetjape ) However make sure that before the onset of the rainy season try to prune the trees so that it is not too shady for orchids .


Mango (Mangifera indica) this tree is ideal to grow Aerides quinquevulnera , Dendrobium anosmum , However do not attempt in putting any Phalaenopsis orchids in the tree since this tree harbor some insects like June beetle grubs (salagubang beetles ) which may attack the leaves of the Palaenopsis . 

Caimito tree (Chrysophyllum cainito), other common trees that are also suitable for planting orchids . Our very own narra or angsana tree ( Prerocarpus indicus ). In large estate or garden clubs, Huge acacia or rain tree ( Samanea saman ) serves as an ideal host tree. 

 There are several reasons“ why” this tree is an ideal host for epiphytes.
The wide spreading branches provide convenient places for the orchids and ferns to thrive,
while its scaly bark helps to trap dust and nutrients, the bark of this tree can also retain moisture . The folding of its leaves during the evening , or before a thunderstorms allows for dew and rains toreach the inner areas of the crown where these epiphytes can be found.

This tree was introduced from South America in the 1840’s and is planted in many parts

of the country including the official residence of the first family in Malacañang Palace .

Epiphytes can be seen in the several centuries –old rain trees that are found within

the presidential compound . These plants adds mystery and charm to the landscape

gardens of the palace. These are just a few examples. 

 You can examine at the trees and palms which are growing in your garden .Once you have selected your ideal host tree, check the actual position of the tree and the amount of light falling on the trunk or branches on several times of the day . On the exposed palm trunk or tree branch

receiving full sun much of the day , the best orchids to establish are Vanda teres, semi-teres Vandas. Another favorite flowering shrub which was also introduced from Central America which is also an ideal host tree is Kalachuchi or Frangipani , This tree is not only known for its flowers but also an ideal host for orchids like Cattleyas .

If you are planning to plant several orchids in the garden, always remember that orchid species and hybrids had different blooming seasons and patterns. You can also add other epiphytic plants like ferns, hoyas, dischidias to accompany the orchids . This can make your garden a more tropical appeal. If you had already chosen a tree , choose a location that is above adult eye level or in a spot where you can easily spot and enjoy the flowers . Attached the orchid to the trunk with plastic coated wire or plastic garden straw , making it sure that the orchid is properly secure and does not wobble in order to hold the plant temporarily while its roots are taking hold of the host tree . 

Once the orchid is established (This can take from six months to more than one year) then that is the time you can remove the wires. Be sure not to choke the tree trunk or branches as the tree will need some space to grow.

You can try to mist the orchids regularly, and you can fertilize the orchids once you can

see the roots grasp the host tree . Once fully established you can add slow release

fertilizers , and the orchid might need regular watering during the dry season . It is also

wise to grow these orchids into a large specimen type, since it can be dramatic when

these plants comes into blooms .

Terrestrial orchids can also be successfully cultivated in many gardens all over the country . Arundina bambusaefolia which is a plant with a cylindrical stem three to five feet in height , which resemble a small bamboos and has a number of narrow grass like leaves,short and few flowered . Plants of this species should be grown in a compost of rich humus loam with adequate drainage . Its Cattleya- like flowers blooms almost the entire year however the flower lasts only for two or three days. Other popular terrestrial orchids are Spathoglottis plicata which is grown either in pots or in beds all over the country . 

 Growing these wonderful orchids can add beauty and grace to one’s garden be it a small windowsill , an apartment or an extensive haciendas in the province .

(Oct 23,2009)

SPOOKTACULAR – MANILA MOUNTS,MAUSOLEUM AND MONUMENT TOUR 2009 (PART 2)

Spooktacular Manila Mounts,Mausoleum and Monument Tour (2009) 

PART 2

Manila Chinese Cemetery

Manila Chinese Cemetery is the second oldest cemetery in Manila after Paco Cemetery and was designated as the resting place for the Chinese citizens who were denied burial in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial period. The cemetery was witness to many executions during World War II. Among them were Girl Scouts organizer Josefa Llanes Escoda , literary geniuses Rafael Roces and Manuel Arguilla , star athlete-turned-guerrilla spy Virgilio Logregat , and Chinese Consul General Yang Guangsheng. Apolinario Mabini was also buried in the cemetery before his remains were transferred to Batangas .

Chong Hock Tong Temple (宗福堂)

Built in the 1850s, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Manila. Though not as elaborate, the architecture is still reminiscent of those in Fujian province as well as those in Singapore and Malaysia with their colorful friezes and uniquely upturned eaves.

temple gate with fu-dog

Second World War memorial

Crematorium

2nd Lt. Carlos Lopez of AFP grave and monument

Dr. Clarence Kuangson Young memorial shrine

He was the consul general from China in the Philippine island with Frangipani trees Plumeria rubra- alba growing around the memorial rotunda . A school was named after the consul general Dr. Kwangson Young Memorial School at 1044 Albuquerque in Barangay 7 Tondo, Manila.

Familia Maria Uy de Tee mausoleum

The family mausoleum looked like a mansion with its own gate

Familia Eusebio Tankeh mausoleum circa 1948

Paulino P. Gocheco mausoleum

This family mausoleum is a typical art deco architecture style

A champaka tree ( Michelia champaca ) growing beside the family mausoleum.

This tree is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia . It is best known for its strongly fragrant yellow or white flowers. It is however primarily cultivated for its timber, and is also used in urban landscaping . Its aril -covered seeds are highly attractive to birds .

Common names include champaca, champaka , champak or champac, champa, cempaka, sampenga, sampangi, sampige and shamba.

The flowers are used in Southeast Asia for several purposes. They are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments. Old superstitious beliefs that unseen spirits may inhabit big champaka trees – spirits are usually attracted to fragrant smell emitted by the flowers .

Horticulturists and plant lovers may put cemeteries as ” one of their must been places to visit”. There are approximately several dozens species of plant varieties from trees, shrubs, ornamental plants that are planted all through out the cemetery.

a traditional Chinese style grave ( turtle shaped)

The turtle shell is the symbol of heaven and the flat square underside the symbol of earth. Based on this understanding, the turtle carries the world on its back. Being the symbol of fertility, vitality and great patience the Chinese believed these animals foretold future events and therefore, fortune tellers use turtles shell to read the future in the pattern on the turtle shell. In older grave sites of Okinawa , Taiwan , China, Malaysia and Korea you can still encounter this type of grave tomb site .

Visit the Filipino- Chinese families richly ornate buildings and mausoleum.

Manila Chinese Cemetery

Location :Felix Huertas Street corner Aurora Boulevard

Transportation : jeepney ride, tricycle , ( LRT- Blumentritt station) , pedicab

Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 7.00 pm daily.

Admission: Free.

Note: Tour guides are available ( offered by the cemetery) rates differ from Php 300 to Php 500 individual or group. But if you know someone with dead relatives or friends just hop along with them. Video taping is not allowed . ( permission must be sought)

* The author occasionally does a free walking tour around the area upon request by close friends or relatives.

Click here for SPOOKTACULAR TOUR PART 1 (Manila North Cemetery)

(oct,26,2009)

SPOOKTACULAR – MANILA MOUNTS,MAUSOLEUM AND MONUMENT TOUR 2009 (PART 1)

Spooktacular Manila Mounts,Mausoleum and Monument Tour (2009) 

Cemeteries from all over the world tells a lot of interesting stories from romantic relationships, tragedy, lavish lifestyles to ghost hunting and their spooky encounters with the living. Some famous attractions are the mausoleums examples are Vladimir Lenin , Ho Chi Minh , Eva Peron , Emperor’s tomb in Xian , China , Abraham Lincoln and ancient catacombs . Like the living , the dead also tell their stories.

Manila North Cemetery ( Cementerio del Norte) is Manila largest public cemetery occupying 54 hectares of land , is considered the biggest and one of the oldest cemeteries in Metro Manila. Beside it are two other important cemeteries, namely the La Loma Cemeteryand the Manila Chinese Cemetery. The cemetery is owned by the Manila city government and has initiated an expansion program to build more “apartment tombs” and a crematorium. Located inside the cemetery complex is a chapel, tennis court , veterinary office and is considered as home to a large group of informal communities .

Pyramid shaped family tomb of Tuazon -Arroyo family clan complete with Spinx

Gov. General Francis Burton Harrison

Francis Burton Harrison (December 18, 1873 – November 21, 1957) was an American statesman who served in the United States House of Representatives and appointed as Governor- General of the Philippines by United States President Woodrow Wilson . Harrison was a prominent adviser to a commonwealth president four other Presidents of the country. Harrison Plaza was named after him.

Pancho Villa tombstone marker

Francisco Guilledo (August 1, 1901 – July 14, 1925), more popularly known as Pancho Villa, boxer. Villa, who stood only 5 feet and 1 inch (154 cm) tall and never weighed more than 114 pounds (51 kg), rose from obscurity to win the World Flyweight boxing champion in 1923, earning acclaim in some quarters as “the greatest Asian fighter in boxing history”.

an ornately decorated family tomb

President Ramon Magsaysay tomb

Fernando Poe Jr. tomb and family mausoleum

Ronald Allan Kelley Poe (August 20, 1939 – December 14, 2004), better known as Fernando Poe, Jr. and colloquially known as FPJand Da King, was a an actor and cultural icon. He was honored on May 24, 2006 as Philippine National Artist through Philippine Proclamation No. 1065.

Notable personalities buried within the cemetery were Jose Corazon de Jesus ( poet) , President Roxas, President Sergio Osmeña y Suico among others.

Click here for SPOOKTACULAR TOUR PART 2 (Manila Chinese Cemetery) 

(oct 25,2009)

PINEAPPLE FASHION 2009

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is the common name for an edible tropical plant and also its fruit. It is native to Paraguay and the southern part of Brazil . Pineapple is eaten fresh or canned and is available as a juice or in juice combinations. It is used in dessert, salads, as a complement to meat dishes and in fruit cocktail. While sweet, it is known for its high acid content (perhaps malic and/or citric). Pineapples are the only bromeliad fruit in widespread cultivation. It is one of the most commercially important plants that carry out CMA photosynthesis.

When European explorers discovered this tropical fruit, they called them pineapples (term first recorded in that sense in 1664) because of their resemblance to what is now known as the pine cone. The term pine cone was first recorded in 1694 and was used to replace the original meaning of pineapple.

ornamental pineapples

In the scientific binomial Ananas comosus, ananas, the original name of the fruit, comes from the Tupi (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) word for pine nanas, as recorded by André Thevenet in 1555 and comosusmeans “tufted” and refers to the stem of the fruit. Many languages use the Tupian term ananas. In Spanish, pineapples are called piña“pine cone” in Spain and most Hispanic American countries, or ananá(ananás in Argentina ) They have varying names in anarosh (Bengali), and in Malayalam, kaitha chakka. In Malay, pineapples are known as “nanas” or “nenas”. In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi , pineapples are known as alanaasi.

The Spaniards had introduced this fruit at an early date in the Philippines in the early 1570’s during the Manila -Acapulco galleon trade. The fruits were brought during the galleon trade as a sourced for food and to some extent Vitamin C . The top portion of the fruit were the source of the planting materials .

According to some historical books, some pineapples were found growing in semi-naturalized areas in Palawan and in many parts of the country by 1640’s.

Local people who already knew how to extract natural fibers from local plants had a new sourced of fiber derived from the leaves of the pineapple.

Manila Cathedral with pineapple design

So important that the pineapple in local culture that pineapple design and motif was included in architecture like the pineapple design on the facade of Manila Cathedral, the pulpit of San Agustin Church, candle holder, fruit trays, stamps and the most important use of the pineapple fabric is in the Philippine national costume.

These pineapple fabric and embroidery were very important that the most important pieces are given to royalties like Queen Isabel 2 of Spain, Queen Victoria of England , foreign dignitaries, the pope among others.

Piña a Spanish word which means pineapple, are growing anywhere in the country like Tagaytay in Cavite, Calauan , Quezon and in Daet , Camarines Norte although Southern Philippines produces the most. One of the largest Pineapple plantation and producers in the world, DOLE, owns roughly half the overall pineapple farm proving the climate makes the best type of fruit. Pineapple textiles are most commonly called Piña in the Philippines.

ladies fashion made from knitted pineapple fabrics

Piña textiles are from the pineapple leaves and fibers, often mixed with silk to produce a great couture clothing with nice and elegant touch.

Aklan is the main and the oldest manufacturer/weaver of Piña cloth in the Philippines which are being exported to various parts of the world most particularly North America, and Europe. While Lumban in the province of Laguna, Taal in Batangas are center for embroidery of pineapple fabrics. Piña weaving is an age-old tradition .

Piña and Jusi are the traditional fabrics used by the bordadoras. Piña is a soft, fine, flexible, and durable off-white fabric about two to four inches in length. It is derived from the finest mature leaves of the red Spanish variety of pineapple. During the Spanish period, piña was the most expensive and highly sought fabric worn for barong Tagalog by the illustrados on very rare special occasions It is a very delicate material, too difficult and expensive to embroider. Jusi (the Chinese term for raw silk), on the other hand, is a lightweight, flimsy, and ecru colored fabric regarded by the bordadoras as the best material for embroidery

Pineapple silk is considered the queen of Philippine fabrics and is considered the fabric of choice of the Philippine elite. During the 1996 edition of APEC in the Philippines, world leaders donned a pineapple silk Barong Tagalog the traditional group photo.

Miss Precious Lara Quigaman in a pineapple inspired national costume

Photo courtesy : http://www.missosology.org

a local Filipino company Nooks company , Ltd. had made new innovations from the pineapple fabrics into everyday casual wear from jackets , knitted hats among others. The company is now exporting these fashion items from all over the world .

Nooks Co. Ltd exhibit booth during the 50th Manila F.A.M.E.

Nooks Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of sweaters/knitwear. It is a collaboration between Ms. Emeretha Daniel, Elizabeth Lee, Martyn Standen and people whose talents in this industry remain unmatched. The company also hosted a fashion show last October 21,2009 in SMX center where new product line were introduced to the local and international market.

The company’s social responsibility helps farming communities from Zambales and Aklan by purchasing their pineapple fabrics and properly cultivation of pineapples.

For more information:

Address:Unit H, 5th Flr., Westgate Tower, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact No:842 5877

Fax No:842 5877

Contact Person :

Mr. Francisco Tacio

Sales & Marketing- Dept. Head Unit H, 5th Floor, Westgate Tower,

Investment Drive, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, 1780, Philippines

Tel./Fax No. 00 63 2 842-5877 / 00 63 2 807-0557

Mobile No. 09084995989

Planting tips:

Pineapples are very easy to grow from their tops. Since you are going to plant it, you bought it based upon the condition of the leaves. Just cut the top off about two inches down from the top of the pineapple. Let it sit on it’s side for about two or three days to allow the cut to skin over. Then dust the cut area lightly with rooting hormone and pot it up with the dirt up to the base of the leaves. Go easy on the sun and the water for about one month or so until it establishes it’s roots. The plant will benefit from a daily misting of water on its’ leaves during and after this period. Then it can stand all of the heat and sun you can give it. Be sure not to over water it though.

Most of the pineapple fields were at the 1000-2000 ft. elevation where it is slightly cooler than at sea level. Pineapple may bloom after about 2 years after planting.

(oct 27, 2009)

BUNGA CHINA UBOD RECIPE 2009

Adonidia merrillii

Adonidia merrillii or Veitchia merrillii –this palm was named to honor Mr. James Veitch a British nurseryman (1792 -1863) .Common names: Bunga China , Bunga de Jolo, Christmas palm, Manila palm

Manila palm is a small, fast growing; palm not taller than 25′ and often much smaller.

It resembles a dwarf royal palm.This is a straight trunked palm with indistinct rings.

Adonidia has clusters of bright red, drupe-like fruits and inconspicuous unisexual, white – yellow flowers.

By late September the green fruits are beginning to ripen and by late November they are bright red!The fruits are 1¼” in diameter while the seeds are ½” and borne below the crown shaft. The leaf is feather – shaped and the leaflets are trusted in on it.

Bunga China Ubod  Recipe courtesy by Mr. Nonito Dolera

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 2 tbsp. oil
• 2 piece garlic clove, crushed
• 2 piece onion, thinly sliced
• 4 oz/100 g parboiled lean pork, diced
• 2 oz/50 g ham, shredded ( shredded bacon bits/ chicken breast optional )
• 4 tbsp. peeled chopped prawn
• 2 oz/50 g cooked chickpeas
• 8 oz/200 g ubod (manila palm hearts), shredded thinly sliced.
• 6 oz/150 g French beans, shelled
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 12 oz/250 g cabbage, shredded
• sprigs onions
• salt and pepper
• 12 crisp lettuce leaves
• 12 lumpia wrappers

Lumpiang Bunga china ubod sauce

• ¼ pint (or more) chicken stock
• 2 oz/50 grams brown sugar or muscovado sugar 
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch / corn flour
• 3 tbsp. cold water
• 2-3 tsp. finely minced garlic
• crushed peanuts

Lumpia Wrapper:

• 2 to 3 eggs
• 3 oz/75 g cornflour
• ½ pint/250 ml water
• vegetable oil

How to cook the ingredients:

Filling:

• Heat the oil and lightly fry the onion and garlic until soft.
• Add the pork and ham, cook, stirring for a few minutes.
• Add prawns and chickpeas and cook a little longer.
• Stir in the ubod, beans, carrot and cabbage.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and simmer until the vegetables are just tender. Drain and cool.
• Wrap a portion of the filling and a sprigs onion in a lettuce leaf and then in a pancake.
• Serve with Lumpiang ubod sauce.

Lumpia Wrapper:

• Separate the eggs and whisk the whites until very stiff. Fold into the lightly beaten yolks.
• Blend the cornstarch with water, adding the water gradually to ensure smoothness.
• Stir thoroughly into the egg. Lightly brush the frying pan with oil and heat.
• Using 2 tbsp. of lumpia batter at a time, fry very thin pancakes.
• Tilt the pan to spread the batter evenly, do not turn and do not allow the pancakes to color.

Sauce:

• Bring the stock to the boil with the sugar, soy sauce and salt.
• Blend the cornstarch with the cold water and stir it into the stock.
• Simmer, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
• Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped peanuts on the top.
• Add sesame seeds ( optional)

(oct 28,2009)

TAENIOPHYLLUM – ONE OF THE SMALLEST ORCHID IN THE WORLD 2009

picture taken in Quezon province:

Taeniophyllum sp. Blume

Common Names: Pin head orchid, minute orchid, leafless orchid , tapeworm orchid

INTRODUCTION: A genus of leafless orchids. Around one hundred eighty to two hundred species in this genus are distributed from India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia , Southeast Asia the Philippines to New Guinea, Australia, some Pacific Islands as far as Tahiti. New Guinea is considered to be the centre of distribution with some eighty species alone, some of which may prove to be con specific.

GENUS NAME: The genus name is taken from the Greek tainia(band, fillet, ribbon) and phyllon (leaf) in a reference not clearly understood as these orchids are leafless.

Its scientific name means, rather unattractively, ‘tapeworm leaf’. Its roots have not only developed into flat, tapeworm-like shapes several yards long that writhe statically all over the branch on which the plant sits.

Type Species : Taeniophyllum glandulosum Blume

CHARACTERISTICS : The species in the genus are small to very small leafless epiphytes with flattened green roots which contain chlorophyll and have taken over the photosynthetic role of the leaves. The leaves are reduced to minute, overlapping scales covering the stem apex. The flowers of the species are very short-lived, they are mostly greenish-white to yellow.

Taeniophyllums have small brown scales instead of leaves and the process of photosynthesis is carried out in the green roots. Most members of this genus grow upon the twigs of rain forest trees and in cultivation.

NUMBER OF SECTIONS IN THE GENUS: The genus is divided into two sub-genera and six sections along their difference in united or free sepals and petals.

HABITAT: Not easily detected in their natural habitat the species grow on tree trunks either near the forest floor or among the dense foliage of the smaller twigs. They are found from sea level to about 1000 m.

In the Philippines , some species could be seen growing on mango trees and small trees. This orchid prefers to be undisturbed and could not survive on long dry conditions.

(OCT 31,2009)

PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO TRIBUTE 2009

President Corazon Aquino tribute exhibit booth landscaped by Mr. Kelvin Manubay, Mr. Jun Golamco, Mr. Rommel Arriola, Mr. Lawrence Chan with the help of Mr. Edilberto Capague Jr. and Mr. Jiffy Alegre during the 63rd Mid-Year Orchid & Garden Show last August 27 to September 7 , 2009 at Quezon Cityhall grounds

Maria Corazon “Cory” Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009) was the President of the Philippines and is considered as “Mother of Democracy” in the Philippines. Serving from 1986 to 1992, she was the first female president of the Philippines and the first female president of any country in Asia.

Unknown to many, she is a nature and an orchid lover. In 1989, in response to government’s encouragement to develop the ornamental, floriculture and horticulture industry, many members of the Orchid Society of Davao, Inc. (OSDI) shifted to orchid growing as a business venture. This was fully endorsed by then President Corazon C. Aquino when she declared Davao City as the Orchid Center of the Philippines in 1992 through Proclamation No. 886.

During the incumbency of President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, several orchid genus and ornamental plant cultivars were named after her. Dr. Romeo Gutierrez a well-known plant breeder, a three term president of Philippine Horticultural Society, antique collector , art collector and also a painter bred Aglaonema Cory, a cultivar of the aglaonema that was named after former President Corazon Aquino. Its broad, dark green leaves consist of a herringbone pattern of grayish-silver,with yellow marks along the midrib. Like the sunburst, the yellow coloration of the young leaves becomes conspicuous through proper light conditions. It has white petioles and many suckers.

Aglaonema Corazon Aquino bred by Dr. Romeo Gutierrez

This Aglaonema won the ” Best Ornamental Plant in Show” of the Philippine Horticultural Society show held on February 10 to 17, 1990 at the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation . Coincidentally the plaque was donated by house majority floor leader Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Sumulong a relative of Mrs. Aquino maternal side.

Photo Courtesy of Singapore Botanic Gardens by: Mr. Whang Lay Keng – Head Living Collection

On the occasion of her state visit and the ASEAN head of state meeting in the island state of Singapore on August 26 , 1986 the Singapore Botanic Garden named Dendrobium Corazon Aquino(Parentage: Dendrobium Tien Soeharto x Dendrobium Noor Aishah) an orchid hybrid after the incumbent leader.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society of London this orchid was registered on January 1, 1986 in their list. SGB institute had the tradition of breeding and naming new orchid cultivars after famous world leaders, politicians, and celebrities.

On numerous occasions she would be invited to come, as guest of honor during various orchid & garden shows held by different garden clubs from all over the country. She was one of the guest of honor on the 46th annual orchid and garden show of the Philippine Orchid Society held at the Makati SM Car Park compound in February 1992.

Several years later, Atty. Hernando Perez, one of her former cabinet secretaries, developed a new breed of orchid and named it after her. He thought it was just right to breed BLC. Benigno Aquino an inter-generic yellow colored orchid variety. The good quality traits of the orchid made it a desirable breeding parent material for developing new breeds of orchid.

The orchid hybrid took 5 years to grow, using cross-pollination methods. Its “mother and father” plants are a variety of yellow orchid named BLC. Benigno Aquino (pod parent) and the greenish BLC. Malvarosa Jade ( pollen parent).

The Blc Cory Aquino orchid (Brassolaeliocattleya Cory Aquino) with code name HC – 547 -, bred by former Justice Secretary Hernando B. Perez, is a graceful but sturdy plant with yellow and green varieties.

Because of the breeding traits of BLC. Malvarosa Jade, there are 2 color forms of the BLC. Cory Aquino that can be found. One is yellow and the other is greenish yellow. All forms are highly sought after by orchid and plant collectors worldwide.

63rd Mid-Year Orchid & Garden Show poster

The color yellow is widely associated with both Sen. Ninoy and Cory Aquino, since they used this color in clothes or campaign paraphernalia. In retirement, in fact, the former president took up painting, with flowers as her chosen still life subjects. Flowers were also one of former President Aquino’s favorite painting subjects finding the task a form of relaxation and a way of relieving stress. Having stepped down from office in 1992, Tita Cory, as she is fondly remembered, was quite content at becoming an ordinary citizen once again, but remained active in social work, and in wielding her undiminished moral authority whenever the democratic institutions she helped restore came under threat.

Unlike most orchids that need to be propped up, the Blc Cory Aquino stands erect and proud, much like the ideologies of the late former president.

According to Nani Perez, “This orchid hybrid symbolizes strength of her character because it is a sturdy plant. Pirmeng naka-tindig yun eh. Pirmeng proud.” It is also feminine-looking but with a strong bearing. Its petals are light yellow which means it is long-lasting,” he added.

In the last quarter of 2004, Perez said he was able to give her a pot of his best Blc. Cory Aquino and the plant’s registry certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society, a London-based international group that registers orchid hybrids.

Atty. Perez was also featured in the “orchid episode” of “ Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho” aired last February 23, 2008 on GMA channel 7. The episode featured him as an orchid and a plant breeder since 1974 and among the orchid hybrids featured in the episode was the BLC. Cory Aquino, Blc. Ninoy Aquino among others. A portion of the episode was uploaded in the KMJS website.

In a recent television guest interview on ABS-CBN channel 2- top rated morning show “ Umagang Kay Ganda” last August 4, 2009 with Ms. Donita Rose, He was also able to present the original Royal Horticultural Society certificate of orchid registration with frame and potted flowering orchid to the late president, this gesture made her very happy.

In the Flora Filipina Expo 2006 held from February 24 to March 5,2006 jointly organized by the Philippine Orchid Society (POS) and Philippine Horticultural Society (PHS) within the ruins of San Ignacio in Intramuros. In this international event, the winning orchid ( BLC. Cory Aquino) brought attention of the orchid breeders around the world that the Philippines had orchid hybidizers like Mr. Perez which breeds award winning orchids.

In the 61st Mid-Year Orchid and Garden Show held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 10, 2007, the same orchid cultivar’s won the “Best Philippine Hybrid” award one of the highest recognition that a breeder can get. – Perez said Aquino sent him a text message congratulating him for the “prize-winning orchid.” He still keeps the text message on his phone to this day.

Breeders from Japan, Thailand , United Kingdom, USA and local orchid collectors were very eager to have a division or sample of this award winning orchid hybrid.

Cory Aquino’s big role, not only for the restoration of the democracy in the Philippines, but also for the development of the local horticulture industry, cannot be underestimated. With the whole world paying homage to the former president, this is a small gratitude that any horticulturist or plant lover from all over the world can give.

(SEPTEMBER 17, 2009)