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)

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)

EARTH KEEPERS ORGANIC FARM & RESTAURANT 2009

Earth Keepers Garden and Restaurant is located on Kilometer 101, Brgy Talisay in Tiaong , Quezon

Last March 29, 2008, I was very excited to visit the restaurant and organic farm. The jam packed 50 seater tourist bus hired by the Philippine Orchid Society went to this place. The crowd was eager to see this wonderful place which promotes healthy lifestyles and living. Some parts of the property had small relaxation area which could be instantly be converted into a spa or an informal meeting place.

Pesticides, which is concentrated on the vegetables and foods that we usually buy from the market, had traces or laced harmful chemicals .

A lot of the people in this world is already facing with serious dilemma.

Ms. Teresa Perez Saniano conducting a short lecture

According to Ms. Teresa Saniano or simply Ms. Tere the owner of the demo farm said that urea, which is the primary source of fertilizer in farms is already increasing in price, the main component of which is made from petroleum based, the soaring world market of petroleum had caused increase in the prices of these fertilizer which also increases the farm gate prices of these foods.

We all know what is happening all over the world in the quest to have higher yield in food production.

Ms. Tere had warmly welcomed the group and had a short power point presentation in which her advocacy group want to spread not only within the province of Quezon But also all over the country.

native chicken fed with termites

Her demo farm is very productive; She had organically grown vegetables, papaya fruits, organic rice, free-range chickens is fed naturally with organically grown vegetables and termites which is high in protein unlike the usual poultry grown chicken that had to be fed with feeds .

She even had formulated an organic feeds for the pigs which are grown in the farm, she had also vermicomposing which used African night crawlers and their vermin –waste is transformed vermiculite into organic fertilizers and organic spray.

Even kitchen waste such as fish gills, fish innards and leftover bones are also transformed into organic fertilizers.

The fish gills and innards is then prepared with a ratio of 1kilo fish gills and innards to 1 kilo of molasses then fermented for 20 days, after which the organic waste is then filtered into a loin cloth then the fish emulsion is already ready substitute for a high nitrogen based organic foliar fertilizer . The fertilizer is then mixed with 155 grams of ordinary sardine can.

Congressman Prospero Alcala -second district of Quezon

While enjoying the sumptuous organic buffet lunch Congressman Prospero Alcala dropped by and joined the group. He is happy that the group had toured his district and ecstatically shared some of his insights on agriculture and organic farming. he also gladly posed for a souvenir shot with the group .

His involvement in agriculture is deepened and was convinced there is a big market for their crops. However, to be competitive they should get into organic farming.

According to Mr. Alcala , If the farmers, if motivated, could indeed maximize their produce. They were given the seeds and necessary farm inputs—from fertilizers to pesticides, and after their produce were sold in the market, they managed to pay for the inputs provided them. The rest of the profit goes to them.

he recent surge in prices of farm inputs—nearly doubling the cost of fertilizers—deepened their conviction of the need to go organic.

She had also collection of native handicrafts, jars , ornamental plants, native orchids, water lilies and wood work. Tere also accepts guided tour to her demo farm and restaurant but prior appointment must be made several weeks or even months before coming to the farm.

For reservations:

Contact Person : Ms. Teresa Perez Saniano

Km. 101, Brgy. Talisay, Tiaong Quezon Province

Tel: (042) 545-7112

(September 16,2009)