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)

HERITAGE TREES 2009

old trees behind the main building

Far Eastern University is one unique institution that had molded hundreds of thousands of its alumni, employees and even passerby to the campus vicinity. This institution had preserved its unique architectural heritage which earned 1st runner-up mention during the 2005 UNESCO – for the largest and best preserved Art Deco architecture ensemble in the entire country. Various national artists like Vicente Manansala, Pablo Ocampo Sr., Carlos “Botong ” Francisco, Antonio Dumlao , Robert Ko and international artists like Italian sculptor Francesco Monti made its lasting contributions to the university.

But, silent testimonies to the university history are its living natural heritage found inside its main campus located inside Nicanor Reyes Sr. street (formerly Morayta). Several trees like acacia (Samanea saman) and narra (Pitherocarpus indicus ) were carefully planted and nurtured by its founding president Dr. Nicanor Reyes Sr .in the early 1930’s. During convocation in the university before the outbreak of war, the late President Manuel L. Quezon visited the university in 1940 and paid unsolicited tribute to Dr. Reyes “ as an educational builder”. The trees were already several years old back then and the student population is more than 10,000. Then during the early part of the bombing of the Philippines in 1941, Dr. Reyes was only person among the officials of the university to visit the school every morning to check the school premises and usually hands over the keys of the post office inside the school compound.

When the Japanese brought chaos to the country, The Imperial army had occupied the school compound and the school was crisscrossed with foxholes and the whole place was enclosed with barbed wire. The university became a veritable prison and was made a headquarter of the Kempetai (Japanese military police) the trees were the silent hostages, the army used some of the branches as firewood or bonfires which lighted the campus grounds since there was lacked of electricity.

On February 5, 1945 at around 7:00 pm heavy bombing and air raid were rampant in the Sampaloc area. Battle was ranged in the vicinity as the Japanese in heavily fortified campus sternly opposed the American advance. When the American occupied the university the school was re-opened during the second semester in 1945 .the Americans also set up quonset huts at the quadrangle which was later converted into classrooms. The trees were also there to witness the university rise in the ashes of the war.

After the war, some trees still stood within the campus, while some of the trees were toppled down by typhoons that had hit Manila during the 1960’s and 1970’s. These trees were also there when then president Cory had visited the campus in 1987 .

present day- FEU chapel with narra trees

Somehow trees do tell stories of happy individuals, students who stayed under their canopy, famous personalities and common people who happily stayed under these old majestic trees inside the campus that is not only known for its architectural heritage but also living natural heritage that one will surely become a link to a distant past.

The university also had a guided tours around the campus which attracts art , environment , architecture and heritage advocates for more information:

Address: Nicanor Reyes Sr. Street ( formerly Morayta) Sampaloc, Manila

Telephone : 735-56 21 loc. 283 Alumni Affairs ( Mr. Martin Lopez)

Monday to Friday -Office Hours

(September 15, 2009)

SAINT ANNE CHURCH 2009

Saint Anne Church in Taguig City 

This 400 year old church was a survivor of war and calamities but still held its ground and now the center of Catholic Churches in Taguig City, Philippines. The town celebrates fiesta every July 26.

centuries-old acacia tree within the church patio

The old acacia tree ( Samanea saman ) is a mute witness to the revolution of 1896 , the American occupation of the town , the Japanese atrocities during the war and the post war economic boom of the town.

collection of various church artifacts

The church had accumulated collection of priest vestments, books, baptismal record, old photographs, antique santos set in a museum.

Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo -program host ” I-Witness report “

Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo – I-Witness program host , segment writer and reporter featured this in ” Puno ng Kasaysayan” or ” Historical Trees” episode of the program aired last October 7 , 2008 early Tuesday morning on GMA kapuso channel 7.

In some instances , people within the community believed that there are unseen spirits living within these heritage trees. Cutting or hurting these trees made some environmental group like tree huggers a crusade that is worth emulating .

tree huggers with Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo

In a country plagued with selective amnesia especially in history and heritage , where saving heritage trees are not a priority of the government . It is almost up to the communities where these trees lives to nurture and save these trees.

(ORIGINAL POST@WP SEPTEMBER 30, 2009)