Saturday, February 28, 2015

Enjoying the Beauty of Plants and Flowers at the FLORA FILIPINA EXPO

Enjoying the Beauty of Landscaped Plants and Flowers
Opening of the 4th Flora Filipina Expo




            The 4th Flora Filipina Expo opened last February 25, 2015 at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak in Quezon Memorial Circle, showcasing the beauty of Philippine plants and flowers.  The event was made possible through the efforts of the Philippine Orchid Society in partnership with the Quezon City government  , the Quezon Memorial Circle, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Del Monte-Philippines,  KFC,  Allied Botanical Corporation , Ramgo International , the Philippine Bonsai Society, the Philippine Horticultural Society, The Los Banos Horticultural Society, the Orchid Society of Davao and other major garden clubs in different parts of the country.



            The ribbon cutting was participated by guest of honor Ms. Camille Villar, daughter of  Congresswoman Cynthia and Senator Manny Villar, Mrs. Evangeline Go, President of the Philippine Orchid Society, Mrs. Cora Purificacion, Flora’s honorary chair, Mrs. Dorene Dofitas, Flora’s chairperson, officers of the Philippine Orchid Society and from the various garden clubs, representatives from the Quezon City government and various plant aficionados.


            Guests were first toured around the colorful and magnificent array of landscaped exhibits before all settled in the shaded opening stage area. The opening ceremony was later joined by guest of honor Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung and Dra. Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Flora’s honorary chair..


            With these event, the site was transformed into a garden paradise, with colorful pocket gardens of orchids, bromeliads, tillandsias, ferns, annuals, aroids, bonsai and cacti. It is a wonderful site for taking pictures or for strolling and admiring the beauty of plants around.

 

            The expo was also a venue to determine the best plants and also for landscapers to compete on their skill in arranging plants.  Winners of the best landscape exhibits and also winners of the best orchids and ornamental plants were also announced and awarded with trophies and ribbons.


            The opening ceremonies were attended by more than 200 people who viewed the 15 landscaped garden exhibits. There were numerous commercial garden booths selling various plants and garden accessories like orchids, bromeliads, tillandsias, fruit tree seedlings, ferns, annual flowering plants, bonsai, aroids, pots, potting mix, fertilizers, pesticides, garden tools, and a lot more. The festive atmosphere at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak area was further enhanced by a music Band of Quezon City and cultural performers from the Commonwealth High School presented a Filipiniana and Muslim dances after the opening rites.



            The Flora Filipina Expo was intended to promote and highlight the country's ornamental and floriculture industry to the world. With this, we hope that our Asian, European and American neighbors will recognize our potential in growing quality and beautiful plants and flowers.



            With its theme: “Enriching Lives and Building Opportunities through Floriculture ”, the expo aims to promote the use of Philippine  plants in indoor and outdoor gardening, especially in landscaping.


            There was also a two-day conference at the Great Eastern Hotel at Quezon Avenue held last February 26-27 which was attended by our very own plant enthusiasts, gardeners and researchers from around the country. Topics on various new innovations in horticulture and the new plant cultivars developed were presented in the conference.



            Through the expo, the Philippine Orchid Society is continuing its mandate of promoting not just orchids, but also gardening to our fellow Filipinos. Hopefully, the passion and skill in floriculture, and ornamental horticulture will continue to be passed on to our younger generation for a brighter and progressive future.



            The Flora Filipina Expo will be open from February 26 up to March 9.  There will also be an ongoing free daily lectures on gardening at the exhibit site. The organizers are hoping to stage again another Expo on 2018. For inquiries, kindly contact the Philippine Orchid Society at telephone (02) 929-4425 or mobile 0917-8485468.



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Article by: Norberto R. Bautista
For inquiries, kindly email me at
norby.bautista@gmail.com


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