2nd Flora Filipina Horticultural Expo 2009

Mabuhay and Warm Greetings in the World of Plants!
The Philippine Orchid Society, together with the country’s major horticultural organizations  hosted  the 2nd Flora Filipina International Expo 2009 at Quezon City Hall grounds (Lagoon area) from February 6 to 16, 2009. The theme of the of this year’s event was “Discovering the Best and Rarest Philippine Flora”.

The show partners were the Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry , and Natural Resources Research and Development – DOST, Department of Education Culture and Sports , CHED, National Commission for Culture and the Arts , Quezon City government , City Tourism Authority of Quezon City , Quezon Memorial Circle and various horticultural societies across the country.

Xavier school – one of the campus visited as part of the promotion of the event.

Department of Education Culture and Sports had also endorse the project with memorandum circular 242 series of 2008 issued on October 21, 2008 memorandum circular 242 series 2008.

Part of the publicity and promotion for the show was to invite schools and notable universities to come to the show and as part of the program , Lectures were given for free about basic  orchid and plant care during the campus tour where a lively Q and A portion was delivered .  The orchids and posters were given as part of the promotion during the Flora Filipina Expo. As part of the exchange deals,  some of the universities featured the show in their on-line websites, communities and groups.

Schools and various universities across the country had conducted a field trip into the site . Noticeable universities which had a large contingent were Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila, University of Makati, University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University , National University,  La Salle- Gregorio Araneta University , University of Santo Tomas , Rizal Technological University, Xavier High School , De La Salle, Ateneo de Manila University , Arellano University , University of the East , Colegio de San Lorenzo , Bicol University , Mapua Institute of Technology, Lyceum of the Philippines , Pamantasan ng Pasig , University of the Philippines – Diliman and Laguna among others…

Television live questing was also part of the elaborate publicity of the show like UNTV channel 37 ( program Kay Kuya  and Pundahan ) aired February 2 and 3, 2009. various radio programs also featured the show.

Special mention are Hon. Anna Maria ” Bambi ” Harper ( Intramuros Administration head),   Dr. Jaime An Lim dean  of Institute of Arts and Sciences  , Dr. Juliet Sarabia – head Biology Department-Far Eastern University ( Nicanor Reyes)  Dr. Lorna Basug – University of the East -Recto  and Head of Biology division of Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila whom the author personally met during the show.

Nepenthes truncata an endemic pitcher plant from Mindanao was exhibited

The main objectives of the event is to unite and uplift the ornamental plant industry and showcase what is new, encourage research and production and to disseminate new horticultural technologies and information.
The show is  to be one of Southeast Asia’s biggest gardening and plant event, which envisions to gather under one single international gardening event  horticulturists, flower and plant connoisseurs, collectors or rare plants, traders, suppliers, landscapers, architects,  manufacturers  and traders of  gardening tools, fertilizers, pesticides, garden equipment, environmental government and non-government organizations, private and government universities and colleges, government departments and agencies, foreign embassies, including local and foreign visitors. There will be 120 commercial booths and 60 exhibits featuring an assortment of plants including new hybrids and species..

Flora Filipina conference
The Flora Filipina had a 2-day Scientific Conference on Philippine Plants from February 6 to 7, 2009 at the Bureau of Soils, Visayas Avenue. corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City.  which,  there was an organized tour to various plant nurseries and tourist destination in the Laguna, Cavite, Makati , Quezon  and Batangas area.

Special mention to Dr. Benito C. Tan a Filipino Bryophytes ( moss ) expert now based in Singapore , He is also a graduate of FEU summa cum laude and University of the Philippines. who was one of the speaker at the recent 2-day conference.

Opening ceremonies were held on February 5, 2009 with Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Meralco Chairman Manolo Lopez, and Department of Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia Carreon as guests of honor and dozens of foreign dignitaries and ambassador wives in attendance.

on the spot painting winners ( blue -first place, red-second place, white- third place )

Special  on the spot painting event was organized last February 7, 2009 and participated by public high school students from at least 20 schools around Quezon City . The participants were given a token Php 500.00 by CITAOand cash prizes , ribbons and glass trophies by the Philippine Orchid Society .

Ramon Magsaysay High School students  in Cubao won 2 first prize category. landscape and individual painting category. Notable foreign and local judges were invited.

Best Orchid Landscape Exhibit – first place

Media partners included NBN channel 4, UNTV channel 37, Manila Bulletin , World News,  Greenculture Singapore , Orchid Board , Filipino Forum. net , Market Manila , Tsinoy forum, Asiafinest,  Pinoy Horticulure blog, Abante Tonite , Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard , Sulit etc…

Other companies like Allied Botanical Corporation local distributor of Peter’s Osmocote , Goodwill Bookstore , Purificacion Orchids and Ornamental Plants  among others…

Advertisement

Marsha Adam’s mediterrean garden and restaurant

Marsha Adam’s Mediterranean garden & restaurant is located in the province of Cavite.

The owner is an active member of various horticultural societies and a plant lover.

The property in which she planned to open up a small Mediterranean style villa in which bricks , wood and demolished parts of old houses are assembled .

Some bricks were ordered as far as the province of Iloilo from old demolished houses .  surrounded with herb garden and a restaurant.

Manila Aqua Marine and Aquatic Resources Expo 2009

Entrance arch to MAMARE’09 at World Trade Center

The Manila Aqua Marine & Aquatic Resources Exposition (MAMARE’09), in corporation with Agri–Aqua Network International (AANI) Inc., Ating Alamin by Gerry Geronimo and supported by Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR),  Department of Education Culture and Sports ( DEPED), Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy , Department of Transportation and Communication , office of the Vice-President , Enchanted Kingdom , CHED .

Philippine Coast Guard exhibit booth

Lotty Events Management was  pleased to to organized  the FIRST Philippine Marine and Aquatic Benefit Trade show called “Manila Aqua Marine and Aquatic Resources Exposition (MAMARE ‘09) last  August 20-23, 2009 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City with the theme “Sustaining the Philippines as the Crown Jewel of Marine Biodiversity in the Entire Planet.”

The benefit trade show is the most significant gathering of marine & aquatic environmentalists, celebrities and artists, GOs & NGOs for marine preservation and conservation, water sports enthusiasts, manufacturers and business practitioners from the Philippines and overseas.

The country’s long coastline and millions of people which depend on marine resources for their livelihood . It is very important to save and preserve whatever the government and private sector resources in these vanishing natural heritage.

It is a strategic extension of the industry’s definitive platform for the latest in the marine and aquatic sector. An industry first – MAMARE 2009  showcased  innovations and latest technologies in the maritime industry (commercial marine and government agencies), sports & recreation, hobbies, fashion, food, art, schools, tourism, shipping etc. Business opportunities lectures in aquaculture and mariculture, seminars on marine lifestyles best practices was  conducted by experts.

Vice-president Noli De Castro received a framed Philippine marine life on stamps

Last August 20 , Vice president Noli ” Kabayan” De Castro , together with Ms. Christy Ramos- Jalasco , Mr. Kim Atienza opened the event.  As part of the opening day activities selected government  organizations  and NGO partners were solicited message of support by the event organizers.

Mr. Kim Atienza popular television host ( Matanglawin) of ABS-CBN channel 2 with the event organizers and Philippine Coast Guard officers.

Marine & Aquatic Advocacy Contests and Aqua Art Demo was  open for students. Entertainment, fashion and ramp modeling shows will also be highlighted during the exposition. The Bantay Dagat Program of ABS-CBN Foundation was one of the beneficiaries  of MAMARE’09. Proceeds from the event will be directed to the nationwide programs of marine preservation and conservation of Bantay Dagat and the community of Pola in Mindoro.

At the end of MAMARE’09  on August 23 – former president Fidel V. Ramos went to the expo site at around 4p.m.  He  congratulated everyone who had participated in the event. His brief but meaningful speech delighted everyone in the jam-packed activity area.

former President Fidel V. Ramos received a framed stamps from the organizers

He was later presented a framed stamps which featured Philippine marine biodiversity and a portrait by the event organizers and manager . According to the former president , He collected stamps and treasured the framed stamps given to him as a token of gratitude.

At the end of the event, the organizers congratulated everyone who participated the expo and promised to invite  for next year’s MAMARE 2010

Event: The Manila Aqua Marine & Aquatic Resources Exposition (MAMARE ‘09)

Event Manager: Lotty Events Management at (632) 391-3461, 391-3474, fax (632) 311-1488

When: August 20- 23, 2009

Where: World Trade Center, 2/F WTCMM Building, Gil Puyat Ave. Ext. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City.

Tel: (02) 551-5151, 391-3461/3474

1st Philippine International Flora and Fauna Expo 2008

The Philippine International Flora & Fauna Garden Expo  2008 intended  to bring into one roof the plant and animal industry, including other industries which has developed from it.  With its theme “Bringing Back Nature”, it tries to remind us as a people our affinity with nature and an aim to protect and conserve it.

girls clad in fairies costume were part of the PIFGEX 2008 opening

As much as possible, the event encourages the incorporation of real plants and animal in the garden homescape, how to maintain them and to promote their conservation.  Conservation could be achieved by protection of or native habitats, mass propagation and breeding of endangered and threatened plant and animal species, regulated collection, and public information

East- West Seed Company

The event was held from July 18 to 20, 2008 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City in Metro Manila. During the 3 day event there were over 10,000 people from all walks of life who went to the expo site.

Highlights:

Philippine Orchid Society nipa-hut landscape exhibit booth

Malvarosa Orchids one of the member of the Philippine Orchid Society had showcase an orchid landscape exhibit which featured  rare , endemic and hybrids .

Philippine Postal Corporation in cooperation with Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club exhibit booth

• Philippine Postal Corporation in cooperation with Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club will be exhibiting Philatelic items such as Flora and Fauna.

Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society , Inc exhibit booth

Rare Orchids, Ornamental Plants, Ferns, Cacti and Succulents, Bonsai, Natural Stones which was  exhibited by some
of the country’s leading plant societies like Philippine Orchid Society, Philippine Horticultural Society, Cactus and Succulents Society of the Philippines, Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Inc., Philippine Bonsai Society among others.

• Avilon zoo one of the leading zoos in the country  showcased rare animals.
• Daily lectures and demonstrations from plants & animals enthusiasts and experts.
• Government agencies such as Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ,
Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism , Bureau of Plant Industry will be participating in the event.
• Rizal Technological University had  a mushroom and orchid exhibit

• Filipino Inventors Society showcased proudly Philippine made inventions.
• EDSA Garden House exhibited  herbs which are organically grown .
• KWB and Klub Natur will spearhead the on site photography contest.
• NGO groups like Bantay Kalikasan, Greenpeace had  an exhibit booth.
• Budgerigar Society and Avian Society  had their exhibit and bird show
• Agri Aqua Network Incorporated the country’s largest agriculture based network participated in the event.
• Koi Village one of the largest breeder and exporter of fishes will be exhibiting their rare fishes.

• Butterfly Art will be showcasing different arts using butterflies.
• Spa Association of the Philippines will feature health and wellness activities and exhibit.
• Leading newspaper and television stations companies such as Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Business World, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Home Ideas Magazine UNTV channel 37, ABS-CBN channel 2, NBN channel 4 will cover the event.

There was a best exhibit booth contest judge thru public voting , which was won by the EDSA Garden House, followed by Earth Garden Landscaping (second place) and SAPI (third). Special mention was given to Mett’s Plant Arts , Philippine Orchid Society and Fred Salud’s Landscaping for its Avilon Zoo.

2nd Philippine International Flora and Fauna Expo 2009

ceremonial toast

Last  July 16, 2009  the opening of the 2^nd Philippine International Flora & Fauna Garden Expo (PIFGEX 2009) at 10:00 a.m.  at the  World Trade Center in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines was a huge success !

PIFGEX 2009, with its theme: “Protecting and Sustaining Nature”, The  4-day event which  opened  from July 16-19 2009 , featured an exhibit, tradeshow, daily lectures  and a conference rolled into one.   Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as this year’s co-presentor, wherein they will be showcasing the indigenous, endemic and endangered species of plants and animals from the country’s 14 regions.

Exhibitors, sponsors were invited last June 24, 2009 at the Max’s restaurant in Gateway Mall- Cubao  for briefing .

framed Philippine flora and fauna on stamps was presented to DENR  secretary Mr. Joselito Atienza by Ms. Mae Reyes -COO of Ice, Incorporated

As of the opening ceremony,  gifts were presented by the a group of selected exhibitors – potted  orchids was presented by Philippine Orchid Society , herbs was presented by EDSA garden house, framed flora & fauna on stamps was presented by Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club , ornamental plant was presented by Ms. Delia Pionela, baby ostrich from  Red Ostrich Farm  to the distinguished guests of honor.

Ms. Camille Villar received a framed flora and fauna on stamps  courtesy of Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club

Guests of honor include, DENR secretary – Hon. Joselito Atienza , DENR regional head, Ms. Philippines Earth ( Pagcor) Adie Adelantar ,Ms. Camille Villar daughter of Senator Manuel Villar  , Mr. Steve Tamayo of Tamayo’s catering, presidents and officers of various NGO groups among others.

floral paintings exhibited at the lobby of WTC

Due to the clamor for a bigger event , RPN Flora and Fauna, Inc., its organizer and PIFGEX’s event manager, ICE, Inc. has made it even better compared than last year. Despite of the torrential rains and cancellation of classes last July 16 and 17, There were about 15,000 people who went to the expo site during the 4 -day event.

a portion of Philippine Orchid Society exhibit

Participants in the garden club category will include the very active and oldest garden club — Philippine Orchid Society,  Philippine Horticultural Society, The Flower Club Philippines, World Flower Council, and the Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines.  Other plant exhibitors will include the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA), King Louis Plants and Flowers, East West Seeds, Ramgo Seeds, Mett’s Plant Arts, EDSA Garden House, Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Inc., Rizal Technological University, and others.

conference participants

On July 17 and 18 2009 , A technical paid conference was held at the lobby of the WTC venue with topics focusing on flora , fauna , conservation and  green technologies it is a venue where  highly respected people  from industry , academe and conservation experts from different parts of the country .

Some of the conference participants came from as far as the province of   Quezon , Cebu and Mindanao.  

Mr. Andres Golamco Jr.- conference speaker

There was a display of live domesticated Philippine animals  from  exotic birds, small mammals, snakes, lizards, dogs, cats , kois, walking stick insect, reptiles, butterflies, ostrich and fishes.

walking stick insect

Exhibitors from this category from  the DENR and fresh water aquarium fishes   from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.  Other animal exhibitors will include: Zoobic Safari, EWK Aviaries, Arowana & Luohan Society, Philippine Canine Club Incorporated members  and the Red Ostrich Farm.

FSCC officers together with Architect Patricia Fernando Regalado president of Philippine Horticultural Society group  posed for a souvenir shot at the Red Ostrich Farm exhibit booth

The EDSA Garden House and King Louis had executed the landscaping of the entrance hall.   There was a floriculture / cut-flower arrangement demonstration and competition by the World Flower Council.

ostrich chick

Other companies participating are: Solraya’s Sunshine Chicken, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Specserv (Roof Gardens), CCTF (Wind Energy) Sony Philippines, Klub Natur, Scandwood, Brother International, PEPSI, Animal House, Artemis Shih Tzu Kennel, Sterling Paper Products,  Sony Bravia etc….

celebrated radio announcer and host Dr. Corazon Claudio of DZRH together with FSCC officers

The Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club had an interesting Philippine flora & fauna on stamps exhibit . Members from different provinces went their way to come to the show. FSCC president – Mr. Dojie Luteria came all the way from Zamboanga province to participated in the event.

He was very amazed at the show organizers ” This is a unique show , It was FSCC  privilege and honor to be a part of this show” . Officers of the club gave interesting stamp primer with free stamps to the visitors of the show.

Pet City together with Pet’s Unlimited magazine had  exhibited a fresh water aqua-scape  with sinarapan  fish

Scientifically known as Mistichthys luzonensis is the world’s smallest commercially harvested fish and is found in Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur, part of the Philippines’ Bicol Region. Contrary to common belief, sinarapan is not the smallest fish known. Another goby, Pandaka pygmaea, also found only in the Philippines, is the smallest known vertebrate and may be endangered. DENR region-V had a similar exhibit of sinarapan fish and rare orchids such as Grammatophyllum multiflorum variety citrinum and plants from Bicol region.

vegetables and fruits were exhibited by Ramgo in a Pahiyas style arrangement

Media tie-ups like Manila Bulletin, Marid Agri- Business Digest , Pet Unlimited magazine , NBN channel 4 program ( Mag-Agri Tayo) , UNTV channel 37 , Philippine Orchid Review magazine , bloggers, forumers , event coordinators covered the event.

Other Event Highlights:  Filipino Inventors’ Pavilion, Newest and Latest Eco Friendly Products and Technology, Eco Tourism Projects and Destinations, Recycling Technology, Renewable Energy, Waste Management Solutions and Technology, Health, SPA and Wellness Products and Services, Exhibits of Organic, Herbal and Natural Personal Care Products, Art and Photo Exhibits on Nature, Photo Contest on Flora and Fauna &  Flower Arrangement Competition, Animal show by Zoobic Safari.

lecture on stamps as a tool in nature conservation last July 19 ,2009

The aim of the Exposition is not only to showcase different types of gardens, Philippine plants and animals to the world, their uses, their conservation status, nor the protection of their habitat, our environment and our ecological system . . . but more importantly, it is about saving our one and only Planet Earth..

Mr. Noel Vincent Canicula lectured cactus and succulent growing techniques

The Philippines is one of the richest ecosystem in the world, both in marine and terrestrial, and sad to say,  the country is  also a biodiversity  hot spot.

Ms. Ressie Paz Navarro – one of the event organizer gave a glass trophy to Ramgo International – first runner up award ” Best Booth Design”

At the end of the expo , special winners made thru public voting  for the best exhibit booth was announced by the event organizers . Winners are  Ramgo International , Rizal Technological University , King Louis Ornamental Plants , DENR region IV- Marinduque, DENR main landscape , Red Ostrich Farm .

Until PIFGEX 2010 !!!

Note: All pictures are from the author

For more information and reservation, please call or email ICE INC.

Event Organizer : RPN Flora and Fauna , Incorporated

Event Manager : ICE INC.  Ideas, Concepts & Events

T : +632 584.5321
F : +632 727.2151
M : +63917 800.1088
E : ice.incorporated@yahoo.com.ph
bonlreyes@ice.com.ph