Pineapple fashion

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 pineapple

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 comosus means “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.

Recipe for a Delightful Orchid Flower Salad

Orchid Flower Salad

Ms. Nancy Lumen (culinary expert )- She Ka co-host

By: Mr. Lawrence Chan

Ingredients:

¼ kilo fresh lettuce

2 pcs. medium size carrots grated

chopped celery

3 pcs. medium size shallot onion (sibuyas tagalog ) finely chopped

¼ kilo bacon bits /  1 piece chicken breast

24 pcs. medium size  Dendrobium hybrids  (Organically grown, not chemically sprayed and pollinia must be removed). ( The orchid flower may be blanch for several seconds- optional )

Definition: This term means to plunge vegetable  into boiling water for a few seconds or a few minutes, then remove and place in ice water. This process sets the color of vegetables, lets you easily peel fruits, and slip the skins off nuts. The food does not cook all the way through, so crisp texture is preserved.

12 pcs. small tomato chopped

½ cup squeeze lemon juice

2 cups mayonnaise

2-4 tablespoon sugar

Pinch of iodized salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese for toppings (optional)

author with Ms. Nancy Lumen during the February 14, 2008 episode ” She Ka” NBN channel 4

Preparations:

1.)     Mix 2-4 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 cups of mayonnaise in a bowl and mix well ( This would be your salad dressing)

2.)     In a separate bowl add fresh lettuce , chopped celery , chopped tomato , chopped shallot onion, grated carrots , bacon bits,  orchid flower  and add the salad dressings

3.)      Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and toss the salad

4.)     Sprinkle parmesan cheese as the final topping and add garnish for final presentation.

5.)     Serve and enjoy the orchid flower salad!

” Ang Barangay ” community  newspaper of

Lakandula High School, Tondo -Manila taken last July 5, 2009

with Ms. Alexandra Balingit editor- in-chief  and staff  .

Note* This recipe is common in some countries like Thailand , Southern China and Hawaii were Dendrobium orchid plantations are very common sight .

In the Philippines, few exclusive organic and exotic restaurant may offer this dish.

Spooktacular – Manila mounts,mausoleum and monument tour

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 Cemetery and 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 FPJ and 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.

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 knew 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.

Orchids in Philippine Landscape

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 16^th 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 to

reach 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 .

Jollibee Toy Bazaar

Jollibee Toy Bazaar

There’s no need to dig deep in your pockets this Christmas if you want to buy presents for everyone especially in this season of sharing. Now, you can make more kids happy by going to Jollibee Christmas Toy Bazaar where toys are on sale for as low as P15.

From November 22 to December 31, 2009, Jollibee stores nationwide will open their doors for this one-of-a-kind offering that is just in time for Christmas. It gives everyone the chance to choose from a variety of toys at discounted prices. The line-up includes feature-packed action figures, hip accessories, handy art supplies and novelty items based on hit toons and even your favorite Jollibee characters. There’s sure to be something for every girl and boy at the Jollibee Christmas Toy Bazaar.

Only Jollibee brings you the coolest toys at the most affordable prices, so you can give more presents to more kids this holiday season. Spread the happiness to every boy and girl by going to the Jollibee Christmas Toy Bazaar at any Jollibee store nationwide, and start your holiday toy shopping and sharing now!