Top 12 Pretty Orchids Spotted at Flora Filipina 2019

Flora Filipina International Exposition 2019 is a show with hundreds of native orchids, orchids from other countries and orchid hybrids.

12 Pretty and Award Winning Orchids Spotted at the Show

Here are some of the award winning orchids and the pretty ones, They were exhibited at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ( Flower Garden) within Quezon Memorial Circle facing East Avenue entrance.

1.) Best Fragrant Orchid – Dendrobium anosmum cv Touch of Class – grown and exhibited by Mr. Glanz Ang of Cagayan De Oro.

2. ) Best Paphiopedilum – Paphiopedilum haynaldianum -grown and exhibited by Mr. Godofredo “Fred” Salud. The orchid species also won Best in Show; Best Other Genera (Sympodial) ; Best Paphiopedilum Alliance; Best Philippine Orchid Species.

Cattlianthe  Candy Ball ” Ruby Red”

3.) Best Cattleya – Cattlianthe Candy Ball ” Ruby Red”  grown and exhibited by Mr. Jaime Chua of Cebu. ( photo courtesy of Mr. Jaime Chua)

4.) Best Cultured Plant– Grammatophyllum multiflorum variety citrinum grown and exhibited Mrs. Evangeline “Vangie” Go – There are also some orchid species at the commercial bazaar area.

Best Vanda Orchid

5.)  Best Vanda Orchid – Vanda lamellata x Vanda Tienchai,exhibitor: FIDI

6.) Best Phalaenopsis Orchid –Doritaenopsis Ching Hua Spring x Golden Poeker by Blooms and Greens exhibited by Dra. Olivia Sanchez

7.) Vanda lamellata cultivar variety debutante– This was spotted in one of the exhibit booth. The variety had bigger flowers and can be use for breeding hybrids.

8.) Grammatophyllum measuresianum – This is one of our native orchid species blooming during this time of the year. The orchid species was described in 1889.

9.) Best Foreign Species – Dendrobium capituliforum is an orchid species found in New Guinea these occur in coastal areas and in some parts of Solomon Islands.

10 .) Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica– This orchid species was spotted in one of the commercial stall area. A rich orchid collector reportedly bought almost the entire stock.  Another plant with flowers had been spotted within the exhibit area and won a blue ribbon.

11.) Vanda Kultana Fragrance X Vanda luzonica – This orchid hybrid won second prize. This is more free flowering in the lowlands compared its parents.

12.) Ascocentrum aurantiacum subspecies philippinense– This was recently reclassified under genus Vanda. This is a lovely small flowering orchid species with bright yellow or orange flowers.

The show is until March 5, 2019 and covered three exhibition sites, Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ( HB Garden / Flower Garden), Runnex Elevated Garden ( Bonsai and Natural Stone exhibit ) and Walkway Area facing East Avenue ( Bougainvillea and Commercial stalls)

There is a minimal entrance fees of Php 50 for the general public and Php 30 for students, senior citizens and people with disabilities ( with Id’s)

 

 

 

 

 

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Fun Facts in Bonsai Exhibit at Flora Filipina 2019 Expo

There are several amazing and stunning display of bonsai, potted plants and natural stones at the Flora Filipina 2019 Expo.

natural stones on display

The plant art originates in the Chinese empire and was copied and adapted by the Japanese to what we know now as Bonsai trees. Literally translated “bon-sai” means “planted in a container”.

Quezon Memorial Shrine pylon serves as a backdrop for the exhibit

The Chinese started creating miniature landscapes over 2,000 years ago.

natural stones or suiseki

There were 179 bonsai and 176 natural stones (suiseki) on display at the Runnex Elevated Garden within Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

Entry Fees

There was an entry fees of Php 250 in which the natural stones are not featured in the magazine. Those who paid Php 750 pesos entry fees are also featured in magazine and other promotional items.

bonsai with multiple awards

For Bonsai, there is Php 500 entry fees in which bonsai are not featured in magazine. Those who paid entry fees of Php 1,500 are also included in a souvenir magazine feature and other promotional items.

multi-awarded  bonsai

This is a multi-awarded bonsai, A Taiwanese bonsai collector once offered a handsome amount for this , but the owner refused because of its sentimental value and attachment to this tree. This is at least a century -old bonsai.

yellow flowering santan ( ixora )

orange flowering santan ( ixora )

tamarind bonsai

The ingress of the bonsai and natural stones started few days before the opening.

Bantigue ( Pemphis acidula )

At the awarding ceremony, Bonsai and Suiseki Alliance of the Philippines Incorporated (BSAPI) President Vincent Ferrer his Bantigue tree won the “Best In Show Award”  at Flora Filipina Expo 2019.

There is a minimal entrance fees of Php 50 for the general public and Php 30 for students, senior citizens and people with disabilities with valid Id’s.

Highlights of AquaCircle 2019

AquaCirle 2019 Fish and Pet Exposition 2019 was successfully staged at Liwasang Aurora within Quezon Memorial Circle from February 20 to 24, 2019 in Quezon City.

AquaCircle 2019 e-poster

The event was a collaboration of several, pet stores, suppliers, fish, bird,hamsters  other non-government organizations and Quezon City government. Unlike other trade show which caters on membership and having an exclusive meet-up. This show is different with no entrance.

Arowana competition and exhibit area

This also allows the general public to enjoy these kinds of shows. It also cater on new generation of pet and fish hobbyists, since the public can interact and talk with seasoned hobbyists.

Arowana Owners Club t-shirts

Buhay Flowerhorn t-shirts

bodega mugs

silver arowana

The judging went on smoothly on February 22 and 23 and the winners were announce during the last day of the show.

arowana

angel and discus fishes on display

One sad aspect of the fish show was there were visitors who would tap the glass aquarium. This would give stress to the fishes at the exhibit area.

hamster house, hamster food and pack of sand ( sand bath )

visitors

There is a popular trend among new pet hobbyists to buy small mammals like hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs. These small mammals are cute, cuddly and does not require big space.

visitors at the PHOS booth 

We got an invite from the members of PHOS- Philippine Hamster Owner’s Society and via Juan Love Pet store which have a small stall within the show site.

Aside from the usual booths, there was an on the spot raffle and swap meet for fellow pet hobbyists. It was a meaningful day for all those who attended the event.

 

 

 

Presentation and Stamp Unveiling Ceremony of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at Novotel

Commemorative stamps and first day covers of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray were issued and presented  by Philippine Postal Corporation executives around mid-morning of February 24, 2019 at Novotel, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

l-r Mr. Maximo Santa Maria ( Business Line Manager ) Ms. Catriona Gray ( Miss Universe 2018 ) Mr.Norman Fulgencio, chairman of the board of PHLPost and Mr. Luis Carlos (APMG for Marketing) photo courtesy of Pilipinas Philately

Mr. Normal Fulgencio ( chairman of the board of PHLPOST) said during the launching  that the Catriona Gray stamps is a way of recognizing her after winning the Miss Universe title.

Commemorative Stamps

One of the stamps shows her first official photo as the new queen of the universe with face value of Php 12 by 40 pieces per sheet while the Php 55 souvenir sheet shows the first walk after the announcement.

The stamps were designed by Mr. Rodine Teodoro and PHLPOST philatelic section employees featuring the iconic lava gown design by Mr. Mark Tumang wearing Miss Universe Mikimoto crown.

Aside from the official photos provided by Miss Universe organization, The logo of the organization is also prominently featured on both stamps and first day covers.

Ms. Catriona Gray recounted that she would also collect stamps from different countries and send letters to her friends.

Ms. Catriona Gray with her own special stamps and first day cover ( photo courtesy of Pilipinas Philately)

The ceremonial autograph signing and presentation was held at the Novotel just hours before her victory parade held within Araneta Center.

Statement

“This momentous occasion is an opportunity for us to recognize her in raising the Philippine flag, and championing Filipino pride in the global stage,” Fulgencio said.

“Indeed you have made us proud. Your victory is a testament to the faith and resiliency of the Filipinos,” he added.

Public Selling

Along with the two stamps, There were first day covers which will be release to the general public by February 27, 2019 ( Wednesday ). These special stamps and fdc can be purchase  at the Manila Central Post office, Liwasang Bonifacio, Ermita, Manila.

 

 

 

 

Highlights of the Flora Filipina 2019 Opening

Flora Filipina 2019 which is a project by the Philippine Orchid Society in partnership with Quezon City government, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture with media partner Manila Bulletin had a grand opening held at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ( Flower Garden) area within Quezon Memorial Circle.

international and Filipino delegates ( photo credit Mr. Norberto Bautista)

The opening was capped with a ribbon cutting ceremony around past 4:00 pm. Lion dancers with drum beaters paving a post Chinese New Year vibe at the opening.

lion dancers

There were cultural performers dancing popular Filipino folk dances. International delegates, members, invited guests were serenaded with Filipino music.

Allied Botanical Corporation landscape exhibit

Allied Botanical Corporation or simply called ABC presented a beautiful landscape exhibit using their popular flowering annuals, marigolds and sunflowers.

Malvarosa landscape exhibit

The landscape exhibits have several flowering gerberas, marigolds, aglaonemas, tropical foliages, Phalaenopsis hybrid orchids, Rhyncostylis gigantea, strap leaf vandas, Dendrobiums and BLC type hybrids.

cacti and succulent landscape exhibit ( third place)

This landscape exhibit showcases several variegated agaves, tillandsias and succulent plants. This landscape carefully used some upscale material from old wooden window panels, and utility poles among others.

Mrs. Evangeline ” Vangie” Go landscape exhibit

Mrs. Evangeline ” Vangie” Go orchid landscape exhibit booth won several awards. The award also includes ” Best Orchid Landscape ” award.

The orchid landscape exhibit included different orchid species and hybrids. Among the gorgeous blooming  Dendrobium anosmum ( sanggumays), Vanda lamellata,   Vanda lamellata var. boxallii, yellow and reddish flowering cattleya hybrids, strap leaf vandas. oncidiums and Epidendrums hybrids.

Grammtophyllum multiflorum variety citrinum

Grammatophyllum multiflorum variety citrinum have hundreds of greenish yellow flowers that is a big head turner at the landscape exhibit area.

side portion of the landscape exhibit ( photo courtesy of Mr. Jaime Chua)

The accents included old capiz window panels, wooden doors and old ceramic vases.

The orchid landscape exhibit also use some old drift woods finished with bermuda grass and white pebbles.

orchid landscape exhibit

This orchid landscape exhibit won second place at the competition.

orchid landscape # 5

This orchid landscape exhibit was executed by Ms. Rona Latorre use different kinds of strap leaf vandas, oncidiums, cattleyas, Phalaenopsis orchids, ferns and old logs. This won third place in the orchid landscape exhibit.

Indonesian themed orchid landscape ( photo courtesy of Mr. Jaime Chua)

This landscape exhibit was executed by Mr. Rudy T. Mintarto, Mr.Bagus Asharnanto and Mr.Win. They used several cut-flower orchid varieties, wooden face mask, head gear and costumes from Indonesia.

Palawan landscape exhibit

ornamental landscape exhibit #13

Mr. Godofredo ” Fred” Salud is the person behind this award winning “Best Ornamental Landscape” exhibit booth. He is also the person behind the Solaire Resort and Casino gorgeous lobby landscape.

ornamental landscape

The plants included some Paphiopedilum haynaldianum with dozens of flowers, Dischidias, bromeliads,anthuriums, Alcantarea imperialis, Alcantarea odorata, Tillandsias , Dracenas, Begonias and Aglaonema hybrids.

multi-awarded winning landscape exhibit

award winning plants with large blue ribbons

Alcantarea imperialis c.v.” rubra”- Best Variegated Ornamental Plant, best Cultured Ornamental Plant and Best Ornamental Plant in Show- owned and exhibited by Mr. Godofredo ” Fred” Salud

Mrs. Delia and Mr.Bong Pionela ornamental landscape exhibit

Mr. Bong Pineda executed this lovely landscape which used several flowering guzmanias, bromeliads, crotons, foxtail palms, ferns, flowering bougainvilleas and Tillandisa usneoides.

Mrs. Delia Pionela posing for a souvenir shot ( photo credit Mrs. Delia Pionela)

Alcantarea imperialis c.v .” julietta” – Best Bromeliad in Flora Filipina 2019

For those who wish to visit the exhibit area, There is a minimal entrance fees of Php 50.00 for the general public and Php 30.00 for students, senior citizens and pwd’s with valid ID’s

Exhibit areas is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Flora Filipina International Exposition is until March 5, 2019.

Note: Photo credits Mr. Jaime Chua, Mrs. Delia Pionela, Mr. Norberto Bautista and the author