Peak Summer Blooms of Cymbidium finlaysonianum with 6 spikes in our backyard

Cymbidium finalysonianum or also called as boat orchid is again in bloom, But for the first time we were rewarded with 6 spikes and its blooming season spanned mid- March 2021 to past May 13, 2021.

Cymbidium Finlaysonianum Peak Summer Bloom

Cymbidium finlaysonianum orchid flowering season tend to peak during the hot and dry season from early March to early June in the western part of the country. But it can vary in some regions of provinces where rainy season would gradually tapers off.

There is not secret, This once a year bloom is much awaited and anticipated by many growers. Its yellowish flowers are long and quite impressive when grown en masse. The flowers had also some color shades and some variations.

This is also the hottest recorded heat index and peak high temperature in many parts of the country.

3rd inflorescence

The orchid started showing its inflorescence during second week of March and gradually its flowers began to develop. This one is mounted on Manila palm ( Adonidia merrillii) for a number of years. The first inflorescence grew 54 inches with 23 flowers, then 1 week later another one which grew 56 inches with 30 flowers, 3rd inflorescence grew with 27 flowers, then 4th inflorescence grew 32 inches and with 18 flowers, the 5th inflorescence grew 40 inches with 24 flowers, the 6th and last inflorescence is 60 inches long with 32 flowers.

4th inflorescence

Since it is very hot in Metro Manila with average day time temperature hitting between 33 to 36 degrees C, The flowers usually wilt within two or three days after it bloomed. But having over 150 flowers in indeed spectacular.

Cymbidium Finlaysonianum Care and Fertilization

small pieces of cloth with slow release fertilizer are mounted on top of the roots of Cymbidium finlaysonianum 1st inflorescence

During its growing season which coincide with the onset of the rainy season in western part of the country. We would put several slow release fertilizer ( ratio is 20 to 30 pieces per small cloth) and mount them on top of the root this orchid.

Since the orchid is quite big and over 25 years-old, we would put between 5 to 6 small cloth then mount them near the roots of the specimen orchid.

4th and 5th inflorescence

Then alternate every week with weak doze of water soluble fertilizer 20-N, 20P, 20K diluted into 1/4 to 1/2 strength, normally after watering the orchid. Then, try to apply some trace elements, calcium nitrate and epsom salt in small quantities once every two weeks intervals.

Try to spray the diluted water soluble fertilizer in the underside of the leaves and leaves too, whenever possible. In some instances having a companion plant like ferns particularly Asplenium nidus or Asplenium musifolium ( pakpak lawin/ dapo, paipaimo, dapong lalaki, dapong babae, manalo/ manalu) Davallia ( rabbit foot fern) would increase humidity around its roots and helps in retaining water.

3th which withered off , 4th, 5th and 6th inflorescences

The slow release fertilizer, water soluble diluted fertilizers and other trace elements would help fertilize the ferns hence maintaining a symbiotic relationship between the orchid and other plants. In some cases, insects like bugs, cockroaches, moths, garden spiders and geckos are observe making a small ecosystem or micro- climate.

Repeat the procedure of putting slow release fertilizer sewn in small pieces of cloth after 3 to 4 month intervals after all its content were flush out, This would be around late July or early August ( same formula balance) when the rainy season is on its peak. By the end of September or early October when the small cloth bags have leached out the nutrients. We would change the formulation to 10N-13P-13K for the slow release fertilizer and at the same time the formulation of water soluble fertilizer, 10N-30P-30K in preparation for its blooming season. By mid-November or early December, most of the nutrients coming from the slow release fertilizer have already leached out completely.

This is also the time that we try to reduce watering and completely stopping any form of fertilization for this orchid species. Drying is important for this species to induce its blooming season from early March to early part of June. This will depend on your respective local climatology chart posted by the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ( PAG-ASA ).

Metro Manila and western part of the country is usually classified under type 1- with Two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

But thru years of growing and observation, Majority of our Cymbidium finlaysonianum blooms between mid- March to early June. The orchid species is commonly grown in Novaliches, Fairview, White Plains, Corinthian Gardens, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City and in many parts of Metro Manila.

Cymbidium finlaysonianum orchid is sold in Eaton Centris (Sidcor) sunday market, Baclaran Plant Bazaar , garden centers and sometimes peddled by ambulant orchid/ plant sellers.

The larger specimen Cymbidium finalysonianum can have dozens of inflorescence during the duration of its blooming season. Hope that this small practical care and fertilization will inspire new growers of this wonderful species.

The smaller and more compact type Cymbidium finlaysonianum had also started to bloom. Happy Growing to all !

Note: all photos are taken by the author

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Bayanihan Community Pantry opens in Angeles City, Pampanga

Bayanihan Community Pantry organizers have recently opened another community pantry in Angeles City, Pampanga province.

Side Grill Community pantry- Angeles City, Pampanga province

Bayanihan Community Pantry

The community pantry opened last May 2, 2021 in Side Grill within Barangay Lourdes, Mc Arthur Highway, Angeles City. The donation were given by kind hearten individuals from within the community and even as far as Metro Manila residents.

long queues at the community pantry

According to the organizers the Side Grill community pantry will serve resident every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm. While the community pantry within Barangay Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga is open every Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

The organizers are also requires people who queue at the community pantry to observe proper social distancing and wearing of face mask, face shield.

fresh vegetables, rice, canned goods, eggs are some of the items at the pantry

One of the organizer is behind the highly successful Kingspoint Community Pantry last month in ( Yarda Food Hub) within Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Among other projects are community outreach project like Medical Mission, Feeding Program, Gift Giving among indigents ,out of school youth and Katutubo Doon sa kabundokan.

Those who wanted to help, Please try to contact: Engineer Aldrin Pangan 09054855128 for details. There are also other community pantries in which he is actively involve like those in Quiapo, Makati, West Avenue, Kingspoint Subdivision within Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Halal Certified Dishes from Cafe Ilang-Ilang of The Manila Hotel for take away and delivery

Eid al-Fitr is called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” or Lesser Eid. In neighboring southeast Asian countries, this celebration is known as Hari Raya or Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Bahasa Melyu / Bahasa Indonesia.

While Muslims around the world will celebrate the feast of breaking the feast this coming evening May 12 to May 13, 2021. The big event is celebrated through prayer, gifts , lavish feast and giving of alms to the needy people.

I remembered that during the 11th Pan Asian Farmers Exchange Program held few years ago held at the iconic hotel, They serve halal certified dishes and vegetarian meals which suits almost half of the farmers delegates.

Halal Certified Dishes from Cafe Ilang-Ilang, The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is the first Halal certified hotel in the country by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board. We have a special kitchen dedicated to Halal food preparation. Our Indian and Middle Eastern inspired halal dishes will whet your appetite with authentic dishes that pay homage to its traditional roots. Indulge in our Ramadan Special Halal Home Buffet with dried dates, chick peas hummus, Fatoush mixed salad, roti and naan bread, vegetable biryani, tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, vegetable samosa and baklava.

halal certified dishes

“Our Lamb Rogan Josh is a must-try. It’s imported from Australia and it has the spices and sharpness that will surely be enjoyed by everyone. We can also customize the food according to our customer’s request. Say you don’t like chili, we can make it milder. We can tweak a dish to please your palate while still being true to its authentic taste,” says Chef Kiran Singh, our Halal trained chef. 

Celebrate Eid Al Fitr by ordering any of our Halal Home Buffet sets or dishes. The halal selection of dishes available for Takeout and delivery.

Do not forget to call them at their landline 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912. One can also visit their website or social media page to pre-order.

One can pick them us or they can delivery right on your doorstep !

Mother’s Day Tote Bag Special Promo

A limited edition promo which runs from April 27 to May 16,2021 for every single purchase worth Php 2,750 . DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 117921 Series of 2021.

Mother’s Day Treat from Dolora’s Hauz of Pancit Malabon, Bagbag Branch, Novaliches

Dolora’s Pancit Malabon had opened a couple of months ago along Quirino Highway, Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches in Quezon City.

What we can remember is that Dolora’s Pancit also sells other types of pancit and home-cooked dishes. The last time we ate there was at their Marikina branch a couple of years ago.

Dolora’s Pancit Malabon

Dolora’s Hauz of Pancit Malabon specializes on pancit Malabon had been in business since 1990 or 31 years ago. Their Barangay Bagbag stall is also referred as Sauyo branch because it is near Sauyo road.

We ordered the Php 200 small bilao and normally takes between 15 minutes to 20 minutes before they can prepare the bilao ( made of plastic). Their Pancit Malabon is neatly arranged with boiled eggs, shrimps, crush chicharon/ tsitsaron bits (deep fried pork cracking) and chopped spring onions as toppings. Hope that they should have in tandem Inay Goyena’s Chicharon from San Miguel, Bulacan province.

The Php 200 bilao style is well packed and can be shared between 2 to 3 people. However, the sauce base was a little bit salty compared to the other Pancit Malabon stalls competitors. They should have added Baguio pechay like Dolor’s Kakanin.

Price list : Php200 good for 2 to 3 persons, Php 250 good for 3 to 4 persons, Php 400 good for 5 to 6 persons, Php 650 good for 10 to 12persons, Php 850 good for 15 to 18 persons, Php 950 good for 22 to 24 persons and Php 1,150 good for 32 to 34 persons.

Mommy Dolora’s Pancit sinage and social media site posted in front of their Barangay Bagbag / Sauyo branch

They have 19 stalls within Metro Manila and nearby provinces. They have one branch located along General Luis Street, Novaliches, Quezon City.

One can reach and pre-order in advance for gatherings and special occasion.

Note: (Operational hours may vary due to Enhanced Modifed Community Quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and nearby surrounding provinces. Last order is at least 20 to 30 minutes before closing time.) For more updates, Please try to visit their website or social media site.

Dolora’s Hauz of Pancit Malabon

Address; 575 Quirino Highway, Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City

Operations: Everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

Landline : 8293-5767 / (0919-0981577)

Rise of Goodwill Homes 1Community Pantry

It was a hot afternoon on May 4, 2021 when a group of friends and residents of Goodwill Homes 1 subdivision are sitting on a waiting shed. It was their own small way of contributing to the growing causes and advocacy of the community pantry.

Goodwill Homes 1 community pantry organizers

Goodwill Homes 1 Community Pantry

Goodwill Homes 1 community pantry is one of the almost 1,000 known community pantries nationwide and about 150 within Novaliches in Quezon City.

Goodwill Homes 1 residents and friends

According to the organizers, they wanted to share some food items, fresh eggs, string beans, egg plants and biscuits to their community. They wanted to open the pantry daily since there are hungry people who does not have any work.

This is just about 12 days after the highly successful Kingspoint Community Pantry which goes full blast last April 23, 2021.

Those interested to donate at their community pantry, Please try to visit them at the waiting shed area of Goodwill Homes 1 -Goodwill Avenue corner Katipunan Avenue in Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Details to follow, since the organizers was not able to provide their contact information or where does the people drop off their donation to the community pantry.