75th Philippine Orchid Society’s Bazaar at Quezon City Memorial Circle

Philippine Orchid Society‘s 75th annual orchid bazaar kicked off last February 11 at the elevated garden / runnex garden within the iconic Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

Ms. Delia Pionela of Del’s Orchid and Garden Supplies

75th Philippine Orchid Society Bazaar

Quezon memorial shrine

The bazaar is in partnership with Quezon City government, Quezon Memorial Circle administration and Manila Bulletin.

Mr. Andres Golamco Jr.

There were 40 stalls selling different kinds of plants, cacti, bonsai, ornamental plants, orchids, aroids, flowering plants, gardening supplies among others.

entrance to the orchid bazaar

Unlike the previous shows- there was only one commercial exhibit which promotes hybrid papayas, celosia, vinca, marigold and seedlings for sale near the center of the bazaar.

Other Plant Shows in Metro Manila

We saw some familiar faces and new people in the industry, This is the fourth garden show within Metro Manila – Horti Filipina 2021 held at the Bonifacio High Street from February 4 to 14, 2021– which drew few people due to pandemic and restrictions in Bonifacio Global City ( BGC),Taguig. Arid and Aroid Colors Garden show held from February 6 to 16, 2021 at Robinson’s Magnolia drew a lot of plantitos, plantitas, batang maghahalaman and even new collectors because of the “BIG Scam Sale” last February 13, 2021.

King Louis Flower

Another plant show dubbed ” “Plant Fest” at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong from February 15 to February 26, 2021.

The orchid and garden bazaar of the Philippine Orchid Society is almost 20 days or three weeks!This will offset the lack of landscape exhibit, orchid and plant competition. While a live talk held last weekend about basic orchid culture was shown on the offical FB page of the Philippine Orchid Society.

We think it was quite long for an orchid and garden bazaar,at least customers will have a luxury to canvass plant prices from other bazaars and plant centers in other parts of Metro Manila.

Out of the four plant shows, The Arid and Aroids Colors Garden Show really stand-out and a blockbuster hit! We still have to wait for the last few days of the “Plant Fest” in SM and 1 week of the 75th Annual Orchid Bazaar show and see the results.

It was good that in all of the show that i have attended, there were no entrance fees. The most comfortable ones were at Robinson’s Magnolia and SM Megamall. The air-condition was just right with nice people around.

With the relaxation of the quarantine protocols in the coming few months, visitors and plant enthusiasts wanted to view better and quality exhibits in mid-year shows.

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Iconic Manila Hotel real photo postcards

Manila Hotel is one of the most photographed hotels in the country since her establishment in 1912.

With the advent of photography. First known photo studios were introduced in Manila in the later part of the 19th century. Taking photos of people, fiesta, landmarks, recuerdo de patay (memories of the dead) became more popular. Manila hotel postcard with the use of photos became an instant hot commodity among collectors of Filipiniana, memorabilia, postcard, photo collectors not only in the country but also from all over the world.

Manila Hotel photo postcard circa 1925

Manila Hotel real photo postcards

The Manila bay harbor was dredged with millions of tons of mud, gravel and sand were used to reclaim and extend the Luneta, making room for the Elks Club, the Army Navy Club and the crown jewel of the project was a premiere hotel with modern amenities that soon to be called the Manila Hotel.

The Malecon drive which was popular as seaside passageway and promenade area during the Spanish regime was widen and reclaimed. Eventually the drive became Dewey boulevard or Roxas boulevard.

The moat which connects parts of intramuros or walled city to the Manila bay was filled and turned into a municipal golf course and garden.

The site of the hotel was next to Pier 7, where it was now possible to berth four large passenger ships.

Pier 13 is also near the hotel which added more traffic and guests to the hotel.

Visitors can book a room at the hotel and short calesa ride into the historic city centers like Intramuros, Ermita, Malate and Luneta park. During those times, the social event would center in escolta. Eventually the grand social hall of the hotel serves as a nerve center to even the political meetings and gatherings.

It was the in-thing for the wealthy and socialite during American colonial regime to be spotted within Manila Hotel, much of today’s Bonifacio Global City or BGC.

Mr. Daniel Burnham commissioned American architect William Parsons to design the Manila Hotel as well as many buildings with the California style mission which was in vogue in many parts of the United States and Europe.

Manila Hotel circa 1947 photo postcard

Manila Hotel circa 1957 with post war cars and trees growing

Manila Hotel with large acacia and narra trees circa 1959

Please try to visit the other previous article links for Manila Hotel :

American Regime Manila thru postcards part 3: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-3/

Manila Hotel postcard by Cardinell Vincent :https://renz15.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/manila-hotel-postcard-cardinell-vincent-company/

BKK Express : Interesting Dishes and Desserts

  4th Floor Food Hall , UP Town Mall, Bonifacio Global City , Taguig City 

BKK Express is shorten word for Bangkok Express. This is one of the newest concept food stall by the Cabalen group of company . BKK Express just opened their doors at the 4th level of Food Hall within UPTOWN Mall, BGC, Taguig.

Chef Thea and Mr. Roy Fontabla

Chef Thea is from Thailand and  70% of the ingredients were imported from Thailand . ” Not all Thai foods are spicy , which Filipinos and the general public may have perceived , Thai foods are known for balancing its sweetness, sourness, spiciness ” said Mr. Roy Fontabla ( Area Manager Soi, BKK Express).  The rest of the ingredients were locally sourced , this maintain the freshness and one way of helping local producers .

Here are among the favorite dishes that we have tasted at the BKK Expresss.

Isan Sausage 

Isan / Esan Sausage is known as Sai Krok Isan , which is similar with our local longganisa . This dish is normally eaten as appetizer or light snack,  wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves , chopped fresh chilies , sliced fresh cloves of garlic, matchstick sliced ginger, roasted peanuts , cilantro .

One can easily adjust the spiciness depending on how many chopped chilies , one will add to the roll. This is good for 2 persons (Php 350.00) per serving.

Thai Spring Rolls this is eaten as appetizer or meal viand. This is crispy with sweet chili sauce as condiment .

Thai Bagoong Rice with sliced mangoes , dried shrimps, chopped string beans, scrambled eggs , cucumber , salted egg , pork , chopped fresh onions , chilies  with lemon .

Pad Thai Tofu 

Pad Thai – is a stir fry Thai noodles is special homemade tamarind sauce with dried shrimps ,eggs, mung beans sprouts, radish , chives , tofu and crush peanuts .

Pad Thai Chicken

Pad Thai -Singaporean style

Pad Thai Singapore style was a version of Pad Thai made by Singaporean chef , The dish originated in Singapore uses a different kind of noodles compared to the Thai , Eventually this dish became popular in Singapore and in Southeast Asia.

BKK express had several Pad Thai dishes like Pad Thai crab meat –Php 250 , Pad Thai Chicken –Php 220 , Pad Thai Tofu –Php 190 and Pad Thai Singaporean – Php 250 – Ideal for twin sharing .

Chicken satay

Chicken satay had 2 types of condiments and ideal for 2 to 3 persons ( Php 320 ) There is also a Pork  Sweet Style Barbecue which cost (Php 330) ideal for 2 to 3 person sharing.

Pork Belly 5 Stew with Hard Boiled Egg – This is very similar to Chinese- style pork asado with hard boiled eggs and vegetable , This also comes with special condiment . Ideal for 2 to 3 person sharing ( Php 260 )

Thai Noodle with Roasted Pork 

Thai Noodle Soup – This is a Thai noodle with marinated pork meat, cilantro , bokchoy  and chopped spring onion leaves .  There were five kinds to Thai noodles to choose from – Thai Noodle with Roasted Pork ( Php 160) good for twin sharing MUST Try , Fresh Egg Noodles with Shrimp Wanton ( Php 190) good for twin sharing MUST Try, Thai Rice Noodles with Meat Balls ( Php 190) , Fresh Egg Noodles with Shrimp Wanton and Roasted Pork ( Php 180) MUST Try , Fish Tom Yam with Thin Rice Noodles ( Php 180 )

Desserts – There are a lot of  Thai desserts , some are almost similar to some popular Philippine desserts but not overly sweet .  They can be shared between 2 to 3 person .

Water Chestnut with Crushed Ice and Toddy Palm ( Php 125 ) Toddy Palm or ‘Look Dtahn’ in Thai, is clear and crunchy. This is a type of Palmyra palm which is extensively cultivated from India , mainland Southeast Asia , Madagascar and Papua New Guinea. The palm is highly ornamental and the palm had numerous economic value.

Sticky Rice Mango Sundae with Sherbet – This is another all time favorite with two kinds of colored sticky rice , topped with sliced mangoes, sherbet with grated coconut meat. ( Php 135)

Some of the Must Try juices are the Thai Ice Tea ( Php 55.00) , Thai Iced Coffee ( Php 55.00) , Lemon Grass Juice ( Php 45.00) and Pandan Iced tea ( Php 45.00)

Contact : 805-1328

Note : Prices are subject to changes without prior notice.

How to Commute :

1.) From MRT Guadalupe station , take 1 jeepney ride with Gate 3 , UPTOWN Mall signage – Minimim Fare- Php 7.00

2.) A short walking distance from jeepney stop to the Mall will take around 5 to 10 minutes .