Los Baños Horticulture Society show- Urban Forest

Poster of the show

The month of October marked one of the biggest celebrations in Los Baños, Laguna . This is the time of the year when plant lovers , enthusiasts , students , and nature lovers from all walks of life troop to the University of the Philippines , Senior Social Hall .

This exhibit had a nipa hut , potted guzmanias and colorful art graffiti as a backdrop

This is a bi -annual show with the theme “Urban Forest,” the show aims to create a landscape that will demonstrate the many ways to bring the forest into your backyard. special feature plants are are the ferns and foliage anthuriums.

Center piece exhibit with ferns, aglaonemas, anthuriums on display

This year’s show chairperson is headed by Ms. Marina Catipon president of Los Baños Horticulture Society Inc., formerly known as Los Baños Orchid Society along with officers and members and Department of Trade and Industry or DTI ( Laguna) this show featured of ferns, moss, begonias, epiphytic flowering bromeliads, orchids and aglaonemas . the venue at the Senior’s Social Garden inside the campus of UP Los Baños .

the event also coincide the 93rd Loyalty Day and alumni homecoming of University of the Philippines, Laguna .

( This exhibit booth also won Most Creative and First Place in Landscape )

The ‘Iligan Fern‘ or ” Pakong Tagulaylay ” (Nephrolepis acutifolia Desv.1895) is a fern that can produce pendulous fronds up to 6 meters.

Distribution: found in Tropical Africa, Tropical Asia and Pacific Islands .It is also commonly called creeping sword fern, Baidik in Marshall islands . This fern is a native fern found on the wetter atolls of the Marshall Islands. It is sometimes seen hanging downward as an air-plant (epiphyte) from trees in damp areas, such as in the few real mangrove swamps in the Marshall Islands.

Some native people of Marshall islands , there is magical association with the cultivation of this fern.

This exhibit had several bromeliad , anthurium species and hybrids, Platycerium coronarium

There is a free lectures on interesting topics about our forest and the environment will be given during the show. On the opening day, for instance, Ms. Rosa Umali will be lecturing on basic weaving methods using dried water lily and old newspapers to produce slippers, placemats, trays, and shopping bags. The next day, Dr. Armando Palijon of the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources will discuss indigenous forest trees for urban landscaping.

Second Place in Landscape exhibit

On October 14, Mr. Julian Anjail and Ms.Elvira Teves of the Los Baños Nutrition Action Office will lecture on local vegetable recipes.

potted poinsettias in this exhibit signal the Christmas season

There are landscape exhibits from the Philippine horticulture and ornamental plant industry. There is also a section of commercial area for plants, garden accessories and landscaping supplies.

Malvarosa Orchids exhibit won ” Most Colorful Landscape ”

There is also a portion were native handicrafts and native delicacies for sale.

Principal exhibit with wooden garden furniture as focal point

The special guest during the opening of the show is Mr.Marlo D. Mendoza, Assistant Secretary for Special Projects of Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR was the guest speaker during the opening.

The show will run until to October 16, 2011.

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Horticulture 2010

The Philippine Horticultural Society ( PHS) the Philippines counterpart of the Royal Horticultural Society-London will be having their 34th annual show , with the theme ” It is a Green World After All ” . The aim of this year show to to promote awareness on the re-greening of our urban metropolis , our garden and homes.

Exclusive Opening will be on January 29, 2009 Friday (By invitation only)

Date: January 30 to February 9, 2010
Venue: Manila Seedling Bank Foundation Greenhouse #2 . EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

With the effects of climate change and global warming a serious threat to the humanity and to all living things . Re-greening our homes and communities is never far behind.

There will be daily lectures and seminars , national competition for best landscape exhibit, best plant in show , etc . and endless photo opportunities for forumers, bloggers, garden enthusiasts , plant lover, collector of plants from all over the Philippines and the world.

Educational tours from different schools and universities from across the country.

Horticulture 2010 tarpaulin poster at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue

What to expect from the show?

bonsai on display, rare cactus and succulent collections, natural stones and suiseiki , orchids, ornamental plants, ferns , native trees, landscaping , flowering annuals and perennials , cycads, palms ,plant competition.

Daily Schedule of Lectures

Date Time Topic Lecturer
January 30, 2010 10:00a.m. Vermiculture (Earthworm) Mr. Tony De Castro
2:00 p.m. Avant-garde Flower Arrangement Ms. Pearl Banaag of World Flower Council
January 31, 2010 10:00 a.m. Orchid Growing Mr. C.V. Lazaro
2:00 p.m. Flower Arrangement (Ikebana) Mr. Serapion Metilla
February 1, 2010 10:00 a.m. Dona Aurora and other Mussaendas Mr. Fernando Aurigue
2:00 p.m. Hoyas Ms. Teresa Baldonado
February 2, 2010 10:00 a.m. Urban Gardening Mr. David Balila
2:00 p.m. Growing Native Ferns (Propagation and Culture) Mr. Modesto Manglicmot
February 3, 2010 10:00 a.m. Reishi: Ancient Secret to Traditional Medicine Mr. Dan Perilla
2:00 p.m. Native Trees (Philippine Native Trees for Landscaping) Mr. Patrick Gozon
February 4, 2010 10:00a.m. Cooking Using Edible Weeds Mr. Nonito Dolera
2:00 p.m. Aquatic Gardening Mr. Nestor Gregorio
February 5, 2010 10:00 a.m. Climate Change: Its Causes and Effects Ms. Lourdes Tibig – Ateneo de Manila Observatory

2:00 p.m. starting a native plant collection- Mr. Anthony Arbias

February 6,2010 10:00 a.m. Basic Gardening Made Easy Mr. George Sahagun
2:00 p.m. Anthurium Ms. Vangie Go
February 7,2010 10:00 a.m. Money Making Opportunities in Farming Mr. Zacarias Sarian – Manila Bulletin Agriculture – editor
2:00 p.m. Saikei (Bonsai in Tree Landscape) and Stone Appreciation Mrs. Fely Gupit
February 8,2010 10:00 a.m. Green Irrigation – water wise green irrigation a novel approach Mr. Philip Choo

Entrance fee of P10.00 for students and senior citizens with valid ID’s , P20.00 for general public

Horticulture 2010 Show Committee

Show Chairman :Architect Buth Duque
Co- Chairperson: Architect Patricia “ Wendy” Regalado / Mrs. Adoracion S. Bernabe
Physical Arragement :Mr. Simon Salem
Commercial Stall: Mrs. Tess Baldonado
Ways & Means :Mrs. Norma Villanueva
Publicity: Mr. Serapion Metilla
Invitation: Mrs. Fely Gupit
Lecture Series: Mrs. Lina Gueco
Plant Registration: Mr. George Yao
Judging : Mr. Fernando Aurigue
Awards and Prizes : Mr. Fernando Aurigue
Newsletter / Souvenir Program: Mrs. Elisa Montecastro
Reception:  Mrs. Glo Razon , Vicky Valle, Tess Gomez, Ina Cornejero
Opening Program : Mrs. May Dumlao
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Aurora Lianko
Documentation: Mrs. Adoracion S. Bernabe
Security :Mr. Victor Losanta
Exhibits : Mr. Orlan
Tickets : Mrs. Gloria Razon
Finance:  Mrs. Elisa Montecastro
Officers of the day Ms. Ina Conejero, Ate Glo, Ms. Tess Gomez, Mrs. Norma Villanueva, Mr. Lawrence Chan, Ms. Vicky Valle, Mrs. Elisa Montecastro , Ms. Ine Lopez, Ms. Virgie Neo

For more information about the show / sponsorship and stall rentals
Contact details:

Architect Buth Duque – Overall show chairperson
Landline # (632) 490-52-39 office hour

Mrs. Teresa Baldonado – Commercial and Booth rentals

Mr. Macky – Secretariat
Landline telephone # (632) 377-02-34 Monday to Saturday -office hours 9:00 am to 6p.m.

Angelina Taruc Farm

Clean and  Green Foundation in partnership with Philippine Orchid Society, Smart Communications and the government of General Nakar in Quezon.

The group went to Rizal, Laguna and Quezon for exploratory expedition to survey the remaining plant habitat last August 20 to 21, 2007.

The group met at the Manila Seedling Bank and the group went to the rolling hills, fertile plains of Antipolo and parts of Rizal.

Before heading to General Nakar, the convoy decided to visit the farm of Mrs. Angelina Taruc in Baras Rizal.

Dendrobium anosmum aka sanggumay and Hoya pubicalyx

We were met by the caretaker of the farm and showed us what available plants that were on sale. Most of the farm are is dedicated to growing different orchids genus namely Dendrobium hybrids, Cattleya hybrids, Mokaras, Kagawaras, Oncidiums, Terete Vandas and native orchids such as Dendrobium anosmum and Hoya pubicalyx were naturalized on the acacia trees fronting the main entrance.

Brassavola nodosa hybrids

The group went into a buying spree and reserved a lot of important cut flower varieties and promise to come back after the 2 day exploratory trip to Quezon. Some of the semi-terete Vanda orchid mounted on kakawate driftwoods were bought by the Clean and Green Foundation for a discount.

a yellow cattleya hybrid

Being familiar with the group, the caretaker obliged to reserve some plants. The farm was said to be the main source of plants in the Rizal region. Wholesalers and retailers who had small plant and landscaping stores within the vicinity of Rizal are the frequent buyers, but according to the caretaker, they also encounter buyers from as far away as Quezon, Laguna and Bicol region.

The farm also produced several varieties of ferns, ornamental plants and gardening equipment and fertilizers.

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…

A collector’s humble abode

Ms. May Dumlao is a former educator, editor and an entrepreneur  . She is known to have a fine collection of ferns, hoyas, orchids, bromeliads, aroids and is an active member of Philippine Horticultural Society, Fern and Nature Society of the Philippines.

An specimen sized Platycerium sp. in Ms. Mae Dumlao’s garden

Her home is also a favorite hangout of the members of the societies and even friends of her children since the place is quite accessible.  She also recalled that television crew and movie outfit would ask permission to have a location shoot inside her home.

Tita Mae had various collections of paintings and sketches from reknown Philippine artists that were prominently hanged in her sala, dining room, bedroom and even near the passageway. In one instance, a photographer from a lifestyle magazine wanted to take pictures and to do stories of her famed painting collections, but this would entail the removal of these valuable items to be removed from their location. She politely decided not to allow the crew to feature her collections.

Her additional collection also includes matchboxes, ceramics, gongs and at one time collected stamps, paper bills and even Santos made from local Philippine wood. According to her relatives, peers, students and children gave most of the collection that were accumulated in a span of over 40 years.  Part of her collection also included old ceramic plates and jars from the Ming and Manchu dynasty, which were excavated by her group during the 1960’s in an undisclosed excavation sites in one of the provinces up north.

Back then; people would not dare collect these items since they believe that these things would bring bad luck. Most of the rare finds were being bought by foreigners like Taiwanese, Japanese and even Americans which would hire local treasure hunters. We just collected the ordinary ones and even dug some of the ceramics ourselves. In some instances, whenever we had a time to go to the beach we also collect shells.

She is also a writer, editor, cook, emcee among others.