APEC 2015 magnificent landscape at MOA ARENA

SM Mall of Asia -Arena , Pasay City -Philippines

SM Mall of Asia Arena- 2nd floor area leading to VIP lounge

(photos courtesy of Mr. Jaime Chua and Ms. Myrna Allen) 

APEC 2015 had made its conclusion and world leaders had started leaving the country since yesterday . Some people wonder who were the creative team behind the magnificent landscape of live plants , flower arrangement and different displays at the SM Mall of Asia- Arena .

beach huts added accents to this magnificent landscape

According to my landscaper friends, They were chosen by the organizers of APEC 2015 convention team in charge with SM Mall of Asia- Arena where the world leaders were given a warm reception and dinner last Wednesday  .

tropical foliage plants, Alcantarea odorata  and Platycerium coronarium 

The concept was done by Mr. Ponce Veredinao executed Mr. Oscar Villanueva, Mr. Ram Oplas, Mr. Bienvenido Haro and Mr. Jaime Chua who is from Cebu .

tree ferns, bromeliads , ferns and anahaw palms 

It took their team 2 days to finish the landscape , which they have to take live plants like anahaw (Saribus rotundifolius ),Alcantarea imperialis, Alcantarea odorata cycads , ferns , bromeliads , bamboo , aglaonemas , tree ferns, platycerium among others.

 

 

 

 

local furniture and products were also part of the magnificent display

They also included indigenous materials from different provinces to complement the garden style setting .

 

 

 

local furnitures and home decors were also part of the design

It was their privilege and honor that they were entrusted to do the landscaping of SM Mall of Asia- Arena where the “Welcome ” dinner and cultural show was held.

 

 

large anahaw palms

They had to bring large trucks and hire several workers to haul the big plants and to finish entire landscape jobs. They used the freight elevator , climb the stairs to carry all the plants and accents at the venue place which is hard work for everyone.

 

vertical garden using ferns and Platycerium coronarium

They are also very happy when foreign guests and local visitors marvel at their landscape jobs.

Contact Person:

Mr. Jaime Chua – ( 09173201392 )

 

Philippine Orchid Society’s 67th orchid and garden show sneak preview during the ingress

Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ( Flower Garden) Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City- Philippines

Hardin ng mga Bulaklak ( Flower Garden)

After several months of preparation and promotion thru various forms of media – newspapers, television, radio, posters, internet and other social networking sites.

Secretariat complete with office equipments

The ingress had started last August 27, 2013.  Setting the tents, shade nets for the commercial  and exhibit areas.   While the secretariat had to bring their office equipments to the pavilion area together with trophies, medals , ribbons and even speakers  !

delivery trucks

Some commercial exhibitors came in early, The tried to bring their plants , gardening materials and their stocks. Some traders came from as far sa Visayas and Mindanao .

Mokara and Kagawara orchid hybrids neatly tied . Their inflorescence & flowers were wrapped in newspapers to avoid wilting and bruises .

These are Mokaras and Kagawaras orchids came from the  First Bloom Farm in Laguna.  Some of the orchids were already purchased by landscapers and orchid wholesalers in other provinces.

Vanda Tan Chay Yan neatly packed

The mokaras and kagawaras intergeneric hybrids were an old time- favorite among orchid growers and floral arrangers .

Mokara Chark Kuan – a tri-generic hybrid

Mokara Chark Kuan has been registered with the Royal Horticultural Society in the year 1976 by Lum Chin Orchids , an orchid nursery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The flowers of the Mokara Chark Kuan hybrids get a size of about 7-8 cm in diameter and are available in several colours, like pink, orange and red. a crossing between Aranda Christine (seed parent) and Ascocenda Cholburi (pollen parent)

Their long  stalks , colorful bright yellow/ pink/ orange/ red colored flowers and longer vase life makes them ideal  to grow them in the garden or in flower arrangements.

members of the Floral Designers’ Circle of the Philippines

This is  to avoid the rush the following day. Their efforts were rewarded with people buying their plants  .   Orders were made by their customers.

Ms. Delia Pionela

Ms. Delia Pionela is one of the “early birds” at the commercial section. A regular participant during plant shows . She had a ready supply of various gardening materials like coco choir, loamy soil, pebbles, driftwood, mosses etc…

She also rents a commercial space within the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation where buyers can purchase plants and gardening materials.

Architect Bimbo Vergara

Architect Vergara is an active member of different plant societies.   His Waling-waling ( Vanda sanderina / Euanthe sanderiana)  paintings were displayed at the lecture area .

Ms. Vangie Go

Ms. Vangie Go– President of the Philippine Orchid Society personally supervises the landscaping job –  She is a perennial winner of various plant and landscaping  competition . Mrs. Go was recently invited to judge in Putrajaya, Indonesia and Kadayawan Festival in Davao City.

madre de cacao / kakawate driftwood

Some landscape exhibitor and park visitors  bought  their plants and other materials from the early birds at the commercial section . While serious orchid and plant hobbyists entered their prized plant or orchid collection in the competition.

Ms. Jenny Rivera and Professor Serapion Metilla

I took some time taking pictures during the ingress period , then I spotted Ms. Jenny Rivera ( POS Secretariat ) and Professor Serapion Metilla – They gamely pose while i took their souvenir photo.

Mr. Noel ” Botchie” Canicula

Mr. Noel Vincent ” Botchie” Canicula -is a board member of the Philippine Horticultural Society , Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines ,   also an active member of the Philippine Orchid Society.

Mrs. Susan Lee

Mrs. Susan Lee is a bonsai connoisseur and a collector before joining the Philippine Orchid Society – She had 2 showcase landscape exhibit ( bonsai at orchid) .

Note: The author left the venue site shortly after 6:00PM

66th Mid- Year Orchid and Garden Show

 Philippine Orchid Society in cooperation with Quezon City government , Quezon Memorial Circle park management  announces the 66th mid-year orchid and garden show from August 30, 2012 ( exclusive opening to members, vips, invited guests and media)   to September 10, 2012. This year theme is ” Gardening is More Fun in the Philippines ” adapting the tourism slogan of the Department of Tourism.

Entrance fee of Php 30 general public and Php 20 pesos for students and senior citizens with valid ID’s .

Highlight of this event includes  the national orchid competition , orchid landscape exhibit and competition, ornamental landscape exhibit and competition , flower arrangement exhibition and competition , Best in Show , Best in Waling-waling and among others. Lecture and seminar workshop will start on August 31, 2012 . For more information about the upcoming show and schedule of daily lectures :

Office Secretariat : 929-44-25 Ms. Jenny F. Rivera and Dhonnah Masaoy

 cell phone  +63917.8431150 ( Mrs. Evangeline Go), +63906.272.0161 (Kelvin Neil B. Manubay)

Website link: http://www.philippineorchidsociety.com/

* Note :  This publicity material and poster was just send via Facebook page from the Office SECRETARIAT of the Philippine Orchid Society .  ( Still to  be announce will be  lecture topic series, theme and guest/s of honor  by the board of directors and show committee )

Amazing display of Cactus and Succulent

Cactus ,  succulent enthusiasts , plant lovers and garden enthusiasts were in for a visual attraction as the officers and members of the Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines (CSSP) organized a grand display of their rarest , most coveted  and favorite plants. As part of the program,  instead of the usual cutting of ribbons ceremony a unique opening presentation untying of garland was  made from a succulent plant scientifically named  Dischidia oiantha or commonly called as  (Tagalog :  Manaog ka Irog) . This versatile plant is a favorite hanging plant in almost every homes throughout the country. The theme of the show was ” Gardening for a Better Environment” .

The event was formally opened by Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., together with  Ms. Joy Belmonte, president of the Quezon City Ladies Foundation, Quezon City  councilor– Mr. Jorge “Bolet” Banal Jr., with Vice Mayor – Mr. Herbert Bautista , presidents of major plant societies across the country were present last November 20,2010 at around 4:00 p.m.

VIP guests posed for a souvenir shot

The opening and awarding  program was held at the Mabini Hall inside the premises of the Quezon Memorial Circle in cooperation with the Quezon Memorial Circle Administration headed by a Engineer Zaldy dela Rosa and the  Quezon City government . There was a live musical numbers by the tandem Peter and Vangie which serenaded the  members and guests of the society.

An interesting display of cactus dish garden ( keeping the Christmas season)

Media partners -Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, bloggers  among others .

The various lectures and demonstrations  attracted many plant lovers, students, and enthusiasts. Commercial participants included an array of  ornamental and flowering plants, cacti and succulents, fruit trees, garden materials, Suiseki or Natural stones, organic fertilizers, natural medicine, bonsai plants, antique furniture, Christmas  décor,  orchids, ferns, garden tools and equipment etc.., While the daily raffles of plants , soy sauce , cellphone, home furniture and other items were a big crowd drawer for the event !

CSSP -President Mrs. Adoracion S. Bernabe

In 2006 , CSSP  organized a xerophyte (cactus and succulent) garden show.This year can be judged as one of the best show so far. Members and guests have exhibited their best and rarest collections which  competed  for the top honors. The judges did not have an easy time of determining which are the best from all the entries. For the first time in CSSP, a  landscape competitions for  ornamental and flowering plants. The judges, headed by Mr.  Kevin G. Belmonte and  Dr. Nena Evidente among others , eventually came out with the following winners.

Mr. Herbert Bautista was given a cactus dish garden as a token of the society for gracing the event.

President’s Landscape booth – Mrs. Adoracion S. Bernabe ( a non-competing booth )

The grand top placers are the following: the Best Plant in Show and also the Best Succulent was a caudiciform plant, the Dioscorea machistachys — sometimes called the “turtle back” plant — owned by Anna Ruth Conde and Cora Purificacion of the Purificacion Garden. The Best Cactus was given to an Astrophytum ornatum, “Fukuryu,” was won by Mrs. Rebecca C. Buenaventura ( CSSP) Corporate Secretary .

Winners of the garden show

The following groups were adjudged winners:

Dish Garden Competition

First place – Group 5, head: Becky Buenaventura, members: Elvie Peczon, Julie Hipolito, and Reuben Almazan

Second place – Group 2, head: Aireen Bernal, members: Nolie Perez, Jeff Patiag, and Chit Rufo

Third place – Group 3, head: Tess Gomez, members: Elisa Montecastro, Vicky Valle, Siony Ng, and Charing Tiongco.

Cacti And Succulent Landscape Competition

First place – Arid and Aroids, owned  byMr. Boyet Ganigan and Dr. Jay Silvestre

Second place winner

Second place – DAP Garden owned by Mr. Daniel  Palentinos

Third place – Mett’s Plants Arts, owned by Mr. Serapion Metilla

Ornamental Plant Landscape Competition

King Louis Flowers and Plants- First Place

First place – King Louis Flowers and Plants, executed by Francis Gener

Second place – Constel Nature’s Garden, owned by proprietor Tansing Bais

Third place – Purificacion Orchids by Anna Ruth Conde and Cora Purificacion

Best Ornamental Plant

Aglaonema “Dona Carmen,” owned by the Purificacion Orchids

Here are the results of the other categories for the Cacti and Succulents table exhibit :

Astrophytum

First place – Astrophytum ornatun variety “Fukuryo” owned by Becky Buenaventura

Second place – Astrophytum ornatum owned by Mr. Botchie Canicula

Third place – Astrophytum myriostigma Hakuun hybrid owned by Becky Buenaventura

Other Globular Cacti

First place – Frailea cataphracta, owned by Nolie Perez

Second place – Echinocereus grusonii owned by Eliane Daclis

Third place – Ferocactus latispinus owned by Sally Obien

Mammillarias

First place – Mammillaria sp. owned by Lily Ann Tan

Second place – Mammillaria sp. owned by Anna Ruth Conde

Third place – Mammillaria plumose owned by Lily Ann Tan

Clumping Cacti And Succulents

First place – Monadenium reflexum owned by Purificacion Orchids

Second place – Mammillaria elongate rubra owned by Purificacion Orchids

Third place – Mammillaria sp. owned by Botchie Canicula

Columnar Cacti

Mr. Botchie Canicula received the glass trophy

First place – Cepahlocereus owned by Botchie Canicula

Second place – Cereus sp. owned by Botchie Canicula

Third place – Notocactus leninghausii owned by Becky Buenaventura

Monstrous And Crested Forms

First place – Sansevieria “crested Hanii,” owned by Dan Palentinos

Second place – Euphorbia crested owned by Bimbo Vergara

Third place – Euphorbia ingense monstrous owned by Becky Buenaventura

Variegated Cacti And Succulents

First place – Aloe nubilis, variegated, owned by Becky Buenaventura

Second place – Agave potatorum “Kishokan” var. owned by Becky Buenaventura

Third place – Furcraea Variegated owned by Daniel Palentinos

Haworthias

First place – Haworthia cv. tortousa owned by Elaine Daclis

Second place – Haworthia limifolia variegated owned by Elaine Daclis

Third place – Haworthia truncate owned by Aireen Bernal

Aloes/ Gasterias/ Astrolobas

First place – Aloe Nubilis variegated owned by Becky Buenaventura

Second place – Aloe sp. owned by Botchie Canicula

Third place – Gasteria hybrid owned by Becky Buenaventura

Agaves/ Fucreas And Yuccas

First place – Agave potatorum “Kishokan” variegated owned by Becky Buenaventura

Second place – Agave hybrid owned by Bimbo Vergara

Third place – Agave Victoria reginae, variegated owned by Becky Buenaventura

Sansevierias

First place – Sansevieria masoniana owned by Dan Palentinos

Second place – Sansevieria specks owned by Arid and Aroids

Third place – Sansevieria layranos owned by Arid and Aroids

Pachypodium

First place – Pachypodium lamerei owned by Mely Sibayan

Second place – Pachypodium lamerei owned by Purificacion Orchids

Other Caudiciforms And Pachycauls

First place – Dioscorea machystachys owned by Anna Ruth Conde

Second place – Fockea edulis owned by Purificacion Orchids

Epiphytic And Climbing Succulents

First place – Dischidia sp. owned by Tess Baldonado

Second place – Epiphyllum, owned by PHSI

Third place – Hoya buotii owned by Architect Patricia ” Wendy” Regalado

Xerophytic -Bromeliads

First place – Tillandsia andreana owned by Aireen Bernal

Second place – Tillandsia ampla owned by Purificacion Orchids

Third place – Tillandsia xerographica owned by Botchie Canicual

For the Ornamental Plant category, first place went to the following categories and owners:

BROMELIAD – Alcantarea imperialis owned by Botchie Canicula

AROIDS A – Aglaonema “Dona Carmen” owned by Purificacion Orchids

FERNS & FERN ALLIES – Asplenium serratum owned by Mr. Nonito Dolera

ORCHIDS – Vanda Charles Good fellow x Vanda Udom Gold  by the Philippine  Orchid Society

Annual Flowering Plants

Euphorbia pulchemma “Strawberry & Cream” owned by Francis Gener

Special Awards: Bonsai

First place – Pemphis acidula (Bantigue) owned by Vic and Analyn de Rona

Second place – Pemphis acidula (Bantigue) owned by John Mateo

Third place – Malabayabas – owned by Mr.  Lincon Yu

SUISEKI

First place – Water Falls owned by Jerome Bulos

Second place – El Nido owned by Erwin Paolos

Third place – Matang Baka owned by Jerome Bulos

Interesting Notes:

Succulent (plant)  A plant adapted to drought-prone climates or periodic arid conditions (water deprivation) and characterized by fleshy water-storing tissues (stems, roots, or leaves) that act as internal reservoirs sustaining life when external water is not available or periodically insufficient. Succulents   have also adapted plant systems that maintain metabolism with minimal exchange of water with the environment.

( Succulence) meaning the plant adaptation.

Some Philippine  growers tend to include succulent plants such as bromeliads , hoyas , dischidias in the grouping.

Collectors may tell that all cactus are succulents but not all succulents are cactus. Succulent plants come from many plant families.

Cactus make up the family Cactaceae and are mostly spiny succulents. Cacti are succulent xerophytes that have adapted the three main plant parts to survive in low moisture conditions.

A xerophyte is a plant adapted for life to a xeric (or dry) environment with a limited supply of water but does not need to be a succulent. They are often described as drought escaping, enduring, or resisting. All succulents are basically xerophytes but not all xerophytes are succulents

Caudiciforms (appearance of the plant) , Caudex ( bulging plant part near the base)example Adenium obesum locally called Bangkok Kalachuchi.

The terms are derived from the Latin word caudex meaning tree. This is a nontechnical term used to describe a plant which has a thickened root or stem, often of a large bottle or round form. A “true” caudiciform should have a water storage rather than a food storage organ in the fattened portion.

In some Asian countries like in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan Vietnam collectors often include any plant that has a fat lower portion that they find attractive enough to cultivate.

cactus and succulent collectors are sometimes called xerophyte collector.

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 .