Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Christmas Party 2011

It was hot and humid afternoon on December 3,2011 when the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society Inc. or simply PNPCSI hold its annual Christmas party at the home of Mr. Reg Yuson a new member , His home is  located in Scout Chuatoco street  Quezon City.

Arundina graminifolia or bamboo orchid planted in one section of the property

The author arrived past 4 :00PM and saw Mr. Micheal Agbayani Calamaro  ( PNPCSI) board member for year 2011 to 2012 . He came all the way from Ilocos Norte just to attend this event.

various kinds of ferns

I was warmly welcome by the host and had a few conversation with Mr. Reg Yuson . The house and lot if about 1, 100 square meters and sits on prime location.

Ms. Regielene Soriano -Gonzales, Mr. Ronald Achacoso and Mr. Reg Yuson

Mr. Yuson is an artist and had several sculpture projects in  Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig , an avid plant collector and he also customizes car.

Photo caption : Patrick Gozon, Noel Malacad, Mr. Reg Yuson, Edwin Tadiosa, Ronald Achacoso, Rommel Arriola and Micheal Agbayani Calamaro

One by one the member arrived , at past 6:00pm the party started by a short prayer and introduction of each member . A short power point presentation was shown to the attendees .

Dr. Antonio Manila speaking before the members and invited guests

The presentation highlights was the participation of the society to several events like annual Philippine Horticultural Society show held in 2011 and the First Leonardo Co’s International Symposium held at the Tambunting Hall of the National Museum for the Filipino People  ( formerly  known as Finance Building) last November 2011 and the various horticultural walks that was conducted by the members of the society.

Mr. Ivan Serenas a new member of the society partake at the evening buffet

Mr. Ivan Serenas is a bird watcher, photographer and travel guide. He is also a member of various environmental and bird watching clubs.  Sarenas has traveled the Philippines extensively and exhaustively as photographer of the prestigious Philippines Yearbook, as well as for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Greenpeace, Conservational International, National Geographic Productions, and the BBC. His  art photographs have been exhibited at Pinto Gallery and the Ayala Museum in Makati and in the International photography exhibition such as in Tokyo, Japan and Paris  France.

Among the popular tours are the UP Diliman’s Tree Walk conducted by Architect Patrick Gozon and UP Los Banos  Heritage Tree Trek .

Ms. Veronica Peralejo received the certificate of appreciation from Dr. Antonio Manila and Mr. Anthony Arbias for her artistic contribution of the club’s logo

The food was prepared by Chef Eugene Catipon  and Mr.  Rico Quimbo .

Mrs. Elisa Montecastro an active member of various horticultural societies invited members to come and visit her resort in Subic , Zambales on January 2012.

Chef Eugene

I had to leave the place at past 7:00 pm together with Mrs. Elisa Montecastro who dropped me near Manila Seedling Bank where another party is being hosted by Philippine Orchid Society.

The Christmas party extended until past 12 midnight and was dubbed by some members as PNPCSI Marathon Christmas party.

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Lenardo Co First International Symposium

Last November 19 and November 20, 2011 the symposium was attended by more or than 100 students, professionals, environmentalists which was held at the Tambunting Hall of the National Museum of the People. The author went to the pre-symposium on November 18, 2011 to help arrange the  event kits .

BACKGROUND

The Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc. held  its first symposium to commemorate the first death anniversary of its founding President, Leonardo L. Co. The symposium theme, Philippine Botanical Treasures and the Legacy of Leonardo L. Co , is based on the life and works of Leonardo L. Co who studied and worked on Philippine plant diversity and conservation, ecology, ethnobotany and economic botany. This year’s symposium also aims to promote the advocacies of the society.

Director Jeremy Barns in his welcome remarks ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

PNPCSI is a professional organization formed to contribute to Philippine native plant research and conservation by conducting scientific research; providing technical assistance, training and student mentorship; promoting the use of native plants in landscaping and reforestation; and increasing public awareness for the conservation of botanic resources in the country. PNPCSI is a core member of the Rain Forest Restoration Initiative.  

participants of the international symposium ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

WHO IS LEONARDO L. CO?

Leonardo L. Co was PNPCSI’s founding president.  He was a world renowned botanist who dedicated his life to the study of Philippine flora.  He collected and documented plants found in the different parts of the country and published several papers on new species and new records.  He studied plant diversity in many areas including montane and karst forests as well as ultramafic sites. During the last years of his life, he was involved in the conservation of the Philippine flora and advocated in educating the Filipinos regarding native species.  He knew that understanding plants contribute to Philippine patrimony as the botanical resources are part of our national heritage.  His first book, “Medicinal Plants of the Cordillera” documented the medicinal plants available for use in the region.  The book was used by community health workers many of whom recognized Leonard as their mentor.

participants listening to the speaker  ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

Parents of Mr. Leonardo Co were given tribute during the symposium ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

There were over 120 people who went and attended the symposium which mark a milestone for the society . The international symposium showed the world how great the contribution of Mr. Leonardo Co or Dr. Leonardo Co as we  members would often refer to this person.