Organic Urban Gardening 102 Seminar at Cedarhills Garden Center

Organic urban  gardening is getting popular in the country . One of the place that conducts a monthly seminar about organic gardening is Cedarhills Garden Center located along 57 Mother Ignacia Street , Quezon City.

This garden center is located near Saint Mary’s College, ABS-CBN channel 2 , Fisher Mall and is located just at the back of Capitol Medical Center.

some of the basic materials and hand-outs

Cedarhills Garden Center is fairy accessible to all modes of transportation. Must say that i am one of the regular ” suki” of the center. I have blogged and wrote a couple of articles which features this center.

tillandsias

This is a one stop shop for those interested with a plant, pots, orchids, tillandsias, cactus, garden supplies , organic mix, fertilizers and even cut flowers from some tenants like Waling Orchids by Puentespina.

The garden center is also known for spreading organic gardening . One can convert ordinary kitchen waste into organic compost material.

 Seminar Topics

Cedarhills Garden Center had several interesting topics that are offered to the general public , gardening enthusiasts and those who wanted to know the basics of growing plants.

1.) Organic Urban Gardening 101 – a 4 hour seminar /workshop with hand-on training on how to prepare organic fertilizer EM, seed soaking and germination, short power point lecture, seedling preparation and plating in seed bedding. This comes with hand-outs, hands-on planting and some free seedlings.

power point presentation

Kuya Gerald Sioco – seminar / workshop facilitator

2.) Organic Urban Gardening 102- a 4 hour seminar/ workshop which is an upgrade on the first module. This comes with lecture and talk, EM ( EMAS) technology preparation, seed soaking , sprouting , seed planting, benefits, planting in containers, transplanting, cutting, bed planting, composting, fertilizer application, pest management, plant ailments, transplanting. There is also a short tour of the facilities and identification of plants.

3.) Basic Cactus and Succulent Workshop – a 4 hour seminar / workshop with introduction to cactus and succulents, pest and diseases , plant classification and dish garden preparation with hands-on demonstration.

planting box

All the seminar/workshop have hand-outs, free snacks and certificate of participation.

Since the seminar area is not big, their minimum number of participants is just about 12 to 20 participants per workshop.

benefits of growing your own produce

soil ph level and types of plants and produce which are compatible

old toy truck is transformed into an interesting planting pot for ornamental plant

begonia planted on an old car tire

planting box with planted herbs , kangkong seeds and pebbles for decoration.

vertical garden using soft drink bottles 

 Seminar/ Workshop Flow

1)    There are exclusive of about 12  participants which were composed of online writers, media, students and interior specialist.  The workshop area has 3 tables, so that makes 4 participants in each table.  Each table has an assistant that will help participants during the workshop. Seminar schedule are normally posted at their FB page. Due to limited area, the maximum participants per session is just 20.

2)   Innovative presentation- Power point presentation, hand-outs , kits and hands-on activities.  This workshop is 80% to 85% hands on.

3)  Participants can borrow gardening kit .  Everything you need during the hands-on activities are provided. dio-it-yourself EMAS,  soil compost , water, soft pots, plant label , seed packet, plant box, seedlings and pebbles.

4)   Attentive to the participants needs.  Cedarhills Garden Center Apron (so we won’t get dirty), OFF Lotion (so mosquitoes won’t come near us), bag container (so our things are safe and won’t be dirty).

5)    Take home kits.  All the things we did in the workshop were given to us to take home.  Try to bring virus free USB portal, if you want to get free copy of the power point presentation . If you forgot to bring USB portal- an active email will do.

6)  Snacks and Other Perks – No one will get hungry since snacks are provided to the participants( part of the workshop package) . Participants must be attentive to details as a short Jeopardy q and a portion contest by the facilitator. Lucky participants can win exciting herbs or plant.

7.) Post-Workshop Assistance.  One can send an sms or an email for questions at their hotlines.

Father’s Day Promotion

Father’s Day Treat

For those interested with the workshop 926-2707 or 0907-ORGANIC to register.
*Up to 20 slots per session. Reservation applies upon payment.

How to Commute:

1.) From Quezon Avenue southbound – There are jeepneys which ply the Quezon Avenue ( route Fairview to Quiapo). ( Capitol Medical Center) try to cross the foot bridge toward Scout Magbanua street and then turn left  short walk toward Mother Ignacia street.

2.) From Quezon Avenue northbound- There are jeepneys which ply the route – take off at Scout Magbanua street ( Capitol Medical Center) and then turn left  short walk toward Mother Ignacia Street.

3.) MRT Quezon Avenue- There are tricycle routes which ply within Mother Ignacia , Panay Avenue and Timog TODA – tricycle drivers will charge -between Php 30 to Php 50 for special fare.

 

 

 

 

 

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Organic Food Bowl Night Market at Centris

Now, a marketplace for safe and healthy fresh produce and products made available to the public — from vegetables to grains to animal and fish products. A marketplace that works on the concept of accessibility, sustainability, and fair trade practices to capture the bulk buying demand and promote sustainable lifestyle.

Big groups of organic and natural farming practitioners have signified their interest to support by joining the market: The Organic Producers Trade Association (OPTA), One Organic Movement of the Philippines with the Agri-Aqua Network International, Inc. (AANI), Go Organic Philippines, Intercontinental Network of Organic Farmers Organizations (INOFO), Philippine Development Assistance Program, Inc. (PDAP), Kasama Ka Organik Cooperative, Aquarius Agricultural Source Corporation (AASCORP), Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikutura (MASIPAG), the natural farming advocates under the Philippine Natural Farming, Inc. (PNFI), Organic na Negros Organic Producers and Retailers Association (ONOPRA), biodynamic farms under the Agrikultura Natural, Inc. (ANI) Mo, Cosmic Farm of Benguet State University, La Trinidad, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service of the Department of Agriculture (DA-AMAS). The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) were also tapped by the organizers to support through an information campaign to reach its target buyers” said Ms. Sharon Tan, co-organizer of the Food Bowl Night Market.

“The potential for the organically grown produce and foods is growing both domestically and abroad due to the increasing health, environment and social concerns. Food Bowl Night Market will highlight crops and commodities of Philippine “SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS”. Its quality should also meet the demand for its quantity. The Crops, Commodities and Technologies Section will showcase farmers, fisher folks and organizations providing safe and healthy food to Filipinos and present the value chain: production, processing and marketing. This will be a good start for the farmers to program their production to meet the requirements of institutional buyers especially from hospitals, restaurants, hotels and food caterers” she added.

Other than natural, organic and biodynamic farm produce which includes vegetables, fruits, rice, fisheries, live stock, native free ranged pastured poultry produce and products, Food Bowl Night Market will also feature food operators and wellness organizations, ornamental and herbs producers and the eco-friendly product manufacturers.

The Food Bowl will be launched at the ETON Centris Walk, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City starting March 18. It will open every Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 12mn. ETON Centris Walk is directly under the stop of the Quezon Avenue MRT Station with a commercially accessible area and ample parking for the target institutional buyers.

The World Agape Association, Inc., with the owners of DS Pinoy Organic and Herbal Store organizes the Food Bowl Night Market. The World Agape Association is a group of young professionals whose primary objective is to provide leadership seminars for public servants with focus on public school teachers and farmer leaders. For queries to Food Bowl Night Market, please contact (02) 806-2448

4th MARPE Health and Wellness Exhibit

poster of the event

Last October 22 , 2010 the Opening Ceremonies as our Special Guest of Honor DOH Usec. Alex Padilla with some of CHIP Officers and Board Members cutting the ribbon to officially start the program.

Front Row L-R:  Dr. Rosario R. Austria, President of Philippine College for the Advancement in Medicine Foundation (PCAM), Albert M.G. Garcia, President of the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (CHIPI), Department of Health Undersecretary Alexander A. Padilla, Teresa E. Santos, CHIPI Treasurer and  4th Marpé Health Expo Overall Chairperson, Lito M. Abelarde, CHIPI Chairman, Dr. Tito E. Contado, CHIPI VP-Food Supplements, Ms. Evangeline Orejola, CHIPI Trustee.

Back L-R:  Mr. PJ Manalo, Ms. Ma. Concepcion and Jonathan Ong, CHIPI Members, Mr. Leonard Benesa, CHIPI PRO, Mr. Lim Heng Moh of Malaysian Council for Traditional Medicine Industries, Mr. Chaatchavan Pongboriboon of Thailand Herbal Product Association.

CHIPI organized the MARPÉ Health Expo, an annual event held during the Traditional Health Month in October, which aims to promote health and wellness through the use of natural health products and alternative healing therapies. It brings together under one venue the country’s leading brands of consumer products that are produced by member-companies of CHIPI and selected members of allied industry associations who share the common goal of providing our people with safe, reliable and affordable natural health products and healing modalities.

MARPÉ is also an opportunity for the general public to learn about new developments and avail of natural products and services at special discounts and packages and the exhibitors’ way of rewarding their loyal customers for their continued support and patronage.

Aside from providing a venue where companies can interact directly with the public, this event also serves as training ground for new companies in preparation for participation in bigger and more sophisticated overseas trade shows.

The event is supported by the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Now on its forth  year, the MARPÉ is being groomed to be an international event and showcase for the Philippine natural, health and wellness industry which is expected to attract buyers from all over the world.

The 4th MARPE Health Expo 2010 is managed by premier events manager and organizer Mildred B. Caballero of Trade Advertising Exhibitions and Conventions international, Inc. (Tradecon, Inc.).

There were over 100 booth selling traditional herbal products to some of the industry well-known brand . Some of the innovative products includes malunggay noodles, herbal chocolate drinks , virgin coconut oil and different organic produce from different parts of the country. Aside from the daily lectures, demonstrations , product samplings and innovative alternative medicine which can boost the industry.

Among the participating member companies in the exhibit are Herbs and Nature Corp., ABS Gen Herbs Int’l Corp., Herbcare Corp., Pascual Laboratories, Whealth Inc., Prosource International, Splash Corp., Philippine Morinda Citrofolia, Inc., Goldware Essential Products Corp., Rainiers Research & Development Institute, Inc., Herbanext, Inc., Northfield Laboratories, Inc. Psalmstre Enterprises, Davenben Ent. Cor., Agri Aqua Network Incorporated  ( AANI)  and YSA Skin Care Corp.

4th Marpe Health & Wellness Show 2010

Event: 4th MARPE Health and Wellness Show

Date: October 22 to 24, 2010

Venue: SM Megamall – Megatrade Hall 2

Address:
Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Phlippines Secretariat:
Mezzanine Flr., Strata 300 Bldg. P. Guevarra Street San Juan 1500 Philippines

Landlines:
(63 2) 703-0799 / 584-6241 / 725-6470

FAX:
(63 2) 584-6241 / 725-6470

Email:
sec@chipi.org.ph

Sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industries , organized by  Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines.

Green Daisy Organic Restaurant and Store

Last May 22, 2010 the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Inc. with some selected guests from different NGO groups  went to Ms. Daisy  residence near  (UP) campus, we were given a bignay wine  and a gracious servings of Sung-sung  peanut  courtesy of Mr. Ray Ong and Mr. George Yao .

We were personally greeted by Ms. Daisy Lengenegger an Isabela province native  and organic natural health  advocate . Their 1950’s style of home together with a collection of various contemporary art works and a wealth of  flora and a small petting zoo with some pythons  and turtles  that accompany their  garden.

Her family bought the property in the mid -1990’s  but had no intentions of opening the property to business,  thru the persuasion of friends and relatives who marveled at her unique  organic foods,   rich culinary taste and organic produce  had strongly urged her to open a family -style restaurant in her residence.

The home-style restaurant can accommodate 25 to 35 guests per meal and pre-booking is highly recommended depending on the number of people and budget . She can adjust the meal menu and preference to suit the taste of the clients .  Her unique home furniture and garden settings   were already featured in several magazines , blogs and newspapers.

garden with lush vegetation

The garden  is surrounded by tall bamboos and high cement walls which is  bathed in greenery,  Green Daisy is more like dining in friend’s home instead of restaurant. In fact, it is Daisy’s home. Daisy has not only created a comforting, green oasis for her dining guests but she has also made a small retail space selling produce and products for clients who want to take home a memory of their organic experience.

organic store within  her home

According to her, They also had a stall selling organic rice and produce at the  Salcedo Park Saturday market and Legaspi Village Park Sunday market and is called Chlorophyll booth in reference to the green pigmentation  of the leaves .

Dr. Leonardo Co in his lecture

A short lecture by world re- known Filipino botanist and taxonomist Dr. Leonardo Co of University of the Philippines and native plant and trees advocate Architect Andrew Patrick Gozon . Their presentation  made the small group of horticulture and environment advocates learn the urgent need for conservation of plants and popularization of native plants in Philippine landscape.

Arroz Caldo ( organic rice and chicken )

Our group was treated to an organic buffet which consists of arroz caldo ( organic rice and organically grown chicken ), squash soup ( organically grown) , organic rice ( brown rice) , shrimp, organic chicken, and sumptuous salad.

members and special invited guest enjoyed their lunch buffet

Most dishes in restaurants come with the proverbial sides. Grains, leaf or root vegetables and even fruits are almost expected to accompany every plate. Unless it’s a soup, salad or vegetarian meal, the diner’s focus is always the protein. Some of us ignore these side garnishes. Others consume them without much thought or consideration of their flavor or texture. But at Green Daisy, vegetables, grains and fruits are given equal or even top billing on the plate.

At the end of the hearty conversation , our gracious host invited the group for another round of group discussion at her home.

Since the food here is not about mass production, guests do  expect to pay a premium. It’s about the quality of the food, not the quantity.

Contact Information:

Green Daisy Organic Restaurant and Store
Address: 20 Maginhawa Street , UP Village, Quezon City
Telephone: (02) 922 2409
Cel phone : (0917) 814 8262

Contact Person: Ms. Daisy Lengenegger

Email: greendaisy.organic @yahoo.com

Face book: Green Daisy

Note: For those who wish to come and dine at the restaurant , Please be advice to call or e-mail the proprietor at least  1 to 3 days before the appointed  date .

Prices and the organic foods tend to be higher compared to the regular restaurant.