Davao City ~ Orchids Capital of the Philippines

Davao City

Philippines

Waling Waling considered to be the Queen of Philippine flowers and is worshipped as a diwata by the native Bagobo People.

What comes to mind first if we talk about Davao City? Hmmmmm pretty sure there are so many trademark that runs through your head, ayt? (hehehe!). Well, we are in the same boat amigo because personally, me too don't know which attractions to put on the top of the list first as tens of attractions can be found here and popularly recognized in the country. No questions about that classification as this city deserve all the accolade they currently have. It’s not only the haven of the Philippines National Bird, the Philippine Eagle; but, the majestic beauty of Mt. Apo, the highest mountain peak of the country also lies in here. In addition to that, it is as well considered as the Durian City of the south because of the profusion of durian fruit. Whew!!!! what can you say about that huh? Aside from those ‘popular connotation’, Davao City is also home to the most beautiful of all orchids family known as waling waling. By any chance, have you seen one for real? Well, if not then you’ll witness it’s stunning beauty in this post later on (hehehe!).

The facade of the farm. The varieties of orchids they have is just remarkable. Wish to have this at home (keep on dreaming mate ~ ahahaha!).

Being surrounded with beautiful and rare orchids is just amazing!!!

Davao City is the place where nature and economic growth share its own position in carrying out the ‘most livable city’ in the south. People may say that Mindanao is a refuge of rebel armies but disregard those ‘norm’ as it is not really what other would picture it out. Instead, just seeing the natural attractions of the city, pretty sure you will fall in love by its distinct charm. 

Davao City is one of the best stopover for all orchids lovers out there.

Right after our kneeboarding and wakeboarding adventure in Deca Wakeboard Park in Brgy Tacunan in Mintal, it’s time to check what else do this city have. We only have one day to spare in here and we need to maximize our time as our flight to Manila is in two days and we need to go back tonight to Marbel (Koronadal City) where our house is and that is around 6 hours journey by bus. I know that one day is not enough to visit most of the attractions here but we will  be back that is a promise to explore the attractions that we haven’t been to (hehehe!).

Balong is not really into flowers but since i drag him here so he has no choice but to accompany me (ahahaha!)

My mom loves collecting orchids that is why I asked Balong to buy 2 to 3 varieties to add to her collections before going home. I know that she will feel ecstatic once she receive it; thus, we pass to one of the farms here to buy some. There are actually many flower farms in here that sells not only orchids but potted ornamental plants which is perfect for any occasions. They have wide range to choose from to any motif that you’ll take-on into.

My cousin Jam Jam.

Orchids is prevalent in the southern region of Mindanao. Although there are some farms around the Philippines but nothing compares the flourishing abundance of this dainty orchids in Davao City. Just the selections of this species is eye-popping and wish that you would have the same farm at home (ahahaha!). And what is more interesting? Wherever you go, most of the residential houses have a couple of orchids that beautify the facade to have that tropical ambiance. Who wouldn’t want to have this intricate beauty, ayt? What you need is just drift wood, assorted orchids, a net as a shelter, and with lots and lots of love and voila!!! you have you're own homemade orchid garden (hehehe!). My mom fall to its splendor; thus, we have space at home solely for orchids which I will feature soon (hehehe!).

This is the variety of orchids that i love the most, Cattleya!!! Each pot cost PHP 250.

Davao is the perfect place for nature lover particularly those who have inclination about orchids. If Holland is famous for tulips, then Philippines is known for its waling waling. Waling Waling is considered as the best and most popular, that is why it is named as the  Queen of all Philippine Flowers. It’s radiant image especially it’s rarity in the wild makes it a treat for anyone else. It’s the most expensive in all diversity of orchids too as when I asked one of the staff how much, she said that it can cost up to PHP 20,000 to PHP 100,000 if you buy it in cluster with full bloom flowers (saaaaaaaaaayyy what????? ~ ahahaha!). The seedlings is only PHP 100 but I don’t know how many months or years you’ll endure just to have it fully grown (ahahaha!). 

They are not only selling orchids but some tropical ornamental plants too.

I can't get over with the price and I asked the staff again to clarify the hundred thousand amount and she said sometimes it’s more than that (ahahaha!!!!). It’s like I can already buy a 2nd hand car with that amount (ahahaha!). I don’t know if she is just exaggerating but if you’re a plant lover and have the money to spare then I guess it’s just a piece of cake (ahahaha!).

The have wide variety of potted plants to choose from.

Do you know that the natives of Davao known as Bagobo tribe highly treated and worshipped Waling Waling as a tree goddess locally known as ‘diwata’? Well, I can’t blame them why they have that notion because seeing the intricate beauty of Waling Waling is really extraordinary. There is something to its exquisiteness that trap you to fall in its charm. The tribes believe in it as the guardian spirit of nature, casting blessings or curses upon who bring benefits or harm to the forest and mountains. 

Wish to have this kind of grotto at home surrounded with orchids!!! (ammmpppnesss!!!)

There are also motion in the House of Representative that it should be the country’s national flower replacing the sampaguita but up until now there is no clear recognition yet. However, it may be acknowledge as an icon of the country or not, point is, once you visit Davao City, this is a MUST-SEE if you haven’t seen it yet for real. It’s the valued gem that leaves a great sense of pride to feast anyone’s eyes upon.

Balong checking the orchids we bought. They wrapped it properly in a box as we still have 6 hours way to spare to Marbel (hehehe!) We bought 3 pieces of assorted Vandas and 2 Dendrobiums that cost us around PHP 3,500.

Since we are all here, it’s better to let the picture explain the exquisiteness of the orchids in the south. Enjoy the up-close shots made by Balong!!!!

Oopppsss this is not an orchids (hehehe!). It's the petite flowers of dwarf santan.

Dendrobium: the most common variety they have in the farm.

White Dendrobium, the best option for wedding decorations.

Vanda, I used to have this as a corsage during our high school prom (ahahaha!)

The name orchids came from Ancient Greek 'orkhis' literally meaning 'testicle' because of the shape of the roots (hmmmm interesting hehehe!)

The world's rich concentration of orchids is found in the tropics especially Asia. Singapore has it's own garden especially for orchids inside Singapore Botanical Garden. Hope we have that one too.

The symmetry of the flowers to its stems and leaves has led to the orchid being a symbol of beautiful perfection.

Dancing lady: The flower symbolism associated with orchids is love, beauty, refinement, thoughtfulness and mature charm.

Cattleya: With their myriad of colors, patterns, sizes and shapes their variety is one of the best. It can make you swoon with their intoxicating aroma.

I just took some pics in here without knowing what their names are. Why bother to know  if the beauty alone explain its exquisiteness, right? hehehehe.

Orchids are found in several colors and bring about the different impact everytime with a different meaning.

Cymbidium: known for their long-lasting spray of flowers, and are popular cut flower for tropical arrangement, wedding flowers, and corsages.

Orchid enjoys a higher status when compared with roses. Orchids have enduring qualities which make it best for greeting flowers than any other.

Its radiant image, especially with its rarity in the wild, makes it a treat for anyone to see.

You can just imagine the one-of-a-kind experience one can have beholding the grace of this beautiful flower.

Orchid’s mysterious appeal has been impressed by many from miscellaneous walks of life and professions.

Lavender orchids provoke romance and elegance, while deep purple arouses mystery and suggest uncertainty.

Orchid lovers all over the world consider Waling-Waling as one of the most conspicuous and the most beautiful native orchids in the world and that can only be found its origin in Davao City, Philippines.

So there you go, hope you like what i just posted. If you do get a chance to visit Davao City, make sure to see the magnificent and stunning beauty of orchids which is truly a treaure to be proud of to all Davaoenos. Next up, People's Park ~ the Luneta of the south (hehehe!).

Have a great day and night everyone.

Cheeeeeeeeeeerrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiossssssssssss.

Enan signing off.

SMILE. :)

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