Assorted Tropical Flora Species @ my Mama's petite garden

Brgy. Topland, City of Koronadal

South Cotabato, Philippines

These are the two varieties of orchids that Balong and i bought in Davao. There are 5 actually but i forgot to take a shot of the other three (hehehe!).

We have around 10 pairs of lorikeets at home. I remember 'lory loft' in Singapore's Jurong Bird Park when  i pass by in here (ahahaha!). Wish to have the same loft as well (ilusyon much ~ ahahaha!)

I guess people living all their life in the busy and tedious city can attest that living in the province is an awesome experience ‘to try’. Well, I can relate to that bigtime (ahahaha!)!!! Fresh fruits, fresh veggies, natural landscape and modest hospitality that engulfs the community is just PRICELESS which perfectly defines what ‘nature’ really is. Bi-decades of my  humble life were spent mostly in the province and here I am the finished product (ahahaha!). My family live mostly around Mindanao whom people not just in nearby islands of Luzon and Visayas but even here abroad inclined to judge as a haven for rebel armies. At some point they are correct, but I definitely assure for your safety once you visit Koronadal City, where people of different walks of life (Christians and Muslims) live in harmony, filled with nature’s bounty for everybody to pamper with.

Balong took most of the shots... He is not using DSLR by the way, just an ordinary 16 mp Sony Digital Camera.

We live out of the city center actually, approximately around 14 kilometers away and you need to travel an additional 30 minutes to reach Barangay Topland where our house is located. Please don’t get confused with barangay and barrio as both have the same meaning, k? (hehehe!). Mode of transportation is not a problem either as ‘habal habal’ ~ a pimped motorcycle with an additional seat at the back that can carry 5 to 6 passengers including the driver is a common sight in here. Gradually however, this mode of transportation is replaced with a common motorbike that can only lodge 2 to 3 passengers for a more safer journey. Jeepney used to conquer the streets during my childhood years (around 15 years ago ~ ahahaha!) but the king of the road evaporate literally because locals shifted to tricycle. Jeepney subsequently became the family vehicle which is utterly used for carrying farm products or utilize for travelling in and out of the city.

I don't know what is the name of these but there are plenty of these in the pathways.

We may live in the remote corner of Mindanao, but don’t underestimate the place where I grow up as cemented roadways from the city center to our barangay makes the travel more faster and less haggard. Since our place is basically an agriculture area, you’ll pass along farm roads complete with rice and corn fields on both sides of the main toll. Mountain ranges can be seen from afar embellished with birds freely flying over the horizon. If you want to have that ‘baryo’ feel, ours modestly is the best example (ahahaha!).

We have few sunflowers in the garden of Papa. i remember we used to eat the seeds even the flower is not ripe yet (ahahaha!)

Since I worked abroad for quite sometimes already, I only have 30 days to spend wherever I wanted to as a remunerated annual vacation. I usually go home and spent it with my family coz as what other would say ‘there is no place like home’. May is always the perfect month to go personally because it’s our anniversary (ano daw? ~ ahahaha!). Kidding aside, May is a summer season and most of my cousin is on break too which is ideal to tag along wherever we wanted to go. We usually gather somewhere and have some fun but what  I fond the most  of doing is inviting my cousin in our house, cook something and helping Mama with her garden (ahahaha!).

I used to know the names of these flowersss... ammmmmmmppnessss... i forgot really... (ahahaha!!!)

Every vacation, I always on Mama’s side with regards to gardening. It’s like a mother and son bonding where I seldom doing except if I am at home (ahahaha!). I help her sprinkling the plant every morning even arranging it. I am not an expert about landscaping but good enough to beautify the place (naks ~ ahahaha!). I have excessive inclination with flora but just don’t know why I didn’t prosper in this field (ahahaha!). My brother even butted-in that since we are into it then venture in business. Hmmmmmm he is absolutely right with that notion but seems am not into it ‘YET’  (ahahaha!). Please don’t get me wrong, I do work in a banking institutions but having a business is not my forte for now, or not my thing so far (ahahaha!). Am just good in advising our clients what to do but in actual mode, hmmmm nah, let me think about it first (ahahaha!). like everybody else, am just afraid of failures I guess but we will get in that bridge soon, we don’t know (hehehe!).

The shot on the left is from the bulb of the cactus plant, while on the bottom right is the renowned bougainvillea! Don't ask me with the yellow one (ahahaha!).

Because of extreme fondness to orchids and ornamental plants,  expect that when Mama is on a trip anywhere expect that she always bring varieties of plants on her way home (ahahaha!). She can either buy it or just plain talk to persuade the owner to give her some seedlings/saplings  for her garden (ahahaha!). That is always a norm actually and it’s her weakness at some point and who am I to hinder unto that simple yet adorable happiness, huh? (ahahaha!).

Mama used to collect ornamental plants, it's just a hobby for her. It's good because it's therapeutic  that gives you beauty while it fills your time (hehehe!)

When Balong and I went to Davao City, we passed to one of the flower farm that sells different varieties of  orchids. We bought 3 assorted vandas and 2 dendrobiums as a gift to Mama to add to her collection. In most flower shops, prices varies actually because it depends mainly on the orchids species plus the rarity of course. Like Waling Waling for example, considered as the ‘Queen of all Philippine Flowers’ can range up to PHP 100,000 if you buy it in cluster with fully blown flowers (ahahaha!). Well, we have no waling waling yet at home but we have plenty of varieties to be proud of (naks ~ ahahaha!).

I guess you know what it is (hehehe!)? Corn plant on the left, eggplant flower on the bottom right and a grass flower on top (ahahaha!).

Everybody would agree with me pretty sure that flowers really append to that tropical feel within or outside of our house. It can either be potted or planted on the ground but point is, it has this fascinating appeal to people that adds color to our life, ayt? (ahahaha!). At some point, it makes our day pleasant seeing the intricate beauty that embodies certain areas of our house. That’s why there is no questions really if my mom is wholly engage into it because our humble house maybe small but having area as an outlet to see such beauty at its best then a garden is an answer to that (hehehe!). 

Hmmmm Proud to say that I took these shots (ahahaha!)

Balong took this when we were searching for 'chili leaves' ahahahahaha

If my Mom has her floral garden, my dad has its own veggies garden too (ahahaha!). It’s not that big actually (around ¼ hectare) but ample enough to sustain our daily needs. Since it’s the first  time of Balong to meet my parents, he always accompany Papa in cultivating his garden (palakas mode ~ ahahaha!). What he has are mostly seasonal plants like lady fingers (okra), bitter gourd (ampalaya), string beans (sitaw) and lots more. I love steamed kamote tops with bagoong (fermented fish), thus I always pass by here to pick some (ahahaha!). It’s mainly for family consumption exclusively but our neighbors do ask for some then we heartily share it with them. The lot is where we about to build our house but for the time being let’s keep it as a garden (ahahaha!).

Have you seen my mom in the collage pics??? Ahahahahaha... ILOVEYOU Mama.. mwaaaaaaaa

You know what is more interesting? The vegetable garden even won as ‘the best private backyard garden’ for the whole province of South Cotabato in 2011! How cool is that huh? (ahahaha!). It was solely materialized as a hobby  for them to fill their free time but having a price is just a plus (ahahaha!). Below is the news in relations to the award received by Papa and a PHP 10,000 price is fair enough, huh? (ahahaha!).

http://www.southcotabatonews.com/2011/07/search-for-cleanest-and-greenest-lgus.html

We have more than a hundreds sapling of oncidium or locally known as dancing lady.

Herewith are some of the shots taken by Balong at home during our vacation, taken mostly from Mama’s orchid garden. I made a collage out of it because there are so many shots that is hard to delete (hehehe!). Thanks baby, mwaaaaaaanesss!!! Just enjoy the shots po...

My mom loves collecting orchids. She has more than a hundred varieties. It's just a hobby that fills her time when she's at home.

She has a small garden in front of the house and there is a rambutan tree that shades the whole area.

Everytime she travels, rest assured that she always have an orchids or ornamental plants to bring home (ahahaha!). She usually buy it but sometimes she persuade the owners to give her some saplings/seedlings (ahahaha!)

Hmmm that's me in the corner. I usually help Mama in sprinkling her garden with water.

The rambutan tree in the background serves as the shades of the orchids.

It's always good to see a garden filled with beautiful flowers. Wish to have a good one in the near future. (hehehe!)

Dendrobium is the most common vareities that my Mom has. It's more than 20 i guess. If all her orchids blooms, darrrrrrrrrrrnnnn what a stunning scene pretty sure.. (hehehe!).

So that's it for now guys. Hope you enjoyed the shots from our humble garden.

Cheeeeeeeeerrriooos!!!!!

Have a great day and night everyone.

Enan signing off.

SMILE :)

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People's Park, Davao City ~ Kublai Millan's larger than life gallery exhibit

Jose Camus Street
infront of Casa Leticia
Davao City, Philippines

A visit to Davao City is incomplete if People’s Park is not on your bucket list. Well actually, it’s not supposed to be in our itinerary as it getting late already and we need to travel back that day to Marbel for an agonizing 6 hours trip by bus. I meant to pay my dues in POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Agency) but it just so happen that I forgot my passport at home, thus they deny issuing the Employment Overseas Certificate known as (EOC). 

The spiky doom roof of Durain Dome was artistically designed after the spiky shell of the durian, a tropical fruit which is profound in Davao City that is why it is popularly recognized as the Durian City of the south. The walls of the park are decorated with “waling-waling” replicas which is lighted during night time.

In order not to feel disappointed, we instead roam around and visited known tourist spot just to fill Balong’s excitement as it’s his first time in Davao City. We have only one day to spare and we need to maximize the time because in two days, we have a flight to catch back to Manila. I don’t know when will we be able to come back again, but I promise however, to visit all the attractions that we haven’t been to, soon (hehehe!).

The People's Park of Davao City mirrors the rich culture of the city, and the lifestyles of the Davaoeños that is why the park is worthy of being dubbed as “the best park in the Philippines“. 

Before we visit People’s Park, we went to Deca Wakeboard Park first in Brgy. Tacunan in Mintal. We spent almost 5 hours in there just to master the kneeboarding and wakeboarding that they are known for. I nailed kneeboarding perfectly; yet, when I tried wakeboarding then the story change drastically as I can’t get over with the huge splash I caused as I failed to do it (ahahaha!). Balong and Jimboy did ok but for me I don’t want to put myself in an awkward position again, noh? (hehehe).

Locals go here for its magnificent scenic beauty and relaxing ambiance of its forest concept.

The People’s Park is considered as one of the famous landmark of the city. If we talk about Davao City pretty sure there are so many popular connotations that run through your head ayt? (hehehe!) Just the majestic view of Mt. Apo alone, the highest mountain of the country is more than enough to visit the city. The Philippine’s National Bird known as Philippine Eagle (monkey-eating eagle) find its haven in here too and Waling Waling known as ‘Queen of all Philippine Flowers’ which is highly regarded by the Bagobo tribe as ‘diwata’ because of its exquisite beauty that guards the mountain free from harm found its origin in here as well (fascinating, ayt? ~ hehehe!).

If you’re looking for a clean public place to stay on your idle time go to People’s Park which is just a few walks away from the city center.

People’s Park is like the ‘luneta’ of the south. It is located at the heart of the downtown area just a few walks away from Apo View Hotel and Royal Mandaya. If you get lost while locating the place, there is no problem as this landmark is the prime attractions here, thus Davaoeños know exactly where the precise spot is.  The much easier mode of course is by taxi because it will direct you straight to the gate, but if you’re on a budget there is a local public jeepney that passes along Jose Camus and J. Palma Street.

Diaphanous sights inside the park are the conspicuous sculptures of the famous Davao artist named Kublai Millan.

There is no entrance fee getting in. The vicinity is enclosed with steel bars with intricate design of Waling Waling that glows at night. As part of security measures and to help maintain the peacefulness of the place, friendly and accommodating uniformed security personnel greeted us right away who examine those coming in making sure sharp objects are confiscated before entering the park.  They even help us with our belongings as we brought boxes of orchids that we bought in Brgy. Tacunan.

It’s like an open gallery with more than fifty sculptures that you can touch direct and even get close with depicting the richness of the Mindanaoan’s traditions, life, and cultures. 

The 4 hectare forest concept park is popularly recognized as one of the ‘best park in the Philippines’. No question about the accolade they received as conspicuous sculptures engulfs the area that reflects the Filipino cultures and traditions that only Davao is known for so far. 

There are many sculptures inside the park addressing the culture, abundance and life of Davao City.

The pristine and maintained vicinity is perfect for family gathering, friends get away, or just roaming around to simply enjoy the whole place. We are fortunate as it was week days when we visit the place, thus only few visitors where in there but during weekends, expects swarm of people visiting the square.

When in Davao, be sure not to miss this awe-inspiring park. This is surely one of the best park’s you will see in the very heart of the City. 

Kublai Millan, a proud Davaoeño artist, is responsible for all the diaphanous humanlike figures surrounding the park which are truly remarkable!!! It’s like an open gallery with more than fifty sculptures that you can touch direct and even get close with depicting the richness of the Mindanaoan’s traditions, life, and cultures. His concept of indigenous folks in all its carving is quite unique and distinct as most are dwarf in size and has a round face with very petite nose. Personally, the most notable among the larger than life sculptures is the Philippine Eagle replica at the center of the park that signifies truly the word 'Davao'.

The most notable among the large sculptures is the Philippine Eagle replica. It is a massive structure where several people can seat at the leaves underneath it.

If Singapore is known for the prominent design of Esplanade ~ Theaters By the Bay then People’s Park has its own smaller version which is called the ‘Durian Dome’. The spiky doom roof was artistically designed after the spiky shell of the durian, a tropical fruit which is profound in Davao City that is why it is popularly recognized as the Durian City of the south. 

Since parks are mostly visited by families, a cultural-themed park is designed especially for children.

The structure is good enough to accommodate a hundred people and serves as the office with mini museum that explains about the city history and the Bagobo tribe that inhabits the remote part of the region. There is a staircase on the side that will direct you to the see-through roof to have the bird’s eye view of the park.

The park exhibits different varieties of rainforest trees and flowers. A man-made falls is built along with an artificial pond that allows koi, tilapias, and carp fishes to swim freely.

To add that tropical and relaxing ambiance, the park exhibits different varieties of rainforest trees and flowers in the southern part. It surrounds the 35 feet manmade waterfalls in a huge volcanic rock and there is a mock lake complete with tropical fishes such as kois, carps, and tilapias. To enjoy such beauty there are canopy covered benches scattered around for you to rest on while listening to the Filipino songs which are played in the park’s piped-in music. There is a ‘kid's playground’ in the leftmost part which is a dreamland for toddlers as this area is fully enclosed for them to enjoy. Caregivers and wheelchair are available too for the disabled and a clinic has been put up with a nurse on duty daily.

Benches are around so you could suddenly stop from walking and sit for a while.

Bringing of food and drinks are advised as there are no available stores within. However, if your tummy carves for food, there are many restaurants and fast foods nearby to choose from and are all ready to set up to satisfy your palate. BBQ Boss, Banoks, Taps are just few of the restaurants to indulge in.

People's Park is like Luneta in the south, so please don't get confused with People's Park in Tagaytay City.

People’s Park is definitely a MUST-VISIT park once in Davao City. It’s like you’re entering an exhibits that depicts the beauty of the south that mirrors the rich culture and the lifestyles of the Davaoeños. The park is really an oasis in the very heart of the city.

Balong took this shot on our way out of the park.

So there you go, hope you enjoyed what I wrote. Have a great day and night everyone.

Cheerrrrrrriooosss!!!!

SMILE

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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