Discovering PAHIYAS.

Barely 2 1/2 hours of sleep and I arrived at my cousin's house in Mandaluyong, Manila at about 12:30am. A few minutes after, we set off towards Lucban, Quezon to attend the famous "Pahiyas" festival, which meant "precious offering" as a thankful gesture for previous bountiful harvest held annually. The early departure was suppose to avoid traffic from the influx of festival goers and be able to park our vehicle near the festival venue as according to my cousin, particular town streets were going to be closed off at a later time to prevent further traffic and congestion in the area. There was no traffic and we passed by the newly opened SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) extension heading Sto. Tomas, Batangas in order to take advantage of this alternative route, plus the fact that we were not familiar to the much shorter Liliw, Laguna route via Calamba-Los Banos-Bay-Calauan.

After 3 1/2 hours, about 4:00am, two of my cousins including their family were able to settle down. We parked the car within the parking area of the Lucban church and waited until 6am to hear mass, since it was a Sunday. By this time, the sun was just beginning to rise. A short drizzle added to the cold breeze that enveloped the area. Soon the mass started and we all could barely keep our eyes open. I felt like I was going to drop and hit my head from the front or rear pew. I could hear occasional giggles from the back. I just ignored them because maybe they were laughing at something else and I didn't want to get paranoid about it. It's a good thing that I didn't succumb to the urge.

After hearing mass, we bought a few dozen of the famous Lucban longganisa sausage and headed for Buddy's restaurant to have our breakfast of pancit habhab (sauteed noodles with mixed vegetables and shrimp served on a banana leaf without utensils), Lucban longganisa and for me a lumpiang gulay (stir fried vegetables and other ingredients wrapped in crepe-like wrapper served with a sauce and sprinkled with peanuts). Outside the restaurant was the town plaza, which will hold the venue for a television program, according to my cousin. But what really caught my attention was the presence of Kamagong (Diospyros discolor) trees that lined between the plaza and the street. Not only were some trees laden with hairy red-orange fruits called "Mabolo", otherwise known as Velvet apple, but the trees were blanketed with moss, ferns, lichens and probably hoya and orchid species. The scene reminded me of the mossy forest, places with high elevation and moist and cool climate.

We then walked one or two blocks away and soon arrived at the street where people seemed to be congregating. I noticed that the houses on that particular street were completely covered with an assortment of indigenous plant materials, agricultural and horticultural produce, the famous "kiping" (brightly colored rice wafer molded from mature leaves of various flora used as decoration), including lesser-used forest products. The welcoming ambiance of colorful and ingenious installations of almost extravagantly decorated houses proved that Filipino's are naturally creative at that. Not to mention that a few occasional houses allowed perfect strangers to enter their houses for further picture taking purposes only add to our hospitable and friendly culture.

I guess that being observant and inquisitive in nature enabled me to meticulously identify each item used to clad the houses. What inspired me to continue such effort was the discovery of used parts of indigenous or endemic flora, which was more often unfamiliar to me than being familiar. As such, I found myself to be more in the "plant hunting" mode than just being a spectator. That somehow the predator in me was unleashed and capturing my treasured find became more important than taking pictures of ornately embellished houses.


Maybe somebody can help me identify some of these species? Your input is most welcome!

Anyway, I didn't expect to be walking several blocks of houses that took a series of turns and walking under the intense heat of the sun. Portions of the streets were full of onlookers and passers-by. There were a lot of visitors like me who brought their cameras along with them. I'm sure that some of them would be featuring digital photos into their own blogs or maybe in social internet sites such as facebook and multiply.

One thing that stuck to my mind was that a lot of the participating houses incorporated indigenous and endemic forest products, which were obviously taken from the wild. If this was the case, then would it be right to assume that the remaining forest near this part of town is being raped annually through over collection of fruits, leaves, flowers, branches or even the whole plant itself? How do the locals regulate themselves to ensure of species preservation and conservation for biodiversity to replenish itself? Please don't get me wrong here, but I am only asking how regulation is being implemented. I am only saying that it is possible. Pahiyas is just one among several festivals being celebrated in the Philippines. What about the others that are similar to this type of nature?

Save the Culion Pitogo!

Posters on the left and below are courtesy with permission from Mr. John Lisboa to repost here.


Last March 20, 2011, I discovered two websites highlighting the need to protect and conserve the identity of Culion Island, Palawan. One of which is entitled, Culion_Palawan_Online (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Culion_Palawan_Online/) and SAVE CYCAS WADEI 'Culion Pitogo' (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=196406500693&v=wall).

Perhaps not known to many Filipino's the genus Cycas is a palm-like plant "often considered a living fossil" according to Wikipedia and among ten species found in the Philippines, nine of which are endemic to our country. One particular species distinct only to Culion Island is known as the Culion Pitogo or scientifically named as Cycas wadei.

The websites initially mentioned has certainly become an eye opener for me as to the status of the Culion pitogo in its native habitat. Being a species that is isolated in specific areas of the island only heightens the fact that the more we should protect it as plant populations can easily be decimated by poachers and illegal traders.

I urge everybody to please check out the links enumerated. Please register and become one in helping our "Culionaire" kababayans in any way we can to protect the endangered Culion pitogo. Read and become aware of the issues that Culion faces.

Note: In the season of Lent some Catholic Filipino's traditionally use the fronds of an exotic species of Cycas, which is Cycas revoluta otherwise known as Oliva. Most of us are not aware, but this particular species which has grown popular demand among landscapers and gardens in the metro originate from Japan..... But why do we Filipino's need a plant such as the Oliva when we have 10 species of pitogo to choose from?

On second thought, those who would want to acquire plants of this genus should take a back seat and read the following links:

- http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org/DENR36.html
- DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-16 (p.1-7 and p.22 of 46)
- http://www.pcsd.ph/resolutions/resolutions/wildlife/jointao01.htm
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/42097/0

In addition to this information, would you believe that according to the link (http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=cjHCoMQNkcgC&pg=PA315&lpg=PA315&dq=carcinogenic+cycas+fruits&source=bl&ots=u_Wncw6LWW&sig=GTolVdMWv8f_uO4dq9149KkyW9k&hl=tl&ei=FnG5TYbHKlmgvgPs-d2iAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false) of page 315, it mentions that, "People who prepare the seeds are subject to a regular direct response to the toxin. The water-soluble toxin is highly carcinogenic and is absorbed through the skin. The toxin consists of several neurotoxins some of which only exists in cycads."

UNIDENTIFIED #1.

This weed / herb is slowly invading a portion of our garden. It probably hitchhiked from other plants that were introduced into the space for about 4-5 years now. This plant has dull green leaves and minute white flowers that only opens during the morning. It is a potential ground cover that produce low-lying runners....... Can anybody help me identify this plant?

Trichosanthes quinquangulata
(large vine)

All I can say is that the fruit of this vine looks as tempting as an apple, yet taste like "hell"!






Quisqualis indica
(woody vine)

This plant needs a sturdy support as it climbs its way up. Once it has established itself, only then will it be able to showcase it's beautiful flowers.




Pseuderanthemum bicolor
(shrub/herb)

The flower reminds me of some endangered and endemic "bleeding-heart" birds we have here in the Philippines.





Solanum torvum
(perennial plant)

A very hardy plant that is horticulturally used as a rootstock for the eggplant as it is resilient to soil borne diseases.

DAP-DAP or another Erythrina sp.?

Three years ago, I took photos of the stunning red to red-orange flowers borne on the trees terminal branches. From the bark, stance, leaves up to its flowers I am positive that it is none other than the Dap-dap tree (Erythrina orientalis). After its flowering season, I would be on the look-out for seed pods that might be visible. But to my dismay, I never was able to see any. I wonder if there are no pollinators in our area.

Yesterday, as I passed by the neighbor's house the trees that were flowering weeks ago were cut of its limbs and main trunk. Thinking about it, I remember that a mature Pagsahingin (Canarium asperum var. asperum) tree was felled a few meters away, about 2-3 yrs. ago. And yes, also from the same neighbor..... Anyway, going back to the Dap-dap trees, branches that were chopped into several pieces were scattered around two individual mature trees.

I get sad whenever mature trees that I regularly see or visit are being felled one by one. The future of our endemic and indigenous trees seem bleak! The only consolation to this particular situation is at least, the said trees are still alive. That's what is important!

Thinking of turning this situation into something positive, I started to gather several branches as it still looks freshly cut. Never mind if the branches had minute thorns that prickled my hands. Fortunately, I had my trusted bolo with me to cut away the excess and protruding branches and so I was able to gather several cuttings of 2-4 inches thick and about 2-3 feet long. I think that I read somewhere that cuttings from the Dap-dap tree can be used to propagate this species. I also noticed that some of the terminal branches to which the flowers use to attach had stout, clumped (lymph node like), greenish growth at the terminal buds. Thinking along the line that could this be a sign of early fruit development? It doesn't look like its going to be a pod, which is what some literature regarding the fruit of a Dap-dap tree would be. I'm thinking that could this supposed Dap-dap tree be another species? If not, then what are those greenish bulbous developments that I found? Could it be some kind of a disease? I guess that there's a slim chance that I will ever know, since only one tree had a few branches retained. The other tree was completely topped cut........After which I immediately proceeded to our property and planted each and every cutting to their designated area. Hoping that at least one cutting would eventually grow into a tree.................... (to be continued)

NO to Mining in Palawan!

Reading From the Heart by Gina Lopez column entitled "A plea for our motherland" from last week's Sunday Lifestyle of The Philippine Star, dated February 27, 2011 is an eye opener for most of us. At least for me, because I haven't been updated on the current news from the newspaper, television or from the internet upon weeks now. (click on link to read the article -- http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=661134&publicationSubCategoryId=86)

The issue here is that mining is the current problem which Palawan is facing today; That the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to mine in the area of Brooke's Point, Mt. Matalingahan, Palawan, which is a key biodiversity site; The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) rezoned about 90% of 2,400 hectares, allowing mining in the said area.

Upon googling other key words, I also learned from the article entitled, Miners Turn to Palawan: The Last Frontier by Kabataan Ngayon (click on link at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=417874575115) states that local officials and politicians who are endorsers of mining companies greatly outnumber those who are against mining activities; That the previous administration granted Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) to a Canadian mining company for a large-scale mining operation in another biodiversity site, the Victoria-Anepahan range; Other areas with mining applications mentioned are Bataraza, Narra and Arbolan; That there are 354 mining applications for the whole of Palawan.

The rape, destruction and exploitation of our natural resources has been happening since time in memorial. Evidences of illegal logging have been posted in youtube in areas all over the Philippines, which I have featured in my blog from previous posts. I am not aware if the present government is taking any actions in resolving such problems, but a "10 million signature campaign to stop mining in Palawan" was launched last February 3, 2011 by the Save Palawan Movement, which is being spearheaded by ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez after the killing of Dr. Gerardo "Dr. Gerry" Ortega (environmentalist, broadcaster, civic leader) last January 2011.

The website, No To Mining In Palawan (http://www.intellithink.com.ph/wordpress/) is where you can register and be counted. This is the least we can contribute to help save Palawan from destruction. We can also download the campaign signature forms under the same link and forward your petitions to ABS-CBN Foundation, Mo. Ignacia cor. E. Lopez Drive, Brgy. South Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City through JRS free of charge.

Talisai trees at Veterans hospital.

The Talisai trees of Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), situated at the corner of North Avenue and Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City greet visitors and patients alike. They are a welcoming sight as they line the covered shed leading to the main entrance of the building.People gather under the protection and shade of the trees. Children also love to run around and play as shown from the pictures above.I hope and pray that institutions such as this, not only from the government but also from the private sector, continue to prioritize and designate areas for landscaping and greenery.

Not only is the hospital providing the wellness and heath for veterans patients, but the trees also give a therapeutic effect, which is conducive for healing.

Ed, thanks for introducing me to the term "topping". I now understand that topping is the most harmful method of pruning trees. To learn more about this, please click on the link - http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/topping.aspx - This will tell you everything you need to know about "topping".

SLEX's Narra trees pruning disaster!

I can’t help but think who’s in charge of maintaining the trees that line the SLEX (South Luzon Expressway).


I have no qualms with the regular maintenance and removal of waist or knee high grass and vines that crawl up the trees. I understand that trees need to be rid of weak and dead branches, it should be trimmed properly to avoid contact with the towering power lines that run through opposite sides of the SLEX and to avoid accidents and damage to people and vehicles passing by. What disturbs me most is the way the said trees are pruned.


I observed the pruned Narra trees in this sorry state last week, when I passed by the area before Batino exit up to Calamba / Los Banos exit. It was only the other day that I was able to stop the car and take pictures of the pitiful state that the trees were in, due to negligence!


I am not an expert in pruning trees, but I have read instructions on proper pruning and seen illustrations on the correct steps in accomplishing this specific task. Definitely, there is something wrong with the final outcome of how the pruning work was done here. I’m sure that most readers here will agree with me.


Narra trees take years to grow into considerable size such as the one’s that are found along SLEX. It only takes minutes or hours to destroy them. I suggest that before we do any pruning, please try to research and equip ourselves with the proper knowledge. Otherwise, please get professional help from experienced gardening contractors who are capable of doing the job properly. Because instead of trying to save some money, you might even end up spending a whole lot more, plus the agony of bearing with unsightly landscaping or possibly killing individual trees even.


As the landscape shown is part of our city, this only shows that most of us neglect our surroundings and the importance of the trees and plants and the life it brings.


Personally, I think that the Narra trees were unprofessionally pruned and haphazardly done ……barbaric or brutally cut if I may say so.

Balitbitan seedlings planted in San Pablo City plaza.

Two weeks ago, I was able to visit the city hall of San Pablo City, Laguna also known as the "City of Seven Lakes". Whenever I'm in the area, I sometimes visit several mature Balitbitan (Cynometra ramiflora var. ramiflora) trees within the confines of the plaza or park, which serves as a focal area and a great staging area to view the "Sampaloc Lake" (largest lake of seven lakes of San Pablo City).

I decided to stroll by the park to check out these indigenous trees. Surprisingly, I noticed that several seedlings of this beautiful tree had been randomly planted along exposed areas of the park. The seedlings were protected by stakes and each had a label, namely the different departments of the city government that are existent.

I consider this deed as a wonderful gesture, because not only is the city government recognizing the need to help the environment, but it further emphasizes the need to focus more on planting and propagating Philippine tree species. I just hope that the people involved in planting it were considering the landscaping aspect of each planted seedling. Because even though these are small to medium sized trees, if planted in close proximity or in abundance, it could either enhance the landscaped design of the area or just give the opposite.

Photo above show some of the seedlings mentioned.

HORTICULTURE 2011 - Going back to BASIC's!

I had read from the newspaper that the Horticulture 2011 was going to be held at the Manila Seedling Bank compound on Jan. 29-Feb. 7, 2011. It was probably last week that I saw a copy of the topics and lectures that was going to be discussed during the whole nine (9) days of the exhibit. Unfortunately, I wasn't paying much attention to this itinerary, since I was preoccupied to do other things in mind. By the time that I realized that most of the lectures/workshops were in favor of discussing and featuring native Philippine species of plants and trees, I have already missed out on a couple of topics that has caught my attention.

Yesterday, I went to attend and listen to the lecture about Fern Spore Propagation demo and workshop, which was discussed by Arch. Wendy Regalado of the Fern Study Group. The lecture started at around 10:30 am and ended past noon, I think. I seem to have lost track of time, since I proceeded to the exhibit area to observe the plant species being showcased and admire the effort done in executing each landscape design.

After having a late lunch, I then decided to familiarize myself more on ferns since a lecture on Philippine Ferns was going to be discussed by Mr. Anthony Arbias from the PNPCSI (Pilippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Inc.) at 2:00 pm, which ended at about past 5:00 pm, if I'm not mistaken.

I felt that I need to educate myself more about ferns, because a considerable number of my fern specimens were dying due to neglect and improper care.........Don't get me wrong, because I do love my plants and take some effort and necessary steps in giving them care. But the thing is, I am the type of person who would mostly let nature take it's course. I love the idea of "low-maintenance", being practical and understanding plants and trees the way nature intended them to be. Though I do occasionally assist in fertilizing, watering my plants whenever I see the need to do so, spray insecticide on parts where insect infestations occur and do some pruning to tidy the plants a bit, I admit that I do experience having plant mortality under my care. This is the main reason why I had the urge to learn more from the experienced authorities in fern care and propagation. Learning and research is an endless process we all need to strive in order to be successful in our endeavors. It is not enough for us to do "trial and error", especially when we're talking about native plants and trees because we might be referring to the last species of plants in existence.

Acquiring these plants entail a certain obligation in providing the requirements for them to grow and flourish. Without the proper know-how in plant care especially with regards to provide for the needs of specific species, all effort and money spent will be wasted. Besides, we might all learn a thing or two from other people's experiences. We just need to understand the basic principles, then it's up to us to apply, innovate and be creative in using these concepts to our own advantage.

Note: Special thanks to Arch. Wendy Regalado, the Fern Study Group and donors for the prized sporelings and ferns that were raffled off to us attendees. I will do my best to take good care of the plants. Thanks also to Mr. Anthony Arbias for the plants that were raffled off as well.