To a casual observer, the area in front of the Quezon City Hall—although heavily wooded—is not exactly one that would merit a second, much less a third glance.  After all, reconstruction work on the plaza immediately in front of the government building mars the gardens that can be found along its sides.

Of particular interest, however, is the area where the man-made lagoon is situated.  This place has lately been known to be a venue for garden shows, specifically the semi-annual orchid shows hosted by the Philippine Orchid Society (POS). 

It’s also one of those locales which though a bit restricted to the general public, shows just how special the area could be, especially since it evokes a less-hurried, and dare we say, more gracious aspect of Quezon City than we had been used to.

Certainly, if ever there was an institution that could bring these gardens back to life, it is the POS, as exemplified by its most recent orchid show.  The POS’s unique open air venue, palpable can-do spirit, and truly gorgeous blooms, one can readily say that the local homegrown orchid show has more going for it because of its green heart.

Proof of this is the so-called garden of remembrance which the society has set-up for the duration of the show, in memory of the late President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino.  Located in an appropriately out-of-the-way section of the exhibition area, the garden was landscaped with yellow orchids similar in look to the so-called yellow hued “Dancing Ladies” (orchid variety).

What makes the set-up area even more unique is the fact that ground cover was provided by aglaonema varieties named after the late President, and her late husband, Benigno Aquino.

This wasn't the only reminder of the late President as the orchid show also served as a debut of sorts for a special Cattleya hybrid named after her.  We were informed that the orchid’s flowering proved to be timely for the show. The Cattleya hybrid proved to be quite lovely as it has a greenish tinge akin to jade and a frilly two-toned lip.

Of course, the other set-ups (which incidentally were given prizes by the POS) proved to be quite stunning as well.  A particular favorite by people taking photographs is one that featured a bahay kubo (native thatch hut) the roof of which is shaded by a bamboo trellis over which dendrobiums bloomed in abundance. 

Table set-ups featuring fruits, flowers, vegetables and orchids were also created, thereby providing people with another unique way of using orchids.  Likewise particularly stunning is a set-up that featured red Renanthera blooms that looked as if they were a-flame when viewed up close.

This garden event is already a horticultural tradition. It is also held to celebrate the blooming of of the Philippine orchid species, the Waling-Waling or Vanda sanderiana.  It is also a way for the society to promote orchid growing and gardening among Filipinos, not to mention supporting the local orchid industry through staging regular landscape exhibits, plant competitions, trade shows and daily lectures.

This year’s plant winners included the Grammatophyllum multiflorum var. citrinum of Rolita V. Spowart.  The plant won the highest award -- the Best Orchid in Show and Best Other Genera in the Sympodial Orchid division.