A display of Iloilo's best and finest products

Text and photos by Wein P. Gadian

The foliage contenders on show

Best foliage winner intrigue passers by

Ilonggo's best dried fish and other products.

As part of the celebration of the 104 th Semana Sang Iloilo a trade fair focusing on Iloilo's finest and best products, from furniture, fruits, vegetables to its cut-flower industry was held in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Members of Federation of Iloilo Horticultural Association, Inc (FIHA) and Horticultural Association of Iloilo City (HAIC), as well as independent growers, showcased their best flower and foliage collections of euphorbias, roses, birds nest, fox tail, wide variety of cactus, bougainvillas, begonias, heleconias, santan, orchids and many more. Other products and delicacies from dried fish, “baye-baye”, vegetables, “ibos”, suman etc. from the municipalities of Leon, Concepcion, Miag-ao, and Anilao among others were also displayed.

The one week celebration promotes not only the best of Iloilo but also its Cut-Flower Industry that includes a contest of the best garden show. The contest has two categories (1) Flowering Plant and (2) Foliage (leaves) open to all exhibitors. Cut–Flower exhibitors creatively transform their areas into mini paradise using their own flower and foliage collections. The transformation made it look like a rainforest, a dream gazebo and even paradise. Some exhibitors made use of driftwoods converted into benches, and antique like jars (TIBUD), while others hanged candle lamps with mini fountains for an added effect. The dreamscape effect with its full bloom, all in different colors, and rarest species attracts people to buy or to simply tour or take pictures while walking along the paths.

Flower arrangement demo inside Iloilo Capitol

A total of 96 booths with 79 exhibitors participated in the trade fair. Forty seven exhibitors were members of Federation of Iloilo Horticultural Association, Inc. (FIHA) headed by Mrs. Carolina Estilo, 30 were from Horticultural Association of Iloilo City (HAIC) headed by Romulo Peñaredondo, while 19 participants were independent growers.

The exhibit not only promoted Iloilo's Cut–Flower Industry but also helped landscapers and Cut–Flower Growers in their marketing.