THE municipality of Cordova recorded over 30,000 people that came to see the 10,000 LED roses in a coffee shop in Barangay Day-as just last Sunday, February 12.
As the number of visitors rose, a P20 entrance fee is set to be imposed. Miguel Cho, owner of 10000 Roses Cafe, had to close the shop in the morning and opened it at 6 p.m. so his workers can repair the damaged artificial roses on Monday, February 13.
“It was Sunday so a lot of people were here. It was so crowded and some teenagers tried to get inside the flower (area),” Cho said.
The security guards on-duty tried to stop them, but they did not listen, according to Cho.
Cho told SunStar Cebu that at least 500 flowers were bent and cut, although he is still thankful to the visitors for coming over.
Cho is the step-son of Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho.
Before 6 p.m. Monday, people already gathered at the entrance, just near the roses, to get a good photo view.
The 10000 Roses Cafe had its soft opening last February 5.
As tourists came in numbers, residents in Day-as are complaining of traffic.
“We have a meeting with the municipality because of the traffic. The people who live in Day-as, they cannot go home because of traffic,” said Cho.
After the meeting Monday, Cho and the town officials agreed that the municipality will collect an environmental fee of P20 as stated in the contract for the public-private partnership.
Cordova will also prepare the official receipt.
Cho said it was not yet tackled whether a percentage of the collection will go to the cafe.
“I still believe that people just want to enjoy this free. In reality, we have to care for other people also. That’s why we decided (to collect an entrance fee),” he said.
“Even though these flowers are for all of us, I hope they will take care of the flowers to make it sustainable,” Cho added.
The 10000 Roses Cafe will put up signs near the LED flowers to caution individuals not to damage it. The coffee shop will have the grand opening on March 14.
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