LET me relate to you how this flower farm started. One day, a blogger passed by, took radiant photos of the blooms, and posted them online. Those photos set off a multitude that trooped to the site. These included media networks ABS-CBN and GMA,
who filmed “on location” their various movies and teleseryes, plant lovers, loving couples searching for a prenup pictorial
site and even tourists! In no time, the government heard about them and sent people to investigate—the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Tourism (DOT) etc.
The flower farm we’re talking about is Sirao Garden Little Amsterdam at Barangay Sirao (second garden to the left).
Dedicated to the Sto. Niño, the multi-hectare site of undulating hills is smothered with various flora, local and imported. Best time to view is October and November, when the signature bloom, the breathtaking celosia, welcomes all! During its third anniversary in 2018, proprietress Elena Sy-Chua had built her third and largest windmill, incorporating a tourist shop on the ground floor. Now, don’t get lost! Just locate those three windmills on a floral carpet, and say hello to the celosias!
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These photos were taken at the Casino Español de Cebu before the Covid-19 lockdown. That was a gastronomic repast
this trio had at the Salon España. La Presidenta, Amigos de España Myra Gonzalez, was shown discussing the next activity of the group with past president Jaime Picornell, with super-active member Elena Young intently listening! One of the topics discussed was the upcoming Amigos Christmas party, which might be postponed. Another lunch meeting was going on at the Bar Mixto joined by Clarita Lapus, president of Mama Sita Foundation (Mother Company of globally acclaimed Mama Sita food mixes/products), environmentalist Terry Manguerra and a representative of some schools, for a student-oriented project. We have no doubt this will take shape in due time.