If you are a lover of flowers, most particularly orchids, then you shouldn’t miss the ongoing Waling-Waling Festival at Robinsons Place Bacolod fountain area.
The festival is sponsored by the Negros Occidental Orchid Society (Noos), which was founded by Mrs. Julie Benedicto.
The Noss has taken tireless efforts to preserve and promote the propagation and the love for the waling-waling.
The waling-waling, as legend goes, was born out of the legendary love of the brave “bagani” mortal warrior Madigerand and the lovely goddess Waring Waring.
The waling-waling is quite a sight to behold – in shimmering colors of vermilion and burgundy and pink, cerise and lavender. This native orchid which blooms but once a year, during the month of August, spells love beyond space and time.
The week-long celebration, with the theme, “Appreciating our National Flower and Other Philippine Orchid Species,” opened last August 12 and will run until August 20.
NOOS president Dr. John Clifton Martyr, along with officers and members, invite all plant enthusiasts to be a part of this anticipated annual event.
Today, Saturday, there will be a special lecture on “Introduction to Philippine Vanda Species” by Martyr at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
Noos members hope that this cultural celebration and legacy will continue to bloom yearly with its passing on to the younger generation.