Singapore's Gardens by the Bay showcases 'Bahay Kubo'-themed orchid display

A Bahay Kubo-inspired orchid display is the newest attraction at the Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

On Monday, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in collaboration with the Gardens by the Bay, unveiled the Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids, as part of the celebrations marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

The display was put together with the help of 20 Filipino domestic workers and students keen to share their culture with Singapore.

Among the volunteers are Gina Mae Alba, a Filipino domestic worker in Singapore for the past 30 years, and Filipino student Fibi Dela Cruz. Both said they are looking forward to sharing this little-known aspect of Filipino culture with Singaporeans.  

The launch event was graced by Singapore Minister for Manpower, Dr. Tan See Leng, as the Guest of Honor, Philippine Secretary for Migrant Workers, Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig, and Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr. Felix Loh.

“Naturally, the horticulturists at Gardens by the Bay were excited to bring a display of the country’s orchids to our Cloud Forest. We hope that for visitors, some of the Filipino elements in the display like the Bahay Kubo house will be an interesting introduction to the rich culture of our neighboring country, and also engender a warm home-away-from-home feeling for the Filipino community in Singapore,” said Loh in his speech.  

It was mentioned that there are more than 40 taxa of orchids that can be traced to the Philippines in the floral display, including iconic varieties from the Vanda, Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis genera.

A highlight of the floral display is the limited-time blooming of the Waling waling or Vanda sanderiana, a coveted orchid species affectionately known as the Queen of Philippine Flowers.

Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids will be available to witness until January 2025.

It is located in Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest, a cooled conservatory that replicates the cool-moist climate of Tropical Montane regions that are 1,000 and 3,500 meters above sea level. —JCB, GMA Integrated News