Orchids found only at Nayong Pilipino

THERE ARE now four varieties of orchids that can be found only at the Philippines’ sole cultural park, the Nayong Pilipino in Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

These are the Phalaenopsis Nayong Pilipino I and II, and Dendrobium III and IV—all developed by the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) through years of diligent cross-pollination and propagation.

“The orchidarium alone is a showcase of the world’s only orchid varieties [that are] bred, grown and propagated by the NPF,” said NPF executive director Apolonio B. Anota Jr.

Also grown in the park are the popular orchid varieties namely the cattleya and vanda.

With these Nayong Pilipino orchid varieties, the orchidarium has become the centerpiece of the park’s sprawling landscaped greenery, adding a nature-inspired dimension to the Christmas atmosphere at the park.

Add to that the park’s picnic groves, famous cultural repertoire, large golden tilapia breeding ponds as well as the décor, Christmas lights, souvenir shops, and festivals, among many others, Nayong Pilipino has indeed captured the spirit of the Christmas.

To match the splendor of the season is the equally colorful musical extravaganza of the Nayong Pilipino Dance Troupe and Rondalla, who will perform the Pastores Suite, a set of Filipino dances with a Christmas theme. A special show will be held on Jan. 1 at 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, annual cultural festivities include the Santacruzan, featuring a parade of Philippine beauty queens, and the Flores de Mayo, showcasing models and the fashion creations of famous Filipino designers.

Nayong Pilipino also hosts souvenir shops offering Christmas gifts and hard-to-find items that include indigenous weaves, wood carvings and paintings.

Another attraction

is

the tramvia, which takes the guests on a ride back to history. After all the amazing sights and sounds, come the aroma and exquisite taste of one of the country’s most touted culinary delights, the Kapampangan cuisine, that can be enjoyed at the park’s food hub.