Celebrating Filipino Culture at Gardens by the Bay: A Bahay Kubo Orchid Fiesta

Gardens by the Bay has unveiled its latest floral display, “Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids (花园家园: 菲律宾兰花庆典)”, a tribute to the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and stunning biodiversity. Featuring over 40 species of orchids native to the Philippines and a traditional Bahay Kubo house, the exhibit is a vibrant collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore, with contributions from Filipino domestic workers and students passionate about sharing their culture.

Gina Mae Alba, a Filipino domestic worker who has lived in Singapore for 30 years, volunteered to help assemble the display. Alongside Fibi Dela Cruz, a student at the National University of Singapore, and other volunteers, Gina contributed to the creation of the showcase, which opened to the public today. Gina, a long-time visitor to Gardens by the Bay, expressed her excitement at playing a part in bringing her home country’s beauty to Singapore.

The centerpiece of the display is the Bahay Kubo, a traditional stilt house, surrounded by a sea of vibrant orchids. For Fibi, this exhibit is an opportunity to introduce Singaporeans to an essential symbol of Filipino life, one that embodies community spirit and resilience.

The exhibit also features rare and iconic orchids, including the Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana), known as the Queen of Philippine flowers, and the Phalaenopsis schilleriana, a widely cultivated species that has influenced many hybrid pink orchids. Another standout is the Trichoglottis atropurpurea, renowned for its striking dark-purple blooms.

Guests can also explore life-sized models of the Philippine eagle, the world’s largest eagle, along with other animals native to the Philippines, like the carabao and the tiny tarsier. On loan from the Philippine Embassy, the display includes traditional artefacts like kiping chandeliers, parol lanterns, and baníg mats, providing a deeper look into Filipino craftsmanship and traditions.

The display, launched by Minister for Manpower Dr. Tan See Leng and Philippine Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig, marks the celebration of 55 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines.

“Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids” will run from September 16, 2024, to January 2025 at Cloud Forest, open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Admission charges apply.

Don’t miss this stunning fusion of nature, art, and Filipino culture right in the heart of Singapore.