FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY MANALO VISITS “GARDENS BY THE BAHAY KUBO: A FIESTA OF ORCHIDS” EXHIBIT AT SINGAPORE’S GARDENS BY THE BAY

SINGAPORE, 10 January 2025 – Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo visited the “Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids” exhibit on 8 January 2025 at the Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay (GBB). Inaugurated on 16 September 2024, the showcase commemorates the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore; and marks the first exhibit of the Philippines at Gardens by the Bay.

The exhibit features over 40 varieties of Philippine orchids, including species from the Vanda, Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis genera. A standout attraction is the waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana), often referred to as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids.” At the heart of the display is the bahay kubo, a traditional Filipino dwelling that embodies the spirit of bayanihan, or communal unity and assistance.

GBB Chief Operating Officer Mr. Kian Ann Ong and Deputy Director of the Research and Horticulture Department Ms. Andrea Kee welcomed Secretary Manalo who was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig and Embassy officials.

The “Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids” exhibit is open to the public until 02 February 2025. END