By Charisma Love Gado-Gonzales To help improve the ornamental plant industry, the 1st Cactus and Succulents (C&S) Convention will be held at the UN Square in Ermita, Manila on May 17 to 19, 2019. With the theme, “When Art Emulates Life,” the activity also aims to connect the Philippine industry with the international and local enthusiasts. Dan Saclangan, one of the organizers, said the C&S sector has a big market in Agritourism with enthusiasts going abroad either to buy or sell plants. “In Benguet, the income of vegetables farmers’ wives who grow cactus and succulents now equal their husband’s income. However, as the sector thrives, there is minimal support from the government as it prioritizes initiatives in food production,” Saclangan, who specializes in breeding Astrophytum and Gymnocalycium, said. Rather than relying on government assistance, convention organizers gather the C&S community and its market to showcase its products and for the practitioners to enhance their methods and techniques. Speakers in the convention include Keith Kitoi Taylor, Noynoy Sionosa, Lino Rom, Ron Apostol, Dan Saclangan, Joey de Castro, Chong Paslon, Buchi Romero, and Wilson Simuangco Angel. Zong Li Huang, Haworthia breeder from Taiwan, will also join the show. Attendees will learn about creating award-winning pieces, growing for size and presentation, caring for cacti and succulents in the tropics, collecting Agaves and Aloe, managing diseases and pests, Astrophytumand Gymnocalycium pollination and seed growing, grafting techniques, introduction to pottery, and designing with cactus and succulents. To be participated by more than 30 garden shop owners and plant sellers around the country, the event is sponsored by Manila Prince Hotel, UN Square Mall, Manila Bulletin, and Agriculture Magazine. It is also co-organized by WardelineCosme, Ronald Rey Apostol, Savanah Lamsen, Angelo Santos, Marion Dela Cruz, and Miguel Angelo Syyap. Confirm your attendance now through Facebook page@cactusandsucculentconventionphilippines