Some might think that the "plantito-plantita" phenomenon only began last year when people were bored out of their minds amid the lockdown. But Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat knew that local fashion designer Patis Tesoro beat everybody to it.
Puyat on Wednesday night, Feb. 10 offiicially recognized Tesoro as the "original plantita" in a glowing Facebook post about the person as well as her Laguna bed and breakfast.
"The Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion Patis Tesoro is also the original plantita. She left Manila for the wide open spaces of San Pablo, Laguna, where she spends her time gardening and working on her beautiful and artsy B&B," Puyat wrote.
It was around three years ago when Tesoro transferred her San Juan dress shop to Laguna. She has since embraced horticulture full-time. Those who learned to love urban gardening in the metropolis during the pandemic probably dream of going all-in with this hobby-slash-lifestyle, like Tesoro has.
The tourism chief witnessed for herself the beauty that is Tesoro's abode, with the various plants there contributing a huge part to the fresh scenery.
"The three-hectare property also houses Patis’ private home, her atelier, a gallery, and Patis Tito Garden Café, a restaurant that features Patis’ own recipes using fresh produce from the permaculture farm and garden which she has lovingly cultivated for 40 years. A tribute to Filipino design surrounded by lush greenery, Patis Tesoros’ place is truly an oasis of slow living in the south," Puyat noted.
Incidentally, the DoT boss said last week that Laguna's tourism sector would play an important role in the growth of the Philippines’ tourism industry moving forward.
Tesoro's San Pablo sanctuary will definitely intrigue a lot of tourists, especially those with a green thumb.