Soon, Filipinos may not need not to go to Japan for a cherry blossom experience.
This, as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) added another site when they planted 300 seedlings of cherry trees in Batangas City that promise to deliver 'Instagrammable' photos with your friends, families--or in case Cupid hasn't noticed you yet, a selfie would certainly do when the time comes.
Locally known as 'balayong', this small to medium-size tree produces white or light pink flowers that blossom between March and April.
Balayong is widely seen in the province of Palawan, as the locals hold a festival to celebrate its bloom as part of its eco-tourism efforts. In Metro Manila several balayong trees are planted in Malacañang Palace grounds and in the area of Manila Seedling Bank Foundation in Quezon City.
In a statement, the PCG said initiative was made successful with the cooperation of the PCG District Southern Tagalog, PCG Station Batangas, Coast Guard K9 Field Operating Unit - Southern Tagalog, Special Operations Unit - Southern Tagalog, Marine Environmental Protection Unit - Southern Tagalog, PCG Auxiliary, Batangas City Environment and National Resources Office.
The planting of 300 seedlings was done in Barangay Pagkilatan a few days ahead of the celebration of the International Women's Day, which is somehow symbolic since cherry blossom represents femininity.
But experts said a cherry blossom also symbolizes love.
So for the loveless who wish to celebrate love romantically with a special someone, you still have plenty of time to plan before the first Batangas City cherry trees bloom. No pressure, though.