The Horti Filipina - International Plant Show 2025, recognized as the Philippines' premier horticultural gathering, will be featuring international and local speakers that would make it a truly global event when it is staged from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 at Halls 1 to 4 of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Among the highlights is a meet-and-greet with Instagram personality and plant icon Kunzo Nishihata from Japan, who will be joining other expert botanists, horticulturists, and industry leaders in sharing their knowledge and innovation in the field of plant science and conservation.
He will be joined by other guests from Ecuador, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia, who will be sharing their expertise and passion with attendees.
On Feb. 21, Melissa Travis of Suloy will delve into the intricate world of Philippine native plants. On the same day, Nishihata of Hanauchu is slated to hold an interaction with attendees, and share with them his wide knowledge of horticulture.
The second day features a stellar lineup of scientific and conservation-focused talks.
Dr. Ephraim Cercado, president of Dendrotronics Corp., will present the significance of agarwood and Philippine timbers, while Dr. Jasper John Obico from the University of the Philippines Manila will explore the endemicity of Philippine Rafflesias.
Retired career scientist Fernando Aurigue will champion the campaign to make Philippine Hoyas a national treasure, before Dr. Rosario Rubite shifts the focus to the unique Begonias of the Philippines.
In the afternoon of Feb. 22, Wally Suarez will emphasize plant conservation and horticulture, while Dr. Victor Amoroso will discuss economically significant Philippine ferns and lycophytes. Concluding the day, Dr. Maria Melanie Medecillo-Guiang from Central Mindanao University will take the audience on an insightful journey into Philippine Araceae, particularly the Alocasia species.
On Feb. 23, spotlight will be sustainable practices and innovative plant breeding.
Michael Caballes of Bukid Amara will start the day with an engaging talk on flower tourism and its role in farm tourism, before Michael Ferrero, a former curator at the Noong Nooch Botanical Garden, shares his expertise on cultivating rare native plants of tropical Australia for horticulture.
Ponchit Ponce Enrile from the Philippine Chili Federation will discuss gardening practices, followed by Cris Siegfried Onari of Venado Tropicals, who will address breeding techniques for philodendrons.
Rey Pimentel of Del Monte Philippines will then present on cultivar development for endemic Philippine Hoya species.
Finally, Dr. Maria Luisa Guevara, head of the UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding, and Ray Lucero of Folia Tropica will provide valuable insights into ornamental plant breeding and commercial applications.
With such a diverse lineup of topics and speakers, the Horti Filipina International Plant Show 2025 promises to be an enriching event for plant enthusiasts, researchers, and industry professionals alike.
It will be a testament to the Philippines' vibrant plant biodiversity and the nation's commitment to its conservation and sustainable utilization.