The Horti Filipina - International Plant Show 2025 has become a five-dimensional event that will go beyond it being a horticultural showcase when it is staged on Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
In the event’s latest Facebook post, its organizers disclosed that booths showcasing exotic pets and fur babies, game fowls, Koi breeds and chili spice will also be included in the three-day staging.
The organizers said these new attractions will add more color and interest in the wide array of plants from all over the world that will be presented in the show.
“From Ecuador to Thailand, Japan to Indonesia, Vietnam, and our country the Philippines, discover breathtaking species from across the globe,” Horti-Filipina’s FB post said.
As such, Horti-Filipina is going to be more than just a plant show as it will be “a melting pot of passion, culture, and collaboration”, the organizers added.
But apart from the booths and exhibitions, the Horti-Filipina event will be highlighted by an array of speakers – both foreign and local – who will share their knowledge and insight on the various aspects of horticulture.
On the first day of the plant fair on Feb. 21, the following will be featured: Melissa Travis (Plant Parenthood), Ethan Hernandez (Native Plants for Medicinal and Culinary use), and esteemed Japanese plant expert Kunzo Nishihata for an exclusive meet and greet.
On Feb. 23, the following experts will be discussing their respective specialties. They are Dr. Ephraim Cercado (Philippine Timbers and Flora), Dr. Jasper John Obico (Philippine Rafflesias), Fernando Aurigue (Philippine Hoyas), Dr. Rosario Rubite (Philippine Begonias), Wally Suarez (Conservation and Horticulture), Dr. Victor Amoroso (Philippine Ferns and Lycophytes), and Dr. Maria Melanie Medecilo-Guiang (Philippine Alocasias).
On the last day, Michael Caballes will be speaking on flower tourism, Australian Michael Ferrero will be sharing his horticulture experience from his country, Ponchit Ponce Enrile will be talking on the topic ‘Gardening for Others’, Cris Siegfried Onari (Philodendron Hybridizing), Rey Pimentel (Hoya Hybridizing), Dr. Maria Luisa Guevarra (Mussaenda), snf Prof. Raymundo Lucero (Mussaenda Pest Management).