Residents use the “cherry blossom” tree as their location landmark for souvenir photos. (Punchphoto by Ray Zambrano)

 

AWED by the beauty of Palawan cherry blossoms that bloomed abundantly this summer in Binmaley, the brains behind its planting in 2014 returned on March 30 and vowed to plant more to feel the aura of Japan or Korea in the town.

Monette Victorio, a Binmaleynian and vice president of Smart Communications, and JC Buendia, an adopted son of Binmaley and a renowned fashion designer, promised during the pre-8th anniversary celebration of the first planting of Palawan cherry blossoms, to continue their tourism advocacy to make the town a stop-over destination for souvenir selfies and groufies.

Buendia said the idea behind the tourism advocacy Bloom Binmaley was conceptualized dinners with Monette, discussing what they could do best for Binmaley.

Then idea of planting of Palawan cherry blossoms was inspired by the pictures they saw then on Instagram of the famous cherry blossom in Japan.

“So I told myself for us Filipinos, we should also have that it but it should be one that is indigenous to us,” he said. In the Philippines, the Palawan cherry blossom, a strong and sturdy tree, is locally known as balayong could give an equal the beauty given by cherry blossom in Japan, he added.

For her part, Victorio said, “Bloom Binmaley actually speaks of new beginnings. It speaks of spring of hope, speaks of the prospect of abundance and continuous progress for a better tomorrow.”

Josefina Victorio, tourism consultant of the town and mother of Monette, whom Mayor Simplicio Rosario appointed nine years ago, said “that will make our town a stop-over place in Pangasinan once the flowers bloom”

She said it was Fides, her other daughter, a senior assistant prosecutor of Makati City, who suggested the tourism tagline Bloom Binmaley while Buendia designed the logo.

Mayor Rosario expressed elation over the support for the town. “I salute you,” he said, referring to the people behind Bloom Binmaley, adding that, ”because I , myself, haven’t thought of that”.

Provincial Tourism chief Malu Elduayan said beyond the beauty of cherry blossoms is its symbolism, “the pink flowers come out after winter and the beginning of spring…or renewal, a new life”.

Councilor Amelito Sison, vice chairman of the Committee on Tourism, and Municipal Administrator Diomedes Bonalos lauded the “Balayong blossom” project which has spread to other barangays. (Eva Visperas)

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