Waling-Waling Festival

It was a beautiful day when we set out for the opening of the 10th Waling-Waling Festival presented by the Negros Occidental Orchid Society Inc. at Robinsons Place, Bacolod City, recently.

When we got there, we were greeted by the faint exotic fragrance of orchid blossoms that filled the air. The ladies of the club were already gathered at the Fountain Area, looking oh-so-elegant and feminine in their Filipinianas. We spotted an old familiar face among the guests – it was Ponchit Enrile, a past president of the Club, who came with our fellow STAR columnist, Eli Tajanlangit.

NOOS past presidents Vanni Kilayko, Soc Monfort and Rene Dofitas, incumbent president AnaMer Gatuslao, and Ponchit cut the ribbon to open the festival. Fr. Raymon Asoy officiated at the blessing of exhibit and booths.

AnaMer welcomed the members and guests to the occasion, and extolled the exquisite beauty of the magnificent waling-waling. The romantics in the audience gave a collective sigh as she said that, according to legend, the waling-waling represents a love that was beyond time and space. Ponchit gave an inspiring message to his fellow orchid lovers, who truly missed him, and Julie Benedicto sent a heartwarming message read by Soc Monfort.

Then it was time to view the exhibits. Everyone raved over the spectacular array of colorful waling-waling orchids dazzling the viewers with their darkest shades of violet to fuchsia to the palest, most delicate pink. I learned that the organizers had spent practically the entire night arranging the blossoms into the brilliant display.

Congratulations to the Negros Occidental Orchid Society for successfully presenting the Waling-Waling Festival with their usual touch of elegance.*