Bohol hosts 4th Int’l Flower Festival

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Philippines’ 1st UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol island, hosted the 4th International Flower Festival on Nov. 21-22, 2024.

This year’s festival theme, “Immortal Flowers,” highlights a harmonious blend of natural and artificial blooms participated by 20 master florists all around the globe.

The renowned master designers from around the world showcased and transformed their artistic visions into stunning floral displays at the Be Grand Resort in Panglao town.

The Grand Bohol Harvest, the grand finale to the 2024 Bohol International Flower, Food, and Wine Festival was held on Nov. 22 where the international master florists partnered with 20 Boholano and Cebuano fashion designers to showcase their craft.

Bohol First Lady and 2nd District Representative, Cong. Vanessa Aumentado, took pride in the province’s designation as the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in the country as she welcomed guests during the Bohol International Flower Festival Fashion Show.

On behalf of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Vice Gov. Tita Baja, she congratulated the organizers and fellow sponsors and expressed appreciation for their efforts.

“Bohol represents the best of the country, its beauty, creativity, warmth, and resilience,” Aumentado said.

Department of Tourism Asec. Judilyn Quiachon, on behalf of Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco, in her message underscored the province’s commitment to heritage, environmental preservation, and innovation that makes it a unique and captivating destination.

Meanwhile, Pirjo Koppi, master florist from Finland, expressed joy at the warm and welcoming reception they received throughout their visit.

BIFF organizer and florist, Michael Yu, shared how the event has grown from an exhibition of one florist pre-pandemic to the present event.

The BIFF featured the master florists’ collaboration with fashion designers along with a showcase of body or wearable flowers.

European and Asian master florists included Opas Yarcammee (Thailand), Sandra Taslim (Indonesia), Cindy Chao (Macau), Chrisie Chung (Hongkong), Jhiwa Song (Seoul), Iza Tcakzyk (Poland), Nguyen Phi Minh (Thailand), Minsok Soong (South Korea), Win Chan (Kuala Lumpur), Kazuhiko Tanaka (Japan), Knox Sio Sio (Taipa), Komang Budinata (Bali), Lili Beelen (Netherlands), Kathy Ong (Malaysia), Tamas Mezoffy (Hungary), Christina Yew (Singapore), Pirjo Koppi (Finland).

Bohol’s own Yu, Joseph Dumadag, and Melit Andoy also displayed their floral creations.

A highlight of the evening was the Helena Grand Harvest Award conferred to Victoria Wallace of the Bohol Bee Farm for her intimate and deep love for flowers, gardens, animals, and food.

Before the fashion show, 14 food exhibitors featured their recipes using locally found ingredients to highlight Boholano flavors. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Twenty world renowned master florists showcase more of their works through the fashion show in collaboration with some of Cebu and Bohol’s top designers on November 22 at the Be Grand Resort in Panglao during the Bohol International Flower Festival Fashion Show. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)