Sihay

The intersection of art, ecology, and culture finds fresh expression in the upcoming Edible Flora Art Exhibit, an initiative by the Philippine Botanical Art Society (PhilBAS) that showcases the beauty and value of plants we can eat, grow, and protect. After thoughtful preparations and a few schedule shifts, this long-awaited exhibit is finally set to bloom from May 19 to May 30, 2025 at the Museum of a History of Ideas, UP Manila.

Mark Your Calendars: A Celebration in Full Bloom

The exhibit opens on May 19 at 3:30 PM and will run until May 30, concluding with a formal closing on that Friday at 5:00 PM. Participating artists, plant lovers, and curious minds alike are invited to attend the exhibit and explore the stunning botanical artworks inspired by the Philippines’ rich edible flora.

Featured in the exhibit is my painting of Malabulak (Bombax ceiba), a piece that pays tribute to the native kapok tree, entitled Takipsilim (Sunset). Known for its vibrant red blooms and traditional uses—both medicinal and culinary—the Malabulak stands as a reminder of how indigenous flora sustains and inspires. This painting, rendered in meticulous detail, seeks to evoke wonder and awareness about the plant’s role in Filipino heritage and ecosystems.

Art, Advocacy, and Immersion

PhilBAS has curated a series of enriching activities leading to the exhibit, including:

• May 8 (Thursday), 8:00 AM – Tree Walk and Painting Workshop at Arroceros Park, with limited slots for participating artists. This immersive activity reconnects artists with the living subjects of their work—native and edible trees that form the backbone of urban biodiversity.

More Than an Exhibit

This exhibit isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about celebrating plant-based nourishment, raising awareness of local flora, and rekindling our cultural and ecological ties to nature.

PhilBAS is also preparing an Online Gallery (details to follow), ensuring that audiences from near and far can experience the artistry and advocacy behind each botanical piece.

The Edible Flora Exhibit is not just an artistic endeavor—it’s a collective act of honoring biodiversity, food sovereignty, and artistic heritage. As PhilBAS aptly puts it:

“Para sa kalikasan, para sa bayan!”
(For nature, for the nation!)