Cover MANILA, PHILIPPINES - JUNE 30: Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., together with his wife Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos, arrives for his oathtaking as the next President, at the National Museum of Fine Arts on June 30, 2022 in Manila, Philippines. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took his oath as the next Philippine President on Thursday, completing a once unthinkable political revival of his family 36 years after his dictator father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was ousted by millions of Filipinos in a people power re
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - JUNE 30: Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., together with his wife Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos, arrives for his oathtaking as the next President, at the National Museum of Fine Arts on June 30, 2022 in Manila, Philippines. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took his oath as the next Philippine President on Thursday, completing a once unthinkable political revival of his family 36 years after his dictator father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was ousted by millions of Filipinos in a people power re
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Roses are red, violets are blue, an orchid had been named after Marcoses, it's true
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (PBBM) continues his series of initial state visits together with the First Lady by arriving in Singapore yesterday.
"The visit reaffirms the warm and longstanding ties between Singapore and the Philippines, which are underpinned by strong cooperation across many domains and flourishing people-to-people ties," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore wrote in a statement.
Earlier today, a ceremonial welcome at the Istana and a State Lunch in his honour were held.
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(Photo PTVph / Twitter)
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Meanwhile, the President and his wife, First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos, had been shown a new orchid hybrid that was named after them. With Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his wife Joy, an orchid naming ceremony was held earlier today at the National Orchid Garden.
According to the National Parks Board, the orchid hybrid has flowers that have sepals, which are modified leaves that protect the flower as a bud, and are adorned with lavender striations against a white background. Its flowers have white flushed petals with bluish mauve and with a violet lip, making its colour seem to be pink from afar.
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The Dendrobium Ferdinand Louise Marcos is a "robust and free-flowering orchid hybrid" according to a report written by The Straits Times. It is a cross between Dendrobium Dr and Mrs Hew Choy Sin and Dendrobium lineale, according to its plaque.
Popularly known as "orchid diplomacy", Singapore names orchids after royalties, foreign dignitaries, heads of state and government, as a gesture of goodwill and friendship. This includes former Presidents Corazon Aquino, Rodrigo Duterte, Benigno Aquino III, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
To take care of dendrobiums, one should note that they need a wealth of light but should not be direct to the sun, adequate ventilation and humidity to keep them in idyllic condition, and an average of watering twice a week. Obviously, dendrobiums are very picky in the environment so it is best to just keep them inside.
Read also: How to Start Your Own Mini Garden: 7 Easy Plants to Grow at Home
PBBM's visit to Singapore has been well-received so far, especially after his meeting with members of the Filipino community at the National University of Singapore. It is noted that Singapore recorded the second highest voter turnout for overseas automated voting in the Asia Pacific. In the meeting yesterday, he expressed his gratitude towards the voter population and stated that he intends to fully maximise trade and economic cooperation with Singapore. During his two-day visit to the country, his economic team seeks an audience with possible investors who could start their businesses in the Philippines, he said.
Although eyeing economic growth, geopolitics, and stronger trade relations through his state visits, it is striking that in Indonesia a few days ago PBBM did not mention the case of Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker convicted of drug smuggling and given a death sentence. Malacañan remains careful in addressing the issue, with Foreign Affairs secretary Enrique Manalo merely confirming that they have asked for executive clemency for Veloso at the time of PBBM's visit.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
