Christian's Chronicles: PhiloFlora Exhibition 2 opens at Istorya Forest Garden

PhiloFlora Exhibition 2 was officially launched on June 11 at Istorya Forest Garden in the town of Panay. I love this hideaway, just 15 minutes away from Roxas City, with its lush forest, colonial-era-inspired architecture, and the laidback feel complimented by the sumptuous food on irs menu. The cool shades underneath the trees with the background of giant, exotic flora offer a refreshing feel amidst the grilling noontime heat now that early summer has come.

In this initiative the medical artist-doctors take the essence of being a plant parent to the next level: awareness of the medicinal properties of plants and understanding of the balance between plants, modern medicine and the ecosystem.

The first leg of the exhibit was held last April at Ang Panublion Museum in Roxas City. This month, the exhibit was hosted by Istorya Forest Garden in the nearby town of Panay, the exhibition installed in partnership with the museum.

Scroll down for more pictures at the launching of the exhibit and the enchanting Istorya Forest Garden... Enjoy!

From left to right, Ang Panublion Museum Director Cheryl Anne del Rosario, the PhilFlora president, Roxas City Vice Mayor Inday Teresa Almalbis, and Istorya Forest Garden manager Cheska Bermejo, during the ribbon cutting.

Dr. Harold Buenvenida, a cultural worker and ethnobotanist, gives an interesting discussion about the ethnobotany of the province of Capiz.

Pianist Clement Acevedo gives a heart-stirring piano performance.

One of the medical doctor artists introduces PhiloFlora members. Many doctors from around the Western Visayas area have now joined this group.

The PhiloFlora is organized by the After Clinic group, a group of medical doctors who take the paint brush and the canvas after clinic hours to de-stress, unwind, and unleash their artistic side.

The After Clinic Group coined PhiloFlora as a portmanteau of Philo (love of) and flora (plants), the art exhibit showcasing Philippine indigenous, native or endemic plants.

Aside from painting, the doctors also tried their hand at art installation, like this one, which stands at the center of the exhibition.

The doctors' artworks put plants and nature at the heart of their work.

Repurposed Capiz shell windows served as panels, while tree trunks served as the panels' base. The trunks came from trees within the garden that were felled by typhoons.

Istorya's well-appointed interiors imbue a colonial feel. The terracota tiles on the floor and the tiles adorning the wall were all salvaged from old Spanish-era structures.