Look: Palawan Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming in BGC

(SPOT.ph) Is it just us, or are your feeds already swirling with photos from Japan teeming with cherry blossoms and your friends enjoying an afternoon hanami session in their parks? Well, don't let the FOMO bother you because while Sakura season is already hitting its stride in the Land of the Rising Sun, we're also getting treated to pink flower showers of our own right here in the Philippines. 

Just last week, the Bonifacio Global City Facebook page featured Cherry Blossom-like trees in bloom around the business district. In case you want to have a flower power moment of your own sans the need to travel, you may want to head to BGC's Track the 30th and be mesmerized by the floral prowess of the Palawan Cherry Blossom Tree.

Also read:
Cherry Blossom-Like Trees Spotted in Sarangani Province
These Are the Best Months to Catch Cherry Blossoms in Japan

What are Palawan Cherry Blossom Trees: 

The Palawan cherry blossom, locally known as balayong (Cassia nodosa), is a flowering tree endemic to Palawan and is also known as the Palawan cherry. This tree is famous for its showy pink flowers, which resemble Japan’s Sakura. When in full bloom, the balayong features bright pink flowers, but after a month or so, these flowers turn pale white, signaling the end of their bloom.

The balayong is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow as high as 15 meters. It's relatively low-maintenance but requires a lot of sunlight to grow. Although it is often planted as an ornamental plant, the wood from the Palawan Cherry's trunk is also used to make small, light furniture. Peak balayong season usually starts from late March to May, and it sheds its leaves in December.

Where can you find Palawan cherry blossom trees:

As the name suggests, the Palawan cherry blossom tree is prevalent on Palawan Island. There is even a Balayong Festival held in the region during the month of March to celebrate the tree's peak blooming season. The trees can be found all over Palawan; but for a sure Balayong sighting, you can head to the Balayong People's Park in Puerto Princessa City, where the local government has planted several trees to beautify the park. 

Recently, the Palawan Cherry Blossom has also found its way to more urban settings. In Manila, some balayong trees are planted on the Malacañang Palace grounds facing the Pasig River. Several trees are also planted within the area of the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation in Quezon City. Currently, there are also Balayong Trees in bloom in Bonifacio Global City.

Check out this video posted by Bonifacio Global City featuring their cherry blossom-like trees in full bloom:

For more information, visit Bonifacio Global City's Facebook page.

Also read: Visa-Free Countries Filipinos Can Visit for a Sakura Experience

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