New Concept in Plant Shows

Manila, Philippines - For more than 7 years, the plant shows in the Philippines have mostly been deteriorative. Commercial booth holders have been complaining that their profitability has been dropping because of rising commercial stall rentals (now running P12,000/ show). This stemmed from the problem created by the commercial sector itself.

The 60’s and 70’s plant shows were grand. Most shows were weekend shows and spun 3 to 4 days maximum. Everybody goes home happy and there was great camaraderie among members of the plant societies. The hobbyists proudly show off their home-grown treasures. 

The middle 80’s to middle 90’s is the time plant shows were expanded to 1 week, then to 2 weekends. By second half of 90’s shows were mostly 2 weekends then 3 weekends (inclusive of paydays: 15th and 30th/31st).

The commercial sector wanting longer exposure time did not realize the cost of extending the events. Exhibitors shifted to commercial producers and show organizers started to entice exhibitors to put up exhibits by offering monetary rewards and free booth to the exhibitors driving the show cost higher. Some commercial operators even put up double or triple entries to guarantee “return of investments” and multiple free booths. The hobbyists began shying away from the shows while the shows were dominated by the commercial people. Most show winners do not survive the horrendous 14 to 17 days show.

It is about time that the shows are re-invented to suit the needs of the organizations. This is exactly what the Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines Inc. (CSSPI) is doing: re-inventing the show from the grass root level. Instead of marathon-running shows, the main show will only be from Friday to Sunday. This plant-friendly set up prevents procrastination on the part of the viewers and will lessen the stress on the exhibition plants.

The CSSPI has joined forces with AANI, an agriculture tradeshow group to come up with a different form of plant show under the theme of “Philippine Country Fair” to elevate the plant industry to another level.

The show promises a different kind of experience and is expected to be very educational for young people. Activities and Exhibits will be directed towards developing the intellect of the school children from elementary, to high school and college levels. 

Foreign experts on Cacti and Succulents will be sharing their experiences with Filipinos. The show will be open to public free of charge Nov. 16 to 18, 2012.  

The CSSPI will hold its General Membership meeting July 7, Saturday 2 p.m. at Mett’s, King Louis cluster, Manila Seedling Bank/Environmental Center, Quezon Avenue cor. EDSA. The meeting will be hosted by group of Lety Ligon.

For more information and inquiry, call 8108489.