One of the things that stand for Davao is the waling-waling (Vanda Sanderana). This rare orchid, known as the Queen of Philippine Orchids, blooms between July to October. It grows in high altitude but can be bred in urban areas with proper care. Every orchid hobbyist would undoubtedly have some hybrids of waling-waling.

During major festivities in Davao, like the Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan, most tourists flock around trade fairs to buy this exotic beauty. Seedlings cost around P25 but you will have to patiently wait for a year before it flowers. If you’re impatient, or maybe give it as a gift, the flowering ones range between P700 to more than P1,000. But you can wake up with a beautiful morning when you see this flower bloom in your garden. Then, you’ll know it’s worth the pay.

Aside from waling-waling, Davao also has other orchid species. Some of these include dancing lady, vandal, dendrobium, Phalaenopsis heiroglyphica, and Trichoglottis. There are plenty of orchid farms in the city where you can get the best price for your pick. One of these is Puentespina Garden which owns the Malagos Garden Resort in Calinan District. You can visit their main office downtown Davao located in Cabaguio Avenue. But if you want to get a cool fresh air, travel to Calinan for about 45 minutes and see more than their orchids. If you go there on weekends, you’ll get to see their bird show. And don’t forget to order their ostrich steak!

Then from the Malagos Garden, go directly to the Philippine Eagle Center, just one kilometer away. There you’ll see wild orchids grow in their natural habitat. Caution: DON’T PICK anything, okay? Or the eagles will pick you alive!