By Ronan S. Punzalan and Rheena Suerte R. Mangaoil, Interns

Graduates of the Mariano Marcos State University await sunflowers to majestically bloom at the Sunken Garden, brightening their real triumphal march as they receive their diplomas. Due to weather conditions, our sunflowers did not bear flowers in time for the graduation ceremony. 

This leads us to appreciate other flowers in the garden which constantly radiate their beauty. These blooms have always silently waited for graduates, ready to add color to their moment of glory. Though often neglected, these flowers make the ground more kaleidoscopic and vibrant. 

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum L.) is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family. Widely cultivated for its fragrance, this flower symbolizes love, beauty, and sensuality. 

Santan (Ixora coccinea) is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. Native to the tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world, this flower symbolizes good luck. 

Bougainvillea or paper flower is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees. Belonging to the Nyctaginaceae or the four o’clock family, this flower symbolizes passion. 

Bangkok Kalachuchi (Adenium obesum), commonly known as desert rose or plumeria, is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family. Symbolizing new beginning, this flower was introduced to the Philippines from Bangkok, Thailand. 

Cape periwrinkle or Chichirica (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don), is a specie of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family. Growing elsewhere as an ornamental and medicinal plant, this flower symbolizes peace and serenity. 

Touch-me-not or Jatropha integerrima Jacq., also known as Shanghai beauty, is a branching shrub in the Euphorbiaceae family. Symbolizing adventure, this red, showy flower emerges in clusters or terminal cymes, and born by a peduncle up to 12 centimeters long. 

And lastly, Cosmos or Cosmos sulphureus is a flowering plant from the Asteraceae family. Growing two meters tall, and sports very attractive heads, this flower symbolizes order and harmony.

As Buddha said, “If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” Clearly, being surrounded by these flowers in the sunken garden have definitely added color to their cherished graduation. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)

Photos by Lady Zylas D. Santos and Von Keizer M. Bulan, Interns