This collaboration pays homage to the forest blooms of the Philippines, as envisioned by graphic designer, Cynthia Bauzon Arre.

Specializing in print projects that celebrate Philippine culture, Cynthia brings to life the vibrant beauty of indigenous flora through her captivating illustrations.

With this collection, Cynthia also advocates for the appreciation and conservation of nature. Her work serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity of our islands, inspiring us to cherish and protect our natural heritage.

Endemic to the Philippines, Katmon is a small evergreen tree easily recognizable by its large white 5-petaled flowers with pinkish-red stamens and broad, glossy deeply-veined serrated leaves. It thrives in low to medium altitude forests throughout the country and bears round, fleshy fruit that can be used to make sauces and jams, and also as a souring agent for sinigang. Katmon is also harvested for its timber which is suitable for making furniture.

Native* to the Philippines, Banaba is a medium-sized tree known for beautiful pinkish-purple blooms with wrinkled, crepe-like petals and a central disc with numerous light yellow stamens, making it a favorite in urban landscaping. Aside from its ornamental uses, Banaba is also cultivated for medicinal purposes as its leaves can be used to make herbal tea, and manage and cure kidney ailments, abdominal pain and diarrhea, among others.

Native to Southeast Asia and found throughout the Philippines*, Ilang-ilang (also spelled Ylang-ylang) is a fast-growing tree that is highly prized for its fragrant flowers. Characterized by narrow drooping greenish-yellow petals, the flowers yield essential oils which can be used to make perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and other scented products. The tree is widely planted as an ornamental, multi-purpose species as it also has many medicinal applications, and is a source of timber and fiber.

Endemic to the Philippines, the Tayabak (also known as Jade Vine) is an evergreen woody climber that flourishes in tropical rainforests. It is characterized by unique turquoise claw-shaped flowers that grow in long, hanging inflorescences around a light gray or purplish woody stem, and light green trifoliate leaves. The plant’s striking appearance makes it a popular attraction in botanical gardens and conservatories worldwide.

Native* to the Philippines, Malabulak (also known as Buboi-gubat) is a deciduous tree known for its straight, majestic trunk and large, waxy, stunning cup-shaped red flowers that grow solitary, or in dense clusters on the tips of the tree’s branches before the arrival of new foliage. These flowers are known to attract a lot of birds and insects which feed on the sweet nectar.

*not endemic, also native to other countries in Asia

Native* to the Philippines, Salinggogon (sometimes spelled Salingogon) is a medium to large-sized tree that thrives in primary and secondary forests in the country. Often compared to Japan’s cherry blossoms, Salinggogon is very attractive when the crown is covered with light pink flowers amidst young leaves that start out reddish-pink and mature to green.

*not endemic, also native to other countries in Asia