
During my visit to Vigan , Ilocos Sur, during my free vacation from work, I bumped to a place that would suffice my longing to see a beautiful
garden with vast collection of my favorite species and varieties of Aroids.
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Meeting Engr. Francis Flores Uvaria rufa |
I
stumbled in Hidden Garden located in Barangay Bulala, Vigan City when I noticed
dozens of little children entering a small patio and followed them. The place
came to me in a surprising way and realized that the place is a spot for
educational excursion among the nearby schools in the region.
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var. dieffenbachia daguensis Anthurium superbum Anthurium section Pachyneurium |
I
have visited a few gardens in the Philippines but this particular place simply
amused me because of quite number of unique plants the owner is specializing
at. I am not a taxonomist but I can recognize the giant and exotic aroids
displayed in his beautiful garden.
![]() |
Alocasia Caladium Syngonium podophyllum cultivar |
Amazed
with gorgeous plants displayed in the garden I asked the personnel about the
place but instead she directed me to their boss/ owner Engr. Francis A. Flores a
known and famous Landscape Artist in the region. I was awed that Mr. Flores even
accompanied me throughout my tour inside his haven. He showed me some of his
favorite collections, from some unknown species, hybrid, and to the most exotic
plant he had from other countries. It was heaven scouting around with Engr.
Flores as I really felt an amateur when it comes to plant identification.

The
tour lasted for an hour hitting the high noon and my stomach started to growl. Good thing there is a café in the
middle of the garden, “Lilong and Lilang” which means grandfather and
grandmother in the local dialect. Together with my newly found friends in Ilocos, we sat
in the café and munched on their house specialties, pinaputok na tilapia and
for dessert we enjoyed the much praised special “halo halo.” I was impressed with the
service of the personnel, very courteous and pleasant.
What
made me even awed with the garden is with the environment friendly powder rooms
they have. Using their comfort feels like you are in union with nature.
I
appreciate meeting Engr. Flores and I was surprised that he even gave us some token,
clay pots from the side store of souvenirs.

HIDDEN GARDEN & RESTAURANT
Francis A. Flores
Landscape Artist
Brgy. Bulala, Centro, Vigan City
Tel: (077) 722-1450
Cel Nos.: 0917-992-2827/0921-664-0737
Website: www.hiddengardenvigan.com.ph
Email:viganhiddengarden@yahoo.com
wow pa picture pud diay ka ni sir francis, When Ive been there also, nagpapic din ako hahahha at nilibre nya kami ng halo2 at empanada. hahahahha
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