I love it when things get into a surprise turn. I was originally planning to have some fun at Adventure Cafe in Balamban, Cebu. But things turned out sour when upon my arrival at the cafe, it suddenly rained very hard. My friend and I had to settle in one of the tables and just drink hot chocolate. But we didn’t want to waste our time traveling to this part of Cebu just to drink hot chocolate. So when the rain subsided, we decided to walk around the streets of Transcentral Highway to look for something else. That’s when we found this sign ‘This way to Buwakan ni Alejandra – 30 meters‘.
It was just a simple signboard but, I got curious. So, we decided to follow where the arrow was leading. And that’s how I knew that day was going to be awesome.
Buwakan ni Alejandra is a botanical garden that houses several types of plants and flowers. This garden has just recently opened last May 8, 2017. Unlike the Celosia flower farms in Sirao, this flower garden takes pride in its dahlia flowers. Upon entering the garden, you will immediately see the colorful varieties of this type of flower.
I was ecstatic. My friend and I had the whole garden to ourselves. My only regret was that I didn’t wear a beautiful dress. Had I known we would discover Buwakan ni Alejandra that day, I would have worn a sparkly dress and did a photo shoot right there and then. Well, I most certainly have a reason to go back.
By just looking at it, it is pretty evident that Buwakan ni Alejandra is professionally designed. I love that the owner made sure to create footpaths in the garden. This way, you can’t accidentally step on the plants and flowers.
We were lucky enough to have the chance to talk to the owner’s son, Cliff, and he showed us around their lot. We got to learn many things about all the plants and flowers in their lot. Buwakan ni Alejandra is the brainchild of his father. And if you are wondering; Alejandra is the name of Cliff’s grandmother.
I didn’t want to blog about this flower garden at first because I was scared that the garden was not ready for an influx of tourists yet. But Cliff assured me that they are limiting the number of people entering the garden. Besides, they also need funds to continue building more flower beds to the remaining spaces in their lot. If things go as planned, they might actually also build a camping area soon so people can actually spend time in the garden. Apparently, several priests and bishops in Cebu have already tried meditating in Buwakan ni Alejandra. That’s how peaceful and beautiful the garden is!
How to get there:
Take a V-Hire at Ayala Center terminal bound for Balamban via Transcentral highway. The fare is 120 Pesos. The flower garden is located at Brgy. Gaas, Balamban and only a few steps away from Adventure Cafe. Look for the signboard ‘Buwakan ni Alejandra'.
Alternatively, you can also ride a motorcycle for hire from JY Square Mall. The fare is 300 Pesos.
More Information:
- Entrance Fee is 50 Pesos
- They are open from 7AM to 6PM – Mondays to Sundays
- The best time to visit would be in the morning.
Reminder:
Please be a responsible tourist. Do not pick any flowers. #LeaveNoTrace
