The staff and guests of De La Salle University Medical Center have been cherishing this unusual sight for years now.
The beautiful photos of sakura-like flowers have elicited comments from netizens—all excited about this newfound tourist attraction.
“Wow. No need to go abroad to witness the real cherry blossom, and now this is it.”- Nathalie Tan-Padayao
“We don’t need to go to Japan Mrs. Valdes.”- Shintaro Valdes
“Our very own cherry blossoms. Love it!”- Robby Bay
Sakura-like flowers can also be found in Palawan, particularly in Puerto Princesa. However, according to the late great botanist Leonard Co, balayong is Cassia nodosa and is not endemic to Palawan. He added that it is a legume that belongs to the acacia family, which is endemic to Borneo.
Balayong trees can also be found at the Manila Seedling Bank and on the grounds of Malacañang Palace.
