No Juan Is An Island

There is something inherently magical about Baguio in February. The air is much crisp, the city is a riot of colors, and the spirit of Panagbenga—the season of blooming—is everywhere. This year, I finally ticked a major item off my green-thumb bucket list: attending a Kokedama workshop at the SM City Baguio amphitheater.

I’ve always been fascinated by Kokedama, the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered soil ball. When I saw that a free workshop was being offered as part of the festival festivities, I knew I couldn’t miss it. To make the experience even more special, the session was led by the wonderful Nanay Tetchie Palaganas.

A Warm Welcome from a Local Icon
If you’ve spent any time in the Baguio creative scene, you likely know Nanay Tetchie. She is the heart behind the beloved Cafe Kafagway, a personal favorite spot of mine. Meeting her again was like catching up with an old friend; she possesses a warmth and kindness that makes even the most intimidated beginner feel like a master gardener.
Under the open sky of the amphitheater, with the cool Highland breeze around us, Nanay Tetchie guided us through the tactile process of shaping our green companions.

The Art of the Moss Ball
As someone who already identifies as a “plant parent,” this workshop deepened my appreciation for greenery. There is a meditative quality to feeling the damp soil, molding it into a perfect sphere, and carefully binding the moss with twine. It’s a lesson in patience and balance.
Tactile Connection: Working with your hands in the soil is incredibly grounding.
Sustainability: Kokedama is a beautiful, pot-less way to bring nature indoors.
Community: Sharing this experience with fellow plant lovers against the backdrop of the Flower Festival made the city feel even more like home.
Leaving the workshop with my handmade Kokedama felt like carrying a piece of the Nanay Tetchie’s passion with me. It wasn’t just about learning a new skill; it was about celebrating the growth and beauty of an art.