FEATURE: Seven Years in the Making: Sakura Tree Bloom at Last in Baguio

Baguio City, Philippines – Rare sakura, or cherry blossom, tree has made its debut bloom in the Philippines’ Summer Capital, perfectly capturing the spirit of the city’s celebrated Panagbenga—a Kankanaey term that translates to “season of blooming.”

The iconic sakura trees are known for their short-lived yet stunning pink-and-white blossoms, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the ephemeral nature of life. In Japan, they typically bloom from late March to May, marking the arrival of spring and drawing crowds for the traditional flower-viewing practice known as hanami.

For those with a hanami moment on their bucket list, this can now be checked off without traveling abroad, as Baguio has recently joined the list of local viewing locations.

In a now-trending Facebook post, Baguio Country Club (BCC) shared photos of the first bloom of one of its cherry blossom trees after almost a decade of careful nurturing.

According to the mountain resort, the sakura trees were donated by Japanese nationals in June 2018 and May 2019, and after seven years, one of the trees has finally bloomed.

“Encouraged by Baguio’s cool climate—similar to the conditions sakura trees need to thrive—its delicate blossoms have quietly emerged, marking a rare and meaningful moment,” BCC said.

The resort added that such trees are “known to take years before flowering, making the first bloom a true testament to patience, nature, and time—a fleeting yet beautiful reminder that some of the most rewarding sights are worth the wait.”

Actual cherry blossoms can also be found in Atok, Benguet’s Sakura Park; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Dasmariñas, Cavite; Baras and Antipolo in Rizal; Hinigaran, Negros Occidental; and Dumanjug, Cebu.