Wedding Digest Philippines Weddings. More fun In the Philippines Edition | Page 228

A SK T E
H EXP E R T

Mr. Serge Igonia Jr.

Photographer: Jason Angcao Photography
Venue: Hillcreek Gardens

Beyond the SCENTS of SAMPAGUITA
His name is synonymous to the elusive national flower for his efforts in cultivating the white beauty. Mr. Serge
Igonia, Jr. of Loi Floral Sense imparts with us the significance of the Sampaguita in Filipino culture and weddings.

Sampaguita Guru

It was a business he inherited from his uncle, Librado
Oriondo a florist from San Pedro Laguna, a town with a
flourishing Sampaguita industry. “I was not interested
in the beginning. After graduating with a degree in BS
Math, and in the process of looking for a job, my uncle
prompted me to attend this seminar on flowers,” Igonia,
Jr. shares. Through that, his bouquet was featured in
Philippine Daily Inquirer and clients started pouring in.
In his heart though he knew it was his uncle’s work that
is pulling all these customers. It was not until after his
uncle passed away that he realized he should continue
what was left behind.
Respectfully he says if his uncle were still alive, he
would have done more beautiful creations. Nonetheless,
he sure had his uncle’s blessings from above as brides
raved about his bouquets and positive reviews kept
coming his way. That is when he took on a mission: to
bring the humble Sampaguita the greatness it deserves,
and to make his uncle proud.

Old Bouquets, New Blooms

A look on previous bridal bouquets will feature a telltale
ribbon most bouquets then have. Like an accessory,
its colors vary, spiraled or flowing, thick or thin.
Fast-forward to the present and bouquets have really
transformed. With more accessories, variety and vision.
He also adds, back then bouquets tend to be longer
while now they are more round and short.
Flowers are more varied too. Before, there was a
commonality in the flowers used for bridal bouquets,
now, florists are more daring. And he has dared to go
where no other florist does.

Why Weddings are more fun in the
Philippines.

For him, endorsing the Philippines is a daily job
he successfully does with Sampaguita bouquets.
“Choosing Sampaguita makes an impact. Not all
brides are aware that it can be done, since we are used
to seeing it as leis sold outside churches, and because
of its delicate nature, but we can do that skillfully.”