During my childhood, the months of April and May found me at the hacienda for my would-not-exchange-it-for-anything summer holiday. The usual destination? Our ancestral home — the source of countless happy memories — proud with age, patterned after my grandfather’s very own, in faraway en las montañas de Asturias en España.

On its side, towering in full bloom were white and pink kalachuchi trees in several rows — with its exposed roots and twisted trunks, reminiscent of the centuries-old garden of olives in Gethsemane. But from the very first of May and onwards, they would shed its blossoms. The reason? The neighborhood girls carefully handpicked the blooms every day for their daily Flores de Mayo processions and offerings at the municipio’s bigger-than-a-chapel and yet smaller-than-a-church house of prayer.

This was a revered Marian tradition upheld over the years. With everyone dressed in their finest, the older girls carefully spelled out Ave Maria, inserting each bloom into makeshift floral holders set along the aisle. The younger ones, some giggly yet still reverent, with their hands respectfully clasped, scattered petals from their baskets of woven nito and offer humble posies to Our Lady. Other hung garlands around the image of the Virgin. The mostly-women congregation, filled with continuous hymns of Immaculate Mother, in great unison, enthusiastically join the much-loved chorus of the “Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.”

Flores de Mayo, one of our most cherished religious ritual, is still widely anticipated throughout our archipelago. Celebrated during the month of May, this festival is a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the various main islands, each region brings its unique charm to the observance.

In rural communities, designated representatives of active church organizations often go house to house, seeking donations of flowers to adorn the altars, creating an explosion of color and fragrance in parish sanctuaries. Urban counterparts, on the other hand, organize daily processions and prayer services, each culminating in Marian songs and rains of petals.

The roots of Flores de Mayo trace back to intertwined Spanish and Mexican influences. From the Santa Cruz de Mayo, it commemorates the discovery of the Holy Cross. This sacred find, believed to have occurred in 321 AD, is attributed to Saint Helena — known in Philippine tradition as Reyna Elena, mother of Constantine the Great. In Filipino big towns and small cities, this narrative is vividly reimagined in the Santacruzan, the grand paseo which marks the culmination of Flores de Mayo. Here, young women, often chosen for their grace and piety, parade under intricately decorated arches, dressed in elaborate gowns, embodying various biblical and Marian characters.

Today, the beloved traditions take on a new form — an artistic tribute, as a new exhibition blooms — Flowers of May by acclaimed Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor. The venue? None other than the iconic The Manila Hotel, one of the foremost properties of the country, in its Art Gallery, known for celebrating both heritage and contemporary mastery.

Known for his visual storytelling and symbolic use of color, Baldemor breathes fresh life into the commemoration. Following his introspective Kuwaresma series just the month prior, he turns his focus toward renewal and joy. In Flowers of May, Baldemor captures the vibrant essence of Philippine flora — the sampaguita, gumamela, kalachuchi, bougainvillea and more — each blossom rendered not just in form, but as a prayer.

“One can achieve tranquility by recognizing themselves as part of nature and finding their core or soul,” the artist reflects. “Flowers are a perfect example as they represent peace and love. They have their own language of diplomacy that speaks straight to our hearts,” he continued.

Through the show, Baldemor connects viewers with both religious cultural heritage and the quiet beauty of the natural world.

Flores de Mayo is on display at the Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel until 31 May. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

¡Enhorabuena, Manuel Baldemor! ¡Viva, The Manila Hotel!