LOOK: You can admire gorgeous cherry blossom-like trees in Taguig City
Watching travel documentaries, films and TV shows, or your favorite anime might leave you tempted to fly to Japan to see the world-famous sakuras or cherry blossom trees.
The pink flowers, which are in full bloom from mid-March to late April and even early May, are a national treasure in the country, symbolizing renewal and optimism as they mark the end of winter.
Sadly, not everybody has the time or luxury to book a flight to the Land of the Rising Sun to see these delicate gems of nature. But Taguig City may help you cross out this item in your bucket list as you can spot some gorgeous trees that could almost rival Japan's cherry blossoms in terms of appearance and beauty.
These are called pink trumpet trees (scientifically named Tabebuia rosea), which can reach up to 20-40 feet in height with a growth rate of 12-24 inches per year, according to the University of Redlands. These trees are easy to grow as they can adapt to any soil condition and can withstand tropical climates such as the Philippines.
They have the distinction of having flowers that bloom eye-catching color of pink and purple hues, but what's unique about them is that they are shaped like a trumpet, hence the name.
According to I Love Taguig, the trees in full bloom can be found along Laguna Lake Highway or C6 Road, the road linking Metro Manila with Rizal in the east and Cavite in the South passing through Pasig, Taguig, and Muntinlupa.
The trees were planted there beginning in 2015 after the city's government found them to be suitable in covering the 21-kilometer road covering the center island, as well as the northbound and southbound bike lanes.
The trees also serve as a way for the city to address the increasing carbon footprint in the area.