In Sibalom Antique there was a popular flower known called “Rafflesia” and it is known as the world’s biggest exotic flower. But don’t be misled, though called as a “flower,” its smells awful that it is also referred as a “corpse flower.” The Rafflesia speciosa or locally called “uruy” was first discovered in Mt. Poras at Sibalom Natural Park, Sibalom, Antique. It’s the third Rafflesia species to be documented to exist in the country. It can also be seen in the adjacent towns of San Remegio, Tibiao and Mt. Baloy in Valderamma.
The Rafflesia speciosa flower when in full bloom expands about 45cm to 56cm in diameter. Categorized as “critically endangered,” you’ll find these flowering sometime in the late months of February to April. The Rafflesia has become the most celebrated flower in Antique Province.
During the Binirayan Festival, there were different competitions like the Rafflesia Inspired Costume, Rafflesia Inspired Drum & Bugle and the Top 10 Rafflesia Designers Battle. It is used as a theme and décor of floats and costumes. Even the park and the municipality where it was first found adopted the flower as its symbol. Since I’m already here in sibalom antique I’ve more curious to see how it is big in when you see in actual than to see in the photos and some of people’s here gossips that Rafflesia flower have a really really awful smell even animals are trying to encounter and avoid it due to “sa katangi tanging taglay nitong halimuyak” 😅 but for me it is one of the hidden treasures that we should boast because we are so lucky and blessed that our country have this kind and rare flower that blooms in our country.