Last weekend, I was invited to go on a short holiday in Batangas.
During that vacation I met a German expat and his Filipina wife who invited us into their home to take a look at a wide variety of plants and flora in their garden. I couldn’t help but notice the turquoise vines which I learned were called jade vines.
The jade vine, or “Tayabak” in the native language, is commonly used as decorative climbing plants because of its striking colors. They grow best in sun or even in some shade and have flowers that bloom during the late winter months to early spring.
I was in awe with how beautiful these vines were and upon seeing them for the first time, I couldn’t help but recall scripture and how Christ called himself the true vine in the Gospel of John.
As I further walked through the garden and around the house, I understood more and more why Jesus used a metaphor to encourage his disciples of His spiritual presence even after His death.
The garden filled with jade vines gave me that feeling of comfort as I walked through the paths and corners.
On another note, and as pointed out to me by my German friend, the new P5 coin which commemorates Andres Bonifacio, a great Filipino hero on his 154th birthday, interestingly features the “Tayabak” on the reverse of the coin.
¡Que curiosidad! as my grandfather always tells me when we discover new things from moments such as a short vacation. After all, new discoveries are more often than not, interesting stories to share.