Jasmine Garland

Jasminum sambac, commonly known as Arabian jasmine or sampaguita  is my country's (Philippines)  National Flower.

Why and for what reasons, I can only guess.

For one, It's fragrance only lasts a full day; from the time it is harvested in the outskirt of the city at dawn, it's life span starts ticking, up to when it's sold as garlands in the city as floral offerings to Virgin Mary or other not so virgin ladies of the night. My guess is that Sampaguita was chosen for it's delicate sweet fragrance that seems to offer hope and a promise of a better day. So watching an Indie Film about it entitled -"Sampaguita, National Flower, Directed by Francis Xavier Pasion helps, a bit. As a migrant who has been living here for almost 20 years now and calls Australia more "Home" nowadays, It did touch a chord in me, albeit, ever so slighty, a longing to understand more of what I am , where I am, and where I'm going? I must admit though that the recent surge of national pride in the support for Queensland's flood victims has made me truly proud to be an Aussie, not just by citizenship, but more from the spirit and pride, then added to this the Oprah Winfrey's Australian visit made me look around and appreciate "THE LUCKY COUNTRY" that is Australia! Still, a part of me wants to know, am I a real "Aussie" or a mere chameleon who speaks the tongue but does not have the heart of one? Time will tell... hopefully before the fragrance blows all away! Hence a seed has been planted here today-in my Theatre Australian Blog, I shall endeavour to keep you posted - for those who cares!