Words by Cesar Castro, Jr. | Photos by Sir Dominick Licuanan

“They (plants) are giving me extraordinary joy and hope,” a plantito said.

           The world is now going through its darkest crack. Humankind is slowly being decayed by a recalcitrant villain… the coronavirus disease 2019 or most commonly known as COVID- 19.

            Due to this pandemic, we became prisoners – and still are, especially those who strictly follow the rules, inside our own home. Well, as advised by the World Health Organization, staying at home is the greatest weapon to win our battle against the viral infection. The melancholic crisis continuously brings the society to its highest point of anxiety. Men are afraid to be infected, to lose loved ones, to be bankrupt, to be hungry, to be thirsty, and to bid goodbye to a wonderful life.

            Despite the depressing situation, several people remain hopeful, they seek hope. Fortunately, some have found a silver lining among the beautiful creation of God… the aesthetic and the eye-catching plants, the green lining of plantitos and plantitas.

            You may have heard these terms recently because…well, they are trending now. And I know most of you know someone who is (if you, yourself, are not a plantito or plantita yet). These terms pertain to individuals who have immense liking toward plants – even sell them for a living.

Science claims that plants can provide prolificacy, concentration, and creativity. They also “repair” or heal the mind that serves as an escape to anxiety.  This is the biggest underlying motive of people why they keep on taking care of plants.

            Furthermore, as an oxygen provider, plants around us improve our breathing. They furnish fresh air that gives the heaven vibe. It improves our respiratory system that purports the proper inhalation of oxygen, which continues the operation of the flow of our blood.

            Mr. Dominick Licuanan, a former GAIS teacher and a self-confessed plantito, is a living manifestation that plants are so beneficial for us, especially that we are facing at the extremity of losing our minds and breaking our hearts.

He said that he is a big fan of plants even when he was young. He has a great love for the environment that calms his eyes because of its aestheticism.

“Bata pa lang ako, mahilig na talaga ako sa mga halaman. Iba ang pakiramdam na naibibigay nila sa akin. Bukod sa dekorasyon sa bahay, nakakatulong din sila para mas bumuti ang pakiramdam ko,” he told GAIS Campus Penpushers.

He also mentioned that instead of doing nothing at all, gardening makes him productive. It embellishes their home, and it keeps him busy even we are in community quarantine. In fact, he employed himself by selling plants and other gardening supplies. He wants other people to experience the same joy that he is experiencing.

“Ngayon na mahirap ang buhay, nagpapasalamat ako kasi malaking tulong ang paghahalaman ko. Kumikita na ako, naibabahagi ko pa sa buong mundo ang kaligayahan,” he added.

Furthermore, gardening has become his shield when he is battling with his silent depression and anxiety. Plants are giving him extraordinary joy and hope. In short, plants are his green lining.

There are some points in our life that we cannot control anything. And that brings us the anxiety. Remember, it is not the finish line. Alleviate the negativities in your mind. See the bright side and make it more brilliant.

Just like what plantitos and plantitas do, they see a slight of hope in the middle of a historical pandemic. They consider plants as their “GREEN LINING.”

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