Grapes

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'It's easier to grow grapes in PH than in US, Europe'

Unknown to many, the Philippines has been home to several vineyards, said Avelino Lomboy, who has been growing grapes in the country for more than four decades.

He said some of these are located in La Union, Cebu, Cotabato, Iloilo, Masbate and Nueva Ecija.

“In the Philippines, we have the best climate for grapes, which is 25 to 34 degrees Centigrade,” Lomboy explained. “And the temperatures the whole year round stay that way until winter. In Europe, you only grow [grapes] once a year. Here, you can grow [grapes] the whole year.”

“Grapes grow based on summer, so we have the whole year. Heat is not a problem,” he added, referring to the misconception that grapes need cold weather to grow.

“In the Philippines, from planting to first harvest, it’s below one year. In America, it will take you three years. Why? Because of autumn and winter, stop ang growth. Pero ang Pilipinas, tuluy-tuloy ang growth because of the sunlight. Mas madaling mag-grow ng grapes sa Pilipinas,” he said.

source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com