Cherry blossoms at the Koronadal City Integrated Terminal

I'd been waiting for the perfect chance to take pictures of the pink flowers at the Koronadal City Integrated Terminal. I spotted the trees in bloom a month ago, but didn't have the time or proper camera to capture a shot.

It was wise of me to bring my camera on this sleepy Palm Sunday morning. I've rediscovered photography recently, a love that has ebbed and flowed, depending on the season—a fact that remains true for most of my hobbies. I recall a conversation with a young patient, who owns a photography business, who said I shouldn't worry which camera to purchase—that the best camera is that which I'd actually use. 

The trees looked lovely this morning. On weekdays, I imagine that they'd refresh tired eyes, an alternative to the busy to-and-fro of tricycles, buses, and private vehicles that ply Robredo Street. 

I love seeing trees lining the streets; it's a shame that we unnecessarily destroy and kill so many of them.

The security personnel, huddled beneath the shade, drinking coffee, allowed me to take pictures. 

"Ano ni nga puno, Te?" I asked. 

One lady said, "Cherry blossoms na, sir."

I didn't pry further and thanked the staff. Behind this brilliant idea were the city planners and gardeners who thought adding color to the terminal's front perimeter was a good thing. I should thank these people, too.

"Piktyuri lang, sir, ah," the lady said.

They looked like cherry blossoms up close.

Can someone identify the plant? Is this perhaps the salinggogon (Cratoxylum formosum)? (I learn so much from Celine Murillo's Instagram that people are impressed I know so much.)