Going bananas over… bananas!

By Liezle Basa Inigo

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Who’d ever think a banana tree will attract so much attention in some old man’s backyard?

For 78-year-old Simeon Idos, who receives visitors every day in this town, it’s all because the banana bunch that has grown over six feet long from his tree (scientifically, the banana is a plant or giant herb).

The bunch is so packed with bananas that its “pusong saging” (male flower) literally kisses the floor.

“I am happy with my bananas. It’s inspiring,” said Idos, who has received requests from neighbors and strangers to get a piece of the tree for planting.

Idos said the seedling of his banana plant came from his son’s plantation in Barangay Sungkil, Sta. Barbara, this province.

“I just planted the seedling last January and it didn’t take long for the heart to grow,” he said.

Asked for an explanation why it has produced so many fruits, Idos turned sentimental and thought of his late wife.

He said that since his wife died last month, the tree has been his source of inspiration and joy.

“I was told, my banana tree has been photographed and posted on Facebook,” he said. “Many have labeled it as ‘señorita’ (a banana variety) because of its size and some have called it ‘amazing banana.’”

Amused, Idos said he appreciates all the attention and even the out-of-towners who call him out of the house to have their picture taken beside his tree with the very long tiers of bananas.

“What many don’t know,” Idos said, “is that these bananas taste very sweet once they ripen.”