Panama City’s Landscape Designer Shares Love for Hometown

Panama City, Panama — Landscape designer Fernando Wong, who established himself in Florida, has returned to his roots in Panama City, sharing his passion for the city’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Wong, who grew up in Panama, relocated to the United States in 2001. After years of working as a landscape designer, he has managed to reconnect with his homeland, now returning monthly with his partner, Tim Johnson. Wong expressed his deep affection for Panama City during a recent interview.

“I still love it,” Wong said, referring to his return trips. “The experiences I had growing up here have profoundly shaped my work.”

Owners of apartments in Casco Viejo, a district recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Wong and Johnson enjoy the village-like atmosphere that contrasts with their life in Miami Beach.

“Casco Viejo is like a village where everybody knows each other,” Wong explained. “I like to walk around early to listen to the sounds of people setting up shop and hear the birds.”

Wong frequently visits local establishments known for their coffee and cuisine. He mentioned Super Gourmet and the American Trade Hotel, remarking, “They’re both great at empanadas.”

Among his favorite spots in the city are Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Herrera, where he enjoys observing locals amidst the diverse architecture, including the 18th-century La Catedral Metropolitana.

“My upbringing here has influenced my work: my gardens are full of lush, exotic plantings while adhering to the classical rules of architecture,” he said. Wong shared memories of being taken to Parque Natural Metropolitano, a 600-acre tropical forest in the city, which remains an inspiration for his landscaping designs today.

“It’s the only city-based natural park in Latin America, and I love taking people there,” Wong added. “While I have zero desire to run when I am there, it’s an extremely nice place to relax and watch the multitude of native birds.”

In addition to the outdoor activities, Wong appreciates the culinary landscape of Casco Viejo. His go-to restaurant is Kaandela, known for its intimate atmosphere and unique dishes. “My favorite dish is the pork belly lollipops, which are cooked in a secret sauce that brings out the flavor of the meat,” he stated.

For Wong, sharing his love for Panama City extends beyond food. He often takes guests to cultural sites like Museo de la Mola, dedicated to Panama’s indigenous Guna people, and the Panama Canal Museum.

“Panama is a beautifully diverse place,” Wong said. “The airport is super-close; it’s safe and reasonably priced to go out.”

Wong hopes to continue connecting with the city that shaped him while sharing his story with others. “Come to Panama City,” he encouraged. “It’s a beautiful place filled with rich heritage and vibrant life.”