Bonsai and Suseiki Alliance Show at the Circle

Last June 25 , 2010 , The newly formed  Bonsai and Suiseki Alliance of the Philippines (BSAPI), in cooperation with the Quezon Morial Circle Administration, the Legend Hotel Palawan and the Lacelli International Corporation held a special opening rites on June 25 for special guests, members and media representatives , The show was officially opened to the public  from June 26 to July 11, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

poster of the show at the Quezon Memorial Circle

With the theme, “Nature’s Best at the Comfort of Your Home,” the show will also feature lecture-demonstrations on various aspects of plant arts and environmental concerns, a bonsai challenge, on-the-spot painting contest
exhibit, a bonsai workshop,  a flower and garden bazaar. Quezon City is a favorite show site for most plant associations which included the newly formed society.

a Japanese style landscape garden complete with waterfall and wooden bridge

The show attracted several thousand of people from all walks of life while  the bonsai and garden show will last for about 15 days .

officers , members,   international bonsai judges, media  during the formal opening

Notable guests include former QC councilor Hon. Jeorge Banal Sr.,  Supreme Court Justice Hon. Conchita  Carpio – Morales, Dr. Elenita Binay wife of Vice -President -elect Jejomar Binay, Mrs, Joyce Kato , Mrs. Adoracion S. Bernabe, Professor Serapion Metilla, Mrs. Leticia Ligon , Mr. Nonito Dolera – President Fern and Nature Society of the Philippines, International Bonsai and Suseiki Judges Li Tiong Hong, Li Quo An,Cham Yeon Sien.

The lecture-demos are as follows: “Introduction to Suiseki and Biseki” by Dr. E. Villareal, and “Basic Bonsai Culture Techniques” by engineer A. Villareal, June 28; “Logical Guide to Raising Bonsai” by David Du, and “Bonsai Making with Power Tools” by Mody Manglicmot, June 29; “Miniature Tray landscaping  (Penjing)” by Vic de Rona, June 30; “Anthurium Culture and Hybrids” by Vangie Go, July 1; “Cultural Guide to Growing Sympodial and Monopodial Orchids” by Norby Bautista, July 2; “Benefits of Rock Salt” by Jaime Dyliaco, July 3; “What’s New in Exotic Fruit Trees” by Zac Sarian, July 4; “Gamma Radiation to Produce Mutant Ornamental Plants” by Nanding Aurigue, July 5; “Flower Setting for Wedding Occasions” by Tony Padilla, July 6; “Basic Fern Gardening” by Anthony Arbias, July 7; “The Bounty and Plight of Philippine Hoyas” by Wendy Regalado, July 2 and 8; “Landscaping Using Native Trees” by Patrick Joson, July 9; and “Ikebana for All Occasions” by Ikebana professor Serapion Metilla on July 10.

a mother and child suseiki

Four international members of the board of judges from Taiwan have been invited. They are Li Tiong Hong, director of Bonsai Education of the National Bonsai Association of Taiwan; and NBAT certified judges Li Quo An and Cham Yeon Sien. Chong Hwa Stone Society president Lu Sam Tien will judge the suiseki.

a bonsai tree with several ribbons

Suseiki is an ancient art of natural stone appreciation and collection in which started from China and spreading to Japan where it was improved  . Sometimes gathering stones from the wild  can be illegal or ecologically damaging to take large rocks from the natural environment or national parks. Many landscape supply centers sell large rocks, although you may have to spend time picking through them to find ones with character. Some curious rocks shaped like snakes, dogs, cats and animals were an instant hit among suseiki fanciers and collectors. Unique pieces are eagerly  sought after by collectors .

Natural stones neatly arranged and labeled  for judging

One day after the show opening,  The author hosted a group of photographers from Marikina and also toured students from the Far Eastern University about one  week later.

a group of  tourism students of Far Eastern University toured the show last July 4, 2010

Winners  received the Mody Manglicmot Bonsai and Suiseki Cups.

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