Tuesday, December 05, 2006 Bonsai banzai By Ritchie Landis Doner Quijano
WE love the magic in seeing small things happen.
Often, we say that little things count. Such is what we experienced at an agricultural trade fair in the far-flung southern town of Samboan when four individuals of different backgrounds and persuasions converged in the open-air school grounds fronting the municipal hall for a weekend to show off their cultivated creations of bonsai plants.
Despite their diversity, the guys had something in common. That’s right, I said guys. We were a bit surprised because townswomen, who grow ornamentals in their home gardens as part of their household diversion, aren’t engaged in the art of the miniaturist. The women, however, became their greatest fans.
Ever heard of bonsai hunting? It is an activity where hobbyist go trekking to look for specimens ideal for the craft. Most of the plants are found in rock formations in mountains and rivers. They are armed with the reliable hammer and crowbar because often the plants grow on rocks and the tools are used to extract them. The hunters? Jess Dinglasa, newly-bitten by the bonsai bug, earns as a rhythm guitarist and vocals of the local Spirit Band while band mate Sergio Heramis is the senior hobbyist, having been engaged in bonsai culture for many years, and has the most number of bonsai in his collection.
The two other gentlemen are both green-thumbed public school teachers: Paul Dinopol and Victor Moral. Though they lack a group name, they are planning to organize a local bonsai club soon. Loving the small brought them together.
