Dabawenyos witnessed Mindanao’s biggest bonsai and suiseki exhibit in SM Lanang last June 23-25, 2023 at the Atrium, bringing hundreds of local bonsai experts from 16 participating clubs and organizations in Mindanao-25 and international federation judges from Taiwan.
With the support of the 14 Mindanao clubs, over 117 bonsai entries and 85 suiseki entries were on display. The exhibit showcased two distinct forms of Japanese art: bonsai, a miniature lifelike representation of nature, and suiseki, or the Japanese art of stone appreciation.
Exhibited trees went through rigorous selections and this is where one can see some of the highest quality Philippine bonsai in one place.
This year’s annual show was jointly held with the celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the Philippine Bonsai Society Inc., The Asia Pacific-14th Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibition and Convention, and the Asia-Pacific Bonsai Friendship Federation, in partnership with the Davao Bonsai Society.
The opening day was filled with people along with “bonsayistas” from Butuan, Iligan, Cabadbaran, San Isidro, Bukidnon, Digos, Kidapawan, Midsayap, Koronadal, Surallah, Gensan, Bohol, Manila, and Pampanga. Shoppers and enthusiasts enjoyed the trees leisurely, and talk with club members who kindly explained the merits of the winning trees.
Joining the launch were SM Group Marketing Manager, Pinky Hinong, Kimberly Remollona (SM Lanang Mall Manager), and Engr. Jonathan Nick D. Santos (AVP Operations, SM Supermalls). Present during the ribbon cutting were Jun Cero (President, Mindanao Bonsai Society & Exhibit Chairman, ASPAC-Mindanao Leg), Jun Yamas (Davao Bonsai Society President and Exhibit Co-Chairman), Boy Pangilinan (VP-PBS & Overall Chairman ASPAC-ABFF-PBSI), Bobby Gopia (Chairman, ASPAC & ABFF), and Yumie Gupit, president of the Phil. Bonsai Society, Inc).
Cero, in his speech, recognized the bonsayistas' efforts, “This exhibit is a concerted effort of our Mindanao leaders. It is a long and tedious journey, but of course, spiced with passion and determination, I could say that it was a journey worth taking.”
The event’s theme is “Beauty beyond years, beyond borders”, which is an apt description of how the bond has developed through the years. He added that these figures are people who have a passion for the arts of bonsai and stone appreciation. They are not only in pursuit of excelling in these arts but also pursuing meaningful relationships with people who have the same passion.
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