“Beauty beyond years, beyond borders” is the theme of what is touted to be the biggest bonsai-related event in 2023.
The Philippine Bonsai Society, Inc., the oldest garden club in the Philippines, brings together the most prestigious bonsai clubs from here and abroad for the 10 to 12 June 2023 event, to be held at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.
The contract-siging between the officers of the PBSI and top management of SM Supermalls signals the start of the year
-long preparations for the event.
The three-day celebration commemorates three milestone events: The Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention, the Asia Pacific Bonsai Friendship Federation, and the 50th founding year of PBSI.
This makes the grand partnership a once-in-a lifetime event where it will feature a convention with foreign delegates from the Asia Pacific, attended by members of ASPAC and ABFF — the Asian group of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation.
These events also draw hobbyists from other countries outside the Asia Pacific Region.
Top international bonsai masters, including masters from Asia, US, and Europe, have been invited to do lectures and demos. Highly experienced local bonsai artists will also do lectures and demos during the 2023 event.
Led by show chair and immediate past president Lito “Boy” Pangilinan, PBSI has always mounted its shows nationwide with SM Supermalls as the club’s partner. SM Supermalls provides venues nationwide for free and assists the organization logistically.
The events will take place at three locations in the SM Mall of Asia Complex: Main exhibit will be at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, which will feature bonsai trees, suisekis (natural stones), and ikebana (flower) arrangements; at the mall’s Central Atrium (a space adjacent to the Music Hall); and at SM By the Bay where there will be selling booths of plants and anything related to bonsai and garden.
The show, to be directed by Floy Quintos, will showcase an estimated 300 show-quality trees, 200 suisekis, and 50-100 ikebana arrangements.
There will also be a gallery displaying photos of the best bonsai trees from countries within Asia and the Pacific and By the Bay garden booths will coincide with the bonsai display, drawing plants and nature lovers to SM Supermalls throughout the duration of the exhibit.
The Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention is composed of national bonsai organizations from Asia and the Pacific, led by current chairperson Roberto “Bobby” Gopiao.
Only one national club per country is allowed within the organization, with PBSI being a founding member.
Contact Lito Pangilinan via mobile at 09088869113 or via email at pangilinan_lito@yahoo.com.ph.
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