Page 24 - BSAM 2018 Q1

Top; The Farewell Banquet at the glittering Huang Chao Golden Hall started with a spectacular light show set to music.
Top left; Chairman Tsang-Shing Chen, with Jyoti and Nikunj Parekh. Mr. Chen presented each demonstrator commem- orative mementos, including a specially minted medallion.
Middle left and right; BCI President Glenis Bebb pre- sented Sujata Bhat with the BCI Writer/Photogra- pher Award for 2017. She also presented Mr. Chen the prestigious BCI Meritorious Service Award for his generosity and support in promoting the art of bonsai, both in Taiwan and abroad.
Farewell Dinner
A glittering venue with a dramatic light show, live music, dancing, and merrymaking all around
HBy Vic Ceballos, Philippines
aving attended a number of bonsai and stone
conventions in many parts of the globe, which
all are capped with a farewell dinner, this one in Taiwan was really fabulous, one of the best. e venue was simply grand. Impeccably prepared Chinese food, wine and spirits were over owing, treating all guests to a gastronomic delight. It was a time when most, if not all, people in attendance had one thing in mind; enjoy the camaraderie of fellow bonsai artists and stone lovers in a party set-up!
After all the commendations were given to the participants of the event, the big contingent of bonsai artists from the Philippines did their prepared number, which was a perfect kick-o for every one to start dancing. Glenis Bebb, BCI president, Mr. Chen, chairman of the event, to name a few, joined the Filipinos dancing and singing on stage.
e band played dance music, which made most in attendance jump to their feet and swing their hips. Soon, all who were dancing formed a long line going around the hall to the beat of the music. Anyone who wanted to join the “train” was free to join. With or without the in uence of alcohol, the entire hall was in a frenzy. Prominent persons in the bonsai world were just there to enjoy the night away!
This farewell dinner-party was certainly a memorable way to end the grand bonsai and stone event, which shall always be remembered fondly by those who were present. Truly, bonsai bridges friendship along with dances and songs!
Bottom; A large group of artists from the Philippines kicked o the dancing and partying, inviting all to join them on stage until there was standing room only, but the dancing continued unabated!
22 | BCI | January/February/March 2018