Page 27 - Demo

One hundred and fifty trees, ranging from shohin to large- sized trees, were on display along with an adjacent display of approximately sixty viewing stones, mostly local Philippine
stones. Bonsai lectures and demonstrations, including basic and advanced bonsai workshops, were held during the exhibition. Activities also included a lecture on stone appreciation and critique of the stones on display.
During the last 100 years, the art and science of bonsai has spread from Japan to the rest of the world. Most bonsai enthusiasts are familiar with the excellent bonsai and well trained artists in Japan, China, Korea, North America, Europe, Australia, with emerging talent in Latin America and southeastern Asia. However, few of us think about the island nation of the Republic of the Philippines as having a significant presence in the world bonsai community. That is changing as the quality of the bonsai and the styling techniques of sev- eral outstanding Filipino artists are becoming better known worldwide. There is a robust community of bonsai hobbyists, serious collectors, and outstanding artists in this country of nearly 100 million people.
The 41st National Bonsai Exhibition & Competition was held in Pasig City, one of the highly urbanized cities of Metro Manila, from May 23 through June 1, 2014. This event was organized by the Philippine Bonsai Society led by its current President, Augusto P. Rustia, and a board of directors. This society with its fourteen affiliated clubs from the northern to the southern regions is the premiere bonsai organization in the Philippines. One hundred and fifty trees, rang- ing from shohin to large-sized trees, were on display along with an adjacent display of approximately sixty viewing stones, mostly local Philippine stones. Bon- sai lectures and demonstrations, including basic and advanced bonsai workshops, were held during the exhibition. Activities also included a lecture on stone
Scenes from the 41st Exhibition and Awards Ceremony.
Upper left; BCI board members Budi Sulistyo present several awards to outstanding Philippine bonsai artist Roberto Gopiao.
Upper right; Philippines Bonsai Society board member Susan Lee with Taiwanese bonsai artists Tang Chin-Feng and Yen Tzu-Ching,
Middle left; Angusto Rustia, Philippine Bonsai Society president Angusto P. Rustia, Tom Elias, BCI President; and Tatsuo Kitagawa, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan presenting awards.
Middle right; Madame Filicidad S. Gupit, and artist Jesz Vergara presenting BCI President Tom Elias with a painted Philippine stone.
Lower left; recipient of two awards.
Lower middle and lower right;
demonstrations of bonsai styling.
Background photo; the bonsai exhibit.
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