Rain or shine, the show must go on. The opening and awarding ceremonies of the Philippine Bonsai Society Inc. (PBSI) Northern Bonsai Show 2024, titled “All Roads Lead to the Nationals,” went ahead as planned despite the southwest monsoon, which was intensified by typhoon Enteng.
The event runs from September 5 to 8, 2024, at SM City Clark in Pampanga, and is open to the public with free admission.
Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Pogi Lazatin Jr., Judge and Headliner Master Hsu Tong Chang, PBSI President Cristina Anne Dionisio, PBS President Allen Bunag, SM City Clark PR manager Venus Magsino led the ribbon cutting.
Founded in 1975 with Rose Laurel-Avancena as its first president, the PBSI gained popularity through exhibitions at the Manila Seedling Bank in the ’70s and a notable show at Paskuhan Village in 1998, which featured renowned Master Masahiko Kimura.
Today, PBSI is internationally recognized, participates in global bonsai events, and is affiliated with organizations such as Bonsai Clubs International (BCI) and the Nippon Bonsai Association (NBA). The society has members nationwide and regularly hosts exhibitions across the country.
This delicate art form, originating from China and perfected in Japan, transforms ordinary trees into living sculptures of miniature splendor.
Bonsai, where tranquility meets artistry, is more than just growing small trees; it’s an intricate dance of nature and nurture.” The process begins with selecting a tree species known for its adaptability and potential for intricate design. From there, skilled practitioners engage in a meticulous regimen of pruning, wiring, and repotting, all aimed at creating a harmonious balance between form and function.
Each bonsai tells a story through its shape and style, reflecting the creator’s vision and the natural beauty of the tree. Techniques like the formal upright, informal upright, and cascading styles allow for an expressive range, from the serene to the dramatic.