Bonsai "tray planting" is a Japanese art form using trees grown in containers. Its rich history can be traced back to ancient China before making its way to Japan. Although the art is considered ancient, with the number of trends following WWII, it made its way to the modern world which continues to thrive globally. 

        In the Philippines, a group of Bonsai buffs formed what is now called Philippine Bonsai Society Inc. (PBSI). What started as an informal group in 1973, is now a growing non-stock and non-profit association that continues to relive the art of Bonsai cultivation and propagation through various events such as competitions and art exhibits.

      Following its visions, PBSI, in partnership with SM Supermalls, presented Sanib Pwersa: An Extraordinary Gathering of Cebu's finest Bonsai and Suiseki Collection. 🌳 Two affiliations also joined forces during the event - Cebu Bonsai Society and Cebu Suiseki Society. Both are affiliates of PBSI and Natural Stone Society of the Philippines. 

       The art exhibition was put together at the Mountain Wing area of SM Seaside Cebu. The 3-day exhibit which started last July 7 and ended on July 9, 2017, deeply encourages mall-goers to witness and appreciate nature via the art of Bonsai and Suiseki. Sanib Pwersa (Join Forces) featured bonsai of different species and stones in different sizes and shapes. Suiseki is described as the art of appreciating naturally occurring rocks. 

        Before cutting the ribbon to formally open the exhibition, distinguished guests mostly composed of artists and art enthusiasts witnessed Cebu Bonsai Society's induction of new officers and the awarding of winners for the bonsai competition. More than 20 winners emerged from the event. Special awards were also given to artists who came up with innovative in cultivating bonsai. 

 Bonsai artists and enthusiasts

Sanib Pwersa recipients of Special Awards

    Mr. Jess Cuenco, Madam Cuenco, Sanib Pwersa Special Guest Emcee Mr. Jed Sevilla behind them is one of Mr. Cuenco's award-winning piece. The plant is the recipient of the Best Show Award.

      Cebu Bonsai Society Vice President Mr. Jesus C. Cuenco received several gold awards and gathered the all the major awards during the event - a first in the Philippine Bonsai history. 

Mr. Bobby Gopiao

      In his speech, Mr. Bobby Gopiao, PBSI President, said that looks forward to holding global bonsai shows. He lauded the recent programs like the bonsai master class spearheaded by PBSI which has 46 graduating students by the end of this month. 

       PBSI hopes that their competitions and exhibitions all over the Philippines make it easier among Filipinos to appreciate, cultivate, and propagate the art. PBSI will be sponsoring three international events real soon. One will be in Vietnam this November.

        Art workshops were also held in consonance with the art exhibition.

Ending this post with a poem by the great Filipino poet:

Bonsai

Edith Tiempo

All that I love

I fold over once

And once again

And keep in a box

Or a slit in a hollow post

Or in my shoe.

All that I love?

Why, yes, but for the moment-

And for all time, both.

Something that folds and keeps easy,

Son’s note or Dad’s one gaudy tie,

A roto picture of a queen,

A blue Indian shawl, even

A money bill.

It’s utter sublimation,

A feat, this heart’s control

Moment to moment

To scale all love down

To a cupped hand’s size

Till seashells are broken pieces

From God’s own bright teeth,

And life and love are real

Things you can run and

Breathless hand over

To the merest child.