The display of prized miniature trees from the private collections of hobbyists and artists just once a year was a sight to behold atop neatly arranged rows of tables in the familiar blue fabric and cream backdrop. Adjacent to the bonsai exhibit was the plants and garden bazaar which became a gathering place for plant lovers who took advantage of the variety and fair prices of plants, tools and garden accessories sold by some of the biggest names in the horticulture industry.

On the other hand, at Gateway’s Activity Center, many people faithfully attended from Day 1 until the last of the lecture-demos by Taiwanese masters Wu Shan Chang and Yang Kuo Yin, and other succeeding workshops conducted by the various provincial clubs affiliated with PBSI. These include the Pangasinan Bonsai Society headed by Mike Morden; Nueva Ecija Bonsai Society headed by Joel Embuscado; and Ilocandia Bonsai Society headed by Glenn Gasid. Noteworthy too were the participation and support of the Kapampangan Horticulture & Bonsai Society headed by Raymond Cordero, and the Kapisanang Pinoy sa Sining Bonsai led by Dr. Emer Cruz who is also a current director of PBSI.

An introduction to the allied arts of bonsai – Suiseki (Natural Stone Appreciation) and Saikei (Tray landscaping arrangement) were done by Fely S. Gup. As a former president of the Philippine Bonsai Society and founding president of the Natural Stone Society of the Philippines, she continues to engage in these allied arts as harmonious complements to bonsai.

Seen intensely following the lineuip of activities were fellow bonsaists from various regions like the Bulacan Bonsai Society headed by Dr. Elmer Villareal; Ritzie Bugante of Fukal Kayo Bonsai Society of General Santos City; Jun Caumban of Bonsai de Oro Philippines of Cagayan de Oro; Chinchin Goteesan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Dr. Norberto Jim Agad, representing Mindanao Bonsai Society with Herden Pedrajas, president.

Creating further excitement for the daily crowd that gathered at Gateway’s Activity Center were the kiddie bonsai workshops which had young boys and girls learning bonsai culture the fun way guided by volunteer PBSI members and encouraged by eager parents. The children worked on Serissa foetida materials and were taught basic steps in the art of bonsai from simple wiring, planting in miniature pots and care of the plants.

Attendees of the highly informative lecture-demos were also the first to preview the initial educational modules done by powerpoint presentation on the topic: Bonsai — History, Classification and Styles and Presentation. Prepared by PBSI president Bobby Gopiao, it will serve as a tool for people interested in learning the fundamentals of bonsai.