Biggest-ever bonsai event takes place at SM Mall of Asia

"Beauty beyond years, beyond borders" is the theme for what would undoubtedly be the biggest bonsai-related event in 2023. The Philippine Bonsai Society Inc., the premier and oldest garden club in the Philippines, will bring together the most prestigious bonsai clubs from here and abroad on 10-12 June 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.

The signing of the contract between PBSI officers and the top management of SM Supermalls signals the start of the year-long preparations for the event. The three-day celebration that will take place in 2023 commemorates three milestone events: the Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention, the Asia Pacific Bonsai Friendship Federation, and the 50th anniversary of PBSI.

The event will feature a convention with foreign delegates from the Asia Pacific, attended by members of ASPAC and ABFF—the Asian group of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation. These events also attract the attendance of hobbyists from other countries outside the Asia Pacific region.

Top international bonsai masters, including masters from Asia, USA, and Europe, have been invited to do lectures and demonstrations, along with  highly experienced local bonsai artists.

Led by show chair and immediate past president of PBSI Lito "Boy" Pangilinan, PBSI has always mounted its shows nationwide with SM Supermalls as the club's partner. SM Supermalls provides venues nationwide for free and assists the organization logistically. The said events will take place at three locations in the SM Mall of Asia Complex: the main exhibit at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, which will feature bonsai trees, suisekis (natural stones), and ikebana (flower) arrangements; at the mall's Central Atrium (a space adjacent to the Music Hall); and at SM By the Bay, where there will be selling booths of plants and anything related to bonsai and gardens.

The show, which will be directed by Floy Quintos, will showcase an estimated 300 show quality trees, 200 suisekis, and 50-100 ikebana arrangements. There will also be a gallery displaying photos of the best bonsai trees from countries within Asia and the Pacific, and By the Bay garden booths will coincide with the bonsai display, drawing plants and nature lovers to SM Supermalls throughout the duration of the exhibit.

The Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention is made up of national bonsai organizations from Asia and the Pacific, led by current chairman Roberto "Bobby" Gopiao. Only one national club per country is allowed within the organization, with PBSI being a founding member.

For more information about the event, contact Lito "Boy" Pangilinan via 0908-8869113, or email pangilinan_lito@yahoo.com.ph.

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