29Apr-03May23
VIGAN CITY ILOCOS SUR BONSAI INTERNATIONAL SHOW PHILIPPINES - By DocJoey Catimbang
Me and my wife had our holiday last April in the Philippines. The bonsai show was not in our original plan for this holiday in the Philppines. But fortunately, the date coincides with our first week of holidays. Me and my wife decided to have a go instead. And thought, my wife would love to see a proper Bonsai Show. And she might change the whole perspective about bonsai. Yes, Hopefully.😬 Because only bonsai hobbyist would understand the feeling. And she did enjoyed it. The Bonsai show was more than 6 hours travel by car from our place. Its in Vigan Ilocos Sur. We just had an hour stop in midway for our breakfast. Vigan is About almost 9 hours to north of Luzon from Manila by car. Which is the Capital and Chief City of the Philippines. The travel was smooth and roads quite much better now than few years ago. Motorways are much longer and wider though. Few road works but in general its really nice. Along the way, we passed 4-5 star beautiful beach resorts, hotel’s and mountain sceneries. Food and drinks were nice and cheap. About 5 times cheaper on booze compared here in UK. Love it lol. Vigan is known for its historical places and museum. Like Villa Crisologo. It’s Cobblestoned street lined with Spanish-era houses, a lively hub of souvenir shops & restaurants. A Museum that shows the old spanish era in the Philippines. Philippines has been colonized by Spain for more than 300 years. And then was sold to Americans in 1898. A Spanish-American war. The end of spanish era in thẻ Philippines. Hence most Filipinos have inherited some of this Spanish and American culture, their language and accent. And Possibly the mixed genes of some of the Filipinos.
VIGAN CITY ILOCOS SUR BONSAI INTERNATIONAL SHOW PHILIPPINES - By DocJoey Catimbang
Me and my wife had our holiday last April in the Philippines. The bonsai show was not in our original plan for this holiday in the Philppines. But fortunately, the date coincides with our first week of holidays. Me and my wife decided to have a go instead. And thought, my wife would love to see a proper Bonsai Show. And she might change the whole perspective about bonsai. Yes, Hopefully.😬 Because only bonsai hobbyist would understand the feeling. And she did enjoyed it. The Bonsai show was more than 6 hours travel by car from our place. Its in Vigan Ilocos Sur. We just had an hour stop in midway for our breakfast. Vigan is About almost 9 hours to north of Luzon from Manila by car. Which is the Capital and Chief City of the Philippines. The travel was smooth and roads quite much better now than few years ago. Motorways are much longer and wider though. Few road works but in general its really nice. Along the way, we passed 4-5 star beautiful beach resorts, hotel’s and mountain sceneries. Food and drinks were nice and cheap. About 5 times cheaper on booze compared here in UK. Love it lol. Vigan is known for its historical places and museum. Like Villa Crisologo. It’s Cobblestoned street lined with Spanish-era houses, a lively hub of souvenir shops & restaurants. A Museum that shows the old spanish era in the Philippines. Philippines has been colonized by Spain for more than 300 years. And then was sold to Americans in 1898. A Spanish-American war. The end of spanish era in thẻ Philippines. Hence most Filipinos have inherited some of this Spanish and American culture, their language and accent. And Possibly the mixed genes of some of the Filipinos.
Vigan is one of the prime destination for most foreign tourist and locals. From best beaches, hotels, sceneries, foods drinks and historical places. And known hospitality of the Filipinos. Travelling to Vigan will pass San Fernando La Union where most of the 4-5 Star Resorts and Hotel. One of them is the THUNDERBIRD CASINO AND RESORT (The Santorini of the North. In the photo) This is one reason why the Bonsai show was held in this place. Showcase of the prime bonsai and tourist attractions.
We took a 4 days and 3 nights hotel accommodation which is less than 2 miles away from the city centre of Vigan. At least away from the noise and busy city. The venue was at the heart of the city centre. It’s Easy to find. WAZE was always very helpful. This was our first visit for a proper bonsai show in the Philippines. And we really enjoyed it. We’ve met new friends.
Though we all knew them on our bonsai groups in facebook? We’re happy that we’ve met in person. Another wonderful experience in this newfound hobby.
Though we all knew them on our bonsai groups in facebook? We’re happy that we’ve met in person. Another wonderful experience in this newfound hobby.
Most of the bonsai trees that were used material in the show were fully grown locally in the Philippines. The PEMPHIS ACIDULA OR BANTIGUE our local name. From extra large size to small ones. Few Tamarindus, Argao Taiwan, hibiscus taiwan, buogainvillaes. But the most interesting part of the show were the live workshop of the Chinese or Taiwanese masters. The making of the 1.350 million pesos (thats equivalent to 19,285.00 pounds in UK.) It’s Juniper Cheninsis imported from Taiwan. Was auctioned live on the 3rd day of the show. The new owner was no other than the Vice Mayor of the town in Ilocos Sur province.
There were printed photos of their bonsai on competition that couldn’t make it to the show in person along with their bonsai. Most of them are from different countries around the world. (Also in the pic ) This is another category of the competition.
BANTIGUE owned by the Ms Susan Lee won the best in show in Vigan 2023. (In the pic) All of the trees for me are all winners. To own one will be a dream comes true indeed.
BANTIGUE owned by the Ms Susan Lee won the best in show in Vigan 2023. (In the pic) All of the trees for me are all winners. To own one will be a dream comes true indeed.
Hats off to the organisers and officers by the way. For this endeavour, their sacrifices and lots of works. In behalf of BASAPI, BCI and all bonsai groups in the Philippines, really happy and proud to share some photos to UK Bonsai Association. Soon to follow this with another Bonsai Show held last June 10-12, 2023 at MALL OF ASIA (MOA) Manila. The biggest shopping mall in Asia. Its a second show that we attended. Another unplanned trip. But really all worth it. Photos soon to follow.
Many thanks.
Dr. Joey Catimbang, DVM
Many thanks.
Dr. Joey Catimbang, DVM
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