Bonsai in the Philippines??

[August44]

Hello, Just wondering if there is much bonsai going on in the Philippines let's say around Manila. I think I am going down in August to visit a friend so would like contacts if available. Thanks, Peter

 

[LanceMac10]

@grouper52 was there for a spell. Didn't sound all that promising.

 

[Canada Bonsai]

Hello, Just wondering if there is much bonsai going on in the Philippines let's say around Manila. I think I am going down in August to visit a friend so would like contacts if available. Thanks, Peter

The most impressive bonsai that I saw in the Philippines were in hotel lobbies and courtyards. I did not receive a response from the local Bonsai Association in time for my trip; i would get a head start with that if it is something you intend to do!

Are you planning a vacation there? Banaue and El Nido are an absolute must!

 

[August44]

I am going down for a visit for two weeks in late August. Where are those two places you mentioned? I might be looking for a place to live also while I am down there. Thanks for the help. Peter

 

[Canada Bonsai]

I am going down for a visit for two weeks in late August. Where are those two places you mentioned? I might be looking for a place to live also while I am down there. Thanks for the help. Peter

Banaue is accessible from Manilla, they are both on Luzon island. It is a famous rice terrace. Its grandeur and beauty cannot be captured in photographs. This was on my top-5 world-wide bucket list for many years, and i'm really glad we went!

El Nido is on the island called Palawan. I believe there are direct flights to El Nido from Manilla nowadays. When we went (2015), it was not yet a tourist destination, so we had to fly into Puetro Princessa, and drive 10 hours to El Nido. Many Canadians, Americans, and Germans have moved to El Nido. The beach in El Nido bay is nothing special. People normally get a hotel right on the beach, and every morning take a boat out to one of the islands. Expect 2-3 couples on a banka boat. The tours are about $25-50USD per person including fresh-caught lunch (your captain--a kid aged 14-25--will catch lunch for you, while you're snorkeling). The tours can be booked from your hotel, usually with 24 hours notice. We dove into the water and ate sea urchin right out of the sea (they are the smalls ones that the japanese call Uni, for which you might pay $50-80USD for 100g in Tokyo). The pictures that come up on the internet when you google "El Nido" are not fake - in fact, in most cases they do not do justice to the beauty of the many islands and bays. (By the way, flights from Manilla to Tokyo are dirt cheap. I think we paid 70-100CAD each).

The Asik Asik falls are also spectacular. They are accessible from Midsayap, a city known for its violent tension among christian and muslims, so be careful! When we went, many Canadians were currently kidnapped, so we made an effort to blend in. Military patrolled the streets (this can shock some, but it was not more imposing than it is in Paris or London, for example).

Cebu is a less interesting city than Manilla, but there are great beaches in the area. Also, Oslob (4 hours away from Cebu by car) is a famous destination for Whale Shark watching (in snorkel or scuba). If you join a tour, find one that stops at the Tumalog and Kawasan falls on the way back to Cebu. Many people also stay in Cebu when visiting Bohol. If you do go to Cebu, make sure you stop at Rico's Lechon!

And Boracay is another island worth visiting. It is highly protected by the government, with strict laws about pollution and tourist-population, which is understandable - it is rightfully on most "top 10 beaches of world" lists. Get a small Inn (6-10 rooms) right on the beach, which are like 150-200USD a night but worth every penny. There is not much of a city - it's basically one long strip. The food is overpriced compared to the rest of the Philippines (as you would expect in any popular tourist destination anywhere in the world).

 

[Shibui]

There are some commercial growers in Phillipines. They have the advantage of a warm climate and long growing season so they can grow stock for sale to Japanese nurseries.
I have also read of collectors digging larger trees for their own use and for sale as it appears that collection is relatively unregulated there.

Not aware of a big local bonsai culture though.

 

[Anthony]

Look up this guy . Jun - Juan Llaga - on Facebook
Talk to him.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I second @Anthony 's recommendation,
Juan Llaga is a fantastic bonsai artist. His works are very creative, and often with a sense of whimsy. Very talented, his serious works have been in very high level shows. The only contact information I have is through facebook. Do ask him if he would be available to meet.

 

[August44]

Glad I checked the thread today. I don't seem to be getting notice of answers to my thread. Thank you all for the info and I will study it before going down there

 

[August44]

I have asked Juan to come on the forum and show of some of his trees. He has some pretty unique work. Peter

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I have asked Juan to come on the forum and show of some of his trees. He has some pretty unique work. Peter

Excellent that you have been in contact with Juan. Hopefully he will join us here. Though I know he is busy, and does not have much time for discussion forums. He used to be active on Internet Bonsai Club Forum, but Juan left as other activities in the real world increased demands on his time. That site fell dormant a few years ago. I've seen very little activity there lately.

 

[jun]

Thanks, Guys!
I will try to contribute more in this forum.

regards,
Juan

 

[dresdraconius]

Thanks, Guys!
I will try to contribute more in this forum.

regards,
Juan

Welcome!!