DAVAO CITY —Sixty (60) students of Bonsai master Marcel “Bebot” Calungsod showcased their masterpiece in a three-day competition at Pacific Bonsai Garden in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Midsayap, North CotabatoSeptember 24-26, 2021.
All the sixty entries comprise one variety, the bougainvillea, but they outsmart each other in terms of structure, design, and presentation, said Calungsod.
Ian Vales, owner of the garden said, “This is the second year for the competition, we are doing this to enhance and showcase the different strokes and styles using one variety, this is our way of honing our skills and be more competitive.”
Calungsod, 52, who started when he was 14 years old said, “Imagination and craftsmanship are important in preparing a piece, at one point I spent 48hours sleepless when I prepare my piece, you need to think and imagine what you want out of your material, you do not make a bonsai in just months or a year but for years, a pice that you can pass on to the next generation.”
Despite his status, Calungsod continues to be selfless, he shares his knowledge about Bonsai to willing individuals for free and has been moving around Davao Region, South Cotabato, Caraga among others to share his ideas but the pandemic has prompted him to focus on his garden.
Since the work of his students is now competitive, a friendly contest was held with a plaque as a prize and of course honor.
Vales said they collaborate and are so happy that Calungsod is always looking after them “he is always there for us, we consult to him everyone and then and we are selfless.”
