MANILA, Philippines - Flowers are the ultimate luxury, even for the most jaded of sophisticates.
There are flower arrangements, and then there’s ikebana. Following the principles of minimalism, ikebana is a disciplined art form in expressed in the careful arrangement of other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis toward shape, line, form.
The Philippines will be hosting The Ikebana International 11th Asian Regional Conference Bazaar at the Mandaluyong Room of the Shangri-La Makati Hotel. Exhibition opens at 3 p.m. on Sept. 23 and closes at 5 p.m. on Sept. 25. The grand demo will be on Sept. 26 at the RCBC auditorium from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The bazaar is a one-stop shop for all flower enthusiasts. It offers not only the most exciting fresh materials such as flowers, foliage and roots but also an assortment of dried items such a grass, vines, flowers and other materials to stir up creativity. Also look out for traditional enhancers such as shell, driftwood and rocks. Rare and unconventional wares such as hand-made Japanese paper, metal containers, abaca ropes and even hats will be sold. Cebu-produced metal, shell and silver accent pieces and specially made picture frames will be available.
For the ikebana lot, there will be special chinoiserie trays available for arrangement puposes and Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese scissors, Kenzans and pin holders.
To complete the experience take home some select Filipiniana clothes, notebooks, bags and jewelry at less than retail prices.
Nothing says “made in the Philippines” better than this kind of arrangement.