Meet and Greet the Bonsai Warrior of the Land of the Rising Sun, Master Masashi Hirao

It was a one of a kind event that took place in my beloved hometown, I dared not to miss it as I considered myself a Bonsai enthusiast since I fell in love with the set up of the ancient palaces that usually display a bonsai in the rooms of the royalties mostly seen in historical drama of which I became fond of.

I registered for this event and I took the liberty to be there and learn from the reknowned Bonsai Master Hirao Masashi. I am grateful that I had the photo opportunity to take a picture together with him as it was a rare moment that a famous person from Japan come all the way to my country most especially in my hometown to share his knowledge and expertise to my fellow countrymen who are enthusiasts of Bonsai. I am so glad to be there and witness how this Bonsai Warrior or Bonsai Master transformed a plant using expert techniques.

The Davao Bonsai Club took the initiative of gathering the hometown's Bonsai enthusiasts and with their fruitful collaboration this wonderful event was successfully materialized and realized. They even provided us with a sample plant in which we can practice the things that we learned from the expert himself. The materials were also included.

It includes the wire for the desired positioning of the plant until it grows it will be removed, the scissors for trimming the plant, the soil, pot and net. The Davao Bonsai Club was generous enough and the sponsors of this program including the Consulate General of Japan in Davao.

Yes we got our hands dirty but we had fun and learned from the expert Bonsai Warrior Master of Japan. It was a pleasure to meet him.

It may look like a playtime for some but it was not, it was a time to learn and express yourself on how you want your own Bonsai to grow.

I was observing from the Bonsai Master on how he designed his plant, he actually donated it as a symbol of friendship for the people of Davao City and Japan. The event expressed the friendship and solidarity of the 2 nations. The strong ties between the Pearl of the Orient Seas and the Land of the Rising Sun throughout the years. The connection built by these 2 countries made it possible to organize this free admission events.

I am fortunate and lucky to be one of the recipients of this organized event. It was also my first time to visit the host school. The Davao City National High School supposed to be where I could have attended in my secondary basic education but was not pushed through.

I met familiar faces at the event a former colleague at work and a church mate or friend. I felt more comfortable when I saw them.

It was a worthwhile experience and I will never forget this.

There were also displays of beautiful bonsai and the finished product. It gives peace of mind as it captures my eye on the unique pieces of this kind of art.

Photos are mine.