Uniting people through the art of Ikebana

Alma Anonas-Carpio
By Alma Anonas-Carpio

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Madam Ihoko Haneda, wife of Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Koji Haneda, with Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 president Marc Tomas

To celebrate its 52nd anniversary, Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 held an exhibition of floral arrangements created by its members, the embassy of Japan and members of Ikebana Philippine chapters from Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Davao.

Participating exhibitors from Davao were led by its president Lea Imperial while those from Cagayan de Oro were led by Chapter President Raissa Velez.

Ikebana Cagayan de Oro Chapter led by Chapter president Raissa Velez

The floral arrangements exhibition was opened by Madam Ihoko Haneda, wife of Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mr. Koji Haneda. She was assisted by Marc Tomas, President of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 in the traditional “lighting of the sulo.”

Neny Regino rendering a Sogetsu arrangement

This year’s exhibit was Filipiniana-inspired with exhibitors utilizing native materials rendering Sogetsu, Ohara and Ikenobo arrangements. Sogetsu, Ohara and Ikenobo are among the popular schools in Ikebana.

Ikebana Muslim

Certified Ikebana teachers, Mesdames Virginia Cheng, Margarita Perez and Christina Abalos, incoming president conducted free demonstrations on the Sogetsu School. Dr. Jun Balderama conducted demo for the Ikenobo School while Joyce Cato conducted demo for Ohara School.

Ikebana International, a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Ikebana was founded in 1956. It is now present in over 50 countries with 161 chapters uniting peoples of the world through their mutual love of nature and enjoyment of Ikebana, the ancient art of flower arrangement.

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