Page 19 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q1

Tugas: The Next Sensation in Philippine Bonsai
Tugas is certainly a fine addition to the growing list of fine bonsai materials
from the Philippines. So far, there is no archival record of Tugas bonsai in the
1980s. However, the growing popularity of bonsai art in southern Philippines,
particularly in the South Cotabato - Sarangani provinces, led to the search of
available indigenous materials. By 1998, a local bonsai exhibit and competition
was held in General Santos City. One of the show’s organizers, Mr. Ritzie
Bugante, current President of Mindanao Bonsai Creator (MBC), confirms that
some of the winning entries were Tugas bonsai. However, South Cotabato -
Sarangani was also a rich source of the highly popular and coveted Bantigue
(Pemphis acidula) —considered by many to be the darling of Philippine
Bonsai. The introduction of Tugas in national bonsai competitions, coupled
with exports to bonsai artists and collectors, slowly merited attention and
interest on its unique and outstanding qualities.
Further evidence of Tugas’ rising popularity in Filipino bonsai circles was
displayed in the last BCI 2016, Bonsai Beyond Borders Convention held in
Makati, as some Tugas bonsai were recipients of Gold and Bronze awards. As
further cultivation techniques are perfected and the bonsai mature, it is only
natural that more and more Tugas bonsai will dominate competitions. ‘Tugas
sa Bato’ or “Tugas from the stone,” is a commonplace local
name for Tugas. Perhaps future champions will cement and
honor this symbiotical relationship of Tugas and Stone,
establishing Tugas as a cornerstone and foundation of
Filipino and World Bonsai.

Top; ‘Ponce’, Tugas, Vitex trifolia, 63 cm, by Herden
Pedrajas, named in honor of his godfather and
mentor, Poncevic Ceballos.
Bottom; Tugas forest, 87 cm, by Linus Villanueva
of Tarlac (Northern Philippines).

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