A bonsai exhibit welcomes shoppers at the Robinsons Ilocos. I love trees, naturally grown trees. I also breathe art and its many forms. However, I’m not a fan of miniatured trees. While the whole process of finding a tree and turning it into a dwarf maybe therapeutic to hobbyists and lucrative business to some, there are also irreparable drawbacks as a result of choosing the wrong tree. But for as long as no coral reefs and forests are bastardized, no endangered flora are exploited, no plant diseases and parasites are introduced into healthy habitats, and the art is done with utmost care and respect, then it should not be like opening a gigantic can of worms. Or let’s just leave trees where they truly belong.

Speaking of trees, I commend the Governor of Ilocos Norte, Imee Marcos, for ordering an investigation into the alleged illegal logging in the town of Dumalneg. (It is right beside the town of Adams, which is the “show window of the remaining primary forests in Region 1.”). Over Bombo Radyo, the honorable mayor denies there is illegal logging in his town. I wish he also explained how hard wood furniture making has become a huge industry in Dumalneg.

– I’m not too sure, but they look like dwarfed bougainvilleas.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2012