THE magic of flowers- this is what the Ikebana Society is all about. It does not only teach the Japanese discipline of self-expression through flower arrangement, promote Japanese culture or the admiration (of) and respect for nature, it also links the hearts of its devotees, practitioners and aficionados alike, like a garland of flowers around the globe with true friendship that transcends ethnicity and religion.
It was in 1968 when Ms. Carmen Soriano founded the Davao Ikebana Society and presided over it. Two years after in 1970, the local society was officially recognized as an international chapter by the Ikebana International Tokyo in Japan. Today, there are 3,000 schools of Ikebana and 163 Chapters across the globe.
And as part of the group’s mission, the society holds an annual exhibition—non-profit and no competition— in areas very accessible and open to the public. This is their way of sharing and teaching the audience the harmonious relationship between man, heaven and earth.
It’s a channel to promote the society and invite more people to be part of the group as well.
This year, the Davao Ikebana Society’s celebrates its 45th foundation year and 43rd international recognition year with "Creativity through Ikebana.” A special exhibition was held at the Atrium of the SM Lanang Premier honoring past President Ladislawa Alcantara (from 1973-1976) on her 100th birthday.
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The Davao Ikebana Society |
Ms. Danney Barnett, the society’s current president, together with their honored guests—Ms. Rosvida Dominguez, daughter Ladislawa Alcantara, Director and Honorary Consul of Japan to Davao, Koichi Ibara with Madam Mariko Ibara, Consul General of Malaysia to Davao, Abdullah Zawawi Tahir, and more, officially opened the exhibition.
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Ms. Rosvida Dominguez, daughter Ladislawa Alcantara, Director and Honorary Consul of Japan to Davao, Koichi Ibara with Madam Mariko Ibara, Consul General of Malaysia to Davao, Abdullah Zawawi Tahir |