A recent exhibit cum demonstration at Sunshine Place by Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 showed how Ikebana can be used in theaters. These arrangements can be placed at the main entrance of the theater, lobby, announcement areas, reception areas, ticket counter, or even on the stage itself.
The theme of the society this year is “Ikebana Anytime, Anywhere.” Suzie Yap, a retired banker and Ikebana enthusiast, shared that members are divided into eight groups, each assigned a place where they are supposed to create designs.
The first group was assigned the theater, with their “magical coach” Marc Tomas, a former president of Ikebana International Manila Chapter and a Sogetsu teacher. The production 39 Minutes, Plus or Minus had Group 1 members acting as stage design workers.
For the exhibit, there was an array of mini Ikebana masterpieces depicting the group members’ favorite theater plays and productions. Yap’s arrangement was Mamma Mia, about a young bride seeking to discover her real father. Her wedding on a Greek island brought together her mother’s ex-lovers. The colors of the blue Aegean Sea were represented by three blue antique medicine bottles, while the flowers and stucco homes on a cliff were captured in many colors with materials snipped from her garden and that of her neighbors.
Lora Rivera, an architect by profession, opted for Rama Hari, a classical Filipino piece based on the Indian epic Ramayana and one of her favorite plays. Her arrangement captures the essence of Rama and Sita’s journey, mirroring the equilibrium between love and duty. The arrangement showed an interplay of entwined branches, with a soft arc reflecting the deep affection and gentleness shared by the two.
For Rivera, Ikebana is another expression of art. “Other than drawing, other than constructing, another form would be Ikebana, another form of construction using plants and dried materials or even unconventional materials.” This is her second exhibit so far.
Carina Galang’s arrangement is inspired by Cirque de Soleil, the contemporary version of the circus. She used modern materials, an unusual platform, and colorful vases. Galang’s interest in Ikebana is inspired by her grandmother, Carmen Guevara, founder of the Manila Chapter.
Despite growing up with Ikebana all over their home, she didn’t pursue Ikebana until two years ago. Since then, she has been continuously taking Ikebana classes and would like to incorporate it into her gardening.
Other arrangements on exhibit were Chicago by Cynthia Heussaff, Phantom of the Opera by Tita Manuel, The Lion King by Laly San Luis, Wicked by Maricor Mendoza, Mulan by Babyruth Chuaunsu, Madame Butterfly by Lily Gan, Evita by Elena Ong, Les Miserables by Michele Tan, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Marc Tomas.
Christina Abalos, president of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108, says Manila will be hosting the next Asian Regional Conference.