Art, Science, and Identity: Suiseki Summit 2018

Quezon City, Philippines. Several viewing stone enthusiasts from around the country gathered together for the first ever Suiseki Summit that took place. 

The event was hosted by the Natural Stone Society of the Philippines' (NSSP) president Anthony V. Gedang with guest speakers Dr. Thomas Elias, the chairman of the Viewing Stones of North America, and his wife Dr. Hiromi Nakaoji who provided a talk and a three-hour long workshop on the appreciation and displaying viewing stones respectively. Winston Pioquinto, MSc., a geologist from the Energy Development Corporation, also presented his lecture entitled "Suiseki and Geology - The Best of Friends" on scientific aspects. 

The morning session kicked off with the two lectures from the speakers. Later on, Ms. Fely Gupit, the founding president of NSSP, was also present to give a wonderful, heartfelt message.

Enthusiastic guests got to learn the fundamentals of displaying viewing stones during the afternoon sessions and were able to take lessons from Dr. Elias and Dr. Nakaoji who willingly encouraged everyone to not confine themselves with traditional display techniques.

Photo courtesy: Adrian Reodique, Malou Gedang