Joy’s joyful trees
At the corner of Ayala Avenue and Recoletos Street in Makati City, there is a welcome oasis full of tropical plants and trees that provide shade and greenery in the middle of a buzzling business district. This is the Makati Garden Club (MGC) that seeks to raise awareness on the importance of greenery in purifying the air and providing solace to those who need it, nurturing both body and soul.
Every year, the MGC commemorates the birthday of its founder, Maria Luisa Perez Rubio, by holding a fundraising event known as the Festival of Trees in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
This year, MGC commissioned Joy Balatbat, a former banker and, in retirement, an Ikenobo Ikebana artist and professor, to design a festival of trees based on her own interpretation, showcasing unique and unconventional designs and material that would wow any tree lover.
Instead of the artificial pine trees, Joy used a striking metal framework with tiered levels; each tier skirted in antique, thick and heavy material normally used for upholstery or curtains or as a tree skirt that wraps around the base of the tree. She cut the fabric from her collection of vintage tapestry, velvet, brocade, silk, even linen, crochet cotton doilies, and cotton prints to dress her trees. Her chosen colors, which were “coordinated to present an intriguing contrast,” surely caught the viewer’s mind to accept the avant-garde notion of the Christmas tree.
The event was lively and highly attended. One would have met up with a classmate, officemate, business associate, or a neighbor doing her part to extend help, any help.
The proceeds of MGC’s fundraising activities go to various social and environmental programs, as well as livelihood and educational programs for the underprivileged and calamity victims in areas around Samar, Southern Leyte and Mindanao.
The event was held under the auspices of the Makati Garden Club board of directors: Margarita Perez Rubio, chairwoman; Regina Paterno, president; Aileenette Moleen del Rosario, vice president; Sandra Eloisa Fernandez, chief financial officer; Marjorie Balatbat, assistant CFO; Conchita Caluag, Gloria Alcuaz, Armita Rufino, Martina Lourdes Plumley, Rogelio Quevedo, corporate secretary.
