Former nurse turns bonsai hobby into lucrative business

With only P500 for fertilizers and a budding curiosity, Romeo Antipuesto Jr. embarked on a bonsai journey that would eventually define his career.

- By AJ GOMEZ

At 38, the Davao City native credits his friend and mentor, Oliver Pavo, for helping him find his footing. Starting with lower-grade materials, the duo trained for three years in Manila, honing their skills and experimenting with different plant species.

During their three-year training, Oliver and Romeo gained hands-on experience in identifying the best plant species for bonsai cultivation. One prized example is Bantigue or Pemphis acidula, a coastal shrub highly valued in the bonsai community for its gnarled beauty and high market value when fully developed.

They also participated in various bonsai competitions and exhibits, where they showcased their artistic skills-painstakingly shaping and nurturing bonsai trees over the years to achieve perfect form.

The duo eventually brought their knowledge back to Davao. In 2009, Romeo established his own bonsai business, turning his passion into a full-time career. Oliver, meanwhile, relocated to Leyte, where he continues to practice bonsai while focusing more on farming.

At first, Romeo cultivated bonsai for fun and for fellow hobbyists, but it wasn't long before his work gained traction in the bonsai community.