Art Your Service 2007

The Arts Council of Cebu led by its dynamic president Petite Garcia once again hosted a fabulous dinner at the Grand Convention Center to raise much needed funds for the club’s most ambitious projects—the performing arts scholarships and audience development program.

What made the event so unique and wholesome was seeing the crème de la crème of Cebu’s society gamely transform themselves for one special evening into waiters and waitresses dishing out delectable dim sums, all for a good cause.

The beat of a Chinese drum signified the entry of the servitors who were fashionably dressed in white cheongsams and red mini aprons with bold letters printed “TIP ME”.

With genuine smiles on their faces while balancing  the first of many many delectable dishes, they came one by one: Petite Garcia, Cebu First lady Margot Osmeña, Annie Aboitiz, Teresin Mendezona, Marissa Fernan, Elvira Luym, Mayen Tan, Marco Protacio, Alice Plaza, Jaime Chua, Kaye Luym, Lorraine Dy Tian, Mariter Klepp, Jaime Picornell, Deena Pages, Elena Young, Philip Rodriguez, Dominique Riegel, Angelina Escario, Francis Onglatco, Leahliz Sia, Maxwell Espina, and Lotlot Neri.

The fun evening culminated with the auction of beautiful art pieces that were generously donated by avid supporters of the club.

Wine connoisseur Dondi Joseph started the ball rolling as he went for the fabulous swarovski crystal necklace and earrings by innovative designer Miranda Konstantinidiou. Active civic leader Tess Chan and Laserwriter’s Raymond Aquino were both happy with their limited edition Aboitiz-Moraza family cookbooks donated by Annie Aboitiz.

Joan Tiu, a dedicated mother to her two adorable daughters, set her heart on the limited edition Mother and Child reproduction of an original oil painting by Araceli Dans. Inding Santos of Emotion Gallery graciously donated the ceramic plate.  Herve Lambert of Dedon presented a Bonneville chair which was won by Luis Aboitiz while lifestyle editor Nelia Neri went home with a beautiful solid wooden chest with marquetry top and brass handles by Pacific Traders.

Certain to look every inch a socialite that she is, Teresin Mendezona bidded for the solid sterling silver necklace and earring with semi-precious gems created by  Singapore-based jeweler Annie Chen.

Kenneth Cobonpue, the multi-awarded furniture maker, gladly contributed a striking red Yoda easy chair. Iker Aboitiz was the lucky winner.  Jurgen and Sandra Pesch topped the bid for the   Adeste Deguilmo oil on canvas painting entitled “Garden Concert” donated by Michael Dino.

Philanthropist Nonie Uy was more than pleased with her Mother and Child painting by Dodong Bandibas. Publisher Mary Anne Aboitiz Arculli, herself a superb hostess and cook, bidded the highest for the limited edition Shangri-La Hotel’s cookbook, Essence of Shangri-La.

Once again Dondi Joseph outbidded the rest for the framed photographic artwork in archival luster paper by restaurateur and ace photographer Billy Mondoñedo. Gabrielle Gallery owner Annie Chen donated two 8 x 8 acrylic on paper mono prints by Pandy Aviado. They were won by Zonette Balbuena and Jing Ramos.

We fervently hope that more fund raising events for a worthy cause    will come our way. It was a successful night indeed. The proceeds will definitely go a long way in helping the Arts Council of Cebu to continue doing what they love doing best, bringing art and culture to and developing  art appreciation in the community.

To date, the Council has supported seven performing art students who have graduated and excelled in piano, violin and guitar performances, voice, film and audio-visual arts.