Top artists give back to Ondoy victims

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s most prolific and innovative artists banded together to raise funds for the construction of the new homes of victims of typhoon Ondoy through Gawad Kalinga.

The artworks generated some P4-M plus in a live auction/exhibit titled Art to Heart put together by Julius Babao, wife Tin-Tin Bersola and friends.

At the auction, a painting titled Casta Diva by world-renowned provocative artist Geraldine Javier was sold for P 1-M.

The devastation wrought by Ondoy has deeply affected Julius and friends and he thought of doing something to alleviate their suffering, particularly help those who lost their homes.

One day, he and friends John Jaylo and Tina Fernandez talked about a project that will help the victims.

For Julius, giving them permanent aid, rather than a band-aid solution was the best way to help. What better way to give them permanent assistance but build their homes again, Julius said.

“We brainstormed and conceptualized and then we came out with Art to Heart,” said Julius.

“It’s an auction/exhibit because I feel that the best way we can contribute to the victims of typhoon Ondoy is by giving them houses through GK,” he said.

“We came up with a project, came up with art pieces and held live auction and it’s been very successful,” he added.

Julius said he didn’t expect the turnout of support for their project and feels very grateful to the magnanimity of the artists and the art collectors.

“The turnout is more than expected. We raised about P4-M, but that is not the final amount yet,” he said.

He also shared the good news that most of the artworks of the 45 artists who participated were sold.

Julius said proceeds of the auction would be used in constructing new homes of Ondoy victims in Sitio Amparo in Caloocan.

“As much as possible we are planning to build another village. What GK needs is P3-M I think. We can raise that based on the amount we raised,” Julius said.

He lauded the artists and art collectors who participated in Art to Heart, which only proves they care for their fellow Filipinos’ plight.

“I’m very thankful to artists and art collectors because to invest in this kind of work, I am amazed at their humility and willingness to help people. Of course, they are doing well in auction houses abroad and getting so much appreciation in other countries. With this project, madali silang lapitan. It’s the artists’ way of giving back. Ganun din naman ang collectors.  They felt now is the best time to give. They’re not only getting the best artworks but they’re also helping save lives,” said Julius.

“If you have so much money to spare, don’t think about the amount you spent. That amount will help a lot people. Aside from helping, they’re also getting good artworks,” he added.

Julius said the artworks would remind them of their compassion and generosity.

GK founder Tony Meloto agrees, saying the auction is commendable.

“What makes it really significant is the creative talents of the people, and the generosity of the art collectors combined to give new life to the victims of typhoon Ondoy,” said Meloto.

“The idea is to relocate the victims to safe homes and safe environment and where they will no longer be informal settlers,” Meloto added.

He said this time, the houses are sturdier and the good thing is, aside from giving them homes, they will also help in declogging the passageway of waters.

Meloto reiterated that it’s not just “building homes” but building the nation as well.

“They will be given houses that will withstand typhoons. This project will help our effort in the Philippine reconstruction group led by Manny Pangilinan to relocate 200,000 squatters in Metro Manila, not only affected by floods but which cause the flooding. They block the passage of the water to the spillways, so what we are seeing is the work of nation building, the work of every Filipino from the ordinary citizen from the ground and from top artists, contributing paintings and art collectors for encouraging local talent and for social  artists like Julius and Tintin, for using their own popularity, credibility and love for art and channel this love for the people,” Meloto said.

Artist Igan D’Bayan said he is very proud to be a part of the project.

“When Julius told me he wanted me to be part of the Art 2 Heart auction-exhibition, I was so flattered. Well, I saw the names on the list — such as Ronald Ventura, Geraldine Javier, Wire Tuazon, and the former members of the legendary Salingpusa. (And it got me thinking I am not worthy to be on the list with those people.)”

“We all know them as provocative and innovative artists, and it is heartening to know that they also give a damn about the plight of typhoon victims. That just goes to show that artists do not live in so-called ivory towers. And what Julius is doing should be lauded. It takes heart and guts to do such an endeavor,” D’Bayan said.