Lights, camera, auction!

Yes, it’s time for some auction. Westin Philippine Plaza is holding an auction on April 14 at Harbor Garden dubbed "An Auction for All Seasons," featuring designs by Rajo Laurel, Patrice Ramos Diaz and Kate Torralba. The Westin aims to raise funds for UNICEF’s program on education and proper nutrition for Filipino children. Indeed a worthy cause: Children need proper care and nutrition in their formative years. Aside from the dresses, items to be auctioned off include paintings, jewelry, trips, and the latest mobile phones.

"We collaborated with companies and individuals with the same business vision for social benefit," says Rose Libongco, Westin Philippine Plaza’s director of sales and marketing.

There is a growing popularity of online auctions, like Ebay, for example. Bidding for vintage clothes, antique watches, Beatles memorabilia and laptops can be quite addicting. Auction houses like Sotheby’s or Christie’s sell items that are pricey and priceless. However, the most meaningful auctions are done for a worthy cause, especially when it deals with helping kids.

In this auction, The Westin has partnered with Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air, KLM-Air France and Lufthansa German Airlines, as well as local magazines such as People Asia, Lifestyle Asia, and Metro Society.

"We need people to bid for these items. Our readers are affluent and come from nobility. It is an opportunity for them to share their wealth," says Sari Yap, Mega Magazines and Publications Inc. president and CEO.

Johnny Litton will host the by-invitation-only event. UNICEF’s ambassador Gary Valenciano will serenade the guests together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The Westin aims to raise P1 million for UNICEF.

"Investing in early childhood care and development makes a difference. We focus on nutrition and education of children before they are born to three years old," says Dale Rutstein, UNICEF director of communications. He adds that the money will be spent in the most appropriate and sustainable ways.

Interesting items will be up for grabs. Fashionistas can bid on pearl creations from Jewelmer, or haute couture by Rajo Laurel, Patrice Ramos Diaz and Kate Torralba. Beauty collections and fashion accessories from Store Specialists will also be auctioned off, together with hip timepieces from Swatch.

To be auctioned off are two round-trip tickets to Paris (courtesy of KLM-Air France), London (courtesy of Gulf Air), Munich (courtesy of Lufthansa German Airlines), and Sydney (courtesy of Cathay Pacific). Also included are trips to local destinations Cebu, Davao, Boracay, and Palawan.

"This is a good project because it is for a good cause – the children," says Rhoda Capuno, Cathay Pacific assistant marketing manager.

Lara Torres of Gulf Air agrees. "Gulf Air has a long-standing relationship with Westin. We are involved in this auction because it is for the children. We need to help them," she says.

"Air France is involved in projects that concern children, especially against child prostitution and trafficking," says Tess Zulueta of Air France-KLM.

Art lovers will be smitten by Manuel Baldemor’s festive subject, Bernie Pacquing’s abstract work, Alfredo Aquilizan’s summery painting, as well as Impy Pilapil’s nature-inspired glass sculpture.

Techno-savvy items that will be auctioned off include digital cameras, the latest mobile phones from Globe Telecom, laptops, and personal digital assistants. The auction will use a state-of-the art bidding process with Intel Centrino powered by Hewlett Packard. Wireless computer stations will be put up so bidders can enter their bids online. Payments can be made via cash, personal checks and credit cards.

All these items up for bid are definitely for a good gesture – putting children first.

"With the cooperation and participation of guests, this auction can help make a difference in the lives of Filipino children," concludes Rutstein.