MANILA, Philippines - The Arroceros Forest Park, considered Manila’s green lung, held its annual silent auction on Sept. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. The auction benefits the park, going toward its upkeep and the addition of new indigenous tree species.
Antiques, art and other collectibles went on sale at the Orchid Garden Suites Hotel at 620 Pablo Ocampo Street (Vito Cruz), in front of Century Park Hotel.
Paintings by National Artists BenCab and Arturo Luz, Sanso, Angelo Baldemor and Valerie Cavestany, and “In Loving Arms II,” a work by renowned sculptor Ramon Orlina, among other works of art, went on sale, and also costume jewelry, fine and fancy by Malu Veloso.
Specialty food were also sold — aceitunas, salsa monja, and regional delicacies such as San Nicolas cookies and pastillas de leche with carabo milk.
The Arroceros Forest Park, fronting Pasig River, is open to the public. It is managed by the Winner Foundation Inc., whose officers are Amelita Ramos, honorary chairman; Josefina Amisola, chairman; Regina Paterno, president; Sylvia Montilla, vice-president; and Chit Santos, PRO.
Situated in the heart of downtown Manila, Arroceros Forest Park is a 2.2-hectare piece of land behind the old art deco Metropolitan Theater. Arroceros got its name, which means “rice dealers,” from the rice trade along the Pasig riverbank during the early colonial period.
Donations of P500 and above to cover merienda cena and wine will be accepted at the door.