Going, going.to a good cause

MANILA, Philippines- How would you like to own a Cobonpue, a Baldemor, a Sanso, or an Orlina?          UNICEF’s unique online “Auction for Action” brings together an interesting collection of original art pieces, framed photographs, fine furniture and exquisite jewelry as well as fun experiential packages. A first, not only for UNICEF but also for any auction locally, the fundraising event was conceived, developed and organized with UNICEF Special Advocate for children, Daphne Osena Paez, for the benefit of children in disadvantaged communities all over the country.

“I know a lot of people recognize UNICEF’s valuable work inchildren’s rights, but few realize that UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary contributions to support its work on the ground,” said the popular TV host and personality. Tapping on her wide network of friends and associates in various fields of art and design, Daphne was pleasantly surprised by their spontaneous response and generosity. She describes the auction as a “coming together of ‘rock stars’ of the design world.” Daphne, together with celebrity host and also a UNICEF

Special Advocate for children, Bianca Gonzalez, hosted the special media sneak preview of some of the items to be auctioned, which were donated by some of the big names in the industry.

UNICEF Special Advocates, Daphne Osena Paez and Bianca Gonzalez with Hamzah Marbella’s Music Fest oil on canvas.

“They donated their best works,” Daphne noted. Among them, Dominic Rubio’s oil on canvas, “Two Gentlemen,” done in Rubio’s signature style, portraying men with elongated necks and colonial attire; Popo San Pascual’s colorful and intriguing “Blue Elephant,” with an estimated value of P70,000 and starting bid price of P20,000.

The Giclee print of Araceli Limcaco Dans, “Madaling Araw,” depicting fine embroidered lace and brightly colored flowers is one of only 10 high-quality reproductions approved by the renowned artist. “European Medieval Village” and “Free Spirit” are two mixed media pieces donated by Manny Baldemor. Reproductions of his work are on UNICEF greeting cards which are distributed worldwide. “As Spring Emerges” is one of a number of acrylic on paper donated by Juvenal Sanso. “Music Fest,” oil on canvas, by Hamzah Marbella shows a playful depiction of a human and animals holding musical instruments.

“UNICEF is proud to auction this talented child’s work for the benefit of other children.”

The powerful and arresting photographs titled “Nepal,” “Batanes,” and “Crowd” were donated by successful restaurateur, photographer and printer, Billy Mondonedo. The image you bid for will be printed using his top of the line Epson 9800 Series wide format printers. “Dyptrich Abstract Ice Formation” is a framed photograph taken on Lake Khovsgol in Mongolia by Tom Epperson who is considered as one of the most prominent names in Philippine photography and art scene. Award-winner Victor Sollorano also donated two of his photographs,which belong to the Lotus series.

The Geo Table made of wood from sustainably harvested forests and finished with silver leaf that make it appear like metal is by Vito Selma, whose clients include Nelson Mandela and Saudi Arabian royalty.

Benji Reyes created the ‘Noel Chair’ in memory of his brother Severino “Noel” Reyes who was with the US army. Handmade from recycled wood, the finish is so smooth, “like butter,” Daphne remarked. “The chair’s back splats have the flex of a bow and will follow the bend of your lumbar.”

“Harry Rocking Stool” and “Boomtown Lamp” are two pieces created by award-winning industrial designer, Kenneth Cobonpue who counts Brad Pitt among his celebrity clients. The Raimondo Floor Lamp designed by Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo feature an intricately carved ostrich egg with crystals and semi precious stones.

An exquisite necklace by Janina Dizon, three-time finalist in the renowned De Beers Diamond International Awards who belongs to a new generation of young Manila-based designers, feature 22 coral pink shell beads with one egg-shaped mixed color sapphires in vermeil.

Daphne Osena-Paez, who holds a degree in Urban Studies and Fine Art History from the University of Toronto, donated a delicate hand-painted enamel medallion with a mother and child image from Eastern Europe, and handcrafted in the Philippines, set in 14k gold with oval-cut pink tourmalines.

A Nena Saguil Minaudiere by Celestina is crafted with Philippine shells. Selected by Vogue as one of the big things in bags, Drew Barrymore is reported to have sported the purse at the Golden Globes.

Fashion designer and award-winning milliner, Mich Dulce, is also a donor. “A Mother’s Enduring Love” is the title of the precious piece donated by innovative glass sculptor, Ramon Orlina.

Ramon Orlina’s “A Mother’s Enduring Love”

Also on auction are experiential packages such as the ultimate dining experience at Antonio’s, listed thrice in the Miele Guide as one of the top 20 restaurants in Asia. You can also rub elbows with members of the Philippine Football Team better known as the Azkals, and see them up close and personal as you join them in the dugout and watch their World Cup qualifier match on July 3.

There will be about 40 lots to be auctioned online through eBay Philippines at URL www.ebay.ph/unicef. The site will go live on May 25. Mark the day. Online bidders will be able to browse the items with full descriptions and make their bids over a period of three weeks.

After the closing, the winning bidders will be notified by eBay. Once they have made their payments, items will be dispatched to them.

UNICEF country representative Vanessa Tobin remarked, “This is a first for UNICEF Philippines. Our partnership with acclaimed artists via online auction helps us engage the public in a new and interesting way. As well as raising important funds for our work, we will be able to raise awareness of important issues affecting children in the most disadvantaged communities of the Philippines and worldwide.”

UNICEF is present in over 150 countries and territories. It has been in the Philippines for over sixty years. It supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. Your bid will certainly go a long way and make a huge difference.