Manila art scene sizzles with Zobel masterpieces

Works of the late painter Fernando Zobel de Ayala y Montojo heated up Manila’s already sizzling art market as Leon Gallery and Auction House opened to the public the artist’s long-hidden masterpieces before they went on the auction block.

The exhibit titled The Jim and Reed Pfeufer Collection: A four-decade friendship with Fernando Zobel featured over 70 pieces, including sketches, oil paintings, prints, watercolor pieces and letters illustrating how the Spanish-Filipino artist’s friendship with American couple Jim and Reed Pfeufer flourished throughout the years. Guests enjoyed an intimate cocktail as they previewed the works.

At the exhibit, the Pfeufers, credited as an important part of Zobel’s artistic life, were represented by their surviving son, Eric. The collection of artworks and letters was offered through the Leon Gallery and Auction House, the country’s leading gallery specializing in historically important and museum-quality Philippine art.

Seen at cocktail exhibit were Honorary Consul for the Philippine Consulate in Monaco Patsy Zobel de Ayala, National Artists Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera and Arturo Luz, Silvana Diaz of Galleria Duemila and art gallery director Patrick Kraft.

Eric accidentally discovered Zobel’s works when he was going through the art portfolios in various storage places in his parents’ home. He then entrusted the exhibit and auction to Leon Gallery and Auction House through international art dealer Sheldon Geringer.

Aside from the artworks, Leon Gallery possesses some 500 letters from Zobel to the Pfeufers, a correspondence that began in the mid-1940s to 1981. Most of Zobel’s moving letters, written in longhand or typed, often came with an illustration unique to the mood of the letter.

(For more information about future auctions, call Leon Gallery and Auction House at 856-2781 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.Leon-Gallery.com, Leon Gallery Makati on Facebook and Twitter. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday.)

28 glorious years of Bergamo

For its 28th anniversary, Bergamo,  one of the country’s top men’s formal wear labels, hosted a party at The Peninsula Manila to give thanks to its loyal customers and friends.

The celebration was led by Bergamo president and CEO Mel Meer, who hosted a long table of sumptuous dinner served with Moët & Chandon champagne at the Upper Lobby. The 60 guests then enjoyed a fantastic gastronomic experience with a dessert buffet at the Conservatory.

Cultural Center of the Philippines president Raul Sunico then gave a private piano concert, serenading the guests with OPM tunes and George Gershwin songs. A well applauded fashion show followed featuring Bergamo’s modern take on the classic Barong Tagalog and suits, with gowns by Jun Escario and shoes by Maco Custodio.

For 28 years now, Bergamo has been enjoying support from clients who appreciate and trust the label’s distinctive quality and uniqueness in style. It offers ready-to-wear, suits and barongs in Japanese linen, Irish linen and piña. Customers can customize practically anything such as special buttons and embroidery.

Bergamo has stores in  Greenbelt 5 (flagship store), Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Alabang and a boutique showroom and executive offices on Osmeña Highway corner Valderama St., Makati City. (Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)