The inaugural Gavel & Block benefit auction raised over P3.3 million.

The auction was part of a “summer party” that Salcedo Auctions director Richie Lerma said benefitted the Vicky SyCip Foundation and its Filipino scholars enrolled at  International School Manila (ISM).

“The kids are phenomenal, they’re so resilient, engaging and driven,” said Rachel Harrnigton, ISM Middle School Principal. “They are bridge builders between the Filipino and international communities. They help raise our level of intercultural awareness. They’re kids who really want to make a difference in the world and they’re young enough and self-confident enough to believe that they can do that.”

During the party cum auction  held at Salcedo Village in Makati, art lovers and partyphiles got to appreciate up close modern and contemporary works by Filipino and contemporary artists, all of which are certainly great conversation starters.

A highlight was an interactive video mapping art installation featuring works by Ronald Ventura, Salvador Dali and Romulo Olazo. Guests were asked to dress in tropical white in the spirit of creativity, diversity and openness.  Kiana Valenciano with sets by DJs Nix Damn P! and Gian Romano entertained the guests.

The heady mix of creatives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, influencers, media personalities, and socialite included Ramon Orlina, Rajo Laurel, Cristalle Henares-Pitt, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Julio Villafuerte, Tim Yap, Markki Stroem, Rico Blanco, Gino Santos, Pepper Teehankee and JM Rodriguez.  –CONTRIBUTED