The Manila art scene has flourished into an exciting business with several auctions and galleries supporting local artists. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s best to keep an eye on artworks for gifts or possible investments.

One of the most active galleries is Leon Gallery, which holds a couple of art auctions in a year. Kingly Auction 2014, the last for this year’s auction season, is happening next weekend, Nov. 29, 2 p.m., at Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legaspi Sts., Legaspi Village in Makati City.

A mix of collectors, business leaders, artists, media practitioners and philanthropists were recently treated to a sweeping display of exceptional artworks, covering significant periods in Philippine art, while partaking of a divine spread catered by Lusso.

At the intimate lunch affair, guests had a chance to examine and enjoy the many outstanding pieces, especially a masterly “Sabel” from 2002 by BenCab. It is eye-catching to see how the colors found in the Philippine flag are used to drape his subject.

There were really too many great works to list; even contemporary artists like Tatong Torres, Alfredo Esquillo, Ronald Ventura and José John Santos III were represented. Other exceptional artists on exhibit were Romulo Olazo, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Oscar Zalameda, Arturo Luz and many more.

The Kingly Treasures auction preview is ongoing until Nov. 28. Visit www.leon-gallery.com.

BenCab for Swatch

Speaking of BenCab, I was so lucky to acquire the remaining limited-edition art print of this living master at the Swatch 25th anniversary exhibit.

Having missed the big milestone celebration of this 100-percent Swiss-made timepiece, I visited the impressive Swatch & Swatch Building along Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, to check out the multilevel retail and events hub solely for Swatch.

After viewing all the specially commissioned artworks, I quickly headed to the Retail Hub to complete my Christmas list with the latest Swatch Sistem51 collection. My sister-in-law Myda Prieto and I were delighted to see Swatch grand dame Virgie Ramos as she was busy checking all the small details in the building.

More on the art scene, I was recently intrigued by what started out as a simple school project that turned into quite an affair to remember! For her Entrepreneurial Management thesis, Bambina Jacinto decided to work with her passion and put up an art management firm to promote emerging artists. Taking on Dani Osmeña as a partner, the two opened their company, Slate Manila, to portfolio submissions as well as sought-after artists through friends, family and various online channels, leading them to the 10 artists they presented at their opening reception last week, “Novus Praeternatura.”

The theme translates into “beings or bodies outside of the realm of nature.” Preternatural beings include mythological and legendary, sentient creatures whose existence is not bound by the rules of nature.

And indeed, the first crop of artists fit the bill: Jonathan Benitez, Sayid Cedicol, Jared Yokte, Isobel Francisco, Melvin Guirhem, Norlie Meimban, Gromyko Semper, Josue Mangrobang, Miko Sandejas and Gao Rezaga.

Slate Manila’s first show introduced us to this preternatural world through the opening reception at A Space Manila, with over a hundred guests eager to see the contemporary pieces the show had brought together.

Working with MPBK, a student-driven online art channel, as their media supporters, the Jacinto-Osmeña duo hoped to reach a wide audience of all ages in the appreciation of art.

The company’s main goal is to introduce up-and-coming artists to the industry. Seeking out emerging artists who work in visual mediums, Slate Manila hopes to expose new artists to the rapidly growing art scene.

I find it great that Bambina and Dani are young entrepreneurs who are passionate about art, and who hope to honor the talent our country has to offer. Young artists who want to submit their works to Slate Manila for consideration may do so by e-mailing their portfolios to [email protected].

And in Cebu…

The art scene is not just happening in Manila but also in Cebu. Filipino-Chinese artist Jewelle Yeung had a full house during the opening cocktail reception for her exhibition last month at 856 G Gallery in Mandaue, Cebu. A veritable who’s who from different sectors of society came out in full force to support the young artist.

Yeung focused on two main themes for this particular exhibition. The “Animal” series features birds and horses which represent the ideas of power and freedom, while “The Red Thread” series is inspired by an ancient Chinese proverb, which says that an invisible red thread connects people who are destined to meet. The exhibition ran for a month.

And this Christmas vacation, if you’re looking for some new place to visit, check out Kandaya Resort, an emerging luxury destination in Cebu. The opening was held Nov. 8, attended by A-listers from Cebu and Manila. From enjoying the beautiful sunset over cocktails, the party lasted until the wee hours with an endless supply of bubbly and vino, a sumptuous buffet, and two live bands with a saxophonist kept guests entertained all night long.

Kandaya Resort focuses on tourists whose main concerns are comfort, gourmet meals, a spa that offers a whole range of services, as well as a wellness center that can provide detox and diet programs. The resort includes two tennis courts, a gym with trainers, a yoga and meditation hall, a mixed martial arts studio, and an infinity swimming pool for various water sports.

With just 22 villas and 18 contemporary styled rooms and suites, Kandaya provides guests an intimate and personalized opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate while enjoying a retreat from the pressure of everyday challenges. For more information, visit dosm2kandayaresort.com, or e-mail reservations@kandaya
resort.com.

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