Did you hear, dahlings, about Manille’s art lovers and collectors recently converging at the Leon Gallery at Corinthian Plaza in Makati, which opened its doors to “Filipinos in the Gilded Age,” an important and dazzling exhibit of masters’ paintings, furniture and objects from the 19th century?

Such luminous names as Luna, Hidalgo, Lozano, Domingo, Martinez were just a few of the distinguished artists in the collection, palangga.

Collected over the years by gallery proprietor Jaime Ponce de Leon, no less, with some pieces borrowed from other collectors, the masterpieces were showcased in the gallery space that had been transformed into a 19th-century Parisian salon.

The setting, inspired by a photograph of Juan Luna posing in his Paris studio, was decorated for the exhibit by Tats Manahan, who curated the pieces with Lizza Nakpil and Ramon Villegas.

The two also produced the exhibition catalogue designed by Miguel Mari.

During the afternoon reception inaugurating the exhibit, there was a lavish spread of finger food such as empanaditas, bocaditos, argellanas and other abuela pastries from noted heritage bakeshop Mallorca.

The feast extended to a cocktail-hour menu with superb wines and champagne by Bambi Sy Gobio of Restaurante Pia y Damaso.

Throughout the event, lively discussions were heard from the members of the art community: Manila’s bella Italiana, Silvana Ancellotti Diaz and artist husband Ramon Diaz; Dominic Galicia of the Unesco International Committee of Monuments and Sites and wife Tina Periquet; Alfred Roca; Ysmael Guerrero Cruz of Escuela Taller; interior designer Jonathan Matti as well as Christian Aguilar, Marissa Araneta and Gino Gonzales.

In the following days, there was a continuous stream of art cognoscenti and enthusiasts who came to view the collection including Jaime Laya, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, Sen. Miguel Zubiri, Cid Reyes, Dindi Gallardo, and newly elected Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez.

‘Great excuse for a cause’

Rogue magazine editor in chief Paolo Reyes recently celebrated his birthday by hosting an intimate fundraiser and photo exhibit at jamoneria and wine bar Txanton.

The exhibit, featuring travel photographs by Neal Oshima, Mark Nicdao, Steve Tirona and Gutsy Tuason, was mounted with the support of premium luggage brand Tumi and bespoke travel specialist A2A Safaris.

Proceeds from the sales of the photos would be donated to Pangarap Foundation, a shelter and rehabilitation center for Pasay City’s street children. Paolo’s clan, which includes the Lopas, has been supporting the charity for many years.

A few of the guests, who went home with signed prints by the country’s top lensmen, included Mikey and Lizette Cojuangco, Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez and Joey Tambunting.

Everyone sampled Txanton’s fine selection of wine and tapas while viewing the photographs.

“This was a great excuse to bring my friends together for a good cause,” said Paolo. “It was also a small way of showing gratitude for another year of life and for nearly a decade of Rogue magazine.”