MANILA, Philippines—Art is definitely not just for art’s sake as more than 40 sculptors showcase their works in a one-day exhibit-sale for the benefit of children with heart disease.

The exhibit, dubbed Alay Sining, is organized by the Rotary Club of Makati West (RCMW) and will bring together more than 40 artists including three National Artists.

“Through Alay Sining, we wanted to highlight our sculptors whose works are being increasingly recognized, not just in the country but also abroad,” RCMW president Ed Balois said at a press conference Thursday.

“At the same time, the buyers of these beautiful and collectible art pieces will be doubly happy and fulfilled as they will also be able to help more poor children undergo the heart surgery they need to stay alive and live long, healthy, and productive lives,” Balois added.

Proceeds from the sale of artworks will be used for the RCMW’s Gift of Life program that provides free heart operations to children from indigent families.

The program has since treated around 250 children with congenital heart disease from all over the country since the program began in 2004.

Balois said that the normal price of a heart operation on children is P800,000 to P1.5 million. But through a memorandum of agreement with hospitals, they have brought down the price to P100,000 to P250,000.

They also have a partnership with Philippine Airlines to fly to Manila the children for free, Balois said.

A brass sculpture by Angelico Villanueva depicting Carabaos. He said they are one of the most important and amiable creatures in Philippine society. He however said that they are neglected and taken for granted, so he wanted to create a sculpture to remind people about their importance. Matikas Santos/INQUIRER.net

The National Artists who offered their works for the exhibit are Napoleon Abueva, Abdulmari Asia Imao, and Arturo Luz.

Two awardees of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), Juan Sajid Imao and Michael Cacnio, are also participating in the exhibit.

Also on display are works of artists Gus Albor, Agnes Arellano, Ral Arrogante, Felix Baldemor, Fred Baldemor, Wilson William Baldemor, Ferdinand Cacnio, , Fred Caedo, Glen Cagandahan, Henri Cainglet, Lor Calma, Seb Chua Jr., Benjamin Dailo, Jonathan Dangue, Joe Datuin, Don Reich de Dios, Daniel dela Cruz, Roland Facultad, Noy Gepte, and Bisoy Iglesia.

Also joining the exhibit are Pete Jimenez, Maria Magdamit, Carlito Ortega, Tito Obor, Ramon Orlina, Glenn Pagaduan, Ann Pamintuan, Antonio Raymundo, Ronel Roces, Lucky Salayog, Angeli Salcedo, Jinggoy Salcedo, Jonahmar Salvosa, Ian Valladarez, Francisco Verano, Jun Vicaldo Jr., Angelico Villanueva, Ben Hur Villanueva, Nicky Wijangco, and Reggie Yuson.

A sculpture by Angelico Villanueva’s father, Ben Hur Villanueva, depicting a musician playing the saxophone. Matikas Santos/INQUIRER.net

“The exhibit-sale will offer our countrymen and foreigners alike the opportunity to acquire the best Philippine sculptures to beautify and add class to their homes and offices,” Balois said.

“They are also a good business investment as their value can only increase in the years ahead,” he added.

The exhibit will be held at the 3rd floor Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental in Makati on November 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.