The District Ayala North Point in Bacolod was recently invaded by giant sculptural figures by the talented artist Charlie Co.

 

He participated in a group show that featured his latest works in the newest mall to open in Negros, palangga.

 

For this remarkable painter-sculptor, it was a prelude to an exhibit to be held in autumn in New York, natch.

 

Doing the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the opening was Rani (Resort Association of Negros Island) tourism ambassador Edouard L. Garcia, my true pal.

 

Edouard introduced me to Charlie when he was just starting to pursue his art. Our palangga Charlie has come a long way and is now one of the in-demand artists.

 

His exhibit in New York later this year will herald the arrival of an Asian contemporary art movement with a unique Philippine panorama in this new era of globalization.

 

“The art community has become a microcosm of universal prisms that color our world once more with vivid visualization,” Charlie said in his opening remarks.

 

The artist’s perspective starts with a broken note of cynicism that mocks one’s artistic fervor to become celebrity icons. “The artist’s infinite palette allows the viewer to see everything in a new perspective,” said Jojie Dingcong, an avid collector of Charlie’s pieces, dahlings.

 

Highly touted art auction

 

Now Gallery + Auctions, the brainchild of respected art collector Patrick Reyno, will hold an important auction of Filipino art on Aug. 31 at 2 p.m.

 

The collection to be auctioned is highly touted to satisfy any art connoisseur, palangga. The gallery will have a preview of the artworks starting Monday till Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

 

I was given a tour and moi must say that there are quite a number of works by national artists in the auction, like Fabian dela Rosa, H.R. Ocampo, Aguilar Alcuaz, Arturo Luz and Jerry Navarro, along with modern favorites such as BenCab, Ang Kiukok, Lee Aguinaldo, Cesar Legaspi, Nena Saguil, and some exciting young artists today like Andres Barrioquinto, Rodel Tapaya and Mark Justiniani, dahlings.

 

One of the highlights is Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s piece on the coast of Normandy which belongs to the art collection of Don Luis Araneta and Don Alfonso Ongpin.

 

Fernando Amorsolo has two gorgeous works, “The Stream” (1928) and “The Fisherman” (1960). They are genuine reminders of the artist’s skill in capturing Philippine light and scenery.

 

There are also works of Ronald Ventura, the most celebrated Filipino contemporary artist today. Among the lots is the “Black Rainbow,” a stunner measuring 7×7 feet!

 

Do visit once the exhibit opens and admire it yourself!

 

Now Gallery + Auctions is at the G/F, Ecoplaza Bldg., 2305 Chino Roces Ext., Makati City. Call tel.  5550683 or 5550684.

 

Outlandish, fun jewelry collection

 

Fashion plates and lovers of bling went to see the latest collection of internationally renowned German jewelry designer Thomas Sabo, no less, who mixes religious, glamorous, romantic and rebellious icons, for an outlandish yet fun creation, dahlings.

 

British supermodel Poppy Delevigne is the face of the new collection and embodies the novel tricolor look of Sabo’s “Golden Silver” set.

 

Sabo’s sterling silver is plated in 18K yellow and rose gold, rounding up a look of elegance for the contemporary woman.

 

The designer has also come out with his first men’s collection. Dubbed Thomas Sabo’s “Rebel at Heart,” the collection is “crafted for the guy with an untamed passion for life and style and features skulls, snakes, dragons and crests for a look that is both medieval and modern,” said Hanny Freund, Sabo’s communication manager for Asia Pacific.

 

Modeled by maverick violinist David Garett, the man’s unmistakable sound, style and zest for life is a perfect fit for the renegade but definitely awesome collection, palangga.

 

(Thomas Sabo’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection is available at the Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Mall of Asia and TriNoma.)

 

Founded in 1984, the brand is synonymous to innovations and ingenuity crafted in fine sterling silver. This distinction has led Thomas Sabo to carry his collections in 66 countries on all five continents, with 230 boutique stores globally.

 

Fashion show for a cause

 

It felt good watching a fashion show that looked like a United Nations meeting, but one that wasn’t stiff, dahlings.

 

The “Global Fashion Flair,” a show for a cause by the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF) and the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) had the ballroom of the Marriott Hotel, Manila, rocking with members of the diplomatic corps and corporate executives.

 

“The generosity of the SM Group in supporting the social causes of the International Bazaar Foundation is a good model for top corporations to emulate,” said adorable Gretchen del Rosario, wife of Albert del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and head of the IBF, palangga.

 

Proceeds will go to the philanthropic programs of the IBF and SHOM like scholarships for deserving indigent children, and financial support for the elderly and abandoned children.

 

One thing for sure, dahlings, this was the kind of fashion show that you get to see only once—unlike other productions that we seem to be having all year round.

 

Take your well-deserved bows, gentlemen and women of honor!