Friday, October 12, 2012

Ateneo Art Auction 2012


One early Saturday morning – I was standing on the wide corridors of Finale Art Gallery at La Fuerza Compound in Pasong Tamo, Makati City.  Yet again, surrounded with fine art and exceptional structures – I have deeply embraced the facets of auction houses and start to appreciate every moment of it. 

My body however is still in half slumber, as I have to wake up early to make way for this year’s Ateneo Art Auction. This after all is my first time on this 5-year running AAA (Ateneo Alumni Association) organized charity event and I wouldn’t want to miss it.

For a Cause
It’s always rewarding to be a part of a fund-raising event such as this.  The  proceeds of the art auction will benefit the scholars of Ateneo School of Humanities. 

Not only that, one of the main goals of AAA is to make Filipinos aware of their own talents as included in their line up of lots are winners of their very own Ateneo Art Competition.

Ateneo Art Auction Attendance
However, it came quite a bit surprise to see that there were no much people around, a lot of vacant seats and Dr. Leovina Garcia (Chairman,AAA) had to request for an “academic quarter” (quarter-hour (15 minute) discrepancy between the defined start time) to pave way probably for more bidders to come. 

This year’s Ateneo Art Auction suffered a bit in terms of attendance.  This announcement might explain it all.



The Auction Results
Several lots were remained unsold and only some notable pieces were fought on.  The crowd of this year’s Ateneo Art Auction was undoubtedly calm and a bit relenting. 
You’d be lucky to bid your choice of piece and win it right away as some lots were awarded from just a single bid. 

I attempted only once and I was hoping to come home with a beautiful piece from Rodel Tapaya, thought I’d win it right away but the bidders relentlessly raised paddles on this piece.

I’d say it is the only piece that was fought on so hardly yet it is the piece I was hoping to own.  It started at 70thousand and ended at a hammer price of 220thousand.  I didn’t win the piece.  Not my day I guess.

My Observation:

Auction Highlights -- Contemporary art pieces garnered more interests from the bidders than the old works of the masters.  Pieces of Angkiukok, Olmeido, Olazo, Bencab, Lianben and Saguil didn’t cope keenly compared to the works of Borlongan, Tapaya, Galicano and some new names in the art scene.

Art Event – The preparations were really thought into details.  The committee was successful to bring in a lot of big sponsors.  ABS-CBN was there to shoot the event too. Crustasia catered the event.  The crowd was treated in to good food and enthralling music all throughout the occasion.  Usherettes were recognizable in their sharp formal attires. Parking was not a problem as they have designated the outside compounds of La Fuerza open to the crowd of the auction. 



Overall – I am sure the turnout could have been dramatically different if not for the unfortunate same schedule of the UAAP Championship (nobody could have guessed it would fall on the same day).  Moving it to another day/week could have been more helpful than moving it to an earlier time.  The event preparations were superb.  I am looking forward for 2013’s Ateneo Art Auction.









Monday, September 24, 2012

Salcedo Auctions' Take 2 on Important Philippine Art

The large crowd at Salcedo Auctions despite the not-so-good weather

Heart pounding – this is what basically ruled my innermost senses last Saturday, 22nd of September at the Salcedo Auctions in Three Salcedo Place, Tordesillas St. Salcedo Village, Makati City.  It was the second auction of the “Important Philippine Art” for this year, the first being on March 10.  It was raining cats and dogs just like last time but the awful weather didnt seem as a hindrance to fill the venue with art enthusiasts.  In fact, there was a large number of crowd standing because the space have already been packed half an hour before the auction even started.  Yes, I was present in both and I still have not gotten over the enigma of the first yet my emotions were put on a halt again as I found myself chasing over some art works I’m vying for. 

My Paddle - Auctions' version of Pom-Poms
I was eyeing on 5 lots at this year’s auction (not that I can afford it) – Mauro ‘Malang’ Santos’ Still Life with Vase and Flowers, Romulo Olazo’s Kasuy, Romeo Tabuena’s Vendors, J.Elizalde Navarro’s Hiroto Kyoto and Nena Saguil’s 1973 Untitled Abstract.  I got so frustrated over losing on a bid at Malang’s piece but got a hold of my disappointment when I got Nena Saguil’s work. 

Nena Saguil Untitled Abstract 1973 Watercolor -- The piece I won!

Mauro Malang Santos
Still Life with Vase and Flowers 
1980 Oil on Canvas


It was a close contend with Malang, I lost it at the final price of 800,000.  My final attempt was 700,000 and I cannot go farther as I still have to add up buyer’s premium of 16.8% which would give Malang’s piece a total of over 1 million.  Not that I think it’s overpriced.  The piece was boasting with colors and vibrancy and I could’ve gotten it until 1.2M but I have learned to control myself and end at the planned stop.  We hardly see a Malang piece surfaced nowadays, that’s why I got excited when I saw that it was part of this year’s auction but I’ve limit myself to bid until 700,000 only.












Auctioneer Andrew Thomas doing what his best at --
Making the bids go up!
Nonetheless, I am still exultant over winning a bid at Nena Saguil’s work.   I have always been fond of her work, I found her abstract works a distinctive mess of spheres and non-orbital dots yet when looked upon evokes a nostalgic emotion and joyful extravagance.  Andrew Thomas, the house’s auctioneer started the lot at 40,000 and I had the chance to bestow the final bid at 100,000 excluding the buyer’s premium.  I heard from my back an echo of “finally” to the fellow bidders.  Maybe they have witnessed how I have reluctantly stopped myself over Malang’s lot.  Mr. Thomas, I must say is impressive in his craft with his witting talent to press on your limits.  No wonder, his services are repeatedly sought by the auction house.  His cajoles are enough for you to raise your paddle and nod on the impending raise of bid.  In total, I got the lot at 116,800 since it’s part of the rules of Salcedo’s Auctions to add a premium of 16.8%.



As for the three other choices I’ve mentioned, I wasn’t able to get the chance anymore to raise my paddle; there were just a lot of bids thrown at Olazo’s work and Navarro’s.  Romeo Tabuena’s Vendors starting bid was dear already to begin with.

J. Elizalde Navarro's Hiroto, Kyoto 1958 Oil on Canvas
Romeo Tabuena Vendors 1969 Oil on Canvas
Romulo Olazo Kasuy 1995 Oil on Canvas

Ronald Ventura Burnout 2005
Oil on Canvas with Collage


The contemporary artists fared just as strongly, though I’m not a huge fan of modern conceptualized pieces, it’s remarkable to witness how they have evolved in terms of the value of their work.  Last year saw the unprecedented success of contemporary art when Ronald Ventura’s “Academic” reached a final bid of 2.4 million pesos plus buyer’s premium.  Much to the amazement of everyone in the room, the 2005 painting of the artist is just an incredibly 26 x 20 inches, definitely not a major work of Ventura.  So it didn’t surprise the crowd at all to witness the hammer pound at 4.3 million (buyers premium not included) pesos over this year’s included work of the artist.  If I will compute the total amount that the winning bidder needs to shell out, he would settle a staggering 5 million pesos – enough to buy a posh condominium unit or a sports car.

It was also notable to mention another contemporary artist; Jose John Santos’ Conversations soared high at the final bid of 2.6 million pesos.  The piece had been estimated at an amount of 250,000-350,000. Alfredo Esquillo Jr.’s award winning Ritwal did not disappoint as a finale piece when it reached the hammer price of 2.9 million pesos (buyers premium excluded).  Pam Yan-Santos’ Storyboard (a portrait of the artists’ mother) has gone beyond its high estimate of 190,000 to 800,000.

Jose John Santos Conversations 2005 Oil on Canvas

Pam Yan-Santos Storyboard 2005 Mixed Media

Alfredo Esquillo Jr. Ritwal 1995 Oil and sawdust relief on rubber panel

The old artists were also competitive.  Nena Saguil, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Bencab, J. Elizalde Navarro and Jose Joya – as expected have exceeded the house’s appraised value proving that they’re the Philippine Art’s masters.

Jose Joya Untitled Abstract 1957 Oil on Canvas

Federico Aguilar Alcuaz Viento Sobre Viento 1964 Oil on Canvas

Auction's Topnotcher -- Anita Magsaysay Ho Lady with Guitar 
1950 Oil on Canvas


One of my favorite painters, Anita Magsaysay Ho would send another shockwave to the local and international arena as it ended a realized price of 6.3 million pesos with her rendition of a classic portrait of Lady with Guitar (circa 1950) in oil.  It was a fierce bid between live bidders and telephone bidders as paddles have relentlessly been raised to pave way for their offers – all just to own the lady painter’s coveted piece.  This stunning sale of the painter’s piece did not surprise the crowd anymore as Ho still holds the record of a Filipino painter who has reached the 15 million mark for a small piece (In the Marketplace) at the prestigious Christie’s auction of Southeast Asian Art.

This is indeed another remarkable moment of Philippine Art.  It's an elating experience to be surrounded with Filipinos who are willing to get a hold of their country's enduring talents.  The art industry in the country still proves to be true and loyal to its lineage. The almost 100% Filipino crowd in the auction event is enough evidence to substantiate this.

As for me, I'm ecstatic that I got a piece of Nena Saguil though sad that I lost on Malang's artwork.  But true enough, I have conquered my fear of bidding (raising the paddle is still a conquest at first), I've become a participant of yet another proud Filipino moment and I'm sure to have learned what and what not to do on the next auction I will embark on.  My heart pounced, skid, stopped and beat again.  Truly an experience worth remembering -- and worth sharing (blogging).

Photos in these entry are taken from the Salcedo Auctions Online Catalogue. Captions of photos are copied from the inset descriptions provided in the catalogue.  

By the way, I forgot to bring a decent camera at that time so I used my iPhone instead to at least capture some still photos of the event. Pardon me for the low quality pictures.  





Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The Elite & Fine Arts – A Perfect Symmetry



By: NBA

The art world is often associated to a niche market.  A market that is well-segmented to the wealthy personas and to the erudite ones -- the elites.  In a third world country like ours, pricey artworks are regarded as treasures and a rich man’s “quirks.”

A good number of successful people’s wealth is rooted from putting capital into traditional investments; in the form of stocks and bonds.  Majority of them chooses this type as it proves to be less risky compared to other nature of investments.  However, there is that growing cluster of elites that goes outside the normal realm of finances; they settle to alternatives such as real estate, coins, cars, wines and for this matter – the fine arts. 

This article will explain the perfect symmetry of the elites and their connection to fine arts.     What instigated them to see art in an unusual way?  Alongside the fact that they can afford anything to their liking, rich people didn’t get rich because of their caprices.  Most of them have accumulated their wealth because of wise and sound financial decisions they have made. 

But the question now is why art? why do the elites invest in it?


Diversified Investment Portfolio

Any millionaire can attest to the general rule of spreading out your capital, Fine art, however, seems to be the more exciting option for elites.  As the editor in Economic Times said, “Art is one of the few tangible assets that also qualifies as a ‘passion investment’. There is more enjoyment in displaying art on your wall than in displaying stock certificates.”  Sure, they have seed capital elsewhere too like real estate or the stock market.  But with art, they get to serve what the economic irony of “wants” and “needs” dictates.  They get to broaden their horizons in terms of investment by spreading their capital; thus, reducing the risk for loss.  


However, treating art as an investment entails a deep knowledge and dedication to the trends in the market.  Serious art collectors sometimes seek advices from experienced art connoisseurs to gain insights into picking a certain type of painting or sculpture.  They read society pages, attend countless exhibits and observes the whole scene if need be.  




Earn later on

The world economy has never been so unpredictable; stocks, bonds, currency exchange is in a state of flux more than ever.  Most investors would rather put on their money with something pleasurable and valuable such as buying paintings.  Being endowed with wealth, they have the ability to acquire possessions and the luxury of time to reap off the benefits of their action.  Just like how other groups channel their extra money to 'pre-selling condos' or barren lands, this type of investments will pay off in time through appraisal.  Fine Art, on the other hand is given the same treatment, art investors amass pieces they believe will appreciate through time.  

An overtly wealthy businessman collects the works of the masters – those with offbeat prices that sets our pulse rising.  This type of collectors are the conservative ones, they go for the tried and tested.  Their goal is to acquire pieces of high value already, that later on could still command price in the market. 

On the other hand, there are those young bloods who go for contemporary artists – these group aims for a great return of their money later on as the career of the artist ripens too (provided that they have made a good prediction).  They belong to the movers and drivers of the art world.  They support the art scene, rubs elbow with the gallery owner and boasts of their growing collection of young artists. Dr Sarah Thornton, author of Seven Days in the Art World cites in his book, “Collections are more likely to increase in value if they are seen by the general public because art accrues value through exposure. This is particularly important with contemporary art, where the reputations of these artists are still being consolidated.”   That is why they enjoy being photographed in art exhibits that will later on grace the lifestyle section of the newspaper.  After all, their mere presence produces prestige simply by association with wealth.  They manipulate the “market” and set the parameters.  The result -- prices of the pieces they own would go to unprecedented heights and give them a huge amount of money compared to what they have shelled out.  After all, a businessman always knows where to put his money and does everything to make it earn.    





‘Pamana’

For the majority of elites, acquiring a piece of painting not only adorns the pristine walls of their mansions but also serves as investments that could lead on to the next generation’s wealth.  There’s this notion of ‘pamana’ that we all know is only germane to the Filipino upper class.  Most parents prefer to hand down properties and tangible items over an amount of cash in the bank, simply because it is more sentimental to begin with.  In the case of art works, possessing a family heirloom gives more value to the painting (such provenance can be given).    



Start a Collection

When one starts to get a hold of what interests him and focuses on it, he would most probably start a collection.  Elites chooses a collection that they can take pride in their sphere.  It is not new to hear wealthy men paying a hefty amount of money for some vintage cars that they treat like babies or a group of businessmen boasting about their hundred year old wines stored in their fancy bars. Collecting art is one of those that belonged to the circle of class.  A lot of these elites have different styles of collecting art and they are more than willing to spare hundreds of thousands to get a good piece.   When an art enthusiast starts acquiring pieces in his early years, he then grows with his collections.  He will grow accustomed to its beauty and hang into it.  These possessions now become even priceless to him.

Once people own something, they start to ascribe value to that object simply through having owned it and that means that they are not willing to sell it at the same price for which they would buy it,” (Economic Times). 



Social Status


For most Filipino middle-class citizens, the price of a small-framed art piece of a reputable artist can drive them nuts. An average pinoy developed an allergic reaction to art galleries, auction houses and art gala events mainly because of its extrinsic association to high prices and suave galleries.   It’s Juan’s hors d'oeuvre or aperitif to his ordinary meal.

But to the upper class, it is another story.  Acquiring art works for some elite is also equivalent to a wealthy man’s omnibus of vintage cars and a rich woman’s collection of fine jewelries.  Owning ‘treasure’ for the elites is a social act, especially if they get to flaunt it to people. The more people find it peculiar to own such a massive fortune, the more elevated is the status of the person juxtapose to these ‘treasure assets’. 

In the boorish world of the ‘rich-and-the famous, it is important to be talked about in the society pages.  And what better way to be chattered upon than purchasing Filipino art pieces.  Clever eh?; patronizing your own art and putting-in on non-traditional investments – sounds like a smart move.




Quench for Fine Things

It is inherent in our human nature to aim for the finer things in life.  We are thirsty for material things – a new gadget, a new house, a new car, a new set of jewelry or just any other object that pleases our most innate need to “have”.  For the elites, this is an easy feat to deal with.  And the art scene, just like the exciting world of technological innovations and the trendy automobile world is ever changing, always stimulating and never ending.  The art works they have in hand is always never too enough to satisfy their innest cravings – and the well offs are fond of it. 

"Your motivation...must always be to please yourself. Follow your intuition and buy what sings to you. The objects you acquire should give you pleasure and fellowship."
- Richard Faletti, Tribal Arts Autumn 1997






Wednesday, August 29, 2012

How to Deal with an UNJUST Boss?


By: NBA





In my previous blog before this, I have talked about boss-gone-mad tales. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4962636334307266278#editor/target=post;postID=3943067719268651193 But I'm not letting you guys just ponder on it and forget about it.  So, I prepared some tips and word of advice collated also by some colleagues who have experienced the same problems as yours.  Some are my own formulas that I have used to remedy my own situation.  Let me warn you though that I am not in any way going to give you a reluctant-angel-like way to get to the bottom of your problem.  The last thing I want to employ is a**licking.



  •           Keep it Cool FIRST.  I know you are so infuriated with your boss’ attitude and you just to want to wage an all out verbal war with him but actions brought about by temper is usually not good and well-served to your purpose.  Relax, think and gather all your cards so you can play a smart game with your boss. Besides, remember he is unjust and so fair grounds are definitely not his cup of tea.  Let me share to you a metaphor I came across in an article that says -- try to imagine your problem as a ‘knot’, the more you panic and pull on the ends, the tighter the knot cinches.  But when you adopt a singular focus, a calm takes over and you can loosen one strand at a time.  Now, when you know that you’re not panting and your reason came back to the picture already, it is time to think on the next step.  Think first before you make any move.


  •         Share your issues with the person you trust the most. “A friend can tell you things you don’t want to tell yourself.” ~Frances Ward Weller.  The whole idea is to calm your senses, grieve on your emotions and most importantly to put reason amidst your woes.  The last thing we want to defend is a pointless argument.  How can you defend a promotion you’ve been eyeing on if you had a bad record on punctuality?  Your friend knows you day in and day out.  He might not be at the same company as you do or he might have diminutive idea of your boss but sure he’d be able to say in your face what you don’t want to admit to yourself therefore saving yourself from arguing and later on a subject for your boss to make grounds for your dismissal. 
Moreover, as the famous saying of John Heywood goes, “two brains are better than one…”  His ideas can give you a variety of things to choose on.  Whether be it bringing it to the higher court or just simply hitting your boss’ sports car with a baseball bat.  Next thing you know, you are laughing on your predicaments with your friend, suspending you from an utterly young heart attack. 

  •         Ask your boss the impervious question, “WHY?”.  After all, you deserve to know the reason why he is bullying you or why has he not granted you the reward you deserve for being his best ally.  Do not chicken out, if you know that you are on clean slate, strike the beast with this 3-letter word and sure he’ll be rounded up on his posh swivel seat.  Not only will you catch him offguard but you’d be able to get the answers straight from the source, your unnerving boss himself.   Remember that when you do this trick, try to look at his eye for 3 seconds first and without blinking, fire the “why?” question away!
On the other hand, if you are the introvert type and you are not good with face to face encounters. Ditch these trick and make an email or call your boss instead after working hours.  You wouldn’t want to mess up with his temper thereby deserving you a ‘go to my office and let’s talk’ line.  This is what you are avoiding and this is what you will get.  So again, play your cards well.


  •        Appeal your case to the ‘boss of your boss’.  When things go beyond your hand and it is futile to talk to your unjust boss, don’t.  Besides, its just going to be a waste of time.  He will deliberately put you on hook because he did what he did and he will by all means defend his own action.  Talk to the bigger person, if he is your supervisor; then you can probably talk to the manager and so forth.  State the facts (do not add or try to aggravate the situation because you will soon be busted if you do) and tell him what you really feel towards the issue.  If he is not like your immediate boss then sure he will investigate and try to make amenable resolutions.
If your boss doesn’t have a boss, you can consider going to the Human Resource Department who handles employee relations.  Lets just wish that your boss is not the owner of the company or its dead-end not unless the situation is so grave you would want to bring it DOLE (Department of Labor & Employment).

  •        Review and Seize your contract, memorandum, previous text message or email that contains what you have talked about a certain matter.  It is therefore important for any employee to keep all records pertinent to his job.  If you both have signed as the conceding parties then you have a big chance of winning your case.  If it talks about an incentive that is due for you, show it to your boss and you’ll send a message to him that you are not a person easily brushed off.  If its about taking credits on your own work, show to him your emails (if you do have it) signifying that you were the one who cooked up the genius idea for your company.  If possible, make it known to him that you will not succumb to his credit-grabbing style. 




  •         Lastly, Know when to Let GO and Find ANEW.   I have always believed that you have to let go of small things in order for you to see greater things.  Do not try to limit yourself with what you have right now.  Get out of your comfort zone.  Trust yourself and conquer the world.  There are a lot of opportunities lurking around for you.  If you are not happy with your boss and your work place, why stay?  Find new job opportunities or probably you can enroll in that class you’ve been eyeing on when you said 'only if you have time'.   Letting go is not a sign of weakness but maturity.

Lastly, let me end this with a quote by C. Joybell 

“Choose your battles wisely. After all, life isn't measured by how many times you stood up to fight. It's not winning battles that makes you happy, but it's how many times you turned away and chose to look into a better direction. Life is too short to spend it on warring. Fight only the most, most, most important ones, let the rest go.”


Got your own remedies for this bossy boss problems? Share it with us :)

Unjust Boss!


By: NBA


“MY BOSS IS UNFAIR, UNJUST AND IS GETTING INTO MY NERVES. “  Has this line gotten up to you? If not, consider yourself lucky because a lot of Filipino employees have expressed their disgust over their employers.  Most, if not all of us have an ‘unfair boss’ story – or two – to share. A myriad of reasons count to a worker’s loathing to his boss. Let me enumerate some of the most common complaints I have heard myself from my co-employees and friends.  Maybe some of you can relate to this (I do on some!!)…

  •         A PROMOTION you think you deserve.  Yet, you’re boss didn’t grant you this and goes on to give you his long speech of why “not now”.  Of course, you are broken hearted, how in the world can you explain to your family and friends that you’re long awaited promotion didn’t happen.  You were teased by most of how a ‘model employee’ you are, going to work rain or shine and rendering overtime hours that others don’t give a damn with and yet???  Sure you want to castigate your boss but because you need your job, you are staying.  Don’t be sorry for yourself; a lot have eaten out on their pride instead of being jobless. 


  •           You didn’t get the SALARY INCREMENTS you are long expecting.  You have made a list of what upgrade in life style you will make or getting that gadget you’ve been eyeing for a long time when you’re company have given you that highly anticipated increase in your pay slip.  And it just didn’t happen or it did happen but not to your expectation.  Your mind instantly flew on your boss’ monster physique and you just know that he didn’t give you a good score on your performance evaluation.  Of course you can’t do something about it, he’s the boss and you’re just suppose to be graded. Maybe you have missed to give him an expensive gift on his birthday or brought his favorite Mc. Do meal (which your other co-employee might have done). 


  •         Your boss has strong issues of ‘favoritism’.  Mr. Webster defined favoritism as the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another.  And if you are not the favorite, poor you.  The pet gets all what he asks for while you have to work your ass out to get what you want or request for.  You and your colleague has the same job description, same benefits, same schedule yet he is the only one who gets good comments, signed and approved vacation leaves and worse, he is not scolded even if he doesn’t meet the quota while you will be bombarded with memorandums and warning letters from the HR department. 
  •        You’re superior has forgotten the magnitude of the phrase “word of honor”.  Makes his own set of rules yet is the first one to break it.  He goes on to discuss a lengthy list of rules and regulations; only to be broken in the end with no less than himself.   Sure, ‘palabra de honor’ is a pre-requisite to gain reverence from people and you want to tell your boss that!




  •         You’re boss takes CREDIT on all your work inputs and efforts.  You did all the leg work, you brought in leads (clients), follows up keenly on your projects yet all of a sudden he strides on the front and gets a hold of all the credit and recognition.  This situation happens more on the sales & marketing world.  You put enormous effort on building rapport, getting new clients to sign up and building your profile yet you’re boss strikes from behind (he might have helped in closing the sale) claiming all that’s yours his.  Next thing you know, the x percentage of your incentive became an impeccable y amount of referral fee instead.
  •         You’re boss being a BACKSTABBER; does things behind your back and worse you found it out through people from other departments.  You felt betrayed by the person whom you have thought would help you improve and defend you against odds.  You trusted him and served him in all that you can.  Not to mention that you didn’t join your co-workers in their hate brigade against your management.  It makes your stomach churn knowing that the snake is just beside you ready to strangle and bite you at any time.

You probably at this time have reminisced your own nightmare story about your previous boss.  Well, its now funny looking back at it but what if you are currently experiencing one of the grim situations mentioned above?  I’m certain you are dragging yourself everyday to work; And when in the office, don’t you just wish for the time to move faster so you can spare yourself from the presence of the incredulously sinister boss of yours?

In my next blog, I will be discussing some tips and pointers on how you could deal with these situations.