The art of letting children play

MANILA, Philippines - The art pieces in the collection are light and lighthearted, bringing to mind a more carefree time when running around outside, scraping your knee, laughing and getting up to do it all over again was the most important part of the day.

On Oct. 1 at exactly 6 p.m., UNICEF Philippines’ second “Auction for Action” goes live on eBay Philippines, featuring over 70 pieces from admired artists in design, furniture, art, and jewelry. The organization’s second online art auction is in line with the 20th year celebration of Children’s Month, so it’s only fitting that this year’s theme is the right of children to play.

“Auction for Action” is curated and presented this year once again by UNICEF special advocate for children Daphne Oseña-Paez. For her, it’s the perfect way to combine her passion for art, furniture, and design with her advocacy on children.

“Whenever I go to the field with UNICEF, I am heartened to see that we are doing a lot to improve children’s lives all over the Philippines. But there is always more to do. That’s why I support UNICEF,” says Daphne.

A mother herself, Daphne understands the importance of play in the lives of children. “Playing is the basic right of every child, and its importance to a child’s well-being and healthy development cannot be over-emphasized. It also lends itself well as a theme for our premier artists to work with,” she continues.

UNICEF Philippines is more confident this year with the “play” theme, with a collection that is more cohesive and pieces that share a common lightness. The theme of last year’s Auction for Action was “mother and child,” although the topic was somewhat diluted by the diversity of the work. That’s not to say that things went badly; on the contrary, last year’s auction raised just about a million Pesos for UNICEF and their projects with children.

“As Hope Reaches Skyward” by Juvenal Sanso

“I think last year was quite a random collection. We didn’t know exactly what to go after, which made it an interesting collection because it was very eclectic. But it didn’t quite hang together as a collection,” says Angela Travis, Chief of Communications for UNICEF Philippines. “This time I think that if you like art, then you’ll see a number of things that you like. I think the categories have been better sorted out. We’ve really gone for what we think is collectible, popular, and with names that will be of value in the future.”

The collection features the work of Manuel Baldemor, Otep Bañez, Elmer Borlongan, Gregory Halili, Raymond Legaspi, Popo San Pascual, Baby Valencia, Bernard Vista, Willibald Zeck, Aldrino Abes, Jovan Benito, Vincent de Pio, Jomar Delluba, Hamzah Marbella, Mario Parial, Dominic Rubio, Juvenal Sanso, Lydia Velasco, Remy Boquiren, Antonio Daleon, Adler Llagas, Jun Martinez, Nemy Miranda, Jun Morondez, Ranino Quinto, Eberle Catampongan, Rico Doronio, Anthony Geduspan, Joel Mahilum, Don Artificio, Angelito Balmes, Carlos “Cee” Cadid, Romy Carlos, Ben Infante, Norlie Meimban, Felix Jesus “Ely” Meimban IV, Jonahmar Salbosa, Dex Fernandez aka Garapata Man, Kawayantech, Epjey Pacheco, Paolo Vinluan, JJ Zamorano, Whoop, Michael Cacnio, Seb Chua, Daniel dela Cruz, Pete Jimenez, Ramon Orlina, Agi Pagkatipunan, Isabel Roxas, Kenneth Cobonpue, Heima Store, Debbie Palao, Ito Kish, Daphne Oseña Paez, Luisa Robinson, Danny Rayos del Sol, Vito Selma, Accessory Lab, Amina Aranaz, Kristine Dee, Janina Dizon, Jewelmer, Joyce Makitalo, Paul Syjuco, and Nicole Whisenhunt.

Surely, someone on that list is going to catch your attention. The great thing about this auction is that art lovers and collectors get the chance to bid on premium items at discounts starting at 40 percent off. That’s a pretty sizeable amount. It would be good to note that items such as “Bloom” from designer Kenneth Cobonpue, “Fly Up” from artist Michael Cacnio and a golden strand of South Sea Pearls from Jewelmer will be offered from Oct. 1 to 7 only. The highest bidders win the item on offer.

“Getting to those art lovers, people who have thought about it but have never really bought anything, I think this is a good way in because you’re doing something good and you get to take something nice home,” continues Angela.

“Buy a beautiful item, and help children at the same time. What could be better?” adds UNICEF country representative Tomoo Hozumi. “Many people don’t realize that UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations from individuals, companies, and governments. The funds raised from the auction will go towards education, health and nutrition, protection, and emergency programs for children who are the hardest to reach and most in need.”

So if you love art and don’t have an eBay account yet, make one. Don’t be a technophobe. And registering is free, so you have nothing to lose. And if you already do have an eBay account, then see you online on Oct. 1.

* * *

Go to www.ebay.ph to register for a free account on eBay.ph. For information about UNICEF, its work, and the upcoming Auciton for Action 2012, visit www.unicef.ph.

E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @_stilltalking.