‘The Well Appointed Life’

Rodel Tapaya, The Magic Frog, 2014

The world of auctions has gotten more exciting as Salcedo Auctions mounts its signature event, “The Well Appointed Life” at The Peninsula Manila this weekend.

This first-ever, month-long celebration mounted by the pioneer Philippine auction house, with co-presentors The Peninsula Manila and Santos Knight Frank, began with the unveiling of an architectural installation at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila on September 1 that pays tribute to the four sale categories of The Well Appointed Life: Important Philippine Art, Connoisseur Collection, Fine Jewelry & Timepieces, and Rare Automobiles.

This was followed by an exclusive vernissage gala reception on September 14 at the Upper Lobby of The Peninsula, providing guests with a first glimpse of the items going under the hammer.

The main feature of The Well Appointed Life will be the auction weekend at the Rigodon Ballroom.

Today, bidding starts at 11 a.m. for the Connoisseur Collection, followed at 2 p.m. by Salcedo’s signature Important Philippine Art auction. The following day, September 24, Fine Jewelry & Timepieces starts at 2 p.m., with Rare Automobiles starting at 6.30 p.m.

Now in its fourth year, The Well Appointed Life is the Philippines’ largest fine art and collectibles auction event.

Richie and Karen Lerma

“Ever since we pioneered the fine art and collectibles auction industry eight years ago, we set out to bring world-class auctions to the Philippines, befitting the rising fortunes of our country and our place in the global art community,” said Richie Lerma, director at Salcedo Auctions. “Our institutional partnerships underscore our very high standards and the trust and confidence that we enjoy at an international level.”

According to Mark Choon, general manager of The Peninsula Manila, the hotel has been a longtime supporter of the arts, having assembled a large collection of art by Philippine masters over the last forty years. He added that each property in the Peninsula group worldwide is unique because it reflects the rich history and culture of its locations.

The depth and breadth of the fine art and valuable objects presented by Salcedo Auctions in The Well Appointed Life continues this tradition.

Santos Knight Frank is the Philippines’ market leading, full service real estate organization. Its global partner, Knight Frank, is widely regarded as the most prestigious brand in luxury real estate.

Jose Joya, Cascade, 1965

“We are able to showcase prime properties both in the Philippines and around the world and work with our high-net worth clients to complete complex cross-border investment transactions,” said Rick M. Santos, chair and CEO of Santos Knight Frank. “With our focus on quality and discerning clients, we see this partnership with Salcedo Auctions as the perfect opportunity to create a truly unique buying experience in the Philippines.”

Important Philippine Art, the auction house’s marquee event, is considered the barometer of the Philippine art market.

Highlights include works by masters such as Fernando Amorsolo, BenCab, José Joya, Lao Lianben, Arturo Luz, Vicente Manansala, and Mauro Malang Santos, as well as rare and highly sought after contemporary works by Annie Cabigting, Jose John Santos III, Rodel Tapaya, and Ronald Ventura. The main feature of the sale is an impressive 30-feet long H.R. Ocampo painting (1967), the largest work of the artist in private hands.

Connoisseur Collection features fine furniture, objets d’art, international artworks, rare books, and valuable maps.

This year’s highlight is a unique confluence of Chinese furniture workmanship and Philippine imagery from the turn of the century: a table and a pair of chairs finely carved in polished ebony rosewood with very rare and intricate carved motifs of birds and plantain leaves, acquired by descent from the estate of a renowned ilustrado.

The Well Appointed Life is co-presented by The Peninsula Manila and Santos Knight Frank, with major partners Lexus, Globe Platinum, Singapore Airlines, and premium audio partner Bowers & Wilkins.

For inquiries, email [email protected] or phone +632 6594094 / 823.0956 / +63917.894.6550