Daphne Oseña-Paez and Filipino artists unite once more for UNICEF auction
MANILA, Philippines – Having raised P1.4 million last year, the inaugural UNICEF Auction for Action was by all means a success—especially for a project that was launched with no major event, relatively little promotion, and with most of everything done practically online.
Credit goes to Daphne Oseña-Paez, UNICEF Special Advocate for Children and mother of three, who thought of approaching her artist and designer friends and asking them for pieces that could go up for auction online, the proceeds of which benefit UNICEF’s various projects.
“Many people don’t realize this but UNICEF is entirely dependent on voluntary donations for our work,” said Angela Travis, Chief of Communications and Private Fundraising, UNICEF Philippines. “We work in about 190 countries across the world and all of our income is voluntary. It comes from governments, companies, private corporations, and most importantly from individuals who are committed to children and to our programs. Here in the Philippines, the contributions from private individuals are becoming the most important to our work.”
As was last year, the auction gives art lovers and collectors the chance to bring home high quality artworks at 40% off the market price.
“Buy a beautiful item and help children at the same time, what could be better? And 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,” said UNICEF Country Representative Tomoo Hozumi.
For its second year, UNICEF Auction for Action is aiming to not only duplicate last year’s result, but to double it by adding more pieces from artists and designers including 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, and Jonahmar Salbosa.
There will also be sculptures from the likes of Michael Cacnio, Seb Chua, Daniel dela Cruz, Pete Jimenez, Ramon Orlina, Agi Pagkatipunan, Isabel Roxas as well as jewelry and accessories from Accessory Lab, Amina Aranaz, Kristine Dee, Janina Dizon, Jewelmer, Joyce Makitalo, Paul Syjuco, Nicole Whisenhunt.
Furniture and home accessories will be provided by Kenneth Cobonpue, Heima Store, Debbie Palao, Ito Kish, Daphne Oseña Paez, Luisa Robinson, Danny Rayos del Sol, and Vito Selma.
Special items included this year are especially designed toys, bicycles, and even neon lights from Dex Fernandez aka Garapata Man, Kawayantech, Epjey Pacheco, Paolo Vinluan, JJ Zamorano, Whoop, all of Secret Fresh Gallery.
The auction, which coincides with the 20th year of Children’s Month, goes live at 6PM on Ebay Philippines on October 1, 2012 and will be up for seven days. The annual national celebration gives importance to children’s rights and their right to play, the unifying theme for all the pieces in this year’s auction.
“Play is the greatest equalizer among every child,” Oseña-Paez says. ”Whether in the city or in the rural area, every child has the right to play… and 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.”
For more information on Auction for Action 2012, visit www.unicef.ph.
