A home display showcase of Cebu’s finest heirloom pieces

Nestled quietly on seen-better-days Sikatuna St., once upon a time Cebu’s business and kalesa traffic district, is Coleccionista de Antiguedades, a tranquil haven where one may discover one-of-a-kind art pieces, centuries-old antiques, and even excellent fine reproductions.

Joel and Carla del Prado, the dynamic and enterprising couple, took up the challenge of completely transforming the all-white two-storey wooden ancestral home into an unpretentious walkabout showcase of so many beautiful carved wooden furniture, such as consoles, commodes, cabinets and highboy, delicate fine china, fabulous blue-and-white porcelain and ceramics, and the hard-to-come-by antique kinke lamps in every size, shape, and color imaginable.

To celebrate its first anniversary, the talented couple gathered relatives and friends, and artists and art collectors for a thanksgiving dinner at the well-maintained patio where a delectable buffet, prepared by chef Derek Dytian of Creative Cuisine, was artistically laid out.

Guests included patrons of the art and lovers of all things beautiful, Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Choy and Rosebud Sala, great friends Myra Gonzalez and Connie Rama Revilles, California resident Herminia Yu, restaurateurs Gladys and Jerry Uy, architect Tessie Javier, wine connoisseurs Dondi and Corinne Joseph, and proud parents Joe and Corazon del Prado.

The advantage of a home display is that the valuable antiques with timelessness about them and reproductions can be viewed in a domestic context rather than in the hard glare of gallery spotlights. The atmosphere is right and the frenzy is elsewhere.

The remarkable showroom is itself a creative partnership between Joel and Carla, who both have an eye for original ideas and designs. There is order, and there is a quiet reminder of their intent, an affirmation of the enduring importance of appreciating fine art, be it a piece of heirloom, furniture, ceramic, painting, pottery or diggings.

Come. Enjoy the visit with Joel and Carla del Prado.