The Arts Council of Cebu, led by its dynamic president Petite Garcia, once again hosted an among-friends affair at the Grand Convention Center to raise much-needed funds for the club’s most ambitious projects — the performing arts scholarships and audience development program.
What made the event full of fun was seeing the crème de la crème of Cebu’s society gamely transform themselves for one special evening into waiters and waitresses dishing out delectable dim sum all for a worthy cause.
The beat of a Chinese drum signified the entry of the servers, who were fashionably dressed in white cheongsams and red mini aprons with bold letters printed “Tip me.”
With genuine smiles on their faces, while balancing the first of many, many delectable dishes, they came one by one: Petite Garcia, Cebu First Lady Margot Osmeña, Annie Aboitiz, Teresin Mendezona, Marissa Fernan, Elvira Luym, Mayen Tan, Marco Protacio, Alice Reyes, Jaime Chua, Kaye Luym, Lorraine Dy Tian, Mariter Klepp, Jaime Picornell, Deena Pages, Elena Young, Philip Rodriguez, Dominique Riegel, Angelina Escario, Francis Onglatco, Leah Sia, Maxwell Espina, and Lotlot Neri.
The evening culminated with the auction of desirable art pieces that were generously donated by leading artists and avid supporters of the club.
Wine connoisseur Dondi Joseph started the ball rolling as he successfully bidded for the fabulous Swarovski crystal necklace and earrings by innovative designer Miranda Konstantinidiou. Active civic leader Tess Chan and laserwriter Raymond Aquino were full of smiles with the Aboitiz-Moraza family cookbooks donated by Annie Aboitiz.
Joan Tiu, a dedicated mother to her two adorable daughters, set her heart on the limited edition of a mother-and-child reproduction of an original oil painting by famed artist Araceli Dans. Inding Santos of Emotion Gallery graciously donated a ceramic plate. Herve Lambert of Dedon presented a Bonneville chair, which will end in the house of Luis Aboitiz, while lifestyle editor Nelia Neri is the proud owner of a beautiful solid wooden chest with marquetry top and brass handles by furniture makers Pacific Traders.
Certain to continue to look every inch a working socialite that she is, party planner par excellence Teresin Mendezona brought home the solid sterling silver necklace and a pair of earrings with semi-precious gems beautifully created by Singapore-based jeweler, friend of the Cebuanos, Annie Chen.
Kenneth Cobonpue, the global multi-awardee furniture maker, gladly shared a striking red, everyone’s dream Yoda easy chair. Iker Aboitiz was the lucky winner. Jurgen and Sandra Pesch topped the bid for the Adeste Deguilmo oil on canvas painting entitled “Garden Concert” donated by Michael Dino.
Philanthropist Nonie Uy was more than pleased with her mother-and-child painting by Dodong Bandibas. Publisher Mary Anne Aboitiz Arculli, herself a superb chef and hostess, gifted herself with a copy of Shangri-La Hotel’s cookbook, Essence of Shangri-La.
Before the night was over, Dondi Joseph outbidded everyone for the framed photographic artwork in archival luster paper by restaurateur and ace photographer Billy Mondoñedo. Gabrielle Gallery owner Annie Chen donated two 8x8-inch acrylic on paper mono prints by Pandy Aviado. They were won by Zonette Balbuena and Jing Ramos, the gentleman behind the glossy magazine, Zee.
We salute fund-raising events for worthy causes. The proceeds of the affair will definitely go a long way in assisting the association to continue doing what they love doing best: bring art and culture to the community.
It is interesting to note that to date, the Council has supported seven performing art students who have graduated and excelled with degrees in piano, violin and guitar performances, voice, film and audio-visual arts.
Bravo, Arts Council of Cebu !