The heart in art

There are two things I can’t seem to say no to: a headstrong woman, and an art auction that benefits children, especially deserving but under-privileged children.

My philosophy is that when I have to risk my life and body for their cause, one need not say anything more but "Do it, Johnny! Do it" And all I do is oblige unselfishly. I was, of course, referring to art auctions for children. Most women, I just let them get their way with me – feathered whips, bondage and all that. But enough of my sacrifices.

It was therefore delightful when a group of twentysomethings from the Taguyod Foundation invited me to be the head auctioneer for artworks done by underprivileged youths, including special children, whose education the foundation has been supporting.

Let me just say that it is a totally admirable and moving gesture. Imagine, we have these smart, very active young men and women – scions of upscale families who distinguish themselves from their peers with something seemingly uncharacteristic: organizing an event for the benefit of these children.

This contrasts beautifully with the common pursuits of our young today, which are usually shortlisted to such pastimes as malling, late-night outs, binges and, most spoiled brats’ favorite: ramming their cars into lamp posts that fail to avoid their paths.

Really, this annual event organized by these exceptional young people is moving, to say the least. Hey, the last time a twenty something stirred something in me, it had nothing to do with art auctions. But that’s another story and I digress. And I’d better stick to the topic.

Anyway, much kudos should go to Mariedad Tankiang and those who make up the organization. It was as much an honor for me to share my time with their many, many worthwhile projects. I understand the Filipino Artists Guild assisted them in this endeavor. The others included the Art Collector’s Gallery, Gallery Alegria, Jay Calma, Carmen Vargas, Nettie Vecin and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Tankiang.

Held at one of Forbes Park’s sprawling residences, which was converted to look like a gallery, guests were invited to view the wonderful naïf works, and engage in pre-bidding. The Christ the King choir, meanwhile, rendered soaring carols, while guests marveled at the artworks.

A brief program ensued, including a dance performed by the beneficiaries, before the charming, richly-colored pieces were finally offered for auction. Those lucky enough to own some of the Fauvist-colored artworks were seen with satisfied smiles on, brought about no doubt acquiring a thing of beauty and at the same time giving the artist a sense of fulfillment and helping them in studying.

According to the petite, and very likable Mariedad, Taguyod was founded in 1994 and is composed of members from the business sector, academe and the clergy.

This junior law student from the prestigious Ateneo Law School shares how Taguyod has been improving lives of the urban youth through education. Over 40 scholarships have been awarded to deserving but under-privileged youths. Taguyod scholars are grade school students from Don Bosco, high school students from Southridge Night School Program and college students from the University of the Philippines. Taguyod likewise grants a full scholarship program, and with its Lighthouse Project it has branched into computer education, thus updating the options available to its beneficiaries.

This is why Mariedad and the rest of the foundation’s proponents stand out from among today’s youth. Call it heart to art. They have chosen a path that challenges one’s sense of social responsibility, integrity and bravura, because it takes courage to do something as extraordinary as this. Bravo, people!

* * * Hotel Kimberly: The Warmth Within

Having stayed in many premier hotels here and abroad, I have come to distinguish the elements that make for a comfortable and delightful stay.

Comfort, space and security, these are the three elements foremost on my list. Add to these the exceptional reception that is accorded guests and a place is a sure winner with me. These is nothing like having the hotel staff treat you more than perfunctorily, and it helps if they are mindful of a guest’s diverse needs because more often than not, we have to take our work with us, and the staff can’t always be with you.

Hotel Kimberly on Pedro Gil, in the heart of Manila’s business and entertainment district, fulfills those requisites. More importantly, it is distinguished by the attention and security it affords guests; so staying here relieves many of your worries, and allows you instead to focus on a delightful and relaxing stay, while being religiously attended to by the staff.

A cursory look around Hotel Kimberly’s lobby, which incidentally is a DOT-rated hotel, and you will find that it has been finished in a sleek but tastefully minimalist design, with choice finishes throughout. It has 58 rooms, including five Executive Suites. The very modern design celebrates both space and clean lines, with choice accents on its many amenities. Creature comforts include mini kitchens, cable services, NDD/IDD services, personnel refs and spacious drawers. The bathroom is likewise roomy, installed with modern conveniences.

I especially like the space allotted to each room. It has a thoughtful touch because half of enjoying your stay is being comfortable, and it certainly is a welcome treat to be able to have, quite figuratively and literally, enough space for privacy. This helps you sort your priorities in a serene, very relaxing environment.

Kimberly is a well-designed hotel. With it is a gym and aerobics center for fitness buffs, because the pros know that a time to yourself is also perfect for catching up on your fitness routine.

I checked out the function room, and was pleasantly surprised to find it so spacious as to accommodate up to 200 people.

Food being one of the more important considerations, I went to check the hotel’s very own Spoons and Bar Café, and found that the dishes, as well the available beverages, make for quite an enjoyable dining experience. There are choices here, ranging from Filipino to continental specials.

For Hotel Kimberly’s guests, management has taken care to ease their worries with safety measures even for valuables, so a safe can always be availed of. There’s valet parking also for convenience.

Despite the modern conveniences, Hotel Kimberly amazingly maintains quite reasonable rates, and this is definitely going to appeal to seasoned travelers who are particular about the value of their money. With the plethora of places to choose from, Hotel Kimberly edges them with the amenities and services that guests can avail of, plus the more pleasant cost, on top of the exceptional reception and attention uniformly given to guests.

Hotel Kimberly is located at 770 Pedro Gil Street, Malate, 1004 Manila. For reservations, call 521-18-88 or 526-49-57. E-mail reservations to hotelkim berly.com.