Starting bid is P12M: Philanthropist to give proceeds from auction of Kiukok to charity

The largest Ang Kiukok ever offered at an auction in “recent memory” will go under the hammer on June 10 at Leon Gallery’s “Spectacular Mid-Year Auction” and the proceeds from the sale of the piece, which starts at a bid price of P12 million, will go to charity.

Leon Gallery founder Jaime Ponce de Leon said the man who owns the Kiukok, titled Fishermen, has given the painting to his company’s foundation and the foundation will use the proceeds from the auction — expected to be at least P50 million — to finance its charity projects.

I asked Jaime what moves a man to be so generous — after all, a big Ang Kiukok is still a collector’s item, even if he owns a trove of artworks.                                                                                                

“I think at this point in his life, he is thinking more about his legacy than anything else,” Jaime replied. “After all, how many material things can one really enjoy in one’s lifetime?”

According to Leon Gallery’s catalog, Fishermen is Ang Kiukok at the peak of his powers. It is said to be a modern-day Letras y Figuras as the artist’s name “Ang” is discernibly spelled out in the painting.

Known for his “fusion of cubism, surrealism and expressionism,” Kiukok, according to the catalog, was influenced by Mexican modernist Rufino Tamayo and Cuban artist Wifredo Lam. And yet he developed an unmistakable style all his own.

Fishermen depicts three men straining to pull a net heavy with big fish. Ramon Villegas describes it vividly: “Their muscles struggle against the opposing forces of the weighted net. The sun is high in the sky, a red copper orb against a sky browner than their skin made pale by the cold water. Sweat pour from their lean bodies. In their thoughts are thanks for the bounty that makes a living possible.”

I see a struggle written all over the painting, from the flexed muscles, the strained sinews, the bony limbs. It depicts the struggle of the fishermen, who mirror the everyday struggle of the average Juan de la Cruz — straining against the extremes of nature and the injustices of man to eke out a living.

That the painting is going to help ease the struggle of the less privileged, is, I believe, by God’s design.

***

Another interesting piece that caught my eye when Jaime gave me a preview of the art works that would be auctioned on June 10 starting 2 p.m. is the ornate Tampinco bed, so laden with design and purpose it might as well be a house! The bed is carved from narra by Tampinco, and has a design theme of tropical palm leaves. Among his native motifs were the anahaw, areca palm and bamboo.

Isabelo Tampinco was a contemporary of Jose Rizal, and died in 1933 at the ripe age of 83. Among his works were Manila Cathedral’s famous façade, the high relief on Santo Domingo Church’s molave door, the main altar of the Laoag Cathedral, the woodcarvings in San Agustin Church, interior of the Old Senate Session Hall of the National Museum and the Malacañang Palace entablature.

The bed belonged to Maximo Viola, said to be Jose Rizal’s best friend, and the man responsible for saving the Noli Me Tangere.

The mid-year auction also includes a rare Joya, a well-traveled one. In 1964, nine works by Jose Joya represented the Philippines at the 32nd Venice Biennale. Five others are in important collections and institutions, three are whereabouts unknown, and the elusive ninth, Carcass, is making its way to this highly anticipated sale. It has truly gone a long way, literally and figuratively.

History comes to life in the Spectacular Mid-Year Auction (a First Edition Noli Me Tangere from an esteemed South American private collection is part of the sale), with tales from the country’s rich heritage and brilliant artists retold in every light and bold stroke, every intricate carving, every solid mold.

(For more information, call 856-2781 or visit  www.leon-gallery.com.)

‘Trusted service at its best’

Laguna-based LB Levinson Brothers Inc., established by engineer Ben Monteiro in May 1998 as Levinson Construction Corp., celebrates its 20th year in the business. The company initially engaged in civil work projects for power and telecommunications companies. Through the years, Levinson expanded its range of services to evolve into LB Levinson Brothers Inc. by March 2008.

Monteiro established the company out of a need to enhance his earning capacity. He resigned from his office job to be an entrepreneur at the age of 44. He threw himself into the business, putting his heart and soul and hardwork to pursue his dream. And his efforts paid off.

Today, Levinson has proven its capability and efficiency to deliver, thus reinforcing its mission and vision to “actively pursue the thrust to be a key service provider and reliable business partner in the telecommunications and pharmaceutical retailing industry.” Among its prestigious clients are PLDT, Globe, Eastern Telecom, Miescor, Huawei Technology and Fibr Homes.

Levinson’s accomplishments have been recognized by the industry, earning the company numerous awards and citations. Some of these are from clients, particularly Globe Telecom: Best SLA in Install for 4Q 2010; Outstanding Contractor for Luzon 2011; Best in Repair SLA for 3Q 2011; Outside Plant Maintenance and Services Contractor of the Year 2012; Excellence in Quality of Installation and Repair Best Contractor, 3rd Quarter 2012.

In 2008 and 2009, the company also ventured into the pharmaceutical retail business and acquired a Generika Drugstore franchise with its first outlet located in Santa Maria, Bulacan. This move proved to be as successful as contracting, and to date, it operates 16 Generika branches located all over Luzon.

“The future is always bright and opportunities in various fields always beckon. As a team, we will be ready to face all these challenges because we firmly believe that everyone has been imbued with Levinson’s culture of excellence. We look forward to the coming years with pride and confidence; we’re ready to take on more challenges and opportunities,” Monteiro concludes.

(For more information, call 508-6952, or visit levinson.com.ph/ and LB Levinson on Facebook.)

(You may e-mail me at  [email protected].)