Artists for Artists

The long shadow of the World Trade Center tragedy still shrouded a stunned world, dahlings, but art patrons refused to let acts of terrorism stop their support for the arts, so they gathered at the lobby of the Cultural Center for an auction called "Artists for Artists", meaning artists helping each other, as in painters and sculptors helping dance artists by donating part of the proceeds of their works to benefit Ballet Philippines’ Dancers Endowment Fund, and Ballet Phils. in turn, palanggas, organized the auction to help sell the works. It’s a beautiful cooperation, di bala–if only the rest of the world worked that way too!

Mega-businessman and art patron Tonyboy Cojuangco, who heads Ballet Phils’ board, made a heartfelt case for helping our talented artists. The rest of his dedicated team of trustees present as always to give moral and financial support included BP honorary chair former First Lady tres simpatica Ming Ramos, BP president Maan Hontiveros in a knock-out top of coconut shells, micro-finance wiz Angel Ramos, whose frenzied bidding for several of the artworks made mother Ming ask, "Are you sure?" Also finance man Popoy del Rosario, my palangga Doreen Yu, John Robert Powers’ Dick Upton, chic Mara Enrile, writer and conservationist John Silva, who with co-auction master the irrepressible Boy Abunda got the bids going up, up and up! with their enticing and naughty spiels.

Happy collectors went home with treasures by the likes of masters Anita Magsaysay Ho, Arturo Luz, Joya, BenCab, Malang, Manny Baldemor, Max Lalata, Orlina, Pacita Abad, Charlie Co and more, plus rare books and tapestries. Happy too were raffle prize winners like top journalist Isagani Yambot and super-stylist Rachy Cuna, whose ten tickets won him three prizes, including a scholarship to the summer dance workshop. Time to get in shape, di bala?

Remember, palanggas, "We are not yet what we will be, but grace is moving us along." Smile. See you.