A Generosity of spirit

MANILA, Philippines - “A hidden treasure in the city” is how Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation president Carmencita Abella describes the Spirit of Asia gift gallery, tucked in the far corner of the foundation’s library on the ground floor of its building along Roxas Boulevard.

“We have long wanted to celebrate not only our awardees, but also the richness of the Asian cultures that we encounter when we go and visit them and when we do our research,” she says of the rationale behind the gift gallery.

The gallery especially aims to showcase the artisanal aspects of different cultures which are not able to reach commercial establishments. Many of the items are created by communities that the awardees support and work with, helping them to market the products from their livelihood projects.

Conceptualized with designer and floral architect Rachy Cuna, the gallery’s motif is bamboo. Abella explains, “Bamboo is very Asian not only in terms of where it grows, but also what it represents – the resiliency, gentleness and flexibility of Asians.”

Abella stresses that they consider the venture a gift gallery, showcase, more than a shop, with all sales treated as donations to the foundation. Abella describes the items available as charming, exotic, well curated gifts that cannot be found in department stores.

Launched in 2011, Spirit of Asia originally sold items that showcased bamboo in their designs. Bobby Castillo’s glass work, for example, yielded mugs, jewelry boxes and other glass pieces, all frosted with a delicate bamboo pattern.

The gallery also featured in its inaugural collection the works of Ugu Bigyan, a master potter based in Tiaong, Quezon. Being able to bring his works, and that of many other artists all over the country, to a wider audience became an advocacy of the gallery, says Abella.

Candleholders, vases, figurines, paintings by Rachy Cuna, and more round out the selection of creative offerings using bamboo.

Soon, the gallery decided to branch out into other products. Featured in an elegant glass case are delicate filigree jewelry made by Oscar Atendido, who has kept the dying craft alive.

There are also various weavings like hablon, abel and t’nalak from all over the Philippines; beaded baubles and decorative items; sculptures made of lahar, and even wearable art made from recycled materials. There are likewise items from Nepal, India, Vietnam and other countries all over Asia.

“People from whom we source our items have passion for their craft, or people who have a passion to help communities,” says Abella.

The gallery is also a venue for the foundation’s own publications and merchandise like mugs, storybooks, pencils and notebooks.

“You get some hard to find and well selected pieces, and what you get also helps the foundation,” says Abella. All the purchases from the gallery benefit the Transformative Leadership Institute.

“We really are promoting connections between and among awardees and between Magsaysay awardees and other people in Asia who are also developing solutions that address problems in Asia and doing it in innovative ways,” says Abella on the institute, which she says views Asia as a hub of solutions.

With the funds raised, the foundation is also able to document the stories of their awardees through print and video. “Stories of the solutions that our awardees are doing to help change Asia,” says Abella.

Abella adds, “What most people don’t know is there is hope for Asia. The Magsaysay awardees are doing so many things in their respective countries… You become part of this effort when you buy from the gift gallery.”

Even beyond this season of giving, finding hidden treasures at the Spirit of Asia gallery will prolong the spirit of generosity, spreading hope throughout Asia and the world.