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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Collectors, diplomats, and art patrons turn out for Salcedo Auctions' 'Finer Pursuits' vernissage

Collectors, diplomats, and art patrons turn out for Salcedo Auctions' 'Finer Pursuits' vernissage

Published Jun 3, 2026 01:05 pm
George Ibanez Ilagan, Benjamin Orosa Goquingco, Leslie Silvestre, Marian Hugo, Mav Rufino, Cathy Goquingco, and Emmanuel Lim
George Ibanez Ilagan, Benjamin Orosa Goquingco, Leslie Silvestre, Marian Hugo, Mav Rufino, Cathy Goquingco, and Emmanuel Lim
Last May 28, 2026, Salcedo Auctions marked its second marquee event of the 2026 season with the by-invitation vernissage for its “Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art and Rare Collectibles” auction at its auction house in Nex Tower, Makati City. During the event, carefully curated pieces were showcased, ranging from important Philippine art and fine antiques to ecclesiastical treasures, ethnographic artifacts, fine jewelry, and coveted timepieces.
Among the most historically significant offerings is a photo album containing 104 original 19th-century albumen prints, including what is believed to be the largest existing image of Dr. Jose Rizal’s execution in Luneta, along with the iconic group photograph of the so-called Hong Kong Junta led by Emilio Aguinaldo. Interspersed among these watershed moments are images documenting people and everyday life in the colonial-era Philippines.
Timed to coincide with the country’s commemoration of Independence Month, this edition of Finer Pursuits takes on a particularly resonant tone. Running through many of the sale’s highlights are themes of nationhood, memory, and identity, narratives expressed not only through paintings and sculptures but also through archival photographs, personal histories, and cultural artifacts.
Salcedo Auctions chairman Richie Lerma and Liwei Tai, country head of Singapore Airlines’ operations in the Philippines
Salcedo Auctions chairman Richie Lerma and Liwei Tai, country head of Singapore Airlines’ operations in the Philippines
Tokie Tantoco Enriquez and Renato Enriquez
Tokie Tantoco Enriquez and Renato Enriquez
Jose Luis de Posada and Rosa Aboitiz de Posada
Jose Luis de Posada and Rosa Aboitiz de Posada
Constance See Sin Yuan, ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines
Constance See Sin Yuan, ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines
Embassy of Malaysia first secretary Tan Foo Koeng, Homer Silvestre, and Leslie Silvestre
Embassy of Malaysia first secretary Tan Foo Koeng, Homer Silvestre, and Leslie Silvestre
Milo Naval and Daniel Latorre Cruz
Milo Naval and Daniel Latorre Cruz
Happy Ongpauco Tiu
Happy Ongpauco Tiu
Therese Balmori and Cristina Romualdez Velez
Therese Balmori and Cristina Romualdez Velez
Present at the vernissage were notable figures from the art scene, prominent art collectors, and representatives from ambassadors' offices of different countries, including H.E. Constance See Sin Yuan, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines; Tan Foo Koeng, First Secretary of the Embassy of Malaysia; Salcedo Auctions chairman Richie Lerma; and Liwei Tai, country head of Singapore Airlines’ operations in the Philippines.
“Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art and Rare Collectibles” is set to go on the block on June 6, 2026.

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