MAKATI CITY — On May 28, 2026, Salcedo Auctions welcomed invited guests to its gallery at Nex Tower for the vernissage of “Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art and Rare Collectibles.” Serving as a preview ahead of the June 6 auction, the event gathered collectors, diplomats, and art enthusiasts for an evening that celebrated not only valuable artifacts but also the stories, memories, and historical narratives behind them. More than an exhibition, the gathering offered a reflective journey through the nation’s cultural heritage and identity.
Rare Photographs Offer a Glimpse into Philippine History
One of the exhibition’s most compelling highlights was a 19th-century photo album containing 104 original albumen prints. The collection includes what is believed to be the largest surviving photograph of Dr. José Rizal’s execution at Luneta, as well as the famous group portrait of the Hong Kong Junta led by Emilio Aguinaldo. Complementing these historic images are photographs depicting everyday life in the Philippines during the colonial period, transforming the album into a deeply personal visual record of a nation’s evolution. Presented during Independence Month, the collection resonated strongly with visitors through its themes of remembrance, resilience, and national continuity.
A Story of Art, Friendship, and Legacy
While the historical photographs drew significant attention, one of the evening’s most moving moments came through a special performance. Dancers Jimmy Lumba and Jesse Tangalin presented excerpts from Filipinescas, the landmark ballet created by National Artist Leonor Orosa Goquingco, accompanied by pianist Zenas Reyes Lozada, who performed works by National Artist Antonio J. Molina. Standing behind the performers were two early paintings by H.R. Ocampo, which became the centerpiece of an emotional story shared by Dr. Benjamin Goquingco Jr., son of Leonor Orosa Goquingco. He revealed that Ocampo had once courted his mother, though she declined his romantic interest. Despite this, a lasting friendship endured between them. Before her passing, Leonor instructed that if a full revival of Filipinescas were ever staged, the paintings should be sold to help finance the production. With that revelation, the artworks took on a deeper significance, becoming not only artistic treasures but also symbols of friendship, legacy, and the fulfillment of a National Artist’s final wish.
Bringing Together Guardians of Culture
The vernissage also attracted prominent figures from the diplomatic and cultural communities, including Salcedo Auctions chairman Richie Lerma, Singapore Ambassador Constance See Sin Yuan, Malaysian Embassy First Secretary Tan Foo Koeng, and Singapore Airlines country head Liwei Tai. Their attendance highlighted the event’s role as a gathering place for cultural advocates and supporters of the arts across the region. While the auction itself is scheduled for June 6, 2026, guests at the preview experienced something beyond the prospect of bidding: a reminder that collecting is often an act of preserving history, heritage, and the stories that define a nation.
