AN AUCTION FOR ACTION

Last May 22nd, 2011, UNICEF [»] launched its charity auction for the benefit of children all over the country. The aptly-named “Auction for Action” is rather progressive, launching in Greenbelt 5 (Manila), but commencing online, at their site [»] for several days.

The most generous Daphne Oseña [»], a MUGNA Award judge for Cebu NeXt-2011, contacted me a few weeks after the conclusion of the show. As someone who has felt very strongly about the problems of women and children (via the Tertiary Sisters of the Capuchin order [»], whose efforts I’ve always supported in any way I can), I was happy to be invited. Rather proud to add, that several of my prestigious Cebuano contemporaries are likewise including their works for this auction.

Picking which to send, we decided on something light and easy to assemble—UNICEF was to handle the shipping process—but something fun and versatile for any home or apartment they will be finding a new home in. I didn’t want any random piece sent as well; I wanted it to be a message from myself and my staff, a shout of support…

Truly Noir: Light and shadow in the showroom, with Maze: Noir in the foreground. The four “Eyes” floorlamps huddle together in the upper right corner and stare. Mameha the Yakuza madame leans against the cabinet walls, upper left background.

…which the MAZE collection subtly suggested as we leafed through our inventory sheets. What better way to throw our support behind the endeavour than to send a piece that was literally that—an interpretation of cross-cultural, interpersonal linkage that goes behind the scenes of any important and successful project. The MAZE was conceived after seeing the scaffolding structure of an ongoing construction against the morning light anyway. K later suggested we send in the Noir variant (rattan stained in black), favouring sexy suave versus casual cool (in natural).

Here, Maze au Naturale goes topless in the living room for SNUG Furniture [»]. In picture are fellows (counter-clockwise from Maze) Emulsion (Black/Ivory) and single-seater Ali+Baba bench.

Both the Maze Noir coffee table and Maze Noir dining table are up for auction at the UNICEF Philippines site. We were invited, but again, geographical constraints keep us, so I sent my love along with my two “ambassadors”.

All proceeds to go UNICEF and their projects

Photos by Hockson Go, Myka Arnado & Maybelline Té