Auction house and bank celebrate renowned Filipino artists

“This collaboration is born out of shared values–a passion for excellence, a sense of responsibility, a dedication to delivering results, unwavering integrity and, most importantly, a broad perspective of the art market that takes the long view when it comes to the financial opportunities that it offers.”

Last February 20, HSBC and Salcedo Auctions formalized their third year of partnership with a contract signing held at the auction house’s main gallery. After the welcome speeches and celebratory champagne toast, guests from the media enjoyed the sumptuous lunch by Shangri-la Fort, served amidst a sampling of the fabulous highlights from Salcedo Auctions’ upcoming The Well-Appointed Life (TWAL) sale. 

The long-standing collaboration has deep roots as recalled by Salcedo Auctions’ chairman Richie Lerma. Almost two decades ago, Lerma started the Ateneo Art Awards  “where people like Ronald Ventura, Marina Cruz, and Maria Taniguchi first came to widespread acclaim,” Lerma says. “In launching that prize, I will never forget the institution that saw the potential of that spark, and through its support helped to shape the future of our country’s art and culture. That institution was HSBC.”

by BenCab
Untitled, BenCab | Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions

The partnership continues, this time between HSBC and with Lerma’s Salcedo Auctions. It is a perfect match with both companies sharing parallel goals. According to Lerma: “ This collaboration is born out of shared values–a passion for excellence, a sense of responsibility, a dedication to delivering results, unwavering integrity and, most importantly, a broad perspective of the art market that takes the long view when it comes to the financial opportunities that it offers. It is this ethos that is at the heart of the milestone partnership of industry leaders that we celebrate today.”

In his welcome remarks, HSBC Philippines president and CEO, Sandeep Uppal stated the significance of the collaboration, “where we share similar brand promise as providing boundless opportunities to our clients unique experiences that matter distinctly to them.” “Our presence today is a fruit of the longstanding relationship of Salcedo Auctions,” he says. “Together, we endeavor to strengthen our commitment to the Philippines in opening up a world of opportunity for our customers and to Salcedo Auction, bringing honor to world-renowned Filipino artists.”

Head & Zen by Lao Lianben
Head & Zen, Lao Lianben | Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions

The upcoming TWAL auction (happening on March 18) will be the first event of the year with HSBC as the official bank partner, and marks the launch of TWAL’s March edition. Things are off to a roaring start, as evidenced by the sneak preview of the upcoming sale’s highlights. On view at the exclusive media launch, works by Philippine masters like BenCab, Ang Kiukok, Arturo Luz, and HR Ocampo hang side-by-side with the paintings of auction stars Romulo Olazo and Ronald Ventura. Apart from the art, an important 19th century polychrome wood and ivory San Vicente Ferrer  looms at the entrance to the main gallery, at the far end of which stands an elegant balayong mesa altar with the distinctive ‘Olympic’ carvings. 

These are just teasers for another extraordinary trove of nearly 300 lots for HSBC’s valued clients who will enjoy special privileges, including first-to-market preview access to Salcedo’s marquee auctions and exhibitions, as well as pre-approval to participate online at any of Salcedo Auctions’ sales through exclusive access keys that will be provided by HSBC client relationship managers. All that, in addition to experiencing first-hand Salcedo Auctions’ specialist knowledge in its various art and collectibles categories, with dedicated staff assisting and advising clients in growing their collections. 

by Arturo Luz
Duo on Wheels, Arturo Luz | Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions

“As one of the leading international universal banks, and being recognized as the Best International Retail Bank of the Year in the Philippines by Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards in 2021 and in 2022, we continue to strengthen our commitment to the Philippines not only by enhancing the products and services we provide our customers,” Uppal explains. “We also strengthen this commitment by opening up a world of opportunity through exclusive benefits for our customers in a manner that supports their passions, dreams and aspirations in life – and this time, through art appreciation.”

Double Niche Urna by Inmaculada Concepcion And Niño Dormindo
Double-Niche Urna, Inmaculada Concepcion And Niño Dormindo | Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions

Salcedo Auctions’ The Well-Appointed Life live and online auction, co-presented by Exclusive Bank Partner HSBC, takes place on Saturday, 18 March 2023 at 2PM. The online catalog is available at salcedoauctions.com starting Friday, March 3, with the in-person preview opening on Thursday, March 9. 

For inquiries or bidding assistance, email [email protected] or phone +632 8823.0956 | +63917 591.2191. Follow @salcedoauctions on IG and FB.

Banner photo courtesy of Salcedo Auctions.

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