NY charity art auction raises cash for Mindanao quake relief

xArt Auction for Charity opening guests, from left to right, Consul General Claro Cristobal, artist Ronald Cortez (partly hidden), sponsor Rachel Grant, artists Loren San Diego, this writer, singer Excelsa De Jesus, Deputy Permanent Rep Kira Danganan Azucena, artists Dulcie Dee, Dorothy Krakauer, Art Zamora, Carlos Esguerra, Standing behind: Joel Francisco and Jojo Austria. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

NEW YORK — When the Philippine Consul General of New York called for help in the Mindanao earthquake relief efforts, several non-profit groups came together in response.

A net amount of $5,500 was collected for the rebuilding classrooms for Mindanao schoolchildren,  during the 31st nine-day Annual Simbang Gabi last December, held under the leadership of Fr. Patrick Longalong, Consul Arman Talbo and Cultural Attache Beverly Pellosis.

Soon after the holidays, on January 16, Filipino American artists joined hands once again to donate to a silent auction various pieces of paintings for the Mindanao Indigenous People Youth Organization, one of the groups that appealed to Consul General Claro Cristobal for help in 2019.

Organized by Eagle Eye Charities, Inc., an IRC 501(c ) (3) tax-exempt non-profit corporation registered in New York, entertainers came forward to donate their time and talent, including the young diva singer  Miss Republic of the Philippines 2020 Excelsa De Jesus, The Band of Brothers and DirtyD all-American band, managed by artist Joel Francisco. Dubbed as “A Li’l Night of Art & Music,” the event was a successful demonstration of Filipino American collaboration.

Rachel Grant and her Biaggi luggage give-away. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

Throughout the night, the guests were entertained by covers of songs by The Beatles and other rock n’ roll legends by the brothers Jose “Pepe,” Gregorio “JJ” and Juan Carlos “JC,”  all surnamed Lozano and all graduates of La Salle Greenhills, Manila.

They were joined by The DirtyD Band with Zoe Xandra, Petros Siligkounas and Nicholas DiMaria. Both bands will be performing on March 21, 2020 at American Trash Bar, First Avenue corner 72^nd Street, Manhattan.

The highlight of the night was a raffle by guest and sponsor Fil-British actress Rachel Grant, best known as a Bond girl for her role in the “Die Another Day” James Bond sequel. She gave away two sets of her famous luggage by Biaggi, a company owned by Shark Tank winner Stephen Hersh, whom she recently married. The items were won by newly appointed Director of Philippine Department of Tourism NY Francisco Lardizabal and Ateneo Alumni past president Cecile Sison.

The Band of Brothers, from left, JC Lozano, Pepe Lozano, JayJay Lozano and Nicholas DiMaria. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

Participating artists invited by Eagle Eye Charities included:\ Manuel Baldemor, Jojo Austria, Luis Caraos, curator Dulcie Dee, Carlos Esguerra, Joel Francisco, Greta Lood, Ronald Cortez, Angelo Maristela, Ctanj, Loren San Diego, Art Zamora, Marcelo Quezon and curator Dorothy Krakauer.

Eagle Eye President Porsha Seechung and volunteer PICPA East Coast auditor Aileen Damaso announced that $3,883 were collected during the night. Beneficiary MIPYO will receive the net benefit along with a smaller amount contributed to the EEC’s Mangyan Art Reach and Kinding Sindaw Foundation’s #LoveForMarawi.

Filipino-American businesses that support NY charities include Tsismis NYC restaurant, Kabayan Catering, Biaggi Luggage, and organizations led by Tanglaw President Lou Janda and PNA president Dr. Dely Go. Dr. Go also awarded the winning check won by Eagle Eye Charities during the Parol competition at the recently concluded Simbang Gabi celebration.