I don’t know about you — but I have never seen anything like it before! Not in Los Angeles nor London, where I was assigned for a combined quarter of a century. Not even in New York or Madrid, cities I’ve frequented during my stints abroad.

The culprit: The recent Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Auction Preview, co-hosted by Léon Gallery, spearheaded by Jaime Ponce de Léon, and the Asian Cultural Council Philippines, led by chairman Ernest Escaler. This event was particularly significant, marking the 25th anniversary of the ACC Philippines Foundation and a decade of faithful collaboration with the depository.

The affair was nothing short of spectacular, a rare gathering of art collectors, cultural patrons, and supporters of the ACC’s mission. The gallery was nearly packed wall to wall, with guests standing shoulder to shoulder, eager to be among the first to witness the sterling collection on display.

The atmosphere was one of excitement and appreciation — besos y abrazos, squeezes on elbows, and firm handshakes exchanged in a creative space beaming with enthusiasm.

For starters, the crowd comprised of Léon Gallery’s loyal clientele — serious collectors who know what they want and are always on the lookout for the next prized acquisition. Others were there simply to appreciate the masterful works that define the Philippine art landscape, and the possibility to be a part of this laudable initiative in the future. ”Some were spotted taking photographs, not to sell but to assess the value of works they might one day pass on to their children.”

Alongside them were the steadfast patrons of the Asian Cultural Council, individuals deeply committed to advancing the arts. Many have previously financially contributed to the ACC’s cause, or by graciously donating artworks as a token of gratitude. Not to forget, some of those were due to their very own ACC-assisted transformative experiences abroad. The ACC Fellowship Program has, after all, funded the artistic journeys of over 300 Filipino scholars since 1963.

With the presence of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the guest of honor, and her direct involvement, the organizers are truly confident that their mission will continue and prosper through the years.

The obras included — are you ready for this? — Juan Luna’s Portrait of Irene della Rocca, Fernando Zóbel’s Septiembre, a las siete de la tarde, en Tres Juncos, Fernando Amorsolo’s Harvest, José Joya’s Evening in Shanghai, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s On the Beach, Hernando R. Ocampo’s A Song for Summer, Arturo Luz’s Two Performers, Lao Lianben’s Obliteration, Ang Kiukok’s Mother and Child and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s View of Luneta, among other sterling object d’art on display. So how could have anyone missed the preview?

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, they had 140 antiques, sculptures and paintings on display. Here are some snapshots of a memorable evening.

¡Enhorabuena, ACC and León Gallery!