The Vanguards

Although they come from different backgrounds, Salcedo Auctions, DAILY TRIBUNE and Jor-el Espina share a spirit of vanguardism that enabled them to overcome challenges and become dominant forces in their respective fields. All three will mark important milestones this Sunday, 20 July, in a joint three-part celebration of art, fashion and journalistic excellence at Salcedo Auctions’ NEX Tower gallery.

It is undoubtedly a special occasion, with friends from Manila’s social set, the fabulously fashionable, established collectors and representatives from the diplomatic and business sectors expected to attend in support of the celebrators. In this special Q&A feature, Salcedo Auctions’ Richie and Karen Lerma, Jor-el Espina and DAILY TRIBUNE’s president Willie Fernandez and executive vice president Chingbee Fernandez share their inspiring journeys and future plans.

Salcedo Auctions’ 15th year as the country’s premier auction house

You and Karen have come a long way. Tell us a bit about the challenges you faced when you started.

Richie: “I still remember that first major auction we had in July, 15 years ago. The ballroom was full, but the concept of bidding was not yet something people were familiar with and so many were hesitant to raise their paddles! I think we just sold about a quarter of the pieces on offer at that time!

“Then, another time, we had an auction in the aftermath of a typhoon and I think we only had a few seats filled. Anyone with less fortitude and belief in the business would have simply thrown in the towel, haha! But we persevered, the art collecting public realized how serious we were and appreciated our expertise and the quality of our offerings, and here we are at 15 years!”

What do you think made Salcedo Auctions a success, despite the volatility of the auction market?

Richie: “I think it’s our distinctive brand, our ethos, that we have nurtured through the past 15 years. We set very high standards and, if I may say so, we successfully bring that across. We are uncompromising yet reassuring, serious yet sensible, professional yet thoroughly empathetic. Most crucially, I think our clients see and appreciate that through the ebbs and flows of the market, Salcedo is there for them. Our rigor and resilience reinforce our commitment to fostering lasting legacies and relationships with them, which they return in kind with their continued trust.”

Karen: “We listened and observed, we adapted, yet all these years we maintained very high standards for the Philippine art auction market.”

What are some of the most memorable events from the past 15 years?

Richie: “The discovery and sale of the ‘Boceto of Spoliarium’ by Juan Luna y Novicio will forever go down the annals of Philippine art and auction history. I do not foresee any other art piece of this importance coming to the market that will ever compare to it.

“Speaking of Luna, there’s also the reinstatement of his bust portrait by Mariano Benlliure to the collection of the National Museum. What was thought to be long lost in the aftermath of the Second World War was identified and, with the rare generosity of its owners, is now once again Philippine patrimony, enshrined in the Hall of Masters — and so too is the name ‘Salcedo Auctions.’ It is thrilling to see our name forever etched in history.”

Karen: “The various institutional partners we have worked with has been a continuing testimony to Salcedo Auctions’ very high standards and our way of doing business. The discoveries we’ve made and the thrill of unearthing the lost or unknown has been a source of immense joy. Most importantly, we value the people we’ve met, the lives we’ve changed, and the many clients who we’ve met along the way who’ve become friends.”

How do you see the future of Salcedo Auctions?

Karen: “We will continue to pioneer, innovate, and push boundaries for the Philippines, while striving to best serve our clients and their needs across various facets of their well-appointed lives.”

Why did you choose to mark your 15th anniversary with Constancio Bernardo’s exhibition?

Richie: “As the country’s only world-class auction house, Salcedo Auctions has upheld international standards of integrity and vision. It is only fitting that our 15th anniversary honors a figure whose contributions to Philippine art are both profound and globally resonant. A Yale School of Fine Art graduate, Constancio Bernardo’s works reflect intellectual discipline and bold exploration. Just as Bernardo established a focused and unwavering path, Salcedo Auctions continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the Philippine art market as its arbiter and barometer. This exhibition and our 15th anniversary  is a celebration of legacy, a statement of purpose, and a beacon for the future.”

What is in store for the second half of your year-long 15th anniversary year?

Karen: “Of course, what I can tell you is that we have  highly anticipated ‘The Well-Appointed Life’ auction coming this September. This will be followed by the final marquee sale on our 15th anniversary year — the ‘Under the Tree: The Wish List’ in late November. As for other happenings at Salcedo Auctions, stay posted on our social media pages!”