UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Oseña-Paez poses with some of the jewelry and artwork auctioned to raise funds for children's programs. Photo courtesy of UNICEF

MANILA, Philippines - Over P1.4 million has been raised by UNICEF Philippines at "Auction for Action", its first online fundraising auction for children's programs here and abroad.

The 11-day auction, which was held recently in partnership with Ebay Philippines, featured works done by and donated by reputable artists in contemporary art, design, furniture, fashion, jewelry and photography.

Also auctioned were experiential packages such as a dinner by Chef Tonyboy Escalante of Antonio’s and a dugout experience with the Azkals at the World Cup qualifier in Manila.

A sculpture by Michael Cacnio garnered the highest bid price at over P100,000.

A hat dubbed Adam Ant created by milliner Mich Dulce, on the other hand, went on record with the most number of bids received--91. 

At the UNICEF Auction for Action launch: (L-R) Breastfeeding advocate Iza Abeja, UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Oseña Paez, UNICEF Country Representative Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Chief of Communication Angela Travis and UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Bianca Gonzalez. Photo courtesy of UNICEF

UNICEF Country Representative Vanessa Tobin said the auction went beyond their expectations.

"What is so magnificent is the generosity shown by the artists by donating these works of art to UNICEF. The proceeds from this auction will enable us to reach the most disadvantaged children,” she said.

TV host Daphne Oseña-Paez, UNICEF Special Advocate for Children, is credited for having thought of organizing the auction to raise funds.

"Thank you so much to all the artists and designers who generously donated their work and their time for this project. Not everyone was comfortable with the idea of an auction but they put themselves out there, in order to raise funds and awareness about UNICEF’s programs. To those of you who bid and showed support – not only to UNICEF’s programs for children, but also to the artists and designers – thank you for moving Philippine art and design,” said Paez.

Aside from Cacnio and Dulce, the other artists and designers who donated their works for the auction are Popo San Pascual, Reg Yuson, Manuel Baldemor, Celestina, Seb Chua, Kenneth Cobonpue, Araceli Limcaco Dans, Kristine Dee, Janina Dizon, Tom Epperson, Accessory Lab, Ito Kish, E. Billy Mondoñedo, Ramon Orlina, Debbie Palao, Giacomo Pirozzi, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, Benji Reyes, Joey Samson, Vito Selma, Victor Sollorano, Paul Syjuco, Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre of FIRMA/Felicity, and Paez herself.

Artworks by Galerie Joaquin artists Jovan Benito, Jomar Delluba, Hamzah Marbella, Dominic Rubio and Juvenal Sanso were also put up for auction.