MANILA, Philippines - With the works of Filipino artists figuring well in auctions abroad organized by such firms as Christie's and Sotheby's, a group of Filipino art lovers thought of putting up the country's first auction house to specialize in the sale of art, jewelry, and other collectibles.

Salcedo Auctions recently held its inaugural auction entitled, "The Well-Appointed Life: Philippine Art and Objects of Desire" at the Mandarin Oriental Manila in Makati City. The auction featured artistic works of local artists from the late 19th century to the present, as well as jewelry and other vintage accessories.

Miguel Rosales, vice president and art consultant of Salcedo Auctions, in an interview on "Mornings @ ANC" on ANC on Tuesday said now is the right time to open a local auction house.

"People are more aware of what's happening in the art scene here. Internationally, we're being recognized. We're very strong performers internationally... And we hear there are many people getting into the arts again and collecting the arts. I think it's about time that we opened one here."

Rosales cited Filipino artists' strong showing abroad. Ronald Ventura, for instance, recently had a successful show in Milan. "He is one of our most important contemporary artists right now," said Rosales. Ventura's work, "The Well-Appointed Life" was featured in the recent auction by Salcedo Auctions.

Ventura may not be a household name yet, but Rosales believes there definitely is art appreciation in the country. "It's a matter of different types of art that people are looking into now."

Rosales added, "The contemporary art scene is a fairly recent phenomena here. People are [now] more aware because of the international auctions."

Salcedo Auctions offers paintings, collectibles, vintage fashion, vintage accessories, and jewelry to cater to a wide market.

Exciting first auction

Its first auction held last Saturday attracted many art lovers that "it was a full room. It was very exciting," Rosales said.

"It was also an educating experience for a lot of people. People were taking notes, sort of observing because it's sort of new in the Philippines. People are learning about it," he added.

The auction also featured jewelry and vintage accessories--even a vintage Hermes bag.

Rosales is optimistic about the auction house's performance in the local art scene. "We want to have people come and bring their works here rather than bring their works out. Why should we go outside when we can do it here?" said Rosales.

To educate the public, Salcedo Auctions hosts lectures during previews held at their showroom. "We also invite people to join the auctions and observe. We put our catalogue in the website."

Next on the calendar is the auction entitled "Illustrado Home and the Modern Decorator" which will be held on September 25. A jewelry sale is also scheduled toward the holidays.