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Why You Should Check Out 33 Auction’s 2017 Singapore Autumn Auction on Modern and Contemporary Art

With a practiced eye for fine art investment, 33 Auction’s goal is to play an even bigger role within Asia.

Tay Bak Koi, Buffaloes, 1971, oil on canvas Estimate: SGD 20,000 – 30,000

Registered fine art auction house, 33 Auction, will hold its 2017 Singapore Autumn Auction on Modern and Contemporary Art. As part of the owner’s vision of an integrated visual arts business to support the development of visual arts in Asia, the auction house holds an average of 3 auctions annually. Specializing in Modern and Contemporary Asian Art, 33 Auction works closely with many important art institutions, artists, prominent collectors as well as curators. 

The auction will commence on October 15th at 3.30 pm at the Grand Hyatt Singapore. The public preview is to be held at MoCA@Loewen from October 13th to 14th (10 am – 8 pm), and October 15th (10 am – 1 pm). On offer is a well-curated selection of 114 lots with an estimated value of SGD 1.5 million. The presentation includes outstanding works by Singaporean and Indonesian old masters, as well as an exciting inclusion of works by pioneer and young artists from the Philippines and other regional countries.

Anthony Poon, Green Compo Waves, C.late 70s, acrylic on canvas Estimate: SGD24,000 – 36,000

One of the highlights of the auction are three paintings from Anthony Poon’s acclaimed Wave series. A most-renowned sculpture artist, his works can be found in various important private and public institutions, like St. Regis Hotel and Nanyang Technological University.

The various retrospective shows held by the National Art Gallery in 2009, as well as by Sundaram Tagore Gallery last year on the 10th anniversary of his death, is a sign that public interest in his paintings has not waned. Within his oeuvre, the Wave series is of historic importance, as it constitutes his early experimentations with Geometric Abstraction. Using a variance of tones, Poon created a sense of movement and a rippling effect on the passive canvas. The three-dimensional quality of his paintings paved the way for his successful venture into sculptures in the 90s.

Part of the auction is devoted to works by Singapore’s venerable ink artists, like Fan Chang Tien, Chen Wen Hsi, and Chua Ek Kay, whose works are perennial favorites of collectors. Aside from prominent figures who have shaped the early Singapore art scene, included in the auction is a work by Dr. Lai Kui Fang, who has done Singapore proud by distinguishing himself in French painting traditions, subsequently merging them with local subject matter to produce a unique artistic language.

Hendra Gunawan, Penjual Buah-Buahan, undated, oil on canvas Estimate: SGD 120,000 – 150,000

Works by other distinguished Southeast Asian artists such as Hendra Gunawan, Srihadi Soedarsono, and Popo Iskandar will also be featured in the auction. Evoking mystical, spiritual scenes of the Indonesian culture and landscape, these artists represent another facet of the Southeast Asian sensibility, in their evocative portrayal of daily scenes of common life in their country. An inaugural selection of works by Philippine artists will also be presented in this auction. The colonial Spanish heritage has placed the Philippines on a unique artistic trajectory from other Southeast Asian countries, spurring daring contemporary iconoclastic works that speak to a new breed of collectors.

33 Auction strives to bring in the finest works around the world to be offered under the hammer. With a practiced eye for fine art investment, 33 Auction’s goal is to play an even bigger role within Asia.

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Some Enchanted Evening–Marguerite Lhuillier hosts a Despidida Dinner for Eva Gullas in her Fabulous Post-Modernist Maria Luisa Mansion

by Oj Hofer

The doyenne of everything bright and beautiful, Marguerite Lhuillier, hosted a dinner party in honor of her dear friend Eva Gullas at her effortlessly elegant home. She invited an intimate circle of guests for an evening of photo ops, fashion talk, positive vibes, and absolutely no politics—not even a whisper on the subject.

A 38-year-old Sapodilla tree with branches adorned with bird’s nest ferns and bromeliads that deepen its quiet, enduring beauty.

Upon entering the hostess’s expansive residence, guests were greeted by an open and welcoming space. A tall vase of fiery heliconias offered an instant boost of visual pleasure. Flanking this vibrant floral arrangement were two sacred sentinels: a Tibetan thangka of Compassion and Wisdom on the right console, and to the left, a serene image of Guanshiyin Pusa glowing with the aura of a Uruguayan amethyst geode. Completing this spiritual trio was a towering clear quartz cathedral geode. It felt as if each guest underwent a quiet cleansing and energizing upon stepping into a lush sanctuary framed by bougainvillea blossoms.

Marguerite Lhuillier, Mariquita Yeung, Frances Siao, and Christine Pelaez.

Cocktails were served at dusk. The usual spirits made their rounds—champagne, red and white wine—but this writer opted for a refreshing non-alcoholic cooler, which provided just the right kick. The extravagant tablescape featured a familiar array of cheeses and charcuterie, with my personal favorite, tortilla de patatas, delightfully arranged against the sparkling backdrop of Cebu City.

Standing Left to Right: Jun Pelaez, Dindo Arcenas , Lilet Heredia, Oj Hofer, Marguerite Lhuillier, Maris Holopeinen, Frances Siao, Christine Pelaez, Manolet Heredia, Erwin Siao Seated: Angelique Gradne Salve,Iris Fernan, Eva Gullas, Mariquita Yeung, and Jiji Gullas.

Dinner followed in a buffet-style spread catered by Café Laguna. There were no place cards on the table, allowing guests the freedom to choose their seats. Naturally, the dinner crowd gravitated between the gracious hostess, Marguerite, and the guest of honor, Eva. I was particularly fortunate to be seated beside Jun Pelaez, art connoisseur and collector. Our conversation flowed effortlessly into the realm of the arts, creativity, and life’s finer pursuits—pausing only with the arrival of desserts (my absolute weakness).

Jiji Gullas, Christopher Darza, Manolet Heredia, Dindo Fernan, and Erwin Siao

The final course of the evening featured the hostess’s famous leche flan and Christine Pelaez’s signature bibingka—sweet reminders that, like dessert, life is fleeting, but friendships, shared stories, and enchanting evenings like this one linger long after the last bite.

Eva Gullas, soon departing on a well-deserved hiatus, left us wrapped in laughter, elegance, and warmth. It’s a gift to have friends whose presence makes coming home to worth it.

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Events

Can Art Spark Awakening? Inside Oj Hofer’s Tribute to His Zen Master

by Emmanuel Hamoy

On April 4, 2025, the much-anticipated exhibit One Flower, One World: Brushstrokes of Compassion and Wisdom opened at SM JMall, blending contemporary Buddhist art with interactive experiences. The event brought together art students, enthusiasts, collectors, social luminaries, community leaders, international Buddhist practitioners, and Dharma masters to celebrate Oj Hofer’s tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun through calligraphy, Zen ink painting, and Ikebana.

Erwin Choa (Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Philippines), Marisa Fernan (Vice President of SM Prime Holdings Inc), Venerable Yung Guang (Head Abess of Fó Guāng Shān, Philippines), Marguerite Lhuillier (Social Luminary and Animal Rights Advocate), Sheila Go ( Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Cebu)

Margie Lhuillier, artist Oj Hofer and Mariquita Yeung

Oj’s live calligraphy demonstrations captivated guests, offering them a unique chance to witness his creative process and receive personalised calligraphy pieces. The afternoon culminated in an exclusive cocktail reception featuring delicious vegetarian delicacies prepared by Nonki Japanese Restaurant.

Joy Uy, Francis Dravigny, Venerable Yung Guang, Marissa Fernan, Margette Sarmiento

Among the distinguished guests were Oj’s muse, society maven Marguerite Lhuillier, SM Holdings’ Marissa Fernan, Buddhist advisers Sheila Go and Erwin Choa, and, most importantly, Fo Guang Shan Philippines’ Head Abbess, Venerable Yung Guang, who shared reflections on Master Hsing Yun’s teachings and the role of art in spiritual practice.

Artist Oj Hofer and Paeng Batuigas (Senior Assistant Vice President, Visayas Marketing, SM Supermalls)

The exhibit was a resounding success, showcasing how art can foster reflection, connection, and understanding in a diverse, multicultural society. The event was made possible with the support of SM JMall, Buddha’s Light International Association, and Fo Guang Shan Philippines.

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Events

Villa Mariquita: An Evening of Elegance, Laughter, and Fine Champagne

by Emmanuel Hamoy

Villa Mariquita opened its doors to a very select few. On cue, a server hands you a glass of Pol Roger as Mrs. Yeung warmly greets you, effortlessly chic in a perfect pair of Chanel jeans and a pullover. Conversations over food, between sips of wine and champagne, range from the mundane to the profound—each exchange punctuated with laughter, and then even more laughter.

Margie Lhuillier, Frances Siao, this writer and Mariquita Yeung

Mariquita Yeung sharing experiences with guests on art collection

Oj Hofer, Freemont Base, Eva Gullas, Frances Siao, Jun Escario, Margie Lhuillier, Cary Santiago, the host Mariquita Yeung, Phillip Rodriguez, this writer, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth and Pearl Atienza

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