Luxury was laid out one weekend in the Southern city. In a space transformed into collective wonder, art, jewelry, wine and everything defining fine living was on exhibition. More than just for appreciation, the exquisite objects were for the taking as well.
The affair, the first serving of SALА (Showcase of Art, Lifestyle, and Artisan Design), brought together the country’s leading galleries, like Galerie Raphael Davao, Galerie Joaquin and Fundacion Sansó, etc., in a single venue, and flew in Orlinas and Cancios, Sansos and Alcuazes, among other pieces by popular and budding figurative and modern artists. The obras were staged alongside Davao’s prominent art figures like Secuya, Taojo, Gaisano, Bongawan, Cedeño, Serafin and more. The array of select pieces was a collector’s dream.
As precious and creatively conceptualized as the objets d'art on the walls and consoles were the wearable art—the fine jewelry. The sparkly objects lured in the connoisseurs and collectors like tiny flutterers drawn to light. The handcrafted fine jewelry by Davao’s prominent jeweler, Emilia Sitjar Jewellery, drew in the crowds over the three-day reception. Curated bijouterie in diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, South Sea pearls and other precious gemstones elegantly set in varying hues of gold shared its glimmer with its newfound keepers of the gems.
While other jewelry purveyors, like Heart & Bolt, took part in the affair and lured the damsels, the gentlemen were “romancing the crowns” of the posh timepieces of Royal Movement and Swiss Perpetual. The wrist candies were worth adding to their chronometer cache.
More than a visual feast, it was a lavish treat for the palate, too. Complementing the artistic occasion were the pouring of fine vintage wines by the Napa de Oro and Wine World, while Mindanao Butchers accented the spread with its top-of-the-line prime cuts.
The treasure hunting weekend event was kicked off by a by-invitation-only vernissage on its first day and the exhibition opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday. Truly, SALA brought together visionaries from the worlds of fine living, culture and creativity in one stop. It salutes Davao-based artists and brands, and those beyond the region. The organizers look forward to a bigger event next year and will be inviting more participants to take part in the lifestyle fair.
