For the past three months, healthcare workers have been tirelessly manning the frontlines during this pandemic. As the number of COVID-19 positive cases continues to rise, the protection of these frontliners should remain a priority. Driven by his desire to help, Professor Arnold Esguerra, in partnership with The Youth Initiative (TYI) 2020, launched “Celebration For Saving Life”, an online auction of Chinese watercolor pieces for the benefit of the country’s frontliners. The public is invited to bid in this auction, which will run from June 3 until June 23, 2020.
Mr. Arnulfo “Arnold” Esguerra is a faculty from the University of the Philippines Manila where he lectures courses in Archaeology, Philippine and Asian History, and History of Medicine. Professor Esguerra enlightens his students through his insightful commentaries about culture and history, but what many of them remember – even years later – are his cultural demonstrations during class, like playing the kulintang and painting using Chinese watercolor pigments. He is well-known in the community for being an expert and a prolific practitioner of Chinese watercolor painting. Some of his works have been displayed in various art galleries such as the Gateway Gallery. Aside from his artistic talent, he is also admired for his passion for service. He is an active participant in the Street Kids’ Program of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, UP Volunteer Corps. He also conducts Painting Therapy sessions for the Philippine General Hospital’s stroke patients and children with movement disorders. Amidst this pandemic, he demonstrates his heart for service once again by auctioning his watercolor pieces to raise funds for PPEs.
The online auction, “Celebration For Saving Life”, features 15 Chinese watercolor masterpieces in various sizes. The titles and designs reflect Professor Esguerra’s deep appreciation for Chinese philosophy and culture. The bidding is accomplished online, either by answering a form or reaching out to TYI 2020 through any of their contact details (see second picture, “Online Auction Instructions”), and it will run until June 23, 2020. The majority of the proceeds will be used to provide PPEs for the frontliners of St. Clare’s Medical Center, Hospital of Infant Jesus, Sta. Ana Hospital, and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. To learn more about the auction, visit this link. Everyone who supports this initiative and submits a bid is helping protect the modern-day heroes of this pandemic.
To learn more about Professor Esguerra and his work, you may visit his website here: https://www.profarnulfoesguerra.com/.
ADVT.