Silent auction: The joy of giving and sharing

MANILA, Philippines – Despite the gloom caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), Christmas can still be a season of hope and joy. Christmas, after all, is about giving and sharing.

On Thursday, November 21, Ayala took this message to heart by dedicating their lineup of events and activities this season to raise funds and create a venue for people to come together for a cause. 

Ayala Land Inc held a silent auction of items given by their merchant partners in Greenbelt 5. All proceeds of the silent auction will go to the victims of the typhoon by way of Bulig Bisaya.

Initiated by the Ayala group of companies, Bulig Bisaya is a campaign which aims to restore telecommunication system, banking, provision of potable water, and the transfer of evacuees to safer grounds.

Boxes were also placed in the venue for cash donations.

Tony Aquino, president and CEO of Ayala Land Inc, said that compared to their past Christmas events and activities, they are focused on the theme of giving and sharing. “In this case, I think there is just a much heavier component relative to the sharing compoonent. Because unfortunately, we had this typhoon Yolanda come in so close to the Christmas season. At the same time I think it’s also a great opportunity for everybody who is frequeting our malls and even our merchant partners to join in the fundraising effort.”

He said, “We hope to raise P1 million tonight and I think that would be a worthy addition for the effort that we are doing.”

Paintings, clothes, accessories, and furniture, were just among the items up for bid that night. 

The UP Madrigal Singers and Ms. Joanna Ampil performed for the guests. Celebrities like Tim Yap, Enchong Dee and RJ Ledesma attended the event as well. – Rappler.com