Over 5 million people have been diagnosed with lupus worldwide. Realistically, this statistic can be even higher since a number of lupus cases unfortunately still remain undiagnosed. Even though this condition can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities, there is still a significant lack of understanding and awareness around this condition.

For most lupus patients, it takes a considerable amount of time for them to receive a proper diagnosis. Apart from the varied symptoms a lupus patient can experience, there exists only a handful of specialists for the condition in the country. At 25, Emmeline Aglipay-Villar suddenly experienced an onslaught of seemingly unrelated health crises. What began with skin rashes developed into joint pain and then came the indescribable fatigue, hair loss, and dizziness– all of which the then young lawyer chalked up to stress.

After Villar found out about her condition, she dove head first into learning all she could about lupus, putting in hours upon hours of research. She felt strongly that her fellow Filipinos should be better equipped to deal with the invisible illness. It was at this time that she decided to raise awareness for the lifelong condition in the country, ultimately leading to the establishment of Hope for Lupus Foundation. Today, the foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the early detection and proper treatment of lupus by increasing awareness about this mysterious condition.

The Hope for Lupus Foundation has partnered with Gavel&Block by Salcedo Auctions for the upcoming Gavel&Block ‘benefit’ auction to be held online via the Salcedo Auctions website on Saturday, 16 October 2021 at 2pm. The sale will feature over 130 lots with proceeds going towards supporting the organization’s mission. This tradition of harnessing auctions to build community has become one of the foremost pillars of the country’s premier auction house.

Among the lots going under the gavel are works by leading contemporary Filipino visual artists such as Emmanuel Garibay, Raffy Napay, Jigger Cruz, Alfredo Esquillo, Jr., Manuel Ocampo, Daniel dela Cruz, Winner Jumalon, and Olan Ventura. Also going under the hammer are sterling silver pieces from Cartier and Tiffany & Co., fine Baccarat and Lalique crystal, as well as jewelry by Riqueza and Janina Dizon.