MANILA, Philippines ? Foreign and local visitors to the 50th edition of the Manila FAME (Furnishings and Apparel Market Exchange) International this month can not only look forward to getting the best value for their money in houseware, décor and accessories; they can also have their pick of some 40 art pieces from the Philippines? established and up-and-coming contemporary artists during the art:mnl auction on October 17 at the World Trade Convention Center.

Contemporary Philippine art has been enjoying relative success in other countries. This is one thing Citem (Center for International Trade and Expositions and Missions) has recognized, leading to the debut of art:mnl when Manila FAME International runs October 15-18.

Jonathan Sy, president of Bago (Bonafide Art Gallery Owners), which will be organizing the auction, says this will be a perfect opportunity for foreign visitors to see what Philippine contemporary art is all about.

The artworks, which include those by José Joya, Federico Alcuaz, Hermes Alegre, Elmer Borlongan and Ramon Orlina, will be on display October 15-17, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Galleries include Gallery Astra, Art Asia Fine Arts, Gallery Big, Gallery Nicolas, Galerie Francesca, Galerie Joaquin, Art Circle Gallery, Syano Art Link, Heritage Art, Galerie Joaquin-Podium, Dale Mathis Studio and Sining Kamalig.

Auctioneer will be art critic Cid Reyes.

Live bidders are asked to accomplish and submit the Live Bid Form via fax to 5336818, or e-mail artmanila09@gmail.com on or before October 16, 5 p.m. It may be handed personally to the officer-in-charge at the art:mnl 09 Auction Desk until October 17, 4 p.m.

Forms may be requested through artmanila09@gmail.com. Absentee bidders are asked to accomplish and submit the absentee bid form and follow the same process.

Bidding increments are as follows: For bids of P100,000 and below, increments will be by P5,000; for P101,000 to P999,999, increments will be by P10,000; for P1,000,000 and above, increments will be by P50,000.

After the deadline of submission of forms, all lots will be open for Live Auction October 17, 4 p.m.

Hammered prices do not include 12-percent VAT.

?There is something for everybody at the auction,? Sy says. ?This is a chance for us to test the market of the existing foreign trade buyers of Manila FAME International who may be more interested in decorative arts. We are also confident the fair will create a new market composed of local and foreign fine art buyers.?

Seminars and workshops of art:mnl, including a nude sketching session, will all be held at the World Trade Center. For more information, visit www.manilafame.com/artmnl.