JEFFREY DIMALANTA, Owner, Gallery 928
“[My family members] value our art business. My eldest son understands the importance of handling artworks with care, and my wife keeps me grounded when things get overwhelming. Whenever there’s a big deal, we pray together for God’s blessing.”
THE number 928 holds deep significance for gallery owner Jeffrey Dimalanta and his wife, Anne May, as it marks the anniversary of the time they first became a couple before marrying. So, when it came time for Dimalanta to name his art gallery, he chose the meaningful “Gallery 928.”
In November 2018, Dimalanta launched Gallery 928 at Open Kitchen, located on the LVN property along P. Tuazon Boulevard in Cubao, Quezon City.
“I converted a 20-foot container van into a gallery space,” he shared. “I started with just one staff member, a friend who had also worked with me at my dad’s gallery in Bel-Air, Makati. Now, we’ve grown into a team of nine.”
Initially, the gallery displayed a few artworks, gradually growing to host exhibits from various artists. They even experimented with online auctions for a while. But when the pandemic hit, Open Kitchen faced serious challenges.
“As the food park at P. Tuazon closed, I had to find a new location,” Dimalanta said. “That’s when I discovered a welcoming space across from Chocolate Lovers at the AYSN Sports Complex in San Juan. The owner was incredibly accommodating, and it felt like the perfect place to move forward.”
The opportunity to establish a gallery at Shangri-La Plaza soon followed, marking another exciting milestone for Dimalanta, who continues to expand his art business.
Of all the challenges posed by the pandemic, the most difficult for him was closing his first gallery. “It was heartbreaking to turn off the lights, lower the roll-up doors one last time and watch the space be dismantled. That was incredibly hard for me.”
Despite the fiercely competitive art auction scene, dominated by Salcedo and León galleries, Gallery 928 has established itself as a solid third player.
“I don’t feel pressured about it,” Dimalanta admitted. “In fact, I’m excited about the steady growth we’ve seen. Salcedo and León are the originals, and I have great respect for them. I believe we can coexist in a friendly, collaborative atmosphere.”
He added that he tries to avoid scheduling auctions too close to those of the bigger galleries, ensuring his works receive proper attention and opportunity to sell. The gallery’s first major auction was intended to feature a partnership with a bank, but when that didn’t materialize, individual collectors expressed interest in collaborating instead.
The masterpieces of artists Michael Cacnio, Manuel Baldemor, Onib Olmedo and Juvenal Sanso are among those featured in Gallery 928. PHOTO FROM GALLERY 928
The masterpieces of artists Michael Cacnio, Manuel Baldemor, Onib Olmedo and Juvenal Sanso are among those featured in Gallery 928. PHOTO FROM GALLERY 928
The masterpieces of artists Michael Cacnio, Manuel Baldemor, Onib Olmedo and Juvenal Sanso are among those featured in Gallery 928. PHOTO FROM GALLERY 928
The masterpieces of artists Michael Cacnio, Manuel Baldemor, Onib Olmedo and Juvenal Sanso are among those featured in Gallery 928. PHOTO FROM GALLERY 928
“That only strengthened my belief that, with God’s guidance, we will succeed — with or without large partnerships,” Dimalanta said. He’s also considering teaming up with a private individual to enhance future auctions.
Serving as a gallery owner allows Dimalanta to act as a conduit for God’s blessings, something he finds deeply fulfilling. However, balancing time between running the gallery, family life and other commitments remains a challenge.
Gallery 928’s quarterly auctions have kept the team busy, with their next live event, “Echoes of Rarity: An Exceptional Art Auction,” scheduled for September 28 at 2 p.m., at the SJW Paseo de Magallanes in Makati City. An auction preview will be held on August 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Typically, we hold auctions in the last week of each quarter,” Dimalanta explained. “This will be only our second live auction, and I’m thrilled with how it’s shaping up. It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding, helping us build connections with clients and promote the gallery, which also boosts private sales.”
The auction will feature works by renowned Filipino artists, including Manuel Baldemor, BenCab, Vicente Manansala, Fernando Zobel, Romulo Galicano, and more.
In addition to running Gallery 928, Dimalanta and his wife Anne May also operate Lollipuffs, a cotton candy business. Art runs in Dimalanta’s blood, with his father being a key figure in the Mabini art scene, working with artists like Roger San Miguel and Cesar Buenaventura.
“He taught me everything I know,” Dimalanta said of his father. “He always reminded me to stay humble, to never boast and to build harmonious relationships.”
Before becoming a gallery owner, Dimalanta worked as an underwriter at Ayala Life and later had a brief stint at Accenture.
As a child, his dream was to become a superhero, but life had other plans.
“I became a billiards champion instead,” he laughed. “I even captained the team at St. Joseph’s College. Turns out saving the day with a cue stick is pretty super.”
He went on to study Business Management at St. Joseph’s College in Quezon City, a course he credits with helping him effectively manage the gallery and its finances.
Before the pandemic hit, Dimalanta would frequently visit clients in Pampanga or Tagaytay. Even when the lockdowns began, he made time to visit the gallery since it was close to home.
“Heavy traffic is my ultimate life coach,” he joked. “It teaches you that leaving on time is key to having quality time at home. But right now, developing auctions is my biggest time thief.”
Outside of work, Dimalanta enjoys writing articles, going on dates with his wife, engaging in gaming battles with his kids, grocery shopping and joining online vinyl record auctions.
“My day always starts with prayer and seeking God’s guidance for the day ahead,” Dimalanta shared.
“Weekends are flexible as long as we can attend church at CCF (Christ’s Commission Fellowship).”
In his work, Dimalanta feels fortunate to have the unwavering support of his family.
“They value our art business,” he beamed. “My eldest son understands the importance of handling artworks with care, and my wife keeps me grounded when things get overwhelming. Whenever there’s a big deal, we pray together for God’s blessing.”
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QUICK QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Frogs and rats.
WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU ANGRY?
I’m not truly angry, just disappointed, when I purchase a vinyl record only to discover it has a crack.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK HARD?
My family.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?
When I watch pranks I come across when I scroll through Facebook.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTO?
I would perhaps invest in properties and franchises.
IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEAL WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THEY BE?
My brother, Jerome.
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
The Bible.
WHICH CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?
Kobe Bryant, for me to just share the Gospel.
WHAT IS THE MOST DARING THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
Professing my faith on Facebook.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER DO AGAIN?
Not give my 100 percent.
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