Jaime Ponce de Leon

Originally from Dumaguete, Jaime Ponce de Leon cultivated the belief that art is the “soul of any setting” during his initial career as an interior designer. After studies at Silliman University and the Philippine School of Interior Design, he established León Gallery in 2010, a venture that swiftly evolved into the Philippines’ premier auction house, redefining the local market and cementing its global standing on Blouin Art’s list of the world’s top 250 auction houses.

Ponce de Leon’s dedication to heritage was profoundly demonstrated in 2023 with the unveiling of Juan Luna’s long-lost masterpiece Hymen, oh Hyménée. This commitment was further underscored in 2025 as León Gallery celebrated its 15th Anniversary, solidifying its position at the pinnacle of the art world. That year, he curated “perhaps one of the most important” auctions ever held, featuring a rare, seminal egg tempera painting by National Artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho. Furthermore, the Magnificent September Auction paid homage to the Filipino spirit with a rare, first-edition copy of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and major works by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo.

Beyond market success, Ponce de Leon championed a significant philanthropic initiative, waiving all commissions for the “Pinta ng Pag-asa” Auction to raise funds for artists who are Persons Deprived of Liberty. His continued international influence was highlighted by hosting the debut Southeast Asian exhibit for Joan Punyet Miró, the grandson of the influential artist.