Ivan Acuña (b. 1968), ‘Hamilo Coast Sand,’ signed and dated 2013 (lower right), oil on canvas, 42 1/4” x 54 1/4” (107 cm x 138 cm)
The collection of Dr. Juan Nepomuceno Peña, former president of the Rotary Club of Makati and dean of the Consular Corps of the Philippines, and his wife, Ma. Del Carmen—of the prominent Olondriz family, who owns Consolidated Mines, Inc., operators of one of the world’s largest chromite mines in Masinloc, Zambales—is among the highlights of the Leon Exchange 40th Online Auction, happening on July 25, 2026. Their treasure trove of paintings, maps, 19th-century and mid-modern furniture, and various decorative items and ephemera evoke the glamour and cultural sophistication of the Manila elite.
“Allow me to humbly share how our Consular Corps started,” Dr. Peña said in a speech on Dec. 7, 2019, addressing the Consular Corps at the Annual Consular Ball in Makati. “In 1970, as vice-consul of the Republic of Colombia, we were only very few honorary consuls in Manila, but we headed the initiative to be acquainted with each other and decided to formalize our meetings.
“During those meetings, we had the idea to recruit more honorary consuls and career consuls as we were looking forward to becoming a bigger and more influential organization. Taking advantage of all of this, and with the assistance of then Consul Grillo of the Unites States of America and Consul Napoleón Franco Casanova of Panama, we decided to formalize our consular meetings. Then, we advanced to implement a well-drafted constitution and by-laws that foster unity and friendship among all consuls, both career and honorary.
“Indeed, this is what made our court unique and successful until this day. Our meeting became regarded, and until today, we see our Consular Court becoming more established through the years.”
Today, the Consular Corps of the Philippine is composed of 111 Honorary Consuls.
‘Isles Philippines, Celebes et Moluques,’ 9” x 6 1/2” (23 cm x 17 cm)
The marital union of the Peña and Olondriz families brought together Dr. Juan N. Revadeneira Peña, a doctor of medicine, and Ma. Del Carmen “Menchu” Olondriz, a certified public accountant.
Dr. Peña, a Colombian by birth who made the Philippines his home, devoted more than five decades to strengthening international commerce, fostering diplomatic relations, and building institutions whose influence continues to be felt today.
Born in Cúcuta, Colombia, on Dec. 18, 1930, Dr. Peña pursued his medical education at the University of Madrid, graduating cum laude before embarking on a career that would ultimately extend far beyond the practice of medicine. Drawn by the opportunities presented by the rapidly developing Philippine economy, he established his life in Manila, where his entrepreneurial vision would leave a lasting mark on the country’s shipping and logistics industries.
A pair of finely carved Chinese ivory figures
The couple met in Madrid while living in the same apartment building. Their marriage in the 1950s united two families from opposite sides of the world—South America and Southeast Asia—in a partnership founded on love, shared ambition, and mutual respect.
Although trained as a physician, Dr. Peña eventually left the medical profession to pursue business. Central to both his personal and professional life was his wife, Maria del Carmen Olondriz de Peña, whose unwavering support and leadership anchored the Peña family through decades of growth and public service. Together, they built not only successful enterprises but also a family whose values of integrity, generosity, and international outlook continue to define succeeding generations.
Mantle clock set: brass and marble mantle clock with candelabras
Six-light chandelier, porcelain
Bespoke mini chandelier
Three 19th-century ‘santos de bulto’
Beyond commerce, Dr. Peña believed that business leadership carried with it a responsibility to serve the wider community. His election as president of the Rotary Club of Makati during Rotary Year 1973–1974 reflected the esteem in which he was held by Manila’s business and civic leaders. Throughout his career, he remained active in charitable, professional, and civic organizations, cultivating friendships that crossed industries, cultures, and generations.
Ma. Del Carmen Olondriz represented the prominent Olondriz family. Aside from Consolidated Mines, Inc., she was likewise associated with Imperial Insurance Co., a leading company in its field; Marino Olondriz y Cia., a respected brokerage firm; the Base Metals Association of the Philippines; Consolidated Mines Company; and Solid Bank. Ma. Carmen O. Peña was one of eight children of Don Marino Olondriz.
19th-century three-door narra ‘comoda,’ height 38 3/4” (98 cm), length 61 1/4” (156 cm), width 19 1/2” (50 cm)
One-piece top 10-seater Art Deco dining table, narra, height 32” (81 cm), length 110 1/2” (281 cm), width 46 1/4” (117 cm)
Designs Ligna sleigh bed, height 52 1/4” (133 cm), length 97 1/2” (248 cm), width 64 1/4” (163 cm)
Blue and white oriental pottery
Don Marino Olondriz came to the Philippines from Spain at the youthful age of 17. Early in his career, he became associated with the Manila Stock Exchange, where he remained for 24 years, establishing himself as one of the country’s respected businessmen.
Dr. Juan N. Peña and Maria del Carmen Peña in a traditional cotillion dance
The love story of Dr. Juan N. Peña and Ma. Del Carmen Olondriz began in Madrid and blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Together, they built a successful business empire, establishing several companies, including MOF Company, engaged in international shipping and later real estate development, as well as San Antonio Condominium Builders, Inc.
Among their pioneering achievements was operating what is believed to be the first Philippine shipping company to welcome a Japanese vessel to call at a Philippine port after the Second World War, providing assurances for the safety and security of the vessel, its captain, and its crew.
Dr. Juan N. Peña (second from left) residing over the Rotary Club of Makati
As a diplomat, Dr. Juan N. Peña was highly respected in the diplomatic community. He served as dean of the Consular Corps of the Philippines and was instrumental in organizing the Consular Ball from its inception in 1972. He also served as Honorary Consul of Colombia and later as Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Estonia.
Throughout his diplomatic career, Dr. Peña worked alongside several Philippine Presidents, including Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., Corazon C. Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno S. Aquino III. Before his passing, he also maintained a close relationship with then Senator and now President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
Dr. Juan N. Peña (second from left), president of MOF Shipping, together with Don Marino Olondriz and Doña Rosa Puno Olondriz in Tokyo, Japan, to fund the first Japanese break bulk ships to call on the Philippines
Ma. Del Carmen “Menchu” Olondriz Peña was equally active in civic and community affairs. She devoted much of her time to volunteer work in Barangay Forbes Park and Barangay Balaytigue in Nasugbu, Batangas, where the family maintained their beach residence in Tali Beach. Their Peña–Olondriz residence, completed in 1969, was the very first house built in Tali Beach.
The legacy of Old Manila with the meeting of South America and South East Asia, Dr. Juan N. Peña and Maria del Carmen O. de Peña
Today, the family’s collection of paintings, antiques, and heirlooms transports visitors to an era when Old Manila was at the height of its elegance and cosmopolitan character. Their home stands not only as a repository of treasured art and history, but also as a lasting testament to a family whose legacy helped shape Philippine business, diplomacy, and civic life from the 1960s until today and into the future.
The Leon Exchange 40th Online Auction is happening on July 25, 2026. Auction will start at 11 am, and all biddings will be online at leonexchange.com.
Preview week is from July 18 to 24, 2026, 9 am to 7 pm, at Warehouse 14B, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City. For further inquiries, email info@leon-gallery.com or contact tel. no. +632 8856-27-81. To browse the catalog, visit www.leon-gallery.com.
