Ado Escudero recently staged the year-end extravaganza “Requerdos de Ayer” at the Makati Shangri-La’s Rizal Ballroom, which took Manila’s 400 back in time for a turn-of-the-century traditional Christmas fiesta.

 

Presented were beloved kundiman, Filipiniana  fashion  by Patis Tesoro and a cast of high society doyennes and matriarchs as fashion models.

 

It was a fun fund-raising merienda cena to restore the patio of San Pablo’s Cathedral of St. Paul the Hermit, proclaimed a World Heritage site by Unesco. As a climax to the holidays, it was an afternoon of patriotic, civic-minded generosity while watching a fashion show on and off the ramp.

 

Ado’s signature dessert, malagkit with latik, which his Villa Escudero baked for this occasion, was a personal touch, and was taken home by the bejeweled and coiffed fashion plates who gave their time and effort.

 

Glittering cast

 

The first part of the show featured iconic love songs and kundiman, with a glittering cast that included George Yang, Cris Villonco with her dad Opap, the legendary Dulce, Raul Sunico and Rachelle Gerodias, who sang a most haunting “Mutya ng Pasig.” A group of excellent tenors came to our table and coaxed Madame Imelda Marcos to sing her signature “Dahil Sa Yo.”

 

Shown here are the women of substance and stature wearing Patis Tesoro’s ever-evolving native fashion. From her baro’t saya to her modern ternos, they proved that Patis has reclaimed her title as best in creating masterpiece Filipiniana.

 

Her colors reflect the traditions and inspirations of our many islands. Perfectly executed, whether in contrasting colors or subdued pastels, here are Tesoro’s modern Maria Claras, kimonas, balintawaks with labor-intensive beadwork, embroidery and appliqués. These were all show-stoppers.

 

PHOTOS BY MARVIN MAQUIRANG