THERE IS A REASON WHY THE PHILIPPINE Tatler Ball is always dubbed ?one of the grandest, glitziest balls of the year,? dahlings. ?The event of the year,? the eighth Tatler ball, was rescheduled from Oct. 17 to Nov. 27 due to the recent typhoons. But still, the creamiest of the cream belonging to the alta sociedad and heavy weights of the corporate world breezed in at the mezzanine of Makati Shangri-La for cocktails, enjoying perfectly chilled Veuve Cliquot Champagne while dressed in their most elegant ball gowns and tuxedos, dahlings.

Guests such as Nedy Tantoco and Patrick Jacinto, Ambassador Jesus and Marge Tambunting, Joey and Marissa Concepcion, Margarita and Ed Delgado, Beth Day Romulo, Dee Zobel, Marietta Santos, Sen. Miguel and Audrey Zubiri, Sofia and Patxi Elizalde, Ramon and Josie Sy, Andy and Tisha Bautista, Baby Cruz, Andrew and Catherine Tan, Rep. Martin and Yedda Romualdez, Fred and Kerri Uytengsu, Mayor Freddie and Kaye Tinga and Amb. Albert and Gretchen del Rosario; plus other hot namedroppables were at the ballroom for the sit-down gala dinner.

The room was simply elegant, perfectly attuned with what the times called for. Gorgeous flowers in all shades of pink were on the tables, a visual treat by the VMD group of Rustan?s. Managing director, multifaceted woman of substance and stature Irene Martel Francisco and Asian Tatler brilliant CEO Barrie Goodridge gave their welcome remarks before the fabulous gourmet five-course dinner.

There were also Ferngrove Estate Chardonnay and Shiraz wines, wonderfully paired with each course expertly prepared by Makati Shangri-La?s superb chefs.

Tatler?s partners enjoying this happening was led by Nedy Tantoco of the Rustan?s Group of Companies. Guests later enjoyed the Annick Goutal Un Matin d? Orage fragrances that were given away as they left the venue. Nokia general manager Benoit Nalin hit the dance floor. So did Sandeep Khanna and his wife. Mark Watkinson, CEO of HSBC, the world?s local bank, while Stephen and Loli Sy of Miele hosted a table of respectable architects. The dashing main man of Mercedes Benz, Felix Ang, gamely joined in the bidding later in the evening.

Beneficiaries for this year?s ball were the Pink for Life foundation for breast cancer patients needing subsidized chemotherapy and the Philippine Christian Foundation for the rehabilitation of typhoon victims.

An auction which featured a Malang painting, Impy Pilapil sculpture, Cartier Humidor, Thai Airways business class tickets to any destination in Europe and Omega Sea Master watch helped raise the much-needed funds. Well, palanggas, as of this writing, P4,215,000 have been collectively raised by Philippine Tatler and all the donors that night.

International star Lea Salonga performed classic songs to the delight of all those gathered, as they prepared for the highlight of the evening, the giving out of Philippine Tatler Awards to those most deserving individuals in 2009. Thanks to the kind hearts among the invitees.

Philippine Tatler?s Most Eminent Couple award went to Ronnie and Menchu Concepcion, who received a limited-edition Bulgari metal evening bag with the 125th anniversary logo and Parentesi cuff links in silver with onyx.

The Most Charitable Force Award was given to Robert Abad Santos Suntay, who received a P100,000 donation for his charity, Carewell Community Foundation, and Nokia 6700 Classic Mobile.

Bon Vivant Award went to Tim Yap, who possesses an energy that resonates with infectious vibrancy. He received a Philip Stein watch.

The Most Creative Force was given to National Artist Arturo Luz, who received two business class tickets to Hong Kong from Cathay Pacific and a FurnItalia Fontana Arte loop table lamp.

The Most Eligible Bachelor went to Kevin Tan. He received a Tumi Alpha Frequent Traveler Carry-On that expands by 2.5? and a four-day, three-night stay in a Junior Suite Premiere at Misibis Bay.

The Most Stylish Lady Award went to the stunningly beautiful Audrey Puckett-Chiu, who received a Hoseki White Gold Brooch designed by Fai Co and Louis Vuitton Lockit Suhali in rich chocolate brown.

The Most Distinguished Lady Award went to adorable Amb. Kristie Kenney, who received loud applause from the approving guests, palanggas. She received a St. John Suit and Celestina ?Nena Saguil? clutch designed by international bag designer Tina Ocampo.

The allure of glamor was definitely on these women as they walked into the ballroom with their ultra chic ball gowns while heads turned their dazzling way. Ruffa Gutierrez, Camille Fariñas-Mathay whose gowns were designed by Michael Sinco; Divine Lee?s gown and jewelry by Pepito Albert; Stephanie Zubiri?s gown by her mother Vicky Zubiri; and Susann Roth by Jan Garcia. Enchanting Pops Fernandez was the articulate emcee of the affair.

Yes, palanggas, it truly was an evening of celebration, proving again that one event and the guests in one ballroom can make such a huge and lasting impact on the lives of many.

Cheers to all and the Philippine Tatler. Here?s to the 9th, dahlings.