The recent calamity—supertyphoon “Yolanda”—continues to move the fashion community to look at the industry in a slightly different context. It’s not just about the latest looks and must-haves, but also about reminding our fellow Filipinos that the holiday season is about sharing one’s blessings.

Last Friday, Ayala Malls, with Look Magazine and Inquirer Lifestyle, kicked off the Joy of Giving auction series during an intimate event at The Gallery at Greenbelt 5, where guests were welcomed by ETC host, model and fashion blogger Kim Jones.

With the focus on the auctions to raise funds for the benefit of Bulig Bisaya, the venue was decorated sparingly; the highlight was the installation featuring select fashion and home pieces up for bids.

While Catriona Gray soulfully sang Christmas tunes, guests placed their bids on items that included sultry shoes from Stella Luna, frocks from Noel Crisostomo and Karen Millen, a metallic aqua blue blazer from Randy Ortiz, a studded Michael Kors clutch, a faux croc bag from Lyn, and even Apple gadgets, among others.

They have raised roughly P100,000.

This year’s Look of Style Awards finalists also donated accessories such as statement-making silver bangles by Rencie Santos, a bamboo clutch by Adante Leyesa and a pair of woven wedges by Jun Artajo.

Holiday guide

Coinciding with the auction series’ opening cocktails at Greenbelt 5 was the release of Ayala Malls’ holiday guide with Look Magazine. In it, readers are greeted with a message of “what makes Christmas truly special—coming together as one community in the spirit of giving and sharing. As we delight in the gift of love and life this Yuletide, may we spread joy and extend greater giving throughout the years.”

The series also included an auction at Glorietta 1 that ended last Wednesday featuring not only outfits from Matteo Guidicelli and Billy Crawford and watches from their Swatch campaigns, but also an iPhone 5S, trendy pieces from The Ramp Crossings, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Vans shoes and Body Shop products, among others.

Ongoing auctions include Alabang Town Center (Dec. 10-16) with a range of products like a Jewelmer South Sea pearl pendant, a cardigan from Penguin and an Etude House makeup set; and Trinoma (Dec. 16-22) with various offerings such as Benefit’s must-have beauty treats in cute containers, Thomas Sabo trinkets, Rabeanco and Dumond bags and Sebago shoes.

Closing the auction series is another intimate cocktail event to be held at Trinoma on Dec. 19 and hosted by Look Magazine beauty editor and Inquirer Lifestyle columnist Kelly Misa-Fernandez.

All proceeds from the auctions will be given to Ayala Foundation Inc. that will then allocate the proceeds for the rehabilitation of the Visayas.

Below, fashion designers who participated in the Joy of Giving auctions share their own efforts to help the victims of supertyphoon Yolanda and how they choose to spend this holiday season.

Randy Ortiz

I wanted to help out our fellow Filipinos who suffered during Yolanda. I feel that all our efforts are not even enough yet. The effort should continue, especially for the rehabilitation of the devastated regions. At present, the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines aims to continue with the rehabilitation fund drive. The fashion industry must exert its concerted efforts on the rebuilding and recovery of the affected regions.

This holiday season is quite different in the sense that the crises brought about by Yolanda is still in the air. My wish for myself and all is to stay positive, keep the faith and continuously hope for the best to come.

Noel Crisostomo

Both my mom and my dad are from Leyte and I also have a lot of relatives in Tacloban whose houses were damaged by supertyphoon Yolanda. So the first thing I did was to buy relief goods to donate to Ormoc when I heard there was a truck leaving from Hairworks located across Greenbelt 5. My cousins also arranged for a truck going to Tacloban so I helped out with that as well.

I’ve also been organizing all of my sisters’ and brother’s donations from Canada and continue to participate in charity events and fundraisers.

The holiday season for me is usually about time well spent with the people I love and care about, catching up with old friends, watching a nice show, listening to Christmas music, and giving myself time to relax and reflect.

Chris Diaz

I have relatives in Ormoc who were badly affected as their homes were literally swept away, but thankfully, there were no casualties. So I and the other designers at Myth vowed to have portions of our sales donated to the victims of supertyphoon Yolanda. I also skipped the idea of getting a Christmas tree and donated my money instead as I’d rather not spend on new Christmas décor when others need to rebuild their homes and lives.

For me, Christmas is really about giving and very much synonymous with a child’s cheer.