No amount of rain can stop our preparations for this year’s Red Charity Gala on Oct. 18 at the Makati Shangri-La.

 

My ever-generous partner Kaye Tiñga and I are quite excited to host the event’s sixth edition—a showcase of Philippine fashion for charity in an evening of elegance and generosity.

 

At the gala’s media launch held at Sage Bar, our featured designer Jesus “Jojie” Lloren presented a sneak peek of the coming show. The renowned fashion designer will be showcasing 40 immaculate works inspired by Filipino artists.

 

Paintings of national artists like Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna, Victorio Edades, Felix Hidalgo and Vicente Manansala are Jojie’s design inspirations, through which he will translate the concepts into fashion.

 

In previous years, the gala has raised funds for the Philippine Red Cross and Assumption HS ’81 Foundation by featuring Dubai-based designers.

 

But now that the spotlight is on the impeccable artistry of a Filipino designer, we expect to have more success with raising funds for “Yolanda” survivors in Samar.

 

The launch gathered key friends who helped in making this year’s gala possible, including Rustan’s marketing communication head Dina Tantoco, Sun Life senior PR manager Mariquit Lintag, P&G PR Joy Mabanta, Downy country brand manager Nicole Villarojo, Makati Shangri-La GM Alain Borgers and director of communications Lesley Anne Tan.

 

Lifestyle Asia magazine’s September issue featuring the Red Charity Gala ladies and Fila’s Cris Albert, Rustan’s gifts and Downy products were given to all the guests.

 

Invitations to the sold-out gala are scented with the Downy fragrance and will be given next week.

 

Our director Ariel Lozada said he is incorporating original music of New York-based Filipino composer Carmela Sinco. Additionally, Pinoy flavors will be infused in the menu to create an overall collective theme.

 

Presented by Downy and Sun Life, the Red Charity Gala has Bench, Megaworld, Makati Shangri-La and Lifestyle Asia as our major sponsors. Minor sponsors include Rustan’s, Fuentes Manila, Remy Martin, Swatch, Robert Blancaflor and Coca-Cola. Media partners include Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, The Filipino Channel and Lifestyle Network.

 

Fashion stylist Noel Manapat and Patrick Rosas will handle hair and makeup. Gardenia bread, Coke products, Goldilocks and Made in Candy goodies await our elegant guests.

 

For inquiries and reservations, contact Maggie Gineta at 0917-8325570; or visit www.redcharitygala.com.

 

Charity auction

 

An integral part of the gala that creates the most enjoyment is the charity auction held between dinner and the main fashion show. The entire amount raised will be going to Philippine Red Cross.

 

This year, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, in partnership with Bacchus International Inc., will be auctioning an unforgettable weekend package overflowing with the finest food, wine and leisure options offered exclusively by Reservations in Paradise from Nov. 7-9.

 

My husband Dennis and I were delighted to experience Reservations in Paradise last March. Its entire team went all-out to deliver an incredible weekend with outstanding food and wine set in different locations throughout the sprawling resort.

 

This elegant gourmet event on Boracay Island promises a feast for the senses, a delightful medley of gastronomy and music. An intimate performance of the sensational duo 2Cellos from Croatia will delight guests on their first night. An equally glorious seaside dinner and party complete the evening in paradise.

 

Composed of Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, the 2Cellos are best known for reimagining pop and rock tunes performed on their cellos. The Croatian duo has toured with Sir Elton John and his band. Together with the resort, Vernon Go of Pulp Productions is coproducing the 2Cellos’ first performance in the country.

 

The three-day epicurean journey Reservations in Paradise is now on its fourth season. The festivity will have a series of sunset cocktails and dinner parties with wine pairings in surprise venues around the resort.

 

Featured wines come from well-loved wine houses Marchesi Antinori, La Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine and Champagne Billecarte-Salmon.

 

Shang’s international award-winning French chef Thibaut Pouplard will head the culinary team composed of four chefs de cuisine.

 

The Gourmet Weekend Reservations in Paradise packages include a two-night accommodation in a hotel room or villa for two persons, two concert seats to 2Cellos, and participation in the full itinerary of gourmet activities and leisure offerings.

 

For inquiries, call 8142587 or e-mail sales.slbo@shangri-la.com.

 

Dream wedding contest

 

These days, weddings are booked on the availability of top wedding photographers and videographers. Top on the list are Jason Magbanua and Pat Dy.

 

Their portfolios include the beautiful weddings of Stephanie Kienle and Chris Gonzalez, and Cat Arambulo and Carlo Antonio, to name a few.

 

For one lucky bride, a wedding video and photo package can be won through Colgate Optic White’s Dream Wedding contest. Colgate Philippines’ Facebook page has the details to this exciting promo.

 

Solenn Heussaff, the face of Colgate Optic White, was beaming at the promo’s launch held at The Conservatory of the Peninsula Manila.

 

Colgate Optic White’s Dream Wedding runs from Sept. 4 to Oct. 27, and is open to Filipinos to be married from January to June 2015.

 

The 10 most creative submissions will be chosen and voted on by the public.