Glam with a capital “G” is back, dahlings. Cosmo Manille’s sociedad has been dying for an ultra glam fix, so high-society members came in full force to the 13th Philippine Tatler Ball.
After being canceled in 2013 in deference to the tragedy that followed in the wake of Superyphoon “Yolanda,” the ball’s 2014 edition had been much anticipated by many.
The Philippine Tatler, together with major partners McKinley West, Mercedes-Benz, VISA and Breguet, once again gathered the country’s crème de la crème for an evening with elegantly dressed women and men, superb food, excellent wine and an awesome show.
Warming things up was the fine bubbly sipped by the invitees at the mezzanine of Makati Shangri-La.
Aprés the cocktails, guests were ushered into the hotel’s Rizal Ballroom. Sheer excitement was palpable, seen when all heads turned to Baby Araneta Fores, on a rare night out, with pearls around her swan-like neck, all the way down to her waistline.
Also spotted were Tatler’s Iloilo correspondent Nonoi Ybiernas, new lawyer Rita O. Peña, Fila Philippines’ royal couple Butch and Cris Albert, the latter in a Jojie Lloren gown, Ana Abad Santos, jeweler Linda Oledan, Carla Reyes Tengco, Le Lagdameo, Dr. Vicki Belo, Atom Henares, Eva Abesamis, Citoy Lopez, Lauro and Grace Baja, Richie Santos, Alfredo Rocha, Frances Lim, Ian Giron and Pepito Albert.
Emcee was Karen Davila. Opening remarks were made by Michel Lamuniere, vice president of the Hong Kong-based Edipresse Group.
Tatler managing director Irene Martel Francisco introduced the ball’s beneficiary for this year, the Virlanie Foundation.
Charity auction
Guests then dug into the five-course gourmet dinner whipped up by Makati Shangri-La’s Alain Borgers.
Wines from Antinori’s Tormaresca vineyards in Italy accompanied the meal.
Then the charity auction began, which was what the ball was all about, palangga. Leading the proceedings were Davila, Mike Toledo and Kim Atienza.
The fab selection of auction items included an oil portrait by Mia Herbosa; artworks by Patty Eustaquio and Maria Taniguchi; a “Paris Adventure” (two-night stay at the Shangri-La Paris for two, round-trip business class tickets from Thai Airways, and a set of Salsa Air Multiwheel luggage from Rimowa); a limited-edition Aeronavale 3803ST watch from Breguet.
Total amount raised for Virlanie was P6,476,000.
Zsa Zsa Padilla rendered some dazzling musical numbers.
The Tatler Awards shortly followed: Alex Eduque was Most Outstanding Young Woman; Kaye Tiñga and Fely Atienza, Most Stylish Women 2013 and 2014, respectively; Margarita Fores, Most Creative Force; Tony Alvarez, Diamond Award; and Rico and Nena Tantoco, Couple of the Year.
Omar Edwards, a world-renowned tap dancer from New York, delivered an invigorating performance.
The crowd then flocked to the dance floor as the 8 Track Band played live. Everyone enjoyed endlessly flowing Moet & Chandon Champagne.
Even before the dancing began, Nuvo’s French chef stepped on something which turned out to be one of a pair of diamond-studded earrings. Later, two other diamond bracelets were found on the dance floor. I never found out if the owners got them back, dahlings.
That’s what happens when people have so much fun, n’est-ce pas?
