International Filipino designer Michael Cinco held an awesome homecoming show that showcased how Philippine fashion has evolved to stamp its class on the world.
“Michael Cinco: A Fashion Presentation” was held during the annual Red Charity Gala at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel, where Cosmo Manille’s alta sociedad breezed in their stunning ball gowns and dazzling bling-blings, while the men came in their formal tuxedos.
The event was masterfully organized by dedicated fund-raisers Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga, for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross and Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation.
“I’m excited to be a part of this event because it is not only to celebrate Philippine fashion but also for a good cause,” said the designer. “It’s my way of giving back for all the support and success I’ve been fortunate to have all these years.”
Cinco’s first Philippine gala gave Filipinos an intimate look into his extraordinary talent and creativity. His collection was inspired by Hollywood glam.
We did not only feast on the fashion but also indulged in the excellently prepared Greek-inspired dinner of Makati Shangri-La’s executive chef Franco Brodini, dahlings.
For starters were the superbly cured seared tuna loin, eggplant quenelle, calamansi olives, cucumber and tomato salad, followed by green lentil soup with yogurt and chive, which I had two servings of.
Next was the green apple mint sorbet. Then the main course was the to-die-for perfectly done roasted lamb rack with oven-baked shallots, fine green beans, red wine and feta cheese. And for the grand finale, flourless chocolate cake with milk jam ice cream and berry compote, and the praline and coffee, natch.
Then it was time for the charity auction. Successful bidders were Swatch Queen Virgie Ramos; socialite Mary de Leon; Cristalle Henares of Belo Essentials Whitening Products; top Singaporean plastic surgeon Dr. Z Teo; Megaworld’s Kevin Tan and Benguet Corp.’s Philip Romualdez.
It was a social jewel of a night that had the young and young at heart in strapless gowns, and the divas with surgically correct look on their faces and bodies. The glitter and the pomp was incredibly enjoyable.
All this I noticed as I people-watched at the table of my hostess, gorgeous Cris Albert of Fila, no less, dahlings.
Head-turners and eye-catchers included Divine Lee, Cristalle Henares, Beng Dee, Dr. Aivee Teo, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Carissa Oledan Coscolluela, with the most stunning crystal-clear emeralds and diamonds cascading necklace. Well, she ain’t the grand daughter of the high priestess of jewelry, Liding Miranda Oledan, for nothing, di bala?
Other winners: Crickette Yu Tantoco, Fila’s Cris Albert, Maristela Ocampo, stage actress Ana Abad Santos, Katrina Ponce Enrile and Alex Escat.
The show was directed by Ariel Lozada; fashion styling was by Noel Manapat, and hair and makeup by Patrick Rosas. The show was presented by Megaworld, Fila, Audi, PGA Cars, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Smart Infinity, Etihad Airways and Resorts World.
Society whispers
There is this handsome gentleman with a high government position, who makes women’s heads turn his way. Since he also has the body of a hunk, he has also been the talk of women who lunch. Women are dying to meet him. Hot? Yes, he is that hot!
There are loud whispers of this supposedly happily married couple. Are they the perfect couple?
But never judge a book by its cover.
The husband has found a new squeeze and is completely infatuated with this gorgeous beauty, who has just broken up with her boyfriend of three years and is apparently vulnerable at the moment.
How far this will go and how long before the whispers finally reach the wife are a matter of intense speculation.
A chic club for our night-lifers and for the rich and the famous is the posh Prive at The Fort. It’s where A-listers rub elbows under one roof.
There is this lady who is trying her very best to get into the inner circle of the blue-bloods of our town’s society. Darling, not even with all your money can you buy entry into such exclusive enclave. Oh, well.
This once-famous bar-resto is up for sale, but for the right price. I guess when you have a board of directors with their own interests and businesses that have become their foremost priority, something will go wrong with the management. A sad news, of course, for all of us who used to frequent the place.
