Après 15 successful years, dahlings, Philippine Tatler continues to grow faster than you can bat an eyelash. The magazine shares it blessings through its annual charity ball, this year’s edition held recently at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La.
The spirit of sharing blessings was echoed by Philippine Tatler managing director Irene Martel Francisco in her welcome remarks: “The most meaningful way to give thanks is to pass on the blessings to others.”
This year’s benefactors included Felix Ang of Mercedes-Benz and Ernest Cu of Globe Platinum, as well as supporting partners HSBC Premier, Jo Malone and Lucerne.
The charity ball had 450 prominent society figures on its guest list. Tatler also gave awards to extraordinary men and women “for their magnanimous contributions to society and for their spheres of positive influence.”
Former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario was cited for his services to the country and received a Cape Cod Hermès steel watch with an alligator strap; Forbes Magazine lister Mercedes Zobel for her philanthropy and who received a stunning Bulgari B.Zero1 watch with a ceramic bangle bracelet.
Tycoon Andrew Tan, who recently made international headlines for expanding his liquor portfolio, was named Icon of Business. He was represented by son Kevin Tan, who accepted a case of Chateau Bernadotte from Bacchus.
Designers Budji Layug and Royal Pineda each received the Most Creative Force Award, along with a beautiful Cassina armchair from FURNItalia.
Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi was the well-deserving recipient of the Most Stylish Award, with a gorgeous Louis Vuitton Lock Me II BB Bag and gift certificate from Joseph.
Oozing with glamour
The evening oozed with glamour and sophistication. Dressed in gowns and tuxedos, the attendees indulged in wines courtesy of Bacchus Épicerie and flowing Moët & Chandon champagne.
Makati Shangri-La general manager Alain Borgers paid special attention to the exquisite five-course menu prepared by the hotel’s chefs.
Looking stunning were Linda Ley in her gorgeous ball gown and Ching Cruz in a dazzling crystal gown.
There were moving performances by Jamal Brown and Aubree White of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (courtesy of Ayala Land); and brothers Richard and Adam Johnson of “Britain’s Got Talent” fame.
At press time, the Tatler charity ball has raised P11,079,500—all of which would go to the patients of the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
At the ball, receiving the pledge of donations was a very grateful Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, PGH director, who said the money will help fund the chemotherapy of poor patients.
Then everyone hit the dance floor as the band played live music. We noticed that while the guests rocked on, many of the ladies constantly checked their dazzling diamond earrings.
Perhaps there was no need to do that; by their sheer size, the gems on the ladies’ ears and other parts of their body shook and twirled heavily, reminding the wearers that their “rocks” were safely in place.
