We are in the midst of ball season. The ladies of Quezon (Tayabas) Association just held “Joie de Vivre,” their 89th Anniversary Ball at the Grand Ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

I had the good fortune to match ornately beaded and ruffled gowns with the QTA ladies, thanks to the invite of good friend Nova Veluz, who shares my passion for extravagant outfits and colorful celebrations. Nova was actively involved in the preparations for “Joie de Vivre,” including the program that featured cultural dances and the coronation of QTA Muse 2012 Maria Zania Palomar Ong. She was escorted by Martin Laurence Llamas, and her gown was—hands down—the most elaborate of the evening.

Welcoming guests at the Grand Ballroom entrance were Fernando Quizon Llamas and Maria Teresa Palomar Ong, presidents of QTA. It was altogether a night of beautiful ball gowns.

Opulence, sophistication

In contrast, that same week I was at the Fall-Winter 2012 Collection of world-class fashion designer Tadashi Shoji, which featured soft, figure-hugging silhouettes. Held at the Rigodon Ballroom of Manila Peninsula, the Shoji collection harks back to the golden age of Shanghai, where the opulence, richness and sophistication of Old Shanghai are retold through fabrics, prints and designs.

The Shoji show was produced by retailer extraordinaire Rustan’s, in cooperation with RCBC Bankard and Sony Bravia, with the support of Absolut Elyx and Smart Infinity, and for the benefit of Philippine Red Cross.

Tadashi Shoji is originally from Sendai, Japan, and is now based in LA. He is passionate about painting, drawing and creating contemporary pieces. With his strong passion for contemporary art, he sought out a place, a niche where he could fully express his creativity. Thus, he explored the exciting realm of fashion design, establishing the brand Tadashi Shoji in 1982.

Today, the Tadashi Shoji Signature Collection is all about luxury and elegance. A-list clients include Debra Messing, Emmy Rossum, Kate Beckinsale and Tyra Banks. Tadashi Shoji has proven that his life-long passion and dedication to one’s craft is the key to success.

At the show, Tadashi and I had the opportunity to conduct a live auction of his Limited Edition pieces. The three beautiful gowns were a foil-printed, matte jersey gown with asymmetrical beadwork; a matte, jersey-draped bodice gown with long sequined skirt; and a strapless lace-bodice ball gown with multilayer organza. All proceeds went to the Philippine Red Cross.

Fundamental principles

The Philippine Red Cross and Rustan’s share a few fundamental principles: their love for humanity, independence, unity and universality and, more importantly, their desire to help people and protect the rights of women. Maritess Tantoco Enriquez, director of Rustan’s, and Nedy Tantoco, president of Rustan’s, joined Tadashi in presenting the check to Sen. Dick Gordon, chairperson of the Red Cross.

Lucky guest Mia Borromeo won an Apple iPad and an RCBC Bankard. This bank has been so supportive of the projects of Rustan’s. Clients that bought gowns using the RCBC Bankard also got a premium gift from Rustan’s.

The card brought back memories of a trip to Paris, where I maxed it out on some fashion items. Speaking of Paris, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts just celebrated its annual media appreciation party with the theme “Paris in the ’20s” at the newly refurbished Isla Grand Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.

The festive gathering got over 200 guests to dress up in their flapper best, while enjoying French cuisine. A huge Eiffel Tower made of macarons was in the middle of all the other delicious desserts.

Faith in PH

Of course, the bubbly was Moet et Chandon champagne, and the drinks included Hennessy Cognac and Grand Marnier. The piece de resistance was the ice sculpture featuring that French icon, the Arc de Triomphe.

Shangri-La has five properties in the country, a testament to their faith in the Philippines. The GMs of the five hotels, Shangri-La Edsa, Makati, Boracay and Mactan, Cebu, together with the GM of Traders Hotel, Manila, surprised the audience with a Charleston dance number along with can-can performers.

One of the evening’s highlights was the raffle of 37 gift certificates for accommodations at various Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts all over the world. Margaux Salazar of Sense & Style magazine won a two-night stay at Shangri-La Hotel Paris with round-trip business-class tickets for two from Manila to Paris care of Gulf Air.

Gulf Air is really making waves in the country. We are in discussions for their support of the Red Charity Gala next year, along with such ardent supporters as Cris Albert of Fila.

Letty Albert party

Cris and I love celebrations and throwing parties for our friends and loved ones. She recently threw a party for her mother-in-law, the ever-luminous Letty Albert, at the Manila Polo Club. The 85th birthday celebration was en grande, with décor done by Rico Ancheta.

The very poised birthday girl enjoyed her intimate affair, surrounded by family and close friends. The Albert clan topped the fantastic affair with a mini-concert, featuring special guest Pops Fernandez, then siblings Joey Albert and Cris’ hubby Butch, and finally bubbly Cris rendering the finale.

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