For the third year in a row, there won’t be a Red Charity Gala, the glitzy fundraiser organized and spearheaded by Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tiñga. Traditionally held in mid-October, it was the social event of the season and one of the most photographed.
Aside from the auction of big-ticket items like luxury vacations and pampering treatments, it also showcased the full collection of a chosen Filipino designer. Some of the previous designers featured have included Dennis Lustico, Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago, Ezra Santos, Jojie Lloren, Lesley Mobo, Chito Vijandre, Joey Samson and Rajo Laurel.
Even without the Red Charity Gala this year, Prieto-Valdes and Tiñga are determined to continue raising funds for their chosen charitable organizations as well as for those affected by calamities. On April 2, the pair organized a daylong sale of preloved and brand-new items from their own closets as well as those donated by family members and other close, stylish friends.
On her Instagram account (@seaprincess888) last week, Prieto-Valdes announced the preloved luxury pop-up #roof4siargao to benefit those affected by Typhoon “Odette,” which tore through Siargao and other nearby areas last December.
Held at the Swatch Building on Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, the sale consisted of gowns owned by Prieto-Valdes, as well as stacks of vertiginous heels, flats, designer bags and clutches donated by Dr. Aivee Teo, Alice Eduardo, Audrey Zubiri, Cindy Yang, Digzy Umali, Girlie Sison, Grace Ang, Dr. Hayden Kho, Dr. Vicki Belo, Dr. Issa Cellona, Jackie Chua, Kerry Tiñga, Kylie Tiñga, Linda Ley, Malu Gamboa-Lindo, Marie Quisumbing and Small Laude.
Designer Rajo Laurel spotted one of his gowns that afternoon, and while it might have pained him to see it on the sale rack, it was all for a good cause. INQ
