It is clearly Philippine society’s favorite and has become the most desireable invitation in the social world. Last Sunday the chic crowd got ready for glamour at Philippine Tatler’s 16th anniversary ball held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort. The Tatler Team, headed by Irene Francisco, Anton San Diego, Mia Borromeo, and Chit Lijauco, stayed ahead of the game through constant reinvention. This year, it was once again for the benefit of the Child Protection Network Foundation Inc, (CPN) dedicated to ensuring that all children in the country are protected from the many faces of abuse. From a single CPN at the Philippine General Hospital in 1997, it has grown to 84 centers in 48 provinces. Philippine Tatler’s managing director Irene has cemented her status as one of Manila’s highly successful charity fund-raiser. Her heart remains with the CPN, which reflects in her, a pure ideal of happiness, which money can’t buy. Their goal was P8,000,000 and with their pledges and auction, it was successfully met that evening.
The most recognizable names in fashion dressed the A-listers, who came dressed to kill for a worthy cause. Everywhere you looked, there were ladies in long trains and dapper men in their tux. Haute couture designer Ito Curata was the go-to designer with 14 gowns for Tatler’s upper crust. Still abroad with back to back fashion shows couturier Rene Salud created my white ball gown, which was timeless, exceptional, and won raves of compliments. Irene proudly announced that for the first time, it had more than 500 guests. Her attention to detail is evident from the decor, the choice of the menu to the entertainment. Co-hosts of the evening were Stephanie Zubiri Crespi and Stephanie Keinle Gonzalez. Executive Chef Joris Rycken prepared a splendid five-course dinner paired with an impressive wine selection, Ronan by Clinet: Bordeaux Blanc 2015 and Bordeaux Rouge 2012. For dessert there was Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Brut Reserve and Hennessy XO.
The festivities included a live auction with the co-hosts joined by Dr. Randy Francisco and Mike Toledo. Auction Lot 1: an Oil Portrait by Mia Herbosa, Auction Lot 2: Betsy Westendorp Eternity 2017, Auction Lot 3: IWC Portugierser Automatic, and Lot 4: One week stay at Valfond in Provence, France. Regine Velasquez rendered three songs. The 2017 awardees were: Cary Santiago, Most Creative Force, Tootsy Angara, Most Stylish, David and Katherine Bradley, Philanthropy, Senator Loren Legarda, Patroness of the Arts, and Nedy Tantoco, Diamond Award. Dancing followed with the 8 Track Band and DJ Emel Rowe.
