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I am so happy to announce that my long-awaited dream – a massive 250+ page coffee table book entitled : ‘Having a Ball: A Decade of Parties, People, Fashion & Art in the Philippines’ came to life, and at what more fitting venue than the City of Dreams! This is in celebration of my ten years as resident society columnist of The Manila Bulletin.
With over 3,000 photographs, this book is a most delightful page-turner showcasing glittering and vibrant examples of gracious hospitality and our flair for grand gestures and memorable moments. With the expertise and support of esteemed editor Arnel Patawaran, I try to capture these cultural expressions of our highest aspirations, as well as our appreciation and joy for the rising achievement and greatness in the Philippines.
This applies especially for my fellow Filipinas- I am proud to have such a special opportunity to celebrate our country’s worldly women who have excelled in both business and personal lives. Empowered women blazing trails and contributing in the local and global stages, all while balancing family lives and with God as the center. The book cover ladies are: Rustan’s President and CEO, Nedy Tantoco; internationally acclaimed fashion designer Josie Natori; high society doyenne Consul Mellie Ablaza; prominent ladies Nonie Basilio, Mabel Abano, Love Marie Ongpauco Escudero, Cris Albert, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Anna Raquel Santos, Engr. Merci Poblador Padolina, Malou Tamayo Martinez and Marivic Tengco Burgos. To see how The Filipina continues to ascend is an inspiration I am very fortunate to pay homage to, and I thank our beautiful cover ladies for sharing your stories and allowing me the privilege.
Inside you will also find a glimpse at the gilded world of the past, with tributes to five iconic women, namely, Imelda O. Cojuangco, Chito Madrigal Collantes, Chona Kasten, Mary Prieto and Priscilla Sison, with portraits of the ladies done by Rupert. To learn about these icons is to visit their time when the ultimate in elegance and sophistication was the norm, and where knowledge of the past makes us understand the present.
For the book cover photo, Rupert envisioned a spectacular grand baroque staircase where twelve ladies would be positioned; and with the help of Rampver‘s power couple, Rex and Anna Mendoza, this hidden gem of a staircase was found at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, courtesy of Mr. Jose Acuzar, where our team lost no time in making the trip to Bataan. The theme of ebony and ivory colored gowns was upon the suggestion of book consultant Mario Katigbak and thus the elegant ladies were digitally positioned in the magnificent ‘Gone with the Wind’ staircase, and voila! Our book cover is – if I may borrow Rupert’s word – faaabulous! I truly hope you enjoy the book.
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Special thanks to: City of Dreams Vice-President of Public Relations Charisse Chuidian, The Advertising Foundation of the Philippines and The City of Dreams. Arnel Patawaran
Platinum Sponsors: Stores Specialists Inc, Bvlgari, Volvo, Amigo Entertainment Technologies Inc, Madison Galleries, Titania Wine Cellar, Liquid Gold, Muebles Italiano, Hon. Consul Francis Chua and HoH. Consul Betty Chua
Gold Sponsors: Wilcon Depot, Advance Paper, Leon Gallery, Fashion Interiors, Ms Virgina Lane, Ms Marissa Fenton, Hon. Rep. Arlene Arcillas, Ms Sally Maliuanag, Tesoro’s, Ozeki Japan
Silver Sponsors: Heirs of Imelda Cojuangco, Ms Flora Chua and Mr Enrique Chua, Ms Duday Tuason and Mr Noel Tuason, Ms Judith Tan and Mr Archie Tan and Family, Ms Ofi Wadle, Ms Linda Ley, Ms Hera Geriene, Ms Baby DeJesus, Mr Mars Lambino, Wildflour Cafe and Bakery
Patrons: Ms Fanny Blanco, Ms Tina Cuevas, Mr Frank Evaristo, Ms Millie Reyes and Ms Karla Reyes, Ms Ingrid Santamaria, Ms Cindy Romualdez Velez, Ms Kristine Yang and Mr George Yang, Ms Jojo Zabarte and Mr Henry Zabarte
