Sweet Sixteen
Once again, the annual Tatler Ball draws in the finest of Philippine high society for an evening of glitter and glamour all for a good cause: the Child Protection Network
Held at the Shangri- La at the Fort for the very first time, the annual Philippine Tatler Ball stands out once more as a celebration of life extraordinary for a most notable cause
It is an event that everyone looks forward to: one of the key highlights that is awaited with great anticipation by Philippine high society.
Once more, Philippine Tatler welcomed the country’s who’s-who in a grand celebration that gave thanks for another successful year one that also drew much-needed attention to a most worthy cause that is close to the magazine’s heart.
As a change of pace, the 2017 Ball moved from its usual well-appointed venue in Makati to the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort, one of the latest developments in the growing cosmopolitan Bonifacio Global City. Nearly 500 guests including captains of industry, style influencers, and those who have made an impact on Philippine society came to enjoy an exquisite evening punctuated by conviviality as well as glorious food and magnificent entertainment. Noted was the presence of three international designers: Christian Louboutin, Philippe Charriol, and Ricardo Preto.
For this year’s event, an enchanting sylvan theme was evident in the delicate pattern of hummingbirds perched upon flowering boughs against a pale blue background used in the invitation, the programme, and the background for the photobooth that so delighted many of the guests. This was further highlighted by lush foliage as canopy, vibrantly coloured orchids, and well-curated floral arrangements by renowned florist Mia Cabawatan-Lozada. The air was
It was, as always, a night of magnificence, with elegant ladies looking their best... and gentlemen resplendent in beautifully-tailored suits
perfumed by numerous candles warmly exuding Philippine Tatler’s signature fragrance.
It was, as always, a night of magnificence, with elegant ladies looking their best in haute couture gowns and gentlemen resplendent in beautifully-tailored suits or tuxedos. This sophisticated throng first gathered just outside the Grand Ballroom to enjoy a welcome glass of champagne whilst circulating and waiting for the festivities to begin.
As guests settled down into their places within the ballroom, the Ball began with an audio-visual retrospective chronicling the celebrations of the past 16 years. This was followed by the warmly-delivered opening address by Philippine Tatler’s Managing Director Irene Martel Francisco. She welcomed the guests and expressed her gratitude and appreciation for those who have been instrumental Mely Ablaza in the magazine’s success for nearly two decades. She also
thanked this year’s lead partners integrated real-estate services provider Santos Knight Frank, luxury automaker Mercedes Benz, and aviation manufacture Gulfstream Aerospace and supporting partners financial leader HSBC Premier and The Albany-McKinley West, the newest upmarket development of the Megaworld Corporation. Also acknowledged during the address was John Rice, general manager of Shangri-La at the Fort, and his highly capable staff who were instrumental in making the event possible.
Guests enjoyed a most delectable dinner featuring dishes that harmoniously fused together robust flavours from the East and West. The repast was accompanied by an excellent selection of wines that included fine vintages from the Pomerol-based winery Ronan by Clinet, as well as Champagne Nicolas Feuilatte Brut Réserve which boasted a delicate, refined effervescence.
Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid was on hand to regale guests with songs rendered in her inimitable style and to get the party started as one number got people ready to dance the night away.
Amidst the revelry that has long characterised the Ball, guests wholeheartedly listened as this year’s beneficiary was presented: the Child
Protection Network (CPN). Since 2002, this institution has been bringing hope to the youngest victims of abuse in the Philippines. Composed of doctors, social workers, lawyers, law enforcers, and volunteers, CPN is dedicated to ensuring that all Filipino children are amply protected from all forms of abuse. Over the past 15 years, CPN has grown from a single unit located at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila to 84 child protection centres spread across 48 provinces throughout the country. Through the Ball and its auction, Philippine Tatler sought to raise Php 8 million in order to give rescued children a new lease on life with muchneeded physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Philippine Tatler made the initial donation of Php 750,000 to the cause.
For this year’s Charity Auction, art aficionados rose up to the occasion, thanks
to the first lots on the block. The opportunity for one’s portrait to be painted in oil by New Yorkbased artist Mia Herbosa was the first item up for bid, followed by Eternity, an ethereal oil-oncanvas masterpiece by award-winning painter Betsy Westendorp. Also auctioned off was an IWC Portugieser Automatic Wristwatch, a most unique timepiece crafted in 2015 to celebrate IWC Schaffhausen’s 75th anniversary. The final item on the block was a week-long stay at Valfond, a magnificently renovated 19th-century
maison de noblesse owned by the Bradley family in the Vaucluse, the wine-growing district of Provence. A truly magnificent getaway, Valfond was touted as the perfect place for hosting a crowd of up to 15 guests.
But what was, perhaps, the most anticipated part of the Ball was the annual Philippine Tatler
More than just a celebration or a festive occasion, the Philippine Tatler Ball serves as an inspiration
Ball Awards. Seen as a way of recognising Philippine society’s best and brightest, as well as those who have made a significant impact upon the nation, this year’s honour roll was made up of some highly admirable individuals. Rustan’s Nedy Tantoco, the country’s undisputed queen of luxury retail, was the recipient of this year’s Diamond Award thanks to her prowess in the corporate sphere and her role as benefactress to several cultural institutions. Husband and wife team David and Katherine Bradley, founders of CPN, were duly given the joint Philanthropy Award. In recognition of her continued support of the Philippine artistic community and her constant drive for the participation of local artists at the famed Biennale di Venezia, Senator Loren Legarda received the title of Patroness of the Arts, while internationally-renowned fashion designer Cary Santiago came away as this year’s Most Creative Force. The ever gracious and soignée Tootsy Echauz-Angara was hailed as the Philippines’ Most Stylish for 2017.
More than just a celebration or a mere festive occasion, the Philippine Tatler Ball serves as an inspiration for all to be the best that we can be and to give as much as we can to those who need it the most. As this 16th Tatler Ball showed when it ended up raising, instead of just 8, nearly 11 million pesos for charity.