Having the Time of Our Life
Celebrating 17 years of life extraordinary, the 2018 Philippine Tatler Ball was a night of revelry for a good cause
Relive the splendour of the 17th Philippine Tatler Ball through glittering highlights from an unforgettable night
From the moment one stepped into the cocktail area of the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort, one could sense an air of palpable excitement. Held every November, this was our 17th Philippine Tatler Ball with close to 480 friends and partners in attendance. It was our anniversary celebration which we prepared for six months in advance, trying to ensure that we have just the right mix of people, food and wines, auction lots, and awards that would guarantee a most memorable night for all. There were scores of ladies dressed in ball gowns, many with trains sweeping the floor as they walked to greet friends, many with a champagne flute in hand. The men looked dapper in their black-tie attire, enjoying either the bourbon or gin-based cocktails.
Soon it was time to move through the tunnel we created as the main entry into the ballroom. One walked through this space with greens and flowers overhead and framed photos of the brands that were our partners for this Ball. A large letter “T” seemed to float at one end, lit from behind. A tall coromandel-type screen hid the room from immediate view, so that there was a bit of drama when the room was finally revealed.
The immediate impression we sought to impart was of an elegant yet welcoming space, warmly lit by chandeliers hanging at different heights. Over 300 scented candles flickered at each table, softly bathing the lush floral centrepieces of violet, yellow, and green blooms in quite a flattering glow. The hard-working Mia Lozada of Bloomwoods certainly outdid herself with the floral artistry. GBA Events Asia, led by Gigi and Manny Bautista, who handled the logistic arrangements for the evening, were a dream to work with, as always.
As guests settled down, a video by Tarzeer Pictures was played, chronicling the journey of Philippine Tatler as seen through the eyes of some of our friends. Then, it was time for m y speech as M anaging Director. The pleasure of thanking all our v alued readers and partners was done during this time and I acknowledged our Lead Partners for this 17th Ball: the esteemed automobile producer Mercedes Benz, represented by Felix Ang; and the much respected realty firm of Santos Knight Frank, with its President, Rick Santos. Our Supporting Partners were HSBC Premier, the Albany at McKinley West, Simmons Mattresses, and Sunseeker Philippines.
Thanks were expressed to the hard working Tatler Team led by our Editor in Chief Anton San Diego, our Managing Editor Chit Lijauco, and Tatler Homes
and Tatler Traveller Editor Mia Borromeo. Gratefulness was in order and given to Lynne Palma, our GM Sal es; to Charles Bautista who heads our digital t eam; and to the two ladies who were such help to me for this Ball, Isabel M artel Francisco and Shauna Popple Williams.
I introduced our selected beneficiary for the Ball, MovEd Foundation Inc, which provides much needed early education for underserved children between the ages of three and five. Our goal was to raise Php 8,000,000 for early education. The MovEd Board, led by its founder, Alex Eduque, came on stage so our guests could meet the people behind this much deserving foundation.
Dinner was served at this point, and we were treated to a fabulous meal prepared after countless food tastings by General Manager John Rice and Chef Joris Rychen of Shangri-La at the Fort. The menu that evening featured a delectable play on Phil- ippine classics, beginning with a f oie gras and duck leg terrine served with spiced papaya chutney, watercress, and honeycashew soil; and a tamarind-infused bisque of Atlantic cod fillet with mustasa [ native mustard] leaves, radish, and fish chicharon. A palate-cleansing granita of coconut and lavender prepared diners for the richness of beef short ribs slow-braised for 48 hours kare- kare- style, and served with leek hay, an eggplant torte, and shallot adobo. A parfait of caramelised pili nuts from Bicol encased
The immediate impression we sought to impart was of an elegant yet welcoming space, warmly lit by chandeliers hanging at different heights
Over 300 scented candles flickered at each table, softly bathing the lush floral centrepieces in quite a flattering glow
in dark chocolate provided an exquisite finish to the meal.
Complementing the dinner were Carpineto Dogajolo red and white wines distributed by Bacchus International, and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve from AWC Philippines. We also served Hennessy XO later that night after the dessert service.
Our charity auction was up next, conducted by Stephanie Zubiri- Crespi, Kim Atienza, and Dr Randy Francisco. Up for bids were exciting lots donated by our generous auction donors. First up was an oil painting by Ayka Go, donated by Finale Art File. The next lot was a two-day visit to Chateau Bagnolet in Cognac, France, and two business-class tickets to Paris from Cathay Pacific. Auction Lot 3 was
At the end of the evening, it was so gratifying to see that this Tatler Ball was another successful celebration
a Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph watch from the Lucerne Group. Rounding up the auction was a five-day South African safari from A2A Safaris. This auction did extremely well and our deep gratitude goes out to the winners of our lots: JJ Atencio, Babette Aquino-Benoit, David Lim, and Doctors Aivee and Z Teo.
We were happy to present the gifted Jessica Sanchez, whose gorgeous rendition of three songs brought our guests to their feet in a much deserved standing ovation.
As we do in each of our Balls, we presented the Tatler Awards to several exemplary individuals who lead in their fields, becoming sterling examples of lives well lived. Please read about our awardees in the next story where we chronicle their individual journeys.
It was then time for dancing and that our guests did spiritedly for three solid hours! Time sped by so quickly as it does when people are having a roaringly good time. At the end of the evening, it was so gratifying to see that this Tatler Ball was another successful celebration, especially as it raised a total of Php 10,065,500 for MovEd Foundation Inc. It was truly a night of revelry for a cause.