Editor’s Note
The Philippine Tatler Ball goes back 17 years. It was, and still is, a celebration of friendships and giving back, as well as of honouring individuals and their achievements. It is also an evening to enjoy the best of the best (food, wine, entertainment, company) against an air of elegance.
This year, we probably had the best Ball ever—because it was a combination of a l ot of things: the expectations, the guests, the awardees, etc. And for once, I was finally able to finish the five-course meal that ShangriLa at the Fort meticulously prepared. In the past, I was either preoccupied or nervous that I just couldn’t eat! There were still mishaps ( read: breaches of etiquette) from people who confirmed but didn’t show up ( mental note: don’t invite them again!). Or this woman who sat at a table not assigned to her and, in the process, bumped and ticked off the lady supposed to be in that seat. Indeed, the news spread like wildfire that night—and thereafter. As for me, I do get annoyed by men who are not dressed appropriately, When in doubt, I say, wear black!
Still, these are just little irritants that failed to diminish the magic of the evening. To start off, Jessica Sanchez, the night’s performer, wowed everyone. Everyone wondered how such a big voice can come out of a wisp of a girl. All the awardees gave heartfelt speeches. And the Ball raised more than 10 million pesos for the event’s beneficiary, the non-profit MovEd that seeks to provide the youngest students of the nation with their earliest formal education.
Our February issue is always themed as the “Ball Issue” and we always have a two-cover edition—one for the Tatler Ball awardees and the other for the annual Debutantes Ball (le Bal des Débutantes). This year’s debutante is the lovely and dynamic daughter of Fred and Kerri Uytengsu: Kayla. The dream ball of every young lady has been moved this year to the historic and spectacular Shangri-La Hotel, Paris.
It was good to be back at le Bal—we skipped last year’s since we didn’t send a representative. This year, we found our sixth debutante in Kayla, who was such a breeze to work with. We have been so privileged to work with Ophélie Renouard, the founder of le Bal, all these years and looking forward to discovering our seventh debutante.
Till that happens, we hope you take in the highlights of these two milestone events and see you in March for our Fashion Issue!