Rajo Laurel in high fashion with a heart
The 10th glorious year of the Red Charity Gala event was truly a memorable evening when the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriot Hotel opened its doors to Manille’s society figures, business leaders and celebrities. Tessa Prieto Valdes and Kaye Tinga, the moving spirits behind the Red Charity Gala, one of the grandest fashion events for a cause, welcomed guests who came for an evening of style and giving back, naturellement.
The high fashion event benefits the Philippine Red Cross, Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation and now MINT School of Fashion, where a special fashion scholarship fund will be established.
Big-hearted guests bid for top-tier items during the fundraising auction conducted by the one-of-a-kind Tim Yap and vivacious Tessa.
World-renowned fashion brand Bench of Ben Chan, the event’s main presenter, showcased its holiday collection.
World-class performer Lea Salonga delighted guests with a rousing musical performance.
Highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated presentation of gentleman of all seasons Rajo Laurel’s brilliant collection, “Archipelago,” which also marked his 25th year in the fashion industry.
An homage to Philippine history and tradition, “Archipelago” drew inspiration from the roots and origins of Filipino culture as embodied by the modern Filipino woman — intelligent and quietly powerful, palanggas.
As strains of Sweet Child of Mine filled the ballroom, Rajo was met with a round of applause as he walked down the long — and I mean long — runway to join Tessa, Kaye and Ben Chan at the end of an enchanting and glamorous evening where fashion and generosity took center stage. The Red Charity Gala 2018 co-presenters were Balesin Island Club, Globe Platinum, Jewelmer, Marriott Hotel Manila, Megaworld, Sun Life and Ultherapy.
Major sponsors were Bernhardt, Cointreau, Diagold, Ferrari, Fuentes Manila, Moss Manila, Omega, Philippine Airlines, Robert Blancaflor Group, Royal Gem and Tresemme.
The event was also supported by A2A Safari, Adworks Manila, Air Asia, Casa de Memoria, City of Dreams, The Discovery Leisure Company, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, The Peninsula Manila. Plus, Escada and McDonald’s. Media partners were the The Philippine STAR, Manila
Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer. The guests were sitting on the roof, dahlings, and that’s what a mega successful event is all about!