ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING

With more than a decade of successfully running the Red Charity Gala, KAYE TINGA and TESSA PRIETO-VALDES come out stronger and bolder for this year ’s much-awaited event

So many things have happened since Kaye Tinga and Tessa Prieto-Valdes launched their first Red Charity Gala together. The two ladies, who are well-known among society circles for their genuine benevolence and unwavering dedication to their altruism, have, in the many years of the gala, helped a multitude of causes such as the Philippine National Red Cross; the Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation; the Save Palawan Seas Foundation (SPSF) which is primarily supported by one of the gala’s most staunch supporters, Jewelmer; and even the UP Pep Squad.

Tessa has fond memories of how their precious partnership started, “I started a concept of fashion for a cause with a dinner and the cause was supposed to be for the Red Cross. My sisterin-law said it was so successful, let’s do the same concept yearly, promoting a designer. And I said, no way. Then Kaye came into the picture.” Kaye follows through without missing a beat, “That was 11 years ago. And then at that point, I thought it was a oneoff. We had so much fun doing it, we decided on another year, and then another year. And then here we are 11 years later. It’s really very fulfilling.”

The two women have nothing but praises for each other. “You know Tessa is just the most giving and generous person you can know,” Kaye starts. “Not just in terms of material things, but in terms of how she shares her love. I guess in the most important way, not just the donating—although that’s the big part of why we love and know her—but more than that, her giving people a chance to try and help out in every way possible. That’s a big thing. And I really admire that. That’s why I value working with her. And I’ve learned so much from her because of that.”

Asked with the same question as to why Kaye is the best person to work with, Tessa says in full confidence, “Why not?” She continues, “She brings to the plate, elegance, sophistication… and rich Chinese connections!” As we fill the room with laughter, Tessa goes, “The nice thing is that we have this synergy when it comes to our guest list.” The combined connections of the two, after all, are made of the most prominent and influential people of society, business, politics, and fashion. Together, the two women are a force to reckon with.

By staging the Red Charity Ball, Tessa and Kaye provide a platform, not only to the underprivileged but also to up-andcoming fashion designers as well. This year, the gargantuan task of bringing back ten designers that the two have worked with in the past decade was the game plan of epic proportions. Kaye tells us that by adding the fashion show to the philanthropic event, it adds another layer to the cause, “I think every designer looks for a venue or platform to show their talent and skill. In the Red Charity Gala, we’re lucky to raise funds and really provide the designers with a platform to show off his best. And we really have nothing to do with the collection, we have no input. He is free to do whatever he wants and for the designers, that’s really a gift, that kind of freedom of expression. And of course providing them with an audience knowing that what they’re doing is not just to promote themselves, but also to actually make a difference in people’s lives.”

We interviewed all ten designers featured in this year’s gala and all of them agree on the prestige the Red Charity Gala brings to a designer. It is a validation of sorts. As Michael Cinco puts it, “It tells you that a designer has arrived.”

But aside from the number of charitable institutions and the millions of money the two have raised for these causes, what’s extremely special about the staging of this event is how Tessa and Kaye provides a great opportunity for the people with the means to help to create a significant difference to the lives of others. Tessa explains that soliciting money is too easy and expected. What the Red Charity Gala does is make it beneficial not only to those who need the generosity of the attendees but also for the attendees as well. By auctioning off exquisite pieces such as jewelry and majestic trips around the world, the sense of community is much felt and even those who give have something to get as well. The circle of giving becomes a mutual experience where both parties enjoy the benefits of benevolence.

For the admirable women, the joy of their cause returns to them as well multifold. “Seeing all of them at curtain call, being at a fully packed ball room, knowing that every person there has come to support whether it’s by their talent or as media... The difference is, when you come, you buy your table. It’s not like you’re invited. You come because you want to be there and you’re willing to support us through charity. So each and every presence there is already a big win for us,” Tessa states proudly.

Working as early as ten months before the date of the Gala, one can only imagine the challenges that the two go through. From getting all designers’ collections ready to finalizing a guest list, the food, the venue, and even the theme that would outdo the previous year’s remarkable wins, there have been a lot of lessons learned. Tessa says, “The biggest lesson here is that if you’re faced with a challenge, it just only means that you are meant to level up.” Kaye shares her positive outlook, “When a door closes, a window opens.”

And with all the good things that have been said about them and the Red Charity Gala, they also acknowledge those who have tried to put them down. Still, nothing can put keep them from doing what they are good at. Results-oriented as always, the unstoppable duo continues to defy their detractors with triumph over triumph. And with their successful endeavors, Kaye sheds light on what the role of the Red Charity Gala is, “More than anything, it’s the realization that people are good and do want to help. It’s just that a lot of people don’t have that opportunity. And this sets it up for that.” With a winning mindset like that, who can ever say no to these two? Let the Gala’s ever-impressive track record speak for itself!