Drop-dead glamour, advocacy blend in Tatler Ball
Ben Chan speaks of how ‘Filipinos can create our own luck together’
If there’s one occasion that Metro Manila’s A-list women diet for, to lose weight, it must be the annual Tatler Ball; or make that two, the other being the Red Charity Gala Ball. That’s when women have to squeeze their curves into their cinched-waist ball gowns.
It’s a most awaited event— beats any fashion show for style-watching.
The Philippine Tatler Ball last Nov. 16 was attended by the country’s A-listers who came in black tie and designer frocks.
No matter that it lasted three hours, the guests stayed to honor the honorees, led by retail visionary Ben Chan, who received the Diamond lifetime award, and construction industry leader Alice Eduardo, the Charitable Force award, for years of humanitarian efforts, including for the cancer ward of the Philippine General Hospital. Eduardo spoke about the blessing of being able to give back to a country that has also given her much.
With voice trembling a little but with big emotions showing, Chan recalled how retail, fashion and design comprised a lifetime for him.
The guests who filled ballroom were touched Chan’s words:
“In life, there will always be someone smarter, more creative or more talented than you. But even with all these things, I believe you will also need a bit of luck!
“I feel very lucky right now to be a Filipino. Lucky that I am able to make a difference in the lives of fellow Filipinos. Lucky that I am in the position to promote our cultural heritage. Lucky that I am able to do legacy projects like Ternocon and Love Local.
“As Filipinos we can create our own luck together. If we unite and work together we can all be lucky enough to be Diamond awardees in our own way.”
Chan was true to his word, even in style. At Chan’s request, his guests at his table led by Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-puyat wore terno and the men, barong.
It was heartwarming how some women went out of their way to wear the terno. Sofia Zobel Elizalde, for instance, wore the vintage Inno Sotto terno of her mother-in-law, Pamen Elizalde. She looked beautiful in the bright red classic terno.
Other awardees: businessman and entrepreneurship advocate Joey and Marissa Concepcion named Couple of the Year; Joanna Preysler Francisco as the Most Stylish Woman; Sofia Zobel Elizalde as Patroness of Arts and Culture.
Philippine Tatler’s founder Irene Martel-francisco welcomed the guests to the 18th anniversary ball—“we are finally of age! . . . This one our biggest to-date!
“There have been many changes in the publishing industry. We have seen the flight to digital by some of our competitors. We at Philippine Tatler and our regional office are very much committed to producing even more gorgeous print publications and a stunning website. We now have 53 percent market share in the
luxury lifestyle magazine category. Our digital business has grown tremendously this year, with impressively increased traffic and over 93 videos produced . . . We look forward to the regional relaunch of the Tatler magazine in March 2020 and in July 2020, of our improved website.
“I am very thankful to our lead partners led by iconic Mercedes-benz, with us is Felix Ang, who has been our supporter since day one! The Global Real Estate expert, Santos Knight Frank is represented by its president, Rick Santos. Our supporting partners are Bulgari, HSBC
Premier and Subic International Golf Club.”
Brendan Monaghan, chief revenue and marketing officer of Tatler Asia, graced the occasion.
Francisco acknowledged the efforts of editor in chief Anton San Diego, editors Chit Lijauco and Mia Borromeo.
This year’s beneficiary was Wwf-philippines represented in the event by Gigi Montinola, Chicky Quintos, Joel Palma, Myla Villanueva, Nanette Po, Raymond Rufino, Stephanie Kienle Gonzales, Jesse Maxwell, Stephanie Zubiri, Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez.