Fashion on a Mission
On its 10th year, the Red Charity Gala and Ultherapy celebrate the evolving portrait of Filipino beauty and art
Since 2008, Manila’s best dressed have gathered for a celebration of Filipino creativity at the annual Red Charity Gala. It has been a decade since fashion enthusiast Tessa Prieto-Valdes and style icon Kaye Tinga began building the concept into a glamorous avenue to raise funds for the Philippine Red Cross and the Assumption Foundation. Items auctioned off at the gala include lifestyle packages, travel options, and wellness regimens that the founders believe in. One of these is from a company that also celebrates beauty: Ultherapy. “Filipinas are amongst the most beautiful in the world,” says Tinga. “While we’re lucky to have good skin, Ultherapy enhances what we already have,” she adds, having incorporated the US FDA-cleared treatment as part of her gala preparations months prior.
Tinga noticed a glow she had not seen in years. The most dramatic effects were in the contours of her chin and décolletage. She and Prieto-Valdes have both undergone the noninvasive treatment under the care of SkinCell dermatologist Dr Issa Cellona.
“It’s a breakthrough treatment that utilises ultrasound waves to gently lift, tighten, and rejuvenate skin,” explains Cellona. Ultherapy is dubbed as a lunchtime procedure for having little to no downtime. “It’s perfect for busy people,” says Prieto-Valdes. Her yearly sessions takes less than an hour and boast increasingly visible results four to six months later.
“Ultherapy amplifies the modern Filipina,” adds Cellona. “She is confident and powerful in her own right. She balances professional success with personal responsibilities. By taking care of herself first, she is able to take care of others.” Adds Prieto-Valdes, “Ultherapy is perfect for busy people as it only takes one hour.”
The event benefits a variety of causes in the arts, which include budding fashion designers. With a vision to sponsor solid and concrete outputs, the charity’s efforts extend into housing programs, scholarships, and disaster relief initiatives. “We have been fortunate to do two things that mean so much to us,” explains Tinga. “We provide a place for people from different sectors to help in a fun and creative environment.”
An advocate of Filipino fashon, PrietoValdes wore a cape by Ditta Sandico with a Hat Mamma headpiece. Tinga, on the other hand, donned an elegant gown by this year’s featured designer Rajo Laurel. Aligned with his silver anniversary in the industry, Laurel designs with the modern, intelligent, and powerful Filipina in mind. Cellona was stunning in a plum-coloured Albert Andrada original as the ballroom filled with elaborate creations by individuals who pay homage to local talent, in the spirit of generosity and style.