Open letter to birthday boy Rajo Laurel

Dearest Rajo,

Joey Mead as one of the featured models

What does one give a friend who certainly has achieved so much, be it in his professional or personal life? As you celebrated your birthday (May 19), once again, like all the other years, I found that out of all my friends I hold dear to me, I had the hardest time finding something that I thought would make the perfect gift to such an esteemed colleague and person such as yourself. I have continuously racked my head as to what kind of present to get you that you may not already have or would even deem worthy of your appreciation. And yes, I understand that it is always in the gesture and that the cliché rings true that “it’s the thought that counts,” however, I wanted to give you that kind of gift that is immeasurable and time-defying; something that lasts and is intangible.

So instead of getting you some material object that you may fancy and then eventually forget as time passes, I thought it best that I tell you through this open letter how instrumental you have been in my life as a friend, most especially during the times I was far away from the klieg lights and spotlights. When I moved to Los Angeles a decade ago, I had the opportunity to spend time with you away from the hustle and bustle of Manila society. There were no special events with press or photographers, no fancy schmancy cocktail hours dressed to the nines, just simple unadulterated fun, and of course, they mostly took place in West Hollywood. It seems like yesterday when we were young and wild and free. Where in the most mundane of moments, you’d whip open the little journal you bring with you everywhere and find inspiration in the milieu around us. How your eyes would light up when that spark of brilliance imbibed you when least expected is a fascinating sight to behold. Your energy, especially on the dance floor, is infectious and when you take my hand in yours, the room stands still as others watch you lead me with your syncopated electric rhythm, weaving in and out of the crowd, spinning, hair flying, feet shuffling to the nostalgic beats of the ’80s. And as to be expected, the roaring adoration from strangers when our routine of swing has ended always pleasantly surprises me. It is in the way you give everything your all, from your work to your friendships, to those short-intimate conversations we have had, trying to catch our breath after our impromptu-performance in Mickeys, whilst sitting by the curb cracked sidewalk of Santa Monica Boulevard.

I treasure those tiny fleeting encounters as much as I do the momentous ones. My wedding to Tim in Boracay was perfectly orchestrated with your suggestion of “The colors of the Sand and the Sea.” From one idea, sprang the rest, but it all started with your vision. You personally made sure that my gorgeous bridesmaids not only looked their best but also got a creation they could treasure in so many other fantastic ways than just one style. I, for a fact, can testify that the first and most important step to one’s dream wedding is to find the dress dreams are made of — and my wedding dress made by you was certainly all that and more. You were there, every step of the way and how could I ever thank you enough for making me feel like the most gorgeous bride on my special day?

From getting me ready to walk down the aisle in the blistering Boracay heat to the heat felt in the San Fernando Valley when I first gave birth many summers ago, to the decision to migrate back to Manila with the entire family in tow, you’ve held my hands in support all the way. You’ve graciously accepted being a godfather to Sakura and you do it so well, too. From her heirloom christening gown, which one day she will pass to her firstborn to all her Christmas dresses to her very first recital piece for the Colburn Children’s Choir, she has always only worn a Rajito. For all those special occasions, you have always been there in spirit for the entire family, because of the luxury we’ve had to don your designs.

As I sat there around the white tableau as you showcased yet again your jaw-dropping collection for the Samsung Metrowear tribute to you as an icon held last week, I was still deep in thought as to what to get you for your birthday. I decided that the best way to pay tribute to someone of your caliber is to put thought into words, and fingers to the keypad. You are an icon Rajo, not just because you have consistently proven to be a  “design maverick,” but because of your tremendous ability to give of yourself to your friends and your loved ones. Besides the undeniable statement that everything you touch turns to gold, from a mattress line to handbags to your own Parisian shoe line, you are so dearly loved. The most sincerest and heartfelt happy birthday, my dearest Rajo Laurel. Thank you for shining your bright and positive light to all those around you.