Stars, style and Magic for a cause

MANILA, Philippines – When legendary Hollywood director Billy Wilder was asked what makes a great movie, he said, “A little bit of magic.” Now, some people may equate the word “magic” with the unreal. But in these days of never-before-seen calamities, what seemed unreal just weeks ago is becoming real before our very eyes — and there is indeed magic in our midst.

Publicist and talent agent Keren Pascual knew that he could tap his friends in fashion and showbiz. He called Johnny Manahan, a.k.a Mr. M., to broach the idea of a fashion show with the talents of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic as models. Mr. M and Mariole Alberto said yes immediately. Ariel Lozada and Noel Manapat also got involved. “Magic for a Cause” was staged at Studio 8 of ABS-CBN and raised almost P4 million pesos. And it was all done in one week.

Cash donations from the guests that night itself totaled P774,000. Robina Gokongwei-Pe donated cookware, and her sister Liza Gokongwei Cheng donated P50,000. Ultra Mega Supermarket donated P500,000. Globe Asiatique gave P200,000. Procter & Gamble and Mayor Rey Uy and the municipality of Tagum City, Davao both shared P100,000. Jewels Clothing, represented by endorser Erich Gonzales donated P2 million worth of clothes. The Coca Cola Foundation’s public affairs and communications director JB Baylon, Coca-Cola Tigers assistant team manager Gerard Francisco and Coca-Cola Tigers players Asi Taulava, Chris Ross and Franciz Allera donated P1 million pesos in cash. And Ben Chan personally gave the check for a million pesos as well. Vina Morales (in a sexy, draped, red-carpet worthy gown by Avel Bacudio) and Piolo Pascual announced the donors’ names and their respective donations.

The show opened with swmming champ and co-star of new hit Katorse Enchong Dee dressed in Bench Pinoylab. The stars of Tayong Dalawa, (all Bench endorsers just like Enchong) came out next — Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca. They wore shirts emblazoned with the first words of the Panatang Makabayan: “Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,” but of course made fresh and contemporary with bold graphic design. This opening was styled by Noel Manapat, who styles the Bench ads and fashion shows, with some pieces from collections made for the recent Denim Ball.

The native theme was continued with designers using Filipino fibers. Models draped in wraps by Dita Sandico-Ong provided the drama and mystique for the show. The segment on natural fibers, and its flowing femininity was followed by menswear collections. M Barretto’s sleek and yet richly detailed tailoring was a big hit, especially the suit modeled by Diether Ocampo. Francis Libiran’s suits, in all the shades of gray were also a crowd favorite, especially the one donned by Sam Milby. Comedian Chokoleit brought the house down in his floor-length houndstooth coatdress by Puey Quinones. Gian Romano’s bomber jacket with leather cutouts was worn by Joem Bascon. Hindy Weber-Tantoco’s black studded dresses for the Rustan’s brand Culte Femme were a hit with the women in the audience.

A major highlight of the men’s collections was Joey Samson’s segment, a study on all the various permutations of the tuxedo, with the Gigger Boys coming out in deconstructed and softly-tailored versions of this formal classic. Comedienne Pokwang, beautifully made up by Patrick Rosas, strutted in a Le Smoking style suit.

The evening’s last segment belonged to designers Cesar Gaupo, Mike de la Rosa and Lulu Tan Gan. But the grand finale was Inno Sotto’s symphony in black. Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, and Ria Bolivar came out first, and the show ended with Gretchen Barretto and Piolo Pascual. Just when you thought the black dress could not be reinvented, Inno devised an embellishment of jet beads and shredded fringe that hit the perfect balance of movement and propriety.

ABS-CBN Foundation’s Tina Monzon Palma accepted the night’s donations.

Keren confessed later on, “What I really wanted to say was, ‘I believe in magic.’” As we all should. There are still difficult times ahead, but we can handle them — and we will do it with style.