It is important to raise funds for various charitable projects that are near and dear to our hearts. Not to mention that there should be a perfect mix of crowd drawers that include the beautiful crowd and the generous souls who will donate to these worthy causes so that the beneficiaries will be able to sustain their goals in these trying times.
Last year’s Gawad Kalinga Hope Ball was a success and this year, history repeated itself. The first ball served as a vehicle to build the Pamanao community in Sulu and this year, the aim was to create sustainability by supporting the community through various projects for food sufficiency, green technology, renewable energy, knowledge of recycling and reusing.
This year’s ball was highlighted by sumptuous fare by the four Chefs of Hope J. Gamboa, Patrick Boucher, Ariel Manuel and Fernando Aracama, a performance by the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Randy Ortiz’s fashion show and finally an auction led by Hamilton Mcleod, which drove the crowd to exciting heights with the fab new generation C class Mercedes Benz, a chartered flight to anywhere in the Philippines aboard North-South Airline’s Dornier 328 aircraft, a luxurious stay in a posh Chateau in Bordeaux, France, inclusive of business class flights from KLM, a two-city Peninsula package (New York and Chicago), a Kawayan bike made in a GK community, and other items from the Salcedo Auction House. The ball was one way to be part of the progress of our country’s development and peace.
Philanthropist and US media mogul David Bradley first came to the Philippines as a young Fulbright scholar and eventually founded the Child Protection Network Foundation to help in the medical and psychological treatment of thousands of abused Filipino children.
The very first CPN benefit at the Manila Polo Club included cocktails at the Manila Polo Club, a delicious dinner with a live auction as well as musical entertainment by Ryan Cayabyab (he seems to be a musical favorite for benefit gatherings) with dancing to the wee hours. The highly successful event raised well over P3 million and with the overwhelming turnout, you can expect the CPN gala to become an annual affair.
* * *
For shopaholics, Tint at Greenbelt 3, Makati, is the perfect place to buy luxury totes and clutches that are considered classics and justifiably priced so one won’t feel guilty. I particularly loved the croc bags that came in a variety of colors and will certainly spice up any wardrobe. At the same time, you can bequeath them to your daughter or favorite niece as these chic pieces will last forever.
No one left empty-handed during the special sale, which was open to a select group of friends and clients who were extremely happy with their purchases that included slinky jersey dresses, caftans, and tops since they can be worn from morning to night. I suggest you hop, skip and jump to see if Joanna Preysler still has some items left as they are well priced and make wonderful presents for the holiday gift-giving season. Call or SMS 0917-8017075.