At 84, Aureo Alonzo’s memory is as sharp as ever

Fashion icon Aureo Alonzo recently turned 84 years old with four priests to celebrate Mass in his Malate home before an intimate group of loyal friends, clients and family in attendance.  Our Karilagan group decided to surprise him with the presence of two of his original models from the mid 1960s — Jojo Kierulf Zabarte and Babygirl Baluyot Fricke, as well as beauty queens/models Miss Universe ‘72 Margie Moran Floirendo and BB. Pilipinas International ‘78 Luz Policarpio Say.   

Fondly called Tatang by most everyone, Aureo has remained the gentle person that I remember from way back. Always ready with a smile, I have never heard him utter a cuss word or get angry at anyone no matter how grave the situation is. Though his health is not as good as it used to be, his memory is as sharp as when he was in his 30s because he remembered all of our names (even if he had not seen some in 30 to 40 years), which  fashion shows we did for him and for the others — he even remembered their boyfriends or admirers who eventually became husbands or ex spouses (plus their nationalities). Remarkably, his memory is a lot better than ours, considering we are a generation younger than he is. 

Aureo is known for beautiful gowns that make a woman look and feel elegant.  During his fashion shows abroad, the dresses would be sold out even before the month-long tour ended since the European socialites and royalty were in line to own one of the collection’s chic creations.  His major international achievement was winning the 1975 Camel International design show in Italy. He bested top designers that included Ginafranco Ferre and John Paul Gaultier. This “by invitation only” competition had an impressive board of judges headed by Yves Saint Laurent and Henry Poole (founder of Savile Row). His winning proved that a Filipino is definitely world class in the fashion industry.

An added bonus of being in Aureo’s birthday lunch was seeing another fashion icon, Ben Farrales, whom I teased about being mataray ( though never with me). When I asked his male nurse if he was difficult to be with, the reply was that Ben was very mabait and sweet. Just goes to show you that Ben’s bark is a lot worse than his bite.

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Kipling’s is the country’s oldest cigar and whisky bar serving the finest brands to a select clientele. Located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati, it has continuously been a top watering hole for the past 14 years.  One can definitely enjoy the best that life has to offer in an exclusive, relaxed setting.

Their monthly birthday celebrants are feted with special attention by charming Scottish-born manager Barbara Cumagun.  She makes everyone feel at home and the buffet table always attracts guests with a well-thought-out menu. I was lucky to be invited when the happy group of Sabrina Artadi, Remee Ramos, Vicky Garcia, Mike Armstrong, Ogie and Pete Villalon were the festejados because I was able to meet a couple of long lost friends and neighbors.  It certainly was a great way to renew old friendships. 

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