The real — and really funny — genius that is Cesar Gaupo

Asked why he was celebrating his birthday with a big party this year, Cesar Gaupo simply states, “Kasi maganda ako,” before breaking into infectious laughter. Such a reply is typical of the highly successful, world-class designer.  As much as the vast majority sees him through the lens of a highly successful career in fashion, industry insiders and his closest friends know that what truly defines Cesar is his unfailing sense of humor, optimism and incomparable zest for life.

So, as he turned 70 years young, my dear friend Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and I found ourselves having a rare fan-girl moment, as dear Cesar shared inspiring stories of transformations and triumphs that spanned his almost-six-decade career. What possibly could have been a stiff, formal interview became a ladies-who-lunch sort of gabfest that was peppered with laughter and tears.

The Original Hyphenate

Most everyone is aware of Cesar’s many achievements. What people don’t know is how he refuses to rest on his laurels — how he always chooses to evolve and reinvent himself. “I like challenges, and I want to grow. I never want to stagnate,” he states.

And face every challenge, all the while growing, he did. From the moment he started designing under the tutelage of the legendary Aureo Alonzo at the young age of 13 (“I didn’t even know how to spell the word ‘fashion’ then,” he jokes) to pursuing an education in fashion design at Slim’s; from that time in the ’70s when SM’s Tessie Sy-Coson had him called after watching his fashion show in Hilton to ask him to work for her, to that defining moment in his 50s when he interviewed for the role of chief designer for Shanghai Tang. All while developing an eponymous shoe brand, and running a lucrative made-to order business. Even before hyphenates were all the rage, Cesar was it.

Of course, with every opportunity came a bit of self-doubt. But Cesar never allowed this to hamper his growth. “Tessie’s first statement was ‘We’re interested in hiring you to handle not marketing but more on purchasing.’ Sabi ko sa kanya, but I have no idea about purchasing. You know naman, I’m a high school graduate. But she said, ‘No, what we see in your collection is that categorically bagay talaga to ready-to-wear so we need that input of yours,’” Cesar recalls.

So Cesar took that leap of faith to join Tessie in SM where he stayed for more than a decade, and learned about the business side of fashion and retail. When I had the chance to ask what she saw in Cesar, Tessie said, “He’s cute!” Both are obviously cut from the same humorous cloth.

Going Global

To test his mettle even further, the opportunity to work for Shanghai Tang came about in his 50s. Not one to back down from an exciting adventure, Cesar flew to London for an interview with several directors of Luxury Goods Company Richemont Group for confirmation as their new chief designer.

“Takot na takot ako pero parang sinasabi ko, hindi naman ako yung may gusto, sila yung may gusto sa akin so why not do it?” shares Cesar.

After a nerve-wracking call, Cesar found out he’d gotten the job, and that the directors said he was very good; they also thought he was very young. Cesar couldn’t help but laughingly share: “Kala nila bata ako! Naka fitted jeans ako, eh wala pa akong tyan noon.”

A New Hat

Cesar eventually left Shanghai Tang to come back to Manila and continue his made-to-order business in the late 2000s. Fast forward to the present day: As he turned 70, Cesar surprised us yet again with a new venture.

He can now proudly add restaurateur and interior designer/architect to his name, as he wears the hat of executive design director for Oeneta de Loyola Holdings. It was impressive to hear Cesar talk about designing his own website to curating his own playlists on Spotify, as he discussed the revamp of L’Aubergine French Restaurant, and the development of a members-only resort called Sandbar that he is leading. Definitely something to watch out for.

So why celebrate his 70th? It’s really not just, in his own words, “kasi maganda ako.” And it’s certainly not just because he’s launching his new project. The heart of the matter is that he wants to gather his closest friends and clients to say thank you.

“Sabi nang isang designer parang Cecil B. DeMille ang party. Eto ang sagot ko: ‘Don’t you think I owe everything to you guys?’ He said, ‘Wow, pang-Oscar ang line,’” Cesar shares.

And while Cesar says this with abundant mirth, it also clearly comes from a grateful heart — for having lived a life with no regrets, while continuously forging new and exciting paths to conquer.

Maganda talaga siya.

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‘Cesar Gaupo is the last man standing, withstanding all past generations.’

I first met Cesar during “Fashion for a Cause,” a benefit show staged to help those affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. In his typical friendly fashion, he came up to me to ask who I was. He was looking at my collection when he said, “Magaling ka.” So, I said, “Magaling din po kayo. Parang magkahawig yung damit natin.” To which he retorted, “Hindi, mas bata yung akin,” which made us burst into fits of laughter.

Truth of the matter is that Cesar’s designs are eternally youthful, just as he is. — Rajo Laurel, designer

Cesar is a contemporary Filipino talent, in his mind and in his heart. His dream expands to other areas of design: interior design, architecture and food. Aside from his innate talent, his pleasant disposition played a big role. He’s “real,” and really funny! I am laughing just thinking of him! — Lulu Tan Gan, designer

Besides being a profoundly creative and original artist, Cesar is also a very good friend. He is self-confident and doesn’t let ego get in the way of his process, making him so good to work with and bringing out the best in everyone. Although he is completely dedicated to his craft, he doesn’t take things so seriously that he loses sight of the fun and humor of creating. He is a serious and very original artist, but at the same time he is funny, and someone who really listens, and someone you can trust. His creations always evoke fun and originality, while demonstrating his mastery of color and layering. — Wanda Louwallien, director

Awestruck by how he continuously transforms himself, I find myself fan-girling when face to face with a dear friend from old, gawking at his marvels, his genius, his superb taste, his humor, generosity, humility and the balance he has achieved and maintained. It seems so much has been packaged into his small frame yet it all fits right in, and it’s still multiplying. Cesar is larger than life, in my definition of success. And slowing down seems nowhere in sight. — Tweetie de-Leon Gonzalez, model/jewelry designer

Cesar Gaupo is the last of the Mohicans! The last man standing, withstanding all past generations! He’s a good man and a good soul, and that’s why he’s blessed with multi-talents that will help him stay relevant in the fashion arena. His secret to success is that he has stayed humble. Plus, he’s a kid at heart and it shows.

I love him dearly. Our friendship has come a long way from 40 years ago when I used to tag along while he did the window designs of Shoe Mart Echague. Those were the good old days!  — Henri Calayag, hair stylist

His creations are always timeless masterpieces. He is the kind of designer that motivates models to perform not just for the

audience but for him. — Rissa Trillo, model/ businesswoman

Working with Cesar has always been an awesome creative journey. His drive is inspiring and his vision has always been ahead of its time. He has an innate leadership that helped hone the entire Philippine fashion industry into what it is right now. — Robby Carmona, director

Cesar is an original. He has managed to adapt, evolve and change with the times. What sets him apart is his humanity and his love for life, laughter and that rare ability to not take oneself too seriously.— Jackie Aquino, director - APPS DOWNLOAD By Apples Aberin