More than just bubbly and ball gowns

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Tatler Ball means different things to different people. Some people see it as the ultimate chance to doll up, glam up and ham it up — it is a ball, after all. Hands down, it is during this time (maybe only second to the Christmas season) when the country’s top stylists and makeup artists are in a quandary as to who to prioritize for bookings. The ladies line up early at the salon to be primped, all other appointments that day (and for some, till the next day) cancelled.

The affluent from every part of the country fly in to be able to attend (if they’re invited), some even flying from abroad just to be part of it. I know of one guy who flew in from London not knowing the change of date — he said he’d fly back just for the ball. Yes, it is that much of a big deal.

Unlike other events where people come in late, the Tatler Ball starts early with cocktails at the foyer, giving people ample time to see each other and size up each other’s dresses, accessories and jewelry (and for some, dates) before the main event — the lavish dinner, the charity auction and the annual awards.

This year is the eighth in the history of the Philippine Tatler, and despite the fact that many thought that the ball would not push through because of the many tragedies that have recently befallen our country, it still did. “The more we have to push through — so we can help more, give more” must have been what the people behind the Philippine Tatler had in mind. The initial date got postponed from October to a late November night.

Starry, Starry Night

“More to give” applies to this year’s chosen beneficiary, the Pink for Life Foundation, which champions the cause of fighting breast cancer. The ladies behind this foundation, led by Philippine Tatler publisher Irene Martel-Francisco and company, have been very active with their efforts to empower more women who are afflicted with this disease.

That late November night was a starry, starry one — literally. There was this hushed tone of restraint, with ladies opting for the tried and tested subtle elegance of the long, black gown. There were a lot of champagne hues and shiny, shimmering fabric, and not a few feathers in their hair. And then there was Tessa, whose show-stopping petal-inspired Rajo Laurel was to be expected. “Rajo made me look like the centerpiece!” Tessa said in self-deprecating jest.

But then there was Ruffa, who made sure her Michael Cinco gown was way bigger than Tessa’s, because both were going to be onstage together, for the auction. “I wore a big gown so I won’t look like your alalay,” Ruffa Gutierrez told Tessa Valdes onstage, to the delight of Tatler editor-in-chief Anton San Diego, also master of ceremonies, who was seated between his two muses.

Pops Fernandez, in an immaculate white Dennis Lustico number, was also breathtaking. Every Tatler Ball has Pops coming out as a winner — maybe that’s why Anton chose her to be the host of this year’s ball. Other standouts were Nanette Medved-Po in Roland Mouret and Divine Lee in Pepito Albert.

If this year’s auction went off to a good start, it was because the audience was well warmed-up to give. No less than Lea Salonga, after years of prodding from Anton to be the guest musical star of the ball, serenaded the guests — a fitting world-class treat from a global star of her stature. To me, that was one of the most sterling highlights of the night.

Prizes And Surprises

The auction started on a high note, with valued artworks, luxury possessions and airline tickets going up once, twice, thrice — sold to the highest bidder! As there were three auctioneers cajoling the audience to bid, the resulting amounts went sky high — but it was all good, as all the proceeds were going to charity. (I missed seeing Tatler ball fixtures Johnny Litton and Maurice Arcache that night, though; both had previous engagements elsewhere.)

The past seven Tatler Balls have always been about prizes and surprises — this eighth one proved to be no different. I entered the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La as an honored guest and date of two Tatler first-timers, Joey Mead and Anne Curtis (both in stunning Rajo Laurel), happy to be their arm candy (or was it the other way around?), only to be dumbfounded once the hosts called my name onstage as this year’s recipient of the Bon Vivant Award. 

The past Bon Vivant awardees were Louie Ysmael, Lulu Tan Gan, Vicky Zubiri, Maurice Arcache and Tessa Prieto-Valdes — I’m not worthy! I was dazed but not confused. I felt hot and oh-so-happy! It only sunk in when I was looking at my glass trophy while listening to US Ambassador Kirstie Kenney accept her Most Distinguished Lady Award, which she dedicated to the ladies in the audience.

Everyone’s Role

Audrey Puckett-Chiu gave a well-applauded speech in which she thanked her “Hong Kong team and Manila posse” and highlighted the difference between “stylish” and “best-dressed.” Kevin Tan, the main man behind Eastwood and the Resorts World developments, brought home the Most Eligible Bachelor Award and promised me he won’t tie the knot next year, as most recipients of the award have ended up doing. 

Raul and Menchu Concepcion were awarded Eminent Couple; Most Charitable Force was Bobbit Suntay; and National Artist Arturo Luz, Most Creative Force. We all took home a beautiful glass sculpture, which sits by my bedside every night.

In my impromptu speech, I looked at the audience and gushed at how important everyone’s role is in giving — and giving back.

And this is where the real essence of the Tatler Ball lies. The yearly event may seem to be all about froth and frippery, but really, it is about charity. It is much more than bubbly and ball gowns; it is about gathering and giving. Looking past the pomp and the pageantry, you’ll feel the true spirit of philanthropy.