Irene Martel-Francisco defines the Tatler Ball
The 13th anniversary of the Tatler Ball came out swinging on all fronts with guests eagerly anticipating what publisher Irene Martel Francisco would have in store. Her good taste and meticulous planning were evident from the moment we received our invitations a month ago to the way the courteous Tatler staff greeted us upon arrival at the Grand Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La on the appointed hour. Chilled champagne was served to everyone during cocktails as we mingled before the dinner bell was rung by a cute Shangri-La page.
Quiet elegance, class and style were the bywords of the evening with the well-dressed gentlemen in their tuxedos and the ladies in long formal dresses in attendance. In honor of my good friend, designer Aureo Alonzo, I wore a simple, classic gown that he made for me just before he passed away in July.
For the best-dressed ladies of the evening, I noticed that there was a preference for black, white and red, which they wore with appropriate jewelry that defined good taste.
As the evening started, Irene said, “The Tatler Ball is not only a celebration with our friends and supporters, it also offers an opportunity to collectively make a positive contribution to human lives. This year we supported Virlanie Foundation and their remarkable work with street children. We had a goal to raise P5 million and as of early the next day, we surpassed that target!”
We were all in agreement for the chosen 2014 Tatler awardees that included Philippine-born and US-based finance man Tony Alvarez for the “Diamond Award.”
Rico and Nena Tantoco were the “Couple of the Year,” proving that being married and working together keeps the marriage strong. Socialite-chef Margarita Fores was the “Most Creative Force” with her outstanding cuisine and restaurants that dot the city. Always well-dressed, Kaye Tinga and Fely Atienza were the “Most Stylish Ladies” alongside charity volunteer Alexandra Eduque as the “Most Outstanding Young Lady.”
A ball needs dancing and that is what ended our evening with a bang as the Eight Track band came out swinging with hit after hit and the crowd took to the dance floor. And the music kept on getting better since they were all familiar tunes that kept us on our toes.
Congratulations are also in order to the Tatler team composed of everyone’s palangga Maurice Arcache, Anton San Diego, Mia Borromeo and Chit Lijuaco because the ball keeps getting better as the years go by.
Tatler Ball is grateful to its sponsors Mckinley West, Mercedes Benz and Visa.
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For your comments and ideas, email the author at jacinto.fa@gmail.com.
