School of rock

Preview magazine, now in its 11th year, held its much-awaited 2006 anniversary celebration by holding a rock-chic party – complete with live rock music – at the CCP main theater lobby and ramp. Preview’s party venue succeeded in bringing us back to the roots of Philippine art, as guests of this exclusive, invitation-only party proudly walked down the Oscar-style red carpet in their best rock outfits. But the guests had unusual accessories: old books, which served as a ticket to the party. The books were donated to the book drive of Rock Ed Philippines, an NGO that "rocks while educating and educates while rocking."

Thanks to the generosity of the partygoers, Rock Ed Philippines collected more than a thousand books by the end of the night. Rock Ed projects also benefited from the silent auction held by Topshop later in the evening.

An NGO may have seemed out of place at a Preview party, but only Preview – which has always been an advocate of all things Filipino – can pull off partnering with Rock Ed Philippines just to show how truly proud it is to be Filipino. Together, they launched the "No More Excuses, Philippines" campaign to encourage today’s youth to do the right thing and give back to our country.

The Topshop fashion show and live performances by Radioactive Sago Project, Up Dharma Down, Drip and Brian Cua spiced up the night, but nothing beat the presentation of this year’s best-dressed list. Two of this year’s awardees, I am proud to announce, are YStyle’s Jackie Cohen-Antonio and Alessandra Tinio.

Before the party, Shu Uemura’s Tina Tinio treated the Preview team, the best-dressed awardees and 10 lucky VIPs to an afternoon of champagne and free hair and makeup services. Motorola also took the opportunity to unveil the limited-edition Motorola gold Dolce & Gabbana RAZR.

Happy David

Which rock star would you bring to help you with a lecture?

Chris Martin of Coldplay. Unlike other rock stars who live on drugs and alcohol, Chris Martin still maintains a very good image as a husband and father to his two kids.

Gang Badoy

How many books will it take to educate one child?

Three books a day for his or her entire lifetime.

Yvette Ilagan

Which rock look would you never wear?

Anything with leather, especially in Manila because of the hot weather.

Pauline Suaco-Juan

What book would you read on a Preview story-telling day?

The Emperor’s New Clothes so they get an idea of the power and folly of fashion.

Donita Rose

What advocacy is closest to your heart?

I’m with Save the Children in Singapore. Here in the Philippines, I’m with the Shining Light Foundation.