Vienna opera ball: Of charity and elegance

The Vienna Opera Ball, one of the world’s grandest annual social events, was staged in Manila for the fourth time when the Johann Strauss Society, Inc. (JSSI) partnered with the country’s top business hotel and Kalakbay awardee, Mandarin Oriental, Manila, Lifestyle Network and Swiss International Airlines to bring a night of glitz and glamour with the "2005 Opera Ball and Presentation of Debutantes."

The strictly black-tie gala, which was held at Le Pavillion Metropolitan Park, was attended by Manila’s high society, members of the diplomatic corps and other prominent personalities. This year’s ball was for the benefit of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) to raise funds for a P2.5-million refrigerated centrifuge for its blood program.

The grandiose socio-civic affair was unmatched in its artistry and elegance, thanks to the tireless efforts of JSSI chairpersons, the hardworking Letty Syquia; PNRC’s moving spirit and ageless beauty Rosa Rosal; fashion industry icon Ben Farrales along with over-all co-chair, the always classy Mellie Ablaza and members of the organizing committee, who included Mandarin Oriental, Manila GM Helmut Gaisberger, production; Mabel Abaño and Lina Aurelio, ads and sponsorship; Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma, Alice Guerrero and Nini Layug, quadrille; Baby de Jesus and Berna Lomotan, debutantes; Chit Gohu, souvenir program; your columnist who was the event’s master of ceremonies and Mandarin’s Charisse Chuidian, PR and publicity; Jun Jun Ablaza, decor; Gwendolyn Pang, PNRC secretariat; Sari Yap, invitations; Chito Madrigal-Collantes and Irmgard Krepela, advisors.

The 10 debutantes, with their escorts, were in traditional white ball gowns and identical tiaras. They performed graceful waltz numbers under the superb direction of acclaimed dancer and choreographer Susanne Jankula. It was a night of magical collaborations with captivating performances by prestigious Austrian and Filipino luminaries and an elegant quadrille, choreographed by top dance director Bujing Danao and performed by 12 pairs of prominent society personalities. Austrian Ambassador Christian Krepela, in his welcome remarks, commended JSSI and all the artists for staging another festive event filled with musical artistry.

Congratulations to the Johann Strauss Society and its partners for staging a truly regal and unforgettable ball.