#TYUniverse, indeed
The universe never fails to align itself for the golden boy that is our Tim Yap, or so it seems. Quite a few would even say that everything comes easily for this well-loved personality. And it’s true, to a point. Tim is definitely one of the most charismatic, successful and, I dare say, magical individuals I have had the pleasure and privilege of calling a dear friend.
But Tim’s success in both his personal and professional lives is not just a function of luck or good graces. He is undeniably one of the hardest-working people I know — always thinking of bigger, better ways to do things, always moving onwards and upwards.
More importantly, Tim gives more than 100 percent in everything he does, be it hosting, writing, or organizing his million and one events. And the same holds true for his friendships, as he simply offers so much of himself to those around him. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be touched by Tim’s light and love are all the better for it.
So, as he celebrated his birthday, it was only fitting to gather all his friends in the newest, chic-est place in town: Manila House. And in typical Tim fashion, he urged guests to come dressed in something inspired by their favorite national costume — a fitting nod to the Miss Universe fever that’s gripping the metro.
And The Winner Is…
Suffice it to say that only Tim can gather Manila’s glitterati and get them to don all manner of national dress. Social media exploded with a smattering of gorgeous women in beautiful saris, guests in Japanese kimonos, a Cleopatra here and there.
Then there were those who clearly stood out, and made an effort to dress and play the part. Designer Rajo Laurel came dressed as Egyptian God Ra while his partner Nix Alañon played the part of Cleopatra. Actress Lovi Poe and Chris Johnson donned sexy Spanish attire. Beautiful Iza Calzado wore a lovely terno and channeled Imelda Marcos. Cristalle Belo Pitt wore a cheeky version of Thailand’s Tuktuk while Tessa Prieto Valdes piled on the accessories plus a black curly wig. No one was actually certain which national costume Tessa wore, but she made heads turn just the same. Fashion stylist and consultant PJ Pascual came in a stylized Russian-inspired costume complete with an elaborate headpiece made of capiz.
And to reward those who wore their national costumes best, Tim gave away fabulous prizes like a weekend stay in Amanpulo, trips to Bangkok via Thai Airways, and anywhere in Asia via Singapore Airlines plus Rimowa luggage.
The clear winner, however, was none other than Belle Daza, who donned exactly what her mom, Gloria Diaz, wore when she won Miss Universe in 1969. To the crowd’s delight, Belle also reenacted her mom’s winning moment. For her standout look, Belle won a trip to Europe via Thai Airways.
Of course, the only ones who had every right to determine the winners were our very own Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran, both of whom won Miss Universe, together with Tim, beauty queen Bea Rose Santiago, editor Anton San Diego and entrepreneur Jojie Dingcong.
He Said Yes!
The best of the evening was yet to come, however. Unbeknownst to his guests, Tim had plans of proposing to his partner, events director Javi Martinez.
The couple met at the Peninsula three years ago while Tim was hosting the Pen in Pink breast cancer awareness fund-raiser. “Our mutual friend Anton San Diego introduced us. After the event, Javi had dinner with Vicky and Audrey Zubiri. Audrey called me to tell me that there’s this guy who super-likes me, so I told her to tell him to come over to the Pen where I was staying that weekend. So, Javi came and never left,” Tim relayed.
“The year after we met, Javi and I were already co-producing that same event. Javi was the event director while I was the host and auctioneer,” added Tim.
I was perhaps the first to know about the proposal when Tim called me to discuss it weeks ago. I encouraged Tim to propose because, having witnessed their partnership, I know that he and Javi bring out the best in each other. “Javi is an answered prayer. I prayed for a good human being to be my partner. And I told God that I will finally commit once I find him,” Tim shared.
So, on that special night, as Tim said thanks to his guests, he shifted gears: “When you have a good thing, you have to make it last forever.” He then called Javi onstage, went down on one knee and asked him to be his lifetime partner.
And as you may have heard, Javi said yes.
So perhaps the universe does conspire to give Tim his heart’s desires. But the real secret to Tim Yap’s success is that he gives so much of himself to everyone and everything around him. So much so that the Universe just pours it all back.
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More #TYUniverse moments @applesaberin on Instagram and Twitter.
Tim Yap Is...
Just a few reasons why Tim always makes me laugh:
• When he thought that Apple TV was a real TV.
• When he suddenly asks me if he can take a nap in the middle of a meal in a restaurant.
• When he keeps asking about his IG filters. He wakes me up in the middle of the night to choose between Valencia and X-Pro.
• When we work together and he refuses to follow my script. Or when we work on his script, and he refuses to follow his own script!
• When he’s trying to amuse me while I pack his bags and starts calling me Rose, the name of our helper. — Javi Martinez, director
It was Tim who introduced me to my (future spouse). He had warned Ian King that “It’s Joey (knowing I’m not easily impressed when it comes to guys and was very jaded at that time in my life), but I’ll introduce you to her.” As Tim does, he always puts a positive spin on situations, making the introduction. Tim has a hidden Cupid’s bow underneath all those colorful, unique jackets he wears.
He also acted as our “marriage” pastor for our wedding party in Manila, starting off his speech by asking everyone to imagine a large pink bubble, and for all of us to be inside this bubble of love for tonight’s celebration of Ian and Joey. I thought it was brilliant how Tim could light up everyone’s imagination with such a fun, light and dreamy style.
So naturally, it was Tim that I asked to do Angie’s coming-out article, for it’s Tim who can ignite positivity, all the more for our coming out. — Joey Mead-King, host/model
My funny Tim moments are the times when you are conversing with him and suddenly, he catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror or glass and he automatically starts emoting, doing Zoolander eye stares and flicking his head to see his angles — you think he’s distracted by his reflection but Tim is actually still listening to you and doesn’t miss a word you say. I guess it shows his multi-tasking skills. — Mariel Santos-Po, entrepreneur
I first became friends with Tim back in 2011 when he visited me in San Vicente, Palawan. I organized a Survivor-themed weekend for all my friends — Survivor Philippines was shot in San Vicente a month prior to this. Tim was on my team and this was where I discovered that he is such a competitive person! He participated in all the sets we re-created, paid attention to all game mechanics, and made sure everyone brought out their “A” game. Tim is truly such a passionate and driven individual and I look up to him for this! As a friend, he always makes the time to not only help guide you but also bring out the best in you. Just as his personal journey is always onwards and upwards, he makes sure that none of the people he cares for will be left behind. — Pie Alvarez, Mayor of San Vicente, Palawan
Three things you probably don’t know about Tim that just amaze me:
1) He knows everyone’s number — make that mobile number — by heart.
2) He has so much energy, but can easily fall asleep anytime, anywhere.
3) Tim is a Dragon boy so when he was little, he would be paid to roll around in people’s bed for good luck. — Charina Sarte, designer
When Tim and I were teenagers in theater, we were both in the chorus of Phantom of the Opera, and were told to find our costumes backstage. When I went backstage, there were no costumes to be found because Tim got all of them for himself just to make sure he could fit everything. So we had a big fight backstage.
That explains his flair for dressing up in character at a young age. After that, we became best friends. Tim is one of my oldest friends in the industry and I love him to death. He gives me advice and I always listen. We have one-hour conversations on the phone about anything and everything and I always look forward to it. — JM Rodriguez, actor
When I was in my teens, I met this Hong Kong superstar during a TVC shoot. He tried courting and visited me here in Manila. I asked my friends to go with me to bring him out, and of course Tim was the one who entertained him. We went to Mars (the happening club then) and Tim ended up chatting with The HK star while I danced with my friends. I can’t forget that moment because, to this day, Tim is the same, selfless and true friend, who will always be there when you need support. — Phoemela Baranda, model/host/entrepreneur
Tim Yap is a man of his word. He keeps his promises and tries his best to be there for all of his friends, which is not an easy feat considering the amount of friends he keeps. He does it well, being a man of integrity, bringing all his good energy with him, which makes him the life of the party. I can say that the world — the universe — is a better place because of Tim Yap’s love and light. — Iza Calzado, actress
