Tatler marks its sweet 16th
Anton San Diego with Bambina Olivares, Laurie Westfall, Lingling King, Ina Ayala, Anmarie Saguil, Mela Gozon, Pops Fernandez and Kit Zobel
Everyone looks forward to the Philippine Tatler ball — and it is common knowledge that one cannot beg, borrow or steal an invitation. For the publication’s recent 16th anniversary, managing director Irene Martel Francisco pulled out all the stops to ensure it would not only be a success but the evening would truly dazzle at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La at the Fort.
Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi and Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez were the glamorous hosts of the evening and were soon joined onstage by Randy Francisco and Mike Toledo during the auction portion, getting the best bids for the highly coveted paintings by Betsy Westendorp and Mia Herbosa, a prestigious IWC Portugieser automatic watch, and a one-week stay at the private 19th century villa of Philanthropist of the Year awardees David and Katherine Bradley. David first came over as a Fulbright scholar in his youth, falling in love with our country and has been back for the 40th time. He founded the Child Protection Network which helps abused children so that they can have a better and safer future.
The always-graciosa Irene welcomed the guests and said, “I am both grateful and excited as we celebrate our 16th anniversary. Grateful that we are doing very well in luxury publishing and that we will have the chance to raise funds for a great cause like the Child Protection Network. We are likewise excited as we look to the future for Philippine Tatler that is full of innovations in both print and digital platforms.”
Since 100 percent of the funds will go directly to the CPN, it was heartwarming to learn that a week before the ball, more than P2 million had been forwarded to the Tatler office with its goal of raising P8 million.
It was noticeable that the majority of the ladies preferred to wear clothes made by Filipino couturiers. My good friend Ito Curata seemed to be the busiest with 14 of the ladies wearing his gowns that evening, followed by Inno Sotto, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Rhett Eala and Pepito Albert.
Tootsy Angara was this year’s awardee for the most stylish lady. She is often seen wearing native-inspired clothing and proudly wears local designs. Cary Santiago was chosen as the most creative designer. Senator Loren Legarda was selected as Patroness of the Arts since she was instrumental in having the Philippines join the Venice Biennale after an absence of more than 50 years. The lifetime achievement award was given to Zenaida Tantoco who presides over numerous charities while she heads Rustan’s Group of Companies.
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Philippine Tatler wishes to thank its major sponsors — Gulfstream, Mercedes Benz and Santos Knight Frank. Supporting partners are HSBC and Albany of Megaworld.
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