Dressed to the nines

Anyway, so, there I was at the Mandarin Oriental’s Grand Ballroom, amid all these chic, fashionable women and sharply dressed men, glamour and elegance surrounding me, in this year’s Manila’s Best Dressed Awards, when a gorgeous, nubile girl dressed in what I can only describe as an injustice to Claus Sudhof’s cause asked me, "Tito Johnny, do you think I would someday be among Manila’s Best Dressed?"

"I hope so, sweetie," I replied, looking at her tight bodice and what looked like an over-sized hankie wrapped around her curvaceous hips, "because God knows you could use some more clothes on." I made a mental note to take her number and give it to my friend Claus. Only because, I should stress, Claus is CEO of GS Garments, makers of the finest line of clothing.

"Oh, Tito Johnny," she suddenly lit up, "now I understand! You mean I should get rid of this outfit?" "Oh yes, sweetie," I pondered seriously, "but I must warn you: I’m married."

Anyway, to backtrack a little: I received an invitation from two of the country’s icons of elegance and style, Rosemarie "Baby" Arenas and Baby Fernando, to host this year’s awarding ceremony. Yes, it was an opportunity to be in the company of beautiful ladies, they said. But, sadly, my offer to sacrifice my body in the hands of these fashionable women was unnecessary, they added. I was delighted nonetheless.

Together with architect Gerry Contreras, that sartorial gent who is chairman for the affair, these two fabulous and regal ladies complete this year’s Executive Committee in this most awaited and glamorous affair. Manila’s Best Dressed, which is eagerly awaited by many, is already in its fifth year.

"I know you admire women who dress with style, Johnny," Gerry tells me. "Oh yes, Gerry," I answered, "as much as I love it when they undress with style, too." Ever the gentleman, Gerry very wisely ignored my suggestion.

I keep telling women that, if and when necessary, I am always willing to throw myself at their mercy and have them use me, my talents and my body anytime. I have been repeatedly obliged with the first two, but I have yet to hear from the ladies about the last one. Hope, of course, springs eternal.

At the Mandarin, a quartet rendering soaring classics accompanied the grand fashion parade featuring the past MBD Awardees in their most elegant evening gowns and suits, right after the exceptional dinner. Everything seemed absolutely delectable. Including, of course, the food.

Among this year’s awardees for the women are interior designer Bonnie Ching Tam of Shell Canvas, Marissa O. Concepcion, wife of RFM CEO Joey C. , Philippine STAR EVP Grace Glory-Go, former model and Helmut’s very own gem, Vina Gaisberger, Belco Marketing chairman Belen Ticzon Martel, ABS-CBN newscaster Karen Davila, Fila lady Maricris Albert, businesswoman Nene Serrano Melendez, philanthropist/antique collector Teresita Tambunting Liboro.

The gentlemen included Marinduque Rep. Edmundo Reyes, realtor and former Mindoro Oriental Governor Rodolfo Valencia, sportscaster Bill Velasco and world-renowned painter Oscar de Zalameda.

The ever-stylish Fortune Ledesma, Monaco’s Consul General, was inducted into the Hall of Fame, a distinction that woman rightly deserves, if I may say so.

It is an understatement, of course, to say, I absolutely enjoyed being in the company of these beautiful, fashionable ladies and dapper gents. It was a tremendous pleasure and quite an honor to watch them parade in their best evening wear and impeccable suits.

I was delighted with the spectacular Manila’s Best Dressed affair, and awed with the reception it has generated, that I recalled how my friend, Narsing Mabanta, and I decided, in the interest of fairness, to start a slightly different event to be called Manila’s Best Undressed.

Of course, it is difficult to begin with just the bare essentials, but we hope to encourage many ladies to join us in this liberating endeavor, so that we can finally see our fantasies take off. I meant, see our plans take off.