The 'Tough Ten' of 2008
Even if Janina San Miguel was not able to compete in the Miss World pageant, she gave Pinoy pop culture a ‘tough 10’ of a time, even making headlines once again when she decided not to join the global beauty contest. This year was all about that, the fast and the furious —what a rat this 2008 was.
So that explains all the sneaky and scheme-filled events in the year that was. It happened in a flash, and it went by even faster than a flash.
Now that the ox is upon us (a month to go), let’s get ready to work recessionistas! (thank you, Gino and Susie!) Not to sound like a neogeomancer, but we are still in the throes of the rat, and along with it still come blessings. Hey, you mustn’t forget that Mickey Mouse is also a rat. Looking back through this year of exciting events, it was quite a tough time narrowing it down to only 10, as this year was all about an overflow of everything. That’s why come year end, stocks have been depleted. But I always say, it is never about the lack of it, but about how we deal with whatever we have. And looking around, we have a lot to give, a lot to pass around — the pie is big enough for everyone to share.
2008 saw a lot of brands showing off, and how! This was the year when human beings proved they can do better and a time when the world proved that greed can cause people to be meaner. But meanness is a thing of the past, because at times like these, we really need to make a concerted effort to focus on what is truly important — hard work, positivity and productivity. Things may not be perfect, but they have a way of working out for the best. Personally, this year was all about character building, of strengthening the foundations that my parents have instilled in me. I just finished my AIM (Asian Institute of Management) ME course, and boy, am I glad it’s over! Can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned.
But I digress, because this space is about giving tribute where tribute is due. An event is an event is an event. But these events went beyond what is supposed to be expected of an event. These people capitalized each letter, bold faced and stamped their own initials to go with it! Below are my picks for the ‘Tough Ten’ Best Events of 2008. These events will go down in history and will be remembered beyond this decade.
Vicki Belo’s Venetian Ball
Bringing in burlesque queen Dita Von Teese was just the tip of the iceberg, for Vicki Belo does not do anything that won’t make your jaw drop. Her quest for perfection is unparalleled and everything about her 18th year in the industry was well planned and executed. From the Toto Sicangco-designed sets to the naked golden gods that surrounded the guest in the ballroom up until the platinum breast plate that goddess Anne Curtis wore when she came out of the giant fiber glass clam. She may be going through personal woes regarding her love life at the moment, but we must remember that for gold to reach its highest level, it needs to go through intensity, and much more. But despite all that, the name Dr. Vicki Belo will always be synonymous to beauty, as essential tool to people these days as breathing fresh air. And Vicki will always remain true to her goal of “making everyone beautiful, one person at a time.”
Bench Blackout
Every time Bench stages an event, it is impossible for it not to be on the list. Ben Chan has mastered the art of orchestrating an event, and getting the entire country to be excited about it. From billboards to blogs, everyone is all agog and it becomes the season’s hottest ticket. Celebrities and models work out almost all year just to prepare their bodies for it, and the show itself becomes a barometer of a person’s hot-ness or not-ness. The sheer magnitude of the show is enough to put almost an entire industry to work, as stylists and designers collaborate to tweak and seek the best that the Bench denim and underwear can produce, to constantly outdo themselves, which is what Bench is all about.
Bravo Filipino
To launch the new high lifestyle hub that is Greenbelt 5, the Ayala group produced a weekly tribute to the best of the best of Philippine design. From the grand tributes to the masters like Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales and Inno Sotto to the avant- garde presentations to welcome new design vanguards like Melissa Dizon and Lesley Mobo. More than just a series of fashion shows where designers just rehash their clothes or another fashion presentation that is meant to highlight another new mobile phone, this series of events proved to all what we already know — that the Filipino talent is worth living for. And raving about. Bravo, Filipino!
The Chrihanna Concert
The back-to-back concert that even had a grand fireworks display as intermission had the whole world converge around Taguig. Chris Brown was a crowd pleaser while Rihanna was in a daze, in a sexy leather number, which caused a Disturbia around the whole nation. The MTV-produced concert had the highest attendance for any concert staged in Manila. For a lot of the kids, this was their first concert, and what an unforgettable one it was for them. I saw some adults comfortably seated in the bleachers and they were also having the time of their lives — music, indeed makes the people get together. Madonna, I hope you’re next.
Rajo Laurel/ Josie Natori
Fashion never takes a backseat. It is one industry where art, design and business have to mix and match with each other. Josie Natori has far stamped her design genius in the world, making feminine pieces glide down the runway and straight into your closet. Rajo Laurel is a master of fantasy, making women and men salivate with his every creation. Both their fashion galas drew out the best in their being an artist and a business person, each one with their own clout of fashion lovers, each one as admired as the other. From local to international, both Rajo and Josie (and many more) prove that yes, we are world class!
F&H Streetcast
Over a thousand applicants and only a hundred slots — that is how many people these days aspire and want to be a model. Yes, we are in an age of vanity and trend consciousness. Fast fashion now has fast returns, and Folded and Hung has proven that you need not be boring and plain in order to be able to sell clothes and a lifestyle. F&H has been able to discover hot, new talent despite the monopoly of endorsers from other brands, but they have been able to hold on to their own identity in a sea of local brands who are all becoming better versions of themselves. Competition is exciting, and this brand is one fierce competitor.
Rick Astley Harry Connick, Al Jarreau/ George Benson Back-To-Back Concerts
We Filipinos are one nostalgic lot, and that explains the sold-out concerts of these above-mentioned artists. Even the young ‘uns were excited to see Rick Astley, even if this was the first time they were hearing Together Forever. Harry Connick, Jr. impressed and de-stiffed his audience by eating balut and even throwing balut to the charmed PICC audience. Romantics all over the nation rejoiced when they heard that Al Jarreau and George Benson were coming to town. The kids said, “Who?” but the adults said, “Whoa!” All of these concerts were sold out, by the way.
Eraserheads Reunion Concert
Absence indeed makes the heart grow fonder, and so the E heads fans did countless countdowns till that fateful night. Add to that the several controversies that the producers and sponsors encountered before the concert became a reality. And even when frontman Ely Buendia had to be rushed to the hospital causing the concert to end earlier, it was enough to whet the appetites of the music fans who worshipped these musicians who sang the stories of their lives for almost a decade. Next year will see the four of them reunite for a special one-night-only concert, and even when all four musicians have ventured into their own genres (and quite successfully at that), the fans will always have a special place for these Heads.
The Philippine Tatler Ball
Hands down society’s most awaited yearly event, this 7th installment of the Philippine Tatler Ball is the most fun in its entire history. This is the one night of the year where everyone gets ready, not just to party, but also to give to charity. And when you can do a good deed while looking your best, then it’s a double whammy — a win-win situation. Kudos to Anton San Diego, who is opening up The Establishment at The Fort very soon. Welcome to the club, neighbor!
Supreme To The Extreme Awards
Our first ever Supreme to the Extreme awards is historical not only because we were able to bridge people from different walks of life and people from opposing camps, but we were able to stamp how happy we are with our new home, The Philippine Star. If this was how we marked our first year, imagine what will happen in the years to come. The awards brought together the Super and the Supreme families, proving to all that this generation is all about harmony. "Me" empowerment is not limited to who you work for but what you truly believe in. Right after the awards, we also had the Supreme Artist’s Fair with KC Concepcion, which brought together artistry and charity in one special event. Bringing people together, bridging gaps and giving back — that is what Supreme is all about.
Merry Christmas, dear Supreme reader, and with this last issue for this year, we re-commit ourselves to you, for it is you that we are doing all this for. What is our holiday wish? Let me quote ASmalllworldmagazine editor Sabine Heller when she summed up what it all all about. ”The end of apathy. A return to passion. A return to substance. The end of cynicism. A return to possibility.”
May all the things that you wish for in life become possible today and in the coming year. Happy 2009!
