Connection with community
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” – Kahlil Gibran
Happy Thanksgiving! May the meaningful season be shared with love and gratitude among family and friends. I am especially grateful for my wonderful family and capable lawyers who have supported and protected me through all these wrongful issues that will soon be cleared. We all deserve a peaceful holiday.
The new currency is connection with community. In a world driven by social validation, authenticity is sometimes lost in the equation and genuine belonging is fabricated. There has been a new shift in connection, creativity, and community-driven living. We create our own cultural story with real engagements and invite others to spark positive energy of change as we enter the Year of the Fire Horse.
Life’s a ball
As the ball season and charity events kick off with Red Charity Gala and I Want to Share Foundation, Tatler Ball 2025 fundraising efforts reached over P15 million.
Held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort, the annual charity ball chose World Vision Philippines as its lead beneficiary, raising over its goal of P12 million to alleviate the hunger of children and their families through the Bawat Batang Pinoy Malusog program. The night also aided the relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Tino in Cebu through the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation Inc.
Sponsored by headline sponsor Tiffany & Co., gold sponsor Lexus, and supporting partners Belo, HSBC Premier, Megaworld Luxe Collection, and Tom Ford, this year marks the event’s 24th anniversary since it began in 2002.
The hosts for the evening were Tatler Philippines editor in chief Anton San Diego, Tim Yap, Small Laude, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey. Tatler Ball saw the country’s most notable celebrities, personalities, and industry leaders dressed in their finest couture gowns and bespoke ensembles for an evening of purpose, recognition, and dance.
The Tatler Ball had five auction lots, which included a safari stay in Kenya, a getaway to Nay Palad and a Breguet Type XXI “Transatlantique” watch. There were also two paintings: an untitled oil on canvas piece by Rodel Tapaya and “Casares (Pueblo Andalucia)” by Spanish-born Betsy Westendorp.
The Tatler Impact Awards were also given out at this year’s ball. The Tatler Impact Award for Culture was given to EJ Obiena for his contributions to pole vaulting; the Tatler Impact Award for Innovation went to Alfredo Mahar Lagmay for his leadership of Project Noah, the country’s disaster prevention and risk-mapping initiative; and the Tatler Impact Award for Humanity was given to Nanette Medved-Po, founder of Generation Hope, which builds classrooms for communities in need.
A lot to be thankful for
My Thanksgiving week was filled with happy events like the private screening of “Wicked: For Good” movie at SM Aura Premier. My amazing auction partner Tim Yap and I welcomed guests with a Wicked-inspired set as they enjoyed snacks and cocktails before the movie. Metro Magazine and Metro.Style editor Geolette Esguerra arranged for guests in their Ozified looks to receive special “Wicked” treats and bottomless drinks and popcorn, thanks to SM Supermalls.
Rushing to another Thanksgiving event, I did a quick costume change in Manila House for the White Party of Urban Smiles Dental Clinic. It felt like a movie premiere or awards night because Manila House Private Club was packed with some of the country’s biggest names—this time, for a celebration of gratitude and great smiles.
“This year, I’ve seen firsthand how much your support has strengthened our work,” said celebrity dentist Dr. Ralph Delas Alas, better known as Dr. RFD, as he opened the program. “You’ve helped us grow in ways that go beyond numbers or achievements.”
Urban Smiles CEO Ruel Apostol followed with a message that put the spotlight squarely on the people behind the brand’s big year.
The night kicked off with a soaring performance from Jona Viray. Performances from Kai Montinola and Gigi De Lana kept the energy high, while Asia’s Phoenix Morissette Amon brought the house down with “Halo.” TJ Monterde later slowed things down with his hit “Palagi,” giving the event an intimate, unplugged feel.
On the guest list were the country’s Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, Cesar Montano, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, joined by Olympian Carlos Yulo, digital creators Zeinab Harake and Lharby Policarpio, and beauty queens Winwyn Marquez, Yllana Marie Aduana, and Anne Patricia Lorenzo. We all joined the games and everyone won big prizes.
Urban Smiles closed the evening with a special thanks to the partners who helped bring the celebration to life: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Villa Medica Philippines, Nice Print, Kim Torres Events, Kanzen Homes, Manila Craft, Zaheer Carpet, The Farm at San Benito, Swiss Proli, Purple Hearts, Pilgrim’s Coffee, Pabango de Manila, Tally PH, Sushi MNL, Eye Candy Manila, and Caricature PH—brands that helped turn a simple “thank you” into a night of music, stories, and unforgettable smiles.
As it is the final stretch of the Christmas season, check out the last day of ArteFino at The Fifth at Rockwell at the Power Plant Mall. For the benefit of HeArteFino, the entrance tickets directly fuels the crucial rebuilding projects for communities affected by recent calamities.
This curated holiday shopping experience is supported by Security Bank. My personal favorite is The Olive Tree booth of Kyla Olives-Laurel. With so many gift options, her table linens and soft home furnishings are uniquely designed with Pinoy touches that make every piece special.
Continue shopping at the Bench X Katutubo Pop-up Market this weekend at the Bench Tower until 6 p.m. today. May we all find that perfect gift for everyone in our Christmas list. Let us all make this season the happiest time of the year without forgetting the true meaning of Christmas!
