A helping hand
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” – Aristotle
United in purpose and passion, Red Charity Gala held its 14th annual gala at The Peninsula Manila to continue its mission to promote Filipino fashion and raise funds for all its beneficiaries. Apart from donating to the Philippine Red Cross, Assumption HS 81 Foundation, and Hope for Lupus, RCG with Jewelmer will be pledging support for those affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu.
At the gala, a generous guest won the auction of Jewelmer’s semi-baroque, 10-13mm golden South Sea Pearls necklace. The entire amount will be given to charity, which includes Save the Philippine Seas Foundation. Additionally, to show compassion to the affected communities in Cebu, Jewelmer is pledging a portion of the proceeds from purchases made in the Philippines for the month of October.
The collection of RCG’s featured designer Rhett Eala is his personal exploration of creative freedom and design evolution, showcasing his ability to blend couture and wearable fashion. This collection features new textures and reconstructed signatures, weaving his autobiographical fashion thread of 35 years of design.
From the special dinner by The Peninsula Manila, to entertainment by The AMP Big Band, to the successful live auction and main fashion show, RCG is a creation of hard work and tedious planning. The after-party held at The Conservatory was truly enjoyable after months of challenges. Co-chair Kaye Tinga and I are grateful to IQOS for hosting.
Last week, IQOS held an event to announce a landmark collaboration between IQOS and world-renowned Filipino American artist Jefrë Manuel. The IQOS x Jefre collaboration culminated in an installation coined ‘Curious Icons’ to redefine how art and design shape perspectives on transformation and progress.
In support of Philip Morris International’s (PMI’s) mission to make cigarettes obsolete, this event marks a bold new chapter in IQOS’ mission to create meaningful smoke-free experiences that extend beyond technology as PMI’s leading heated tobacco system.
“More than just an installation, this collaboration with Jefrë is a statement about progress and possibility,” said Gijs de Best, president of PMFTC Inc. “It encourages audiences to embrace innovation, creativity, and new perspectives. By engaging with the world of art and design through Jefrë’s visionary work, IQOS is signaling its evolution as a brand that champions forward-thinking ideas and resonates with audiences on a deeper, more human level.”
IQOS is available in over 70 markets globally, with over 34 million users worldwide, the majority of which have fully switched away from cigarettes. This collaboration with Jefrë further solidifies IQOS’ dedication to providing better alternatives while also sparking new conversations that fuel innovation and creativity.
Next year, I will ask Jefre to donate one of his works for the RCG auction. I was happy to reconnect with him at the event held at Medusa Supper Club. We are so proud of Jefrë, who has indeed put Filipino talent in the global scene.
One of our generous table donors at the RCG was Frank and Jo Lim. Together with their children, Frances, Sean, and Tyrone, the family opened a special concept cafe called Three Dots, in the sixth floor of Greenhills Mall. Three Dots is an all-day cafe bistro that is inspired by a fusion of European-Asian flavors. By blending international favorites into the local palette, Three Dots creates a sophisticated yet casual menu ranging from specialty coffee, heartwarming dishes, and craft cocktails. Three Dots serves global comfort food and drinks with a modern twist, evoking a deep connection to familiar flavors. Whether you’re dining with loved ones, friends, or solo, Three Dots promises an experience that transcends the ordinary from day to night.
For the opening, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and I cut the ribbon with the rest of the Lim family. At the event, Mayor Francis’ lovely wife Keri Zamora told me she would support RCG as well.
This year, RCG is also supporting the EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. and joined their charity golf tournament—The EPCALM “Swing For HOPE” Invitational Golf Tournament—at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
The Foundation’s inaugural golf fundraiser, which coincided with the observance of World Leukemia Awareness Month, brought together over 100 golfers, corporate sponsors, celebrity guests, and advocates for a day of spirited competition and heartfelt generosity.
During the awarding ceremonies, Dr. Erlyn Cabanag-Demerre, EPCALM Founder, expressed her profound gratitude to all who helped in making the fundraiser a success. “Seeing this incredible turnout for our first-ever golf event is a testament to the compassion and ‘Bayanihan’ spirit of the Filipino community.”
The ceremonial tee-off was led by OPM icon and EPCALM goodwill ambassador Martin Nievera together with EPCALM president and CEO, Justice Demerre, Gerry Santos, Emerson Yao, and yours truly.
Celebrity guests also gave their all-out support to “Swing for Hope”: Gary Valenciano, Randy Santiago, Dingdong Avanzado, Epy Quizon, Vandolph Quizon, Nadia Montenegro, Pops Fernandez, and Tirso Cruz III and wife Lynn Cruz.
The EPCALM Foundation extends its deepest thanks to its generous major sponsors: Reyes Haircutters, Zenith Medical Equipment Inc., Philip Stein, Rudy Project, Toyota Pasig, Vallacar Transit, Tough Mama, CK/Ridgid, Corbidge Philippines, and D’Mark Beauty, as well as all hole and booth sponsors, donors, and volunteers for making the charity golf invitational an overwhelming success.
Planning and hosting charity events may take a lot of time and energy, but when all is said and done, I am always reminded that the most important thing is that we always help those in need. This remains true both in organizing charity work and also just in our everyday words and actions—each of us has the power to make an impact in this world, and it is vital that we choose to do good for others.
