Generosity never goes out of style
“What’s the point of looking beautiful if you can’t enjoy being beautiful?” – JC Buendia
Generosity is a special quality that, like patience, trust, and letting go, provides a solid foundation for mindfulness practice. Growing up with very generous and intrinsically magnanimous parents, I have learned to pay it forward whenever possible, even if it is just in small ways or another.
By practicing mindfulness of generosity, by giving and by observing its effect on us and others, we transform ourselves to more compassionate beings. This in turn becomes a guiding force of good. If karma means, “this happens because that happened,” good karma means this happens because you made something good happen.
Every year, my Red Charity Gala co-chair Kaye Tinga and I debate if we should continue our charity event, as the costs to mount this gala seem to escalate yearly. Though despite all the setbacks and hurdles, we are solid in our commitment to charity and fashion.
Our featured fashion designer this year, JC Buendia, is all set for his gala in a few weeks, and we love his approach to fashion: “True luxury should not only look beautiful, but also feel effortless to wear and enjoy.” This philosophy takes center stage in the renowned Filipino designer’s latest collection, which explores the idea of “relaxed luxury,” for the Red Charity Gala 2026 on Oct. 3 at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.
Over the years, the designer’s approach has evolved from simply dressing a woman to designing with her lifestyle and comfort in mind. “You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort to look beautiful. I want a woman to feel glamorous, but completely at ease—and I think that is a very modern kind of glamour.”
This design principle follows the creative philosophy behind his RCG collection. One of his key approaches is the bias cut, which allows fabrics to naturally follow the curves of the body.
“Fashion is not only meant to inspire and to make people dream. It is also meant to give back. And the RCG is one of those rare platforms where fashion can do exactly that—bring people together, create something beautiful, and, ultimately, give back for a good cause. For me, that makes being part of this gala particularly meaningful.”
RCG’s fundraising mission is supported by our generous partners led by presenting sponsor Bench in cooperation with Diagold, Emirates, Jewelmer, and The Peninsula Manila. It is supported by Crate & Barrel, Future Trade International, Grafik Pinehouse Baguio, Maison de Rivoli, Quest Plus Clark and Mimosa Golf, The Bellevue Resort, and The Bellevue Manila.
Its media partners are Lifestyle Asia, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the Philippine Star. Special thanks to Adworks Manila, Doreen Odvina Shoes, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, FAB Creatives, Fuentes Manila, Robert Blancaflor Group, and 18th.ph.
For inquiries, contact Maggie Gineta at 0917-8325570. Follow Red Charity Gala on Instagram at @redcharitygala for updates.
A game-changer in crisis relief
For years, RCG has supported the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Makati and Taguig branch. We also raise funds for Assumption HS81 Foundation and Hope For Lupus. We are hoping to raise additional funding through the lively auction that my partner-in-crime Tim Yap will assist me with in reaching the highest bid.
The European Union (EU) also supports PRC in providing families with essential household items, including sleeping kits, water containers, and hygiene items. The EU is providing €150,000 (about P10.9 million) in humanitarian funding to support people affected by severe flooding across Luzon in the Philippines. The funding will benefit over 32,000 people in some of the hardest-hit areas, including Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.
The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It comes in addition to the over €2 million already allocated to humanitarian partners in the Philippines at the start of 2026.
RCG also supports the Assumption Mission Schools. This year, our AC81 batch is joining the AC Velada 2026 as the Sapphire Batch (45 years after high school). We are joining the Silver Batch fundraiser with their dinner/raffle event.
Assumption alumnae, friends, and family are invited to purchase raffle tickets for ₱500 each for a chance to win exciting prizes. Whether you’ll be joining us at the gala or cheering us on from afar, every ticket is an opportunity to celebrate, give back, and support a worthy cause.
All raffle proceeds will benefit the Assumption Mission Schools, helping provide meaningful opportunities and support to communities in need. The raffle draw is on Oct. 3. Get your raffle tickets today: https://achs2001.com/products/ac-velada-gala-raffle
Unmatched home improvement culture
Wilcon Depot is one of our RCG sponsors. It is steadfast in its mission of bringing high-quality home improvement and construction supplies closer and making them more accessible to Filipino communities across the country with the opening of Wilcon Depot Legazpi in Legazpi City, Albay on Sept. 11.
In her opening speech, Wilcon Depot president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan underscored the company’s commitment of providing customers with top-notch home solutions and construction materials to the people living in Legazpi.
“We have tiles, the DIY section, and plumbing fixtures—all kinds of items to meet the needs seen here in Legazpi. I believe what truly matters is the impact we make on the community. To the homeowners here, it is our pleasure to be your trusted building partner,” Lorraine said.
The opening of Wilcon Depot Legazpi marks the company’s fourth depot branch in the Bicol Region, following the ones in Naga, Sorsogon, and Daraga. The store is located at Barangay 18, Purok 8, Cabangan West, Legazpi City, Albay. Customers may also shop online through shop.wilcon.com.ph.
As the season of giving is upon us, let us all make a difference no matter how small. Generosity will never go out of style, and RCG is the most fashionable way to share. Contributing to the cycle of good helps us build a better world for all.
