Solemn endings and new beginnings
November has been a whirlwind of joyous celebrations, solemn endings, and new beginnings. Life has never been so fragile with the reality that we are just transient beings on earth, all journeying into the Light of Eternity in God’s perfect time.
November is also the start of the festive season when people are more generous in sharing their blessings. At the 23rd anniversary of Tatler Philippines, the Shangri-La the Fort Ballroom was filled with elegantly dressed guests who were all ready to celebrate this remarkable milestone and join the lively auction for the Ball’s chosen beneficiary.
Managing director Irene Martel Francisco and editor in chief Anton San Diego warmly welcomed attendees, expressing their gratitude to supporters for their continuous involvement and dedication to the media group. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as friends and colleagues mingled amid exquisite decor, fine dining, and a captivating auction hosted by Tim Yap and Steph Zubiri, all honoring Tatler’s legacy of showcasing the best Filipino culture and lifestyle.
At its heart, the Tatler Ball is a vibrant fundraiser that has earned its esteemed guests’ trust and unwavering support. This year, the event benefited the “ConnectEd: Tech For All” initiative of Her Legacy Project Foundation, led by the dedicated duo of Tootsy Angara and Karen Davila. Their mission focuses on empowering last-mile schools by providing essential resources, including laptops, comprehensive training, and improved connectivity.
Remarkably, the Tatler Ball has successfully raised over P20 million to date, reflecting the generosity and commitment of its attendees to championing this vital cause.
The Tatler Ball is only complete with the corresponding Tatler Impact Awards, hosted by Anton San Diego and Heart Evangelista. This year, four exceptional individuals were honored: Carlos Yulo for his contributions to Culture and Sports; Dr. Erika Legara for her advancements in Science and Innovation; Cherrie Atilano for her commitment to Humanity; and Martha Sazon for her achievements in Business. Their dedication exemplifies how passion and determination can inspire and shape a brighter future.
Carnival of creativity
Looking back at our Red Charity Gala this year, the most photographed guest was two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo. Almost all our guests, including me, wanted to have a selfie with him.
Carlos was also the surprise guest at the Shake, Rattle and Ball Halloween Ball last month. The highly anticipated annual event was held at Space, One Ayala, and was hosted by Tim Yap. This year’s theme, Cirque, had guests reveling in a carnival of creativity, featuring a dazzling fusion of artistic expression, Filipino culture, and the spirit of Halloween.
The event was graced by Dr. Vicki Belo, Ana Lorenzo De Ocampo, Apples Aberin, and Hannah Pangilinan, with Tim himself stepping out in the iconic costume of the Philippines’ beloved alien, Kokey.
Shake, Rattle and Ball continues to be a must-attend event for Manila’s creative elite and beyond, uniting visionaries from fashion, art, media, and entertainment for a night of unforgettable spectacle and camaraderie.
The star-studded guest list featured Donny Pangilinan as Frankenstein, Sarah Lahbati as Bella Baxter, and Evan Tan as Hatter, among other standout looks. Special awards went to Tita Baby, the iconic drag performer dressed as Kamatayan (the Grim Reaper); Janeena Chan, host and creator, who dazzled as a mermaid; Carlos Yulo, who drew attention as Chucky; and Chloe San Jose, his haunting bride for the evening. Each awardee was recognized for their show-stopping costumes, which became the talk of the night.
Yap’s team at Yaparazzi Events worked tirelessly to build an immersive experience that brought together a diverse mix of guests, from actors and stylists to models and craftsmen, all of whom share a passion for creativity.
Historic moment
November is also Miss Universe month. For this year’s pageant, the rare golden South Sea pearl, the national gem of the Philippines, was presented to crown Miss Universe. Jewelmer marked a historic moment for the country with the exciting reveal of the Lumière de l’Infini Crown at the official crown unveiling event held by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) on Nov. 13 in Mexico City.
Jewelmer was pleased to partner with MUO, a platform that inspires women and celebrates their impact. The first-ever Filipino-made crown for Miss Universe is a one-ofa-kind creation resulting from decades of Jewelmer’s savoir faire and excellence. The crown is the pride of the Philippines, carrying with it the extraordinary spirit of those who took part in its creation from Jewelmer’s dedicated pearl farmers to Filipino master craftsmen.
By crowning Miss Universe 2024 with golden South Sea pearls, her natural elegance would captivate imaginations throughout the universe. Jewelmer family Jacques Christophe Branellec, Mia Arcenas-Branellec, and Marion Branellec de Guzman were all in Mexico City when they presented the stunningly elegant crown to Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
November is also bazaar season. Noel Bazaar 2024 officially launched with a grand celebration at the glamorous Okada Manila last week. From there, shoppers may continue to shop at The World Trade Center until Dec. 1. The last run will be from Dec. 12 to Dec. 15 at The Filinvest Tent Alabang.
The biggest, longest, and most anticipated Noel Bazaar is now open. Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas like never before! While shopping, get a chance to meet some of your favorite GMA Kapuso celebrities. Part of the proceeds will go to the GMA Kapuso Foundation and The Inquirer Foundation. With the three halls of The World Trade Center filled with products, Christmas shopping has never been so fun!
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