The Kahirup Ball symbolised an era of pageantry, lavishness and decadence. Let us look back to the social event that set the benchmark for all others to come
This feature story was originally titled A Magnificent Era and was published in the March 2008 issue of Tatler Philippines
Sugar was the most important agricultural export of the Philippines from the mid-nineteenth century to the seventies. It earned foreign exchange and accounted for 20 per cent of Philippine exports during its high in the Fifties and Sixties. The sugar industry endowed a segment of the Filipino elite from Negros Island with the accumulation of wealth. The extravagant lifestyle of Negros hacienderos (landowners) became manifest, in more ways than one, and was epitomised by the Kahirup Ball. “Kahirup” is a purely Visayan word meaning “togetherness” and “sweetness of love,” signifying the bond that exists between friends. Kahirup has also come to be known as the Philippines’ leading social organisation, the oldest and most exclusive Visayan club for Visayans only. It was founded in 1928 by 80 prominent Visayans led by Dr Manuel Hechanova and Isabelita Mirasol; the aim was to bring together Visayans residing in Manila. Before the war, the conveners of the Kahirup were the upper crust of the capital cities of Negros and Iloilo who could afford to send their children to school in Manila. It started as a small group composed exclusively of sons and daughters of prominent families from the region. It later grew to include transient Negrenses. Eventually, membership embraced those from other neighbouring Visayan provinces. The club’s roster includes the who’s who all over the Visayas. The Kahirup members came from different age groups—college students, young professionals who spearheaded the club and older members who were distinguished personalities of the country and the driving spirit of the organisation.
The unmarried young professionals in Manila managed the club activities aided by college students; the elders acted as advisers, patrons and sponsors. From the time of its inception, Kahirup had always been a byword for elegance and distinction; its annual ball, the most elegant and best-attended social affair and fundraiser for charitable projects.
The original objective of the Kahirup Ball was to raise funds to help charitable organisations in the Visayan Islands. It started simple but became big when organisers started to outclass each other. People in government and even non-Negrenses from Manila’s four hundred began to grace the occasion. Eventually, the Kahirup Club became synonymous with its fabulous annual ball.
Read also: A Dose of History: The Glory Days of Philippine Society Before World War II