Truth be told, finding a common schedule for all 13 cast members of this Generation T photo shoot was ambitiously ridiculous, what with conflicting jetsetter flight schedules and a football tournament in the way. In the end, our talented young A-listers were divided into three groups to remedy such a fast-paced demanding situation. The result? A seamless coming and going of Manila’s hottest and brightest, and with powerhouse images to boot.

The question that begs to be asked, however, is what, or better yet, who is Generation T? The symbolic ‘T’ speaks for itself, but who is the next Philippine Tatler generation enlivening, promoting, shaping, innovating, and transitioning the Philippine landscape of modern society?

Being that Philippine Tatler just celebrated its 15th anniversary (and Hong Kong Tatler closing in on its 40th), it was opportune, albeit inevitable, that a new initiative was in the cards across the Tatler region; one that would not only complement Philippine Tatler’s 400 List, but one that would swivel the limelight—and deservedly so—onto 100 game changers and visionaries between the ages of 25 and 40 across Asia. The list is alphabetical and there was no hierarchy or ranking applied.

It is, simply, a wonderful melange of bold, ambitious, and socially aware high-achievers making their presence felt. As such, it was and is of great significance to revisit what the spirit of high society means today.

Covering the sectors of socio-economics, fashion and the arts, the culinary arena, the digital and technology scene, politics, sports as well as philanthropy, these 13 bold-faced names put forth a solid crosssection of Philippine society’s Generation T.

Like these 13, the other 87 names were sifted from the mix to bring you 100 of the country’s youngest and brightest who are calling the shots in one industry or another (or many all at once) and making a difference in the Philippines.

Arriving at the final cut of the top 100 individuals was certainly no easy task. In fact, it was colossal. Ground rules had to be set and parameters established before preliminary lists were made. We looked into what each person contributed to society, family backgrounds (an individual’s success, in this case, was not to be tied to an established Tatler family name), and, of course, we sought out that je ne sais quoi qualifier.

The majority of the Generation T listers were already making blips on our radar. A considerable number of names surfaced through family networks and a wealth of insider knowledge. It took the team over three months’ worth of research, meetings, and deliberations until, finally, we concluded this stellar list. As a fun sneak preview to Generation T, however, this shoots’ 13 savvy personalities dovetail the requisite pillars that currently uphold and are defining this country’s evolving zeitgeist and exciting future.

The first grouping, comprising Marco Lobregat, Abba Napa, Alexandra Eduque, and Michael “Mike” Huang brought high-octane energy from start to finish (it didn’t hurt that they were all friends). Lobregat is a marketing and communications executive-cum-environmentalist with an entrepreneurial streak. Restaurateur and astute businesswoman, Napa, is the co-founder of the dynamic The Moment Group. Initiating and delivering positive change to the lives of the marginalised is Eduque, a philanthropist who has established her own NGO called MovEd. Huang is leading the store development and expansions of the retail giant Rustan Commercial Corporation.

Next up was Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez, Anton del Rosario, JP Anglo, Lilianna Manahan, and Ken Samudio. First to arrive were long-time pals, fashion designer extraordinaire and ‘It’ girl Ocampo-Rodriguez and Azkal heartthrob Del Rosario. They were joined by designer-artists to keep an eye on, Manahan and Samudio. Sealing the deal was cutting-edge chef JP Anglo, who is helping put Filipino cuisine on the map.

The last batch comprised a very lucky thorn among the roses: Grab Philippines’ Brian Cu found himself surrounded by the gorgeous Sandra Soriano (who is focused on improving sustainable food policy and environmental advocacy), Mayor Pie Alvarez, who has been doing great things for her San Vicente, Palawan constituency; and photographer par excellence, Sara Black, who not only shot for this debut Gen T feature but is, herself, a Gen T lister. (To read more about these talents blazing their own trail, see Generation T which comes with this issue).