Cover Cary Santiago, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Jaime Laya, Alice Eduardo, Margie Moran-Floirendo, Donnie and Crickette Tantoco
Cary Santiago, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Jaime Laya, Alice Eduardo, Margie Moran-Floirendo, Donnie and Crickette Tantoco
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Get to know the people behind Tatler Philippines’ ball through the years
For 22 years, the Tatler Ball continues to be one of the year's most anticipated and prestigious events. Its impact goes beyond the confines of a grand ballroom, with the Philippines’ biggest names coming together for a noble cause. Months of meticulous planning and attention to detail ensure that the evening will go smoothly.
Get to know the elements that make for a successful ball—from the people behind the scenes and the culinary masterminds in the kitchen to the awardees who have made a mark in their respective fields and the guests whose presence makes the ball stellar.
In case you missed it: Tatlergrams: What Went Down at The 2022 Tatler Ball?
The Awardees
Each year, Tatler awards inspiring individuals who were able to shine in their respective industries. There were three awards given to guests in 2022—the Diamond Award, which is also known as the highest recognition given during the ball; the Cultural Icon Award for artists paving the way for many within the country and around Southeast Asia; and the Impact Award which is given to people who create change for the society.
Among the memorable awardees from the past Tatler Balls were Cary Santiago (Most Creative Force, 2017), Doris Magsaysay Ho (Most Charitable Force), Jaime Laya (Patron of Culture and the Arts, 2012), Alice Eduardo (Philanthropy Awardee, 2019), Margie Moran-Floirendo (Patroness of the Arts, 2019), and Donnie and Crickette Tantoco (Couple of the Year, 2019).
The Designers
Above Mark Bumgarner, Patty Ang, Jojie Lloren, Vania Romoff, Rajo Laurel, Puey Quiñones
Mark Bumgarner, Patty Ang, Jojie Lloren, Vania Romoff, Rajo Laurel, Puey Quiñones
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The ball is incomplete without the dazzling suits and gowns designed by Mark Bumgarner, Patty Ang, Jojie Lloren, Vania Romoff, Rajo Laurel, and Puey Quiñones. Through the years, these creatives have produced head-turning pieces that are impossible to forget.
Rajo Laurel’s creations are also memorable—among his designs is Tatler Homes editor Stephanie Zubiri’s purple and gold gown during the 2023 Tatler Ball.
Renowned designer Mark Bumgarner was the mind behind memorable Tatler Ball attires, including Pie Alvarez’s 2019 white pleated dress and LoviPoe’s seafoam green gown in 2022.
The Events Specialists
Above Gigi and Manny Bautista, Nina Garcia, Mia Cabawatan Lozada, J Bautista, Meg de Guzman
Gigi and Manny Bautista, Nina Garcia, Mia Cabawatan Lozada, J Bautista, Meg de Guzman
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Guests feel the essence of the ball from the moment they step in, thanks to events specialists Gigi and Manny Bautista, Nina Garcia, Mia Cabawatan Lozada, J Bautista, and Meg de Guzman.
GBA Events Asia, helmed by Manny and Gigi Bautista, does premium events here and abroad, always helping a busy client iron out the logistics and details.
Nina Garcia, who heads Majorelle Floral Design, is known for her exquisite taste in florals. Her sought-after arrangements make every event more vibrant. “I consider each floral creation to be unique and special—no two arrangements are exactly alike, in the same way, that no two days in life can be exactly alike,” she said in an interview with Tatler.
Related: Notes from the expert: this is how to keep your flowers fresh longer
The Hoteliers
Above Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila team: Von Lacsamana, Gian Sommerau, Anna Rose Manalo, Aldwin Vicente, Anthony Collar, Amit Oberoi, Joris Rycken, Frederik Whitehead, Anne De Ocampo
Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila team: Von Lacsamana, Gian Sommerau, Anna Rose Manalo, Aldwin Vicente, Anthony Collar, Amit Oberoi, Joris Rycken, Frederik Whitehead, Anne De Ocampo
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The Tatler Ball was held at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, from 2002 to 2015, and at Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila, from 2016 onwards. The award-winning hotel group offers an array of culinary delights, a renowned brand of service, and remarkable venues like the Lobby Lounge, ballrooms, and more.
The team behind Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila, are also big names in their respective industries—Amit Oberoi, Joris Rycken, Von Lacsamana, Gian Sommerau, Anna Rose Manalo, Aldwin Vicente, Anthony Collar, Frederik Whitehead, and Anne De Ocampo.
Amit Oberoi is Shangri-La at the Fort’s General Manager. This year, the hotel was able to bag a 4-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, Ultimate Dining Recommendation from Tatler Philippines Dining Guide 2023; The Back Room landed on the 75th spot of Asia’s Best Bars, while Wellness Champion was awarded to Kerry Sports Manila at the 7th World Wellness Weekend.
Joris Rycken, who has been in the culinary industry for more than three decades, is known for his sophisticated cuisines that traverse the globe, from regional Chinese specialities to classic steakhouse fare and even Peruvian bites.
The Muses
Above Bea Soriano-Dee, Dr Aivee Aguilar-Teo, Rocio Olbes-Ressano, Kai Lim
Bea Soriano-Dee, Dr Aivee Aguilar-Teo, Rocio Olbes-Ressano, Kai Lim
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Bea Soriano-Dee, Dr Aivee Aguilar-Teo, Rocio Olbes-Ressano, and Kai Lim are among the women who regularly grace the ball with their innate charm. Each successful in their chosen career, these muses are impossible to miss.
Trendsetter and businesswoman Bea Soriano-Dee co-founded eyewear and makeup brand Sunnies. Known for her exquisite taste in clothing, Dee also opened Charlie Apparel, a project with her husband, Eric Dee, Jr.
Dr Aivee Aguilar-Teo is among the Philippines' trusted and most sought-after board-certified dermatologists. She conceived her wellness company, Aivee Group, and its flagship company, Aivee Clinic, in 2009 and has since offered a wide range of advanced dermatological treatments and aesthetic services.
Rocio Obles-Ressano is the chairperson of the SCB Foundation and co-founder of The Talks and Bars to Bears initiative, while Kai Lim is one of the five co-founders of Cura V (Curated by Five), a one-stop shop for luxe accessories, home, and body products.
The Couples
Above Erica Concepcion-Reyes and Francis Reyes, Junie and Fernando Peña, Phillip and Techie Hagedorn, Kathy and Mike Huang
Erica Concepcion-Reyes and Francis Reyes, Junie and Fernando Peña, Phillip and Techie Hagedorn, Kathy and Mike Huang
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Power couples Erica Concepcion-Reyes and Francis Reyes, Junie and Fernando Peña, Phillip and Techie Hagedorn, and Kathy and Mike Huang are regular guests of the Tatler Ball. Each is successful in their profession.
See more: Small Talk: Erica Concepcion Reyes on jewellery-making, inspirations, and more
Filipina jeweller Erica Concepcion Reyes is a jeweller whose works were featured in previous issues of Tatler Homes; philanthropist Junie Peña is the honorary consul of Lithuania; Techie Hagedorn is a fashion designer who heads Alegre; while Mike Huang holds the impressive role of VP for Store Development and Expansions of Rustan’s Commercial Corporation, one of the country’s leading luxury retailers.
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Credits
Photography: Wesley Villarica
Content Direction: Anton San Diego
Production: Isabel Martel Francisco, Dorynna Untivero, Michelle Soriano, Johannah Reglos
Make-Up: Johnson Estrella
Hair: Moriel Flores
Set Design: Arj Madarang
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
