Though known as a prominent accountant in his field of choice, Jaime C Laya is also an esteemed art collector and helms cultural institutions in the country like the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation. He is the founding Action Officer of the Intramuros Administration, which recognised the famous walled city as a local cultural heritage site and boosted its restoration and publicity. During his time of service, he also began to add to the art collection of the Central Bank as well. He served as chairman of the National Commission of Culture and the Arts and is also a distinguished writer with three National Book Awards under his belt.

In 2012, he was rightfully recognised as a Patron of Culture and the Arts during the Tatler Ball. It is unsurprising then that in a recent Tatler Philippines interview, Laya reveals that is looking forward to visiting art museums with his grandchildren post-pandemic.

Though American by birth, David Bradley strongly champions Filipino children. His first trip to the Philippines inspired him to advocate for child-abuse victims and he founded the Child Protection Network (CPN) soon after. His wife, Katherine Bradley, is a founder of a philanthropic cause herself, serving as chair for CityBridge, an education-focused non-profit based in the United States.

In 2016, the couple was given the Philanthropy Award. Both remain steadfast Tatler friends, and along with Tatler Philippines Managing Director, Irene Martel Francisco, continue to spearhead initiatives to help abused women and children. Their most recent endeavour with Tatler Philippines provided over 500 children with medical and mental services in 2021. This year, CPN's executive director Bernadette Madrid earned the coveted Ramon Magsaysay award for her contributions to the said foundation.

Read more: How to Donate to Past Tatler Ball Beneficiaries 2022

We here at Tatler Philippines have a keen love for food, and Margarita Forés’ creations sit very high on our list of favourites. A chef and entrepreneur, Fores is known for a variety of culinary ventures including the ever-popular Cibo, Grace Park, Lusso, and The Loggia by Margarita Forés. In 2014, her talent was recognised at the Tatler Ball when she was named that year’s Most Creative Force.

Almost ten years later, Tatler Philippines continues to shower high praise on Fores, whose food is continually enjoyed at our events. In the recently held Off-Menu event last September 23-24, 2022, Fores teamed up with Chef Don Baldosano to create a unique tingib caldo.

Since her win at the 2014 Tatler Ball, Margarita Fores has also been named by the Italian government as an honourary knight and was also internationally named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.

Read more: The Margarita Forés Effect: How the Lauded Chef Beguiles the Mind and Palate

During the fifth Tatler Ball in 2006, the late Fidel V Ramos, former president of the Republic of the Philippines was awarded the Pinnacle award, which is now known as the Diamond award. The esteemed war veteran and politician received it for his achievements and unswerving dedication to public service. 

Ramos served as the country's 12th president, with his term almost coinciding with the centennial anniversary celebrations of our independence. He was renowned for being a graduate of the United States Military Academy in West Point and played a pivotal role in the ousting of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. In his presidency, the country's economy saw an economic revival amid the Asian financial crisis of 1997. Moreover, he was awarded the 1997 UNESCO Peace Prize, together with the Moro National Liberation Front's chair Nur Misuari after the government and the said organisation finally signed a peace treaty.

Read also: 'Memories of Lolo': Sam Ramos Jones' Fond Moments With the Late President Fidel V Ramos

Recently awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines with the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining for his significant contribution to Filipino arts, culture, and design, this Cebuano designer has brought Philippine craftsmanship to the global stage. This internationally renowned designer has earned awards from various award-giving bodies around the world for his iconic pieces, many of which have graced international expositions and fairs. 

Part of Cobonpue’s enduring success comes from his skilful blend of modernity and tradition, seen in the way he mines the raw materials of his home province, and his integration of local weaving methods with the latest technology.

In 2011, he was awarded Most Creative Force at the Tatler Ball.

Alice Eduardo is the founder, president, and CEO of Sta Elena Construction and Development Corporation.

The social activist and construction magnate has become a major player in the country's real estate and infrastructural development sectors. Not only has Eduardo taken on public infrastructure projects, but she has also worked on power plants that supply energy to regions in the Philippines.

All the while, she has given back to the community through charity work. In 2014, she funded the PHP14 million construction of the Philippine General Hospital’s paediatrics isolation ward for cancer patients and the PHP19 million worth construction of the dormitory for the patient's relatives.

Patroness of the arts and philanthropist Sofia Zobel Elizalde is the founder and director of Steps Dance Studio and Steps Scholarship Foundation. She was one of theTatler Asia's Most Influential honourees in 2021 and 2022.

Since the establishment of her Steps Scholarship Foundation, Elizalde has helped provide for students' primary education with the help of The Ayala Foundation's Center for Excellence.

She was also instrumental in the renovation of Museo Pambata, where she serves as Vice President. The museum reopened this year.

Read also: Why Sofia Zobel Elizalde is ‘Never in a State of Inertia’

Doris Magsaysay Ho, President and CEO of A Magsaysay Inc, was Tatler's Most Charitable Force in 2004.

She has made a name in a male-dominated industry. Magsaysay Ho is also the chair of the Asia Society Philippines, a global network centre that highlights Asia and countries within it like the Philippines through programmes focused on art and culture policy and education. 

She was recognised as Tatler Asia's Most Influential both in 2021 and 2022.

National Artist Benedicto "Bencab" Cabrera has been recognised as Tatler Asia's Most Influential for his exquisite works of art, be it paintings or photographs. 

The versatile artist is perhaps one of the most commercially successful of his generation of artists, with several awards to his name and various works exhibited across the globe.

Until now, BenCab's works are sought after. In fact, one of his works, 1969 Mother and Child went for more than PHP3 million in Salcedo Auctions’ 8th edition of The Well-Appointed Life live and online auction last September.

Fashion designer Cary Santiago, who was Tatler's Most Creative Force awardee in 2017, began as an apprentice to a Cebu-based designer before flying to Beirut and taking a job at the House of Nicholas Jibran.

By 2004, Santiago was awarded the grand prize at the Philippine Fashion and Design Competition.

He has dressed many prominent women from and outside the country, from Miss Universe and Binibining Pilipinas candidates to international sensations Beyonce and Paris Hilton. Recently, Santiago's creation made headlines as he dressed the first Mrs UAE Debanjali Kamstra in a head-turning falcon-inspired gown.

Read also: Fernando Manso Puts Into Spotlight Cebu’s Transgender Conmunity

Actress turned philanthropist Nanette Medved-Po served on the Advisory Board of Bantay Bata from 2007 to 2012.

After her time in the social welfare programme, Tatler Asia's Most Stylish honouree continued her advocacy by founding the non-profit organisation Hope. Through this, she was able to support local communities with their educational and agricultural needs. Following the success of the foundation, the philanthropist introduced Hope in a Bottle, a brand of bottled water that uses its profits to provide public school classrooms across the country.

Recently, Medved-Po's efforts and passion were recognised as she received the Asia Game Changer Award in New York from Asia Society.

Read also: HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po Receives the Coveted Asia Game Changer Award

Over the years, Tatler has awarded various esteemed figures in fashion, arts, and philanthropy. Some renowned names include Zenaida R Tantoco (Diamond Awardee, 2017), Rajo Laurel for fashion (Most Creative Force, 2018), Tootsy Angara (Most Stylish, 2017), and Joanna Preysler Francisco (Most Stylish, 2019).

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