Cover Anthony Oundjian, Mariana Zobel, Nanette Medved Poe, John Wood, Ari Cu and Joanna Ongpin-Duarte
Anthony Oundjian, Mariana Zobel, Nanette Medved Poe, John Wood, Ari Cu and Joanna Ongpin-Duarte
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After a three-year hiatus, Tatler Philippines’ 21st-anniversary ball was well worth the wait
We finally had the Tatler Ball! After a three-year break (the last Ball was in November 2019), it was exhilarating to host this 2022 Ball. We were a smaller group that gathered at the Shangri-La Fort’s Grand Ballroom. We had 280 guests this time instead of the 450 to 480 people in previous years. This was in the interest of safety, and to carry this a step further, we sent antigen test kits to all our guests and tested the wait staff at the Ball. It felt right to have the Tatler Ball this year as we slowly emerge from the pandemic. The Ball is our anniversary celebration, but it has always been our way of giving back, of using our influence for the greater good. Since 2002, we have selected a very deserving cause to raise funds for, focusing on having 100 per cent of the amount donated go to the beneficiary.
In case you missed it: How to Donate to Past Tatler Ball Beneficiaries 2022
With all the challenges of the past years, helping a vital cause carried more significance. We wanted a night of relevance and purpose, a celebration that would result in many other joyful events in people’s lives. Judging from the results of that evening, we hit our mark for U-Go Philippines of John Wood and Mariana Zobel de Ayala.
Above Ronald Ventura receiving the Culture Award from Isabel Martel Francisco and Dr Randy Francisco
Above Fe Rodriguez, Frannie Jacinto and Millet Mananquil
Ronald Ventura receiving the Culture Award from Isabel Martel Francisco and Dr Randy Francisco
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Above Benedicte Mackiewicz, Genevieve Yalung, Sherin Bucoy, Séverine Fortin, Jugs Jugueta and Andrea Aguirre-Jugueta
Above Alex and Pia Lichaytoo, Sandeep and Minal Ahuja Uppal, and Pritha and Amit Oberoi
Benedicte Mackiewicz, Genevieve Yalung, Sherin Bucoy, Séverine Fortin, Jugs Jugueta and Andrea Aguirre-Jugueta
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All of these would not be possible without the trust and support of our valued partners. In the Lead partner role were the iconic Tiffany & Co and the top residence to have, The Estate. Then we had Belo Beauty, HSBC Premier and Mercedes Benz as Supporting partners. We thank these iconic brands for trusting us to deliver a delightful and socially relevant night.
How does one plan a Tatler Ball? It takes five to six months of intense and confidential planning, with focus and vision and much help from a few trusted members of the Tatler team and a group of suppliers we have come to rely upon through the last 21 years. It all starts with an idea. What will the underlying theme be this year? For 2022, we wanted it to be European with a touch of Asia. That was carried in print we used for the invitation envelopes; the same pattern was creatively used on our photo vignette and tunnel with its oriental lanterns by Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran of Moss Manila. Our Ball booklets had it, too, and other collaterals like pledge forms and holding screens of our video presentations, all done in house by Tatler.
Related: Tatlergrams: What Went Down at The 2022 Tatler Ball?
The dinner menu was also a bit Asian-inspired, carefully planned with General Manager Amit Oberoi and Chef Joris Rycken at the Shangri-La The Fort over several food tastings until we all felt it was just right. The programme started with welcome remarks from Tatler Philippines’ Managing Director Irene Martel Francisco. She shared vital facts about the business and introduced U-Go Philippines. Our selected beneficiary aims to help young talented Filipino women go through a year of college. A donation of Php 50,000 helps one young woman complete a year of college.
As we write this, we are happy to say that we have raised Php 40,550,000! This is way beyond our goal of PHP 8,000,000 and is a testament to how powerful good intentions and generosity can result in an outpouring of giving. We are most grateful to Mr Ramon S Ang and the RSA Foundation for his donation of Php 25,000,000, all the auction donors and those who won the auction lots, plus everyone who donated to U-Go Philippines!
Above The Mandaluyong Children's Choir
The Mandaluyong Children's Choir
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Tatler’s Charity Auction started mid meal, where five very desirable auction lots were offered for public bidding. Auctioneers for the evening were Tim Yap, Stephanie Zubiri and Small Laude. These five lots were auctioned: a three-night escape in Amanpulo and two nights in Aman Tokyo; Tu Casa, 2019, an assemblage with found objects and lighting elements by Norberto Roldan donated by Silverlens Gallery and Norberto Roldan; a five-day stay in Villa Praison at Layan, Phuket donated by Luxe Nomad; Crimson Blossom, 2022, oil on canvas, 48 inches X 36 inches by Marina Cruz; and a four-night glamping experience in Tanzania, featuring two famous camps—Ngorongoro and Olakira—organised by A2A Safaris.
Above Dr Randy Francisco, Ramon S Ang and Irene Martel Francisco
Above Patrick Jacinto and Nedy Tantoco
Dr Randy Francisco, Ramon S Ang and Irene Martel Francisco
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Above Drs Hayden Kho, Jr and Vicki Belo
Above Grace and Felix Ang
Drs Hayden Kho, Jr and Vicki Belo
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After all, that spirited bidding which resulted in all the lots going way over their starting prices, it was time for Tatler to give our Tatler Awards. Hosting this part of the programme were Tatler Philippines EIC, Anton San Diego and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. The three awards are carefully chosen and only revealed on the night of the Ball. Visionary, businessman and philanthropist Ramon S Ang received the Diamond Award, also known as the highest recognition during the Tatler Ball. Ronald Ventura, a Filipino artist paving the way for many within the country and around Southeast Asia, was rightfully awarded the title of Cultural Icon. And broadcaster, journalist and ICanServe Foundation founder, Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, was given the Impact Award. The awardees each received prizes and trophies and gave meaningful speeches of gratitude.
The Mandaluyong Children’s Choir singing Christmas carols at the Tatler Ball 2022
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We had excellent entertainment that night through the stellar performance of Bituin Escalante, the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir and Project 201 Band. Nina Garcia of Majorelle Floral Design did the gorgeous floral arrangements on each table. Thanks to Gigi Bautista and her team of GBA Events Asia and Raymond Lauchengco for helping us execute the evening flawlessly. So it’s a wrap until next year! We are hugely thankful for the opportunity to help and celebrate life’s wins.
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Irene is an avid reader and lover of Labradors, who is obsessed with candles and jewellery. When not working, you will find her cyber travelling or planning her way back to her favourite city, Paris. She always ends her day with a good glass of wine. Follow her on Instagram @irenemfrancisco.
