The Philippine Online Chronicles

Fashion, though many of us tend to forget, is not just about the clothes. It is also a lifestyle, an expression, an ideal, a choice. Behind every fashion image is a production, from conceptualization to execution, and there are a bevy of professionals who make it happen. For top fashion stylist Noel Manapat, Robby Carmona of SAGA Events and talent manager Keren Pascual, it was high time that the country had its own celebration where everyone who is anyone in the local fashion industry—from designers to fashion stylists, hair and makeup artists to fashion editors, fashion directors and photographers, models and the organizations—are gathered to toast hard work and sheer excellence in the field of fashion.

The organizing committee was also joined by Phoemela Baranda, currently the president of Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP), to help host the show and arrange for their members to appear as muses for some of the designers. And so with the combined efforts of this impressive group, The First Philippine Fashion Ball came to fruition at The Peninsula Manila on the 15^th of August 2011.

While not quite the Met Ball, the organizers of The Philippine Fashion Ball envisioned it to be the fashion event of the year (and every year after), aiming to draw the most iconic and legendary in the business; its movers, shakers and pioneers, as well as its current and most fashionable darlings. Every year will have a theme, and for its first, the PFB team decided to go with black and white: simple, classic and dramatic. It’s a theme that can be broadly interpreted yet easy enough to translate into something fabulous and chic.

Many of the invitees who flocked came in gorgeous, elegant black. Designer Michelle Sison’s black lace see-through dress was possibly the most daring, though it wasn’t the only “skinsational” frock of the night. Many opted for sleek and simple silhouettes such as models Ana Sideco in Ralph Ng, Ria Bolivar in Inno Sotto, Natasha Bautista, Jessica Yang and Michelle Panemanglor in Noel Crisostomo, Charmaine Palermo in Frederick Peralta. Still, floor-sweeping drama was provided by the elaborate ball gowns of Phoemela Baranda by Ezra, Marina Benipayo in Rhett Eala, Irish Ong, Wilma Doesnt and Bianca Valerio in Joel Escober. Some were stellar in white, most notably Liz Uy by Ezra, Sanya Smith in Kermit Tesoro, hostess Tessa Prieto in a frothy concoction designed by her co-host Rajo Laurel, Rissa Mananquil in Pablo Cabahug and best-dressed Daryl Chang in Jun Escario.

Most of the attendees were fashion insiders, but there were also a few actors and actresses present. Venus Raj came in a black tiered ball gown by Eric delos Santos, Piolo Pascual in M Barretto, Anne Curtis in a show-stopping, skin-baring dress of the same make as celebrity stylist Pam Quiñones’ slinky and sheer black number (both designed by Rajo Laurel), Gretchen Barretto, Enchong Dee and Bianca Gonzalez in a sleek, white Russel Villafuerte gown.

Beyond the clothes and baubles, the night was also for honoring the people who have largely contributed to the local fashion industry. The presidents and founders of PMAP were given recognition for being the first and only models organization in Asia that stands as an association and also a union; giving voice to their members emphasizing on their rights, work ethics and stabilizing their careers in modeling. JB Abesamis, Ronnie Asuncion, Tweetie de Leon, Apples Aberin, Denden Abesamis, Grace Molina, Baba Parma, Rissa Mananquil, Ariel Atendido and Phoemela Baranda were each presented an award for past and current work in PMAP.

As hostess Tessa Prieto also said that night, “It takes one good photograph to get booked as a model, but it takes one brilliant photographer to make that shot happen.” Jun de Leon received the award of excellence for Fashion Photography, for revolutionizing the field of fashion photography and advertising.

For over 20 years, Marina Benipayo has set the standard for every aspiring model. Thus, she was presented the Fashion Modeling award by Gem Padilla, Lou Bunyi, Patty Betita and Desiree Verdadero.

According to host Rajo Laurel, Patrick Rosas is one of the most sought after makeup and grooming artists in the country—one who has successfully traversed the lines of commercial and high fashion. Jojie Lloren and Gretchen Barretto presented him with an award to recognize the years of his art and creation.

Claimed to be the quintessential hair council of all, top hairstylist Henri Calayag also received the award for Style Beauty, as presented by some of the industry’s best bets—Krist Bansuelo, Steven Doloso, Juan Sarte and Jing Monis.

Responsible for some of the most breath-taking fashion shows of today, Jackie Aquino also received an award for Fashion Direction as presented Robby Carmona and supermodels Denden Abesamis and Tweetie De Leon. Millet Mananquil, Jo Ann Bitagcol and Ariel Lozada presented the award of Fashion Design to Inno Sotto, who has often been hailed as Manila’s Prince of Fashion.

Lifetime achievement awards were also given to Joey Espino, who pioneered Philippine Fashion Week among many other things, and international fashion designer Josie Natori, for putting Philippines on the map through her works in fashion design.

Recognition was also given to the most prestigious fashion guilds and councils: Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) led by Lito Perez, The Young Designers Guild of the Philippines (YDG) led by Eric delos Santos and The Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) led by JC Buendia.

As Yves St. Laurent once said, “Fashion fades, but style is eternal.” The Philippine Fashion Ball of 2011, the first of its kind, went beyond the clothes and the glamour. It recognized the craft and diligence that shaped the industry over the years so that it is thriving, ever-growing and beautiful to behold.

Photos by Jan Chester Lema, for The First Philippine Fashion Ball. Some rights reserved.