“Events are not just about dressing up but it is also about how you share the experience with other people.”
Pre-COVID, the last quarter of the year was usually reserved for some of the biggest parties of the land. From annual charity balls to epic yearenders that remained hot topics for months to come, these events were always something to look forward to.
While vaccination continues to putter along and as other countries have started going back to the way things were event-wise, the Philippines still isn’t there yet almost two years after.
But we at Lifestyle Asia believe that we should strive to find a reason to celebrate and put our best foot forward every single day.
And, to this end, we’ve asked a few of our friends to indulge us in a little ‘what if’ scenario: if parties were back on the calendar today, what would you have worn and what would you be looking most forward to?
Their answers made us wish harder for better days to come soon, when we can safely party deep into the night once more.
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Salome Uy
Who are you wearing?
Jun Escario.
What have you paired it with?
I used my emerald necklace and emerald ring for a pop of color.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
I go to the salon to be pampered. I don’t really worry about my outfits since I buy pieces I love when I watch shows and not when I need them. So I never have to rush and panic.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
For me, it’s always the hair and makeup that’s most important. I go to Laetitia Moran and Meil of Emphasis salon for that magic touch!
What do you miss the most about attending events?
A girl really enjoys being dolled up once in a while to feel like a princess. When I see myself bedecked in my fineries I can feel butterflies in my stomach. This thrill is what I miss.
Food that you would love to see served?
I love steak and sweets. As long as there’s good desserts I am happy.
Drink of choice?
I don’t really drink. I am happy with my iced San Pellegrino sparkling water.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
This pandemic has been an eye opener for everyone. I am just beyond grateful I get to be with my family 24/7. I am thankful we are blessed with good health. That I can order good food and watch Kdramas is already a big bonus. We should never take these for granted again.
Tina Cuevas
Who are you wearing?
A Randy Ortiz piece. He is one of my favorite local designers. I’m always proud to wear and support our local talented and creative designers!
What have you paired it with?
A Bulgari Serpentine necklace.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
Try to keep your day as stress-free as possible. Add a few steps on your nightly skin care routine the day before the event, like using a firming mask and try to get eight to nine hours of sleep the night before.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
I do my own make up. For my hair, I have a hairstylist of 11 years who blow dries and styles my hair.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
Seeing friends and acquaintances.
Food that you would love to see served?
If I would be hosting, food will be served from Sulo Hotel’s kitchen and pastry departments.
Drink of choice?
Ribera Del Duero Reserva red wine.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
The fact that we are alive and healthy is something we should all be grateful for. Every day is a gift and we should celebrate this. Life is too short, especially in this world we live in today.
Susan Sy
Who are you wearing?
I am wearing Mark Bumgarner for my gown. I’m in love with his designs, and in particular this vibrant pink gown has the most beautiful pleated details.
What have you paired it with?
I have accessorized this gown with diamonds and Cartier Love Bracelets. I wanted the accessories to be minimal so that the gown will be the main attraction. Also, my personal taste, I’m not into flashy accessories—I just like it classy. Can’t forget the shoes to complete my look, I wore Aquazzura and Sergio Rossi. They are so comfy.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
I like to make sure I get eight hours of sleep before an event, and drink a lot of water so that my skin will be hydrated. Skincare is a must so that makeup application on my skin will be flawless. I love to use face masks and under eye masks to make sure I am event ready.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
Albert Kurniawan and Rick Calderon. But since he’s in New York for vacation, I use local artists like Mayne Herrera and Denden.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
Dressing up. I love everything about preparing for the event. From choosing what I’ll wear to the glam team getting me dolled up. Aside from all the preparation I also love to meet new people and eventually they become lifelong friends. I love to socialize and make friends.
Food that you would love to see served?
If I’m the host of this big event, I always enjoy being invited to events at restaurants like Antonio’s in Tagaytay. They have delicious food. Also, other trendy restaurants in the Philippines or hotels.
Drink of choice?
I’ll be drinking my favorite Veuve Champagne or cocktails Boulevardier.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
We should always celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Why? Because we should be thankful for each and every day we have. Life is a celebration. I’m most especially looking forward to celebrating my 45th wedding anniversary coming up soon. Love should also be celebrated.
Suzette Ayson
Who are you wearing?
A black top by Joey Samson, sheer blouse by Joseph and pants by Alexander Wang. Others by YSL.
What have you paired it with?
I’m wearing fine jewelry pieces from my brand, JMA Jewelry, and a vintage gold and diamond flower brooch from my husband’s grandmother.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
Make sure to search for the right look you want to achieve days before the event. Looking at fashion shows—download Vogue Runway—and IG posts of favorite designers can help. Don’t over accessorize. Your face should be the most attractive feature in your overall look. A well coordinated outfit, hairstyle, shoes, bag accessories and hair and makeup should just complement this. Your daily beauty regimen should come in handy to make you look fresh. Cramming a day before will not achieve a fresh look. Have a good night’s sleep before the event. Be with the right company of people and, most of all, have a positive vibe.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
I do my hair and makeup through John Pagadu. He is our favorite makeup artist.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
My friends who I’ve bonded with in many events. Most of them, just like me, love to dress up and have fun.
Food that you would love to see served?
Jessie Sincioco is my favorite chef.
Drink of choice?
I used to drink gin and tonic and very good wine, but I’ve cut down on alcohol lately. A healthy and fresh shake will do it for me.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
I am thankful for my family and real friends who love and support me in all my endeavors and in all my ups and downs. Waking up each day especially at this time of pandemic is a cause for celebration. We should thank our Lord for giving us a chance to renew our faith in Him.
Roxanne Farillas
Who are you wearing?
Rhett Eala. I’ve always admired both his and Vania Romoff’s works because they never fail to amaze me. That’s why it was also a pleasure working with them for several collaborations with Plains & Prints.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
Get some rest the day before. Have a good workout in the morning. Have a steam sauna to get rid of excess water in the body and glowing skin. It’s important that you fill yourself with positive energy.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
I trust Boggy Diaz and Anton Patdu. They know that I don’t like heavy makeup and understand that for me less is more. I think achieving a natural makeup look requires a lot of effort and I am happy how Boggy and Anton make it work for me everytime.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
Not only do I miss attending events but also hosting them, too. I have always loved having social interactions with friends, enjoying good food and drinks. And now that almost all events are done virtually, I miss having face to face exchanges and meeting new people. Being together in one space still feels different. Events are not just about dressing up but it is also about how you share the experience with other people.
Food that you would love to see served?
I miss seeing mini carving stations and hors d’oeuvres.
Drink of choice?
I like to drink champagne and red wine at events. Actually, these two are my favorites. During my free time, my husband and I would also have date nights where we enjoy wine tasting and good food.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
Everyday we are faced with so many uncertainties. So, aside from the birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions that come our way, I believe it is important that we get to appreciate life more and that is something that we should also celebrate. We should make more effort to cherish the people around us, especially our family and friends, and give them the appreciation they deserve.
Kaye Tinga
Who are you wearing?
Stella McCartney.
What have you paired it with?
Amina Muaddi sandals (so comfy), and HStern Gold drop earrings
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
Get plenty of sleep, though that’s easier said than done. Barring that, use an eye mask preferably one you refrigerated overnight, to make you look like you got a full eight hours of Zzzs.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
Henri Calayag! No one understands my moods more than Mr H, I don’t have to tell him what I want, he can anticipate what I’m looking for.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
Getting ready. I’m such a girly girl and I love all the preparations that go with attending an event: planning my outfit, shoes, and accessories, and discussing with friends what we are wearing.
Food that you would love to see served?
For an event, there’s no one like Margarita Fores—the floral arrangement, the dinnerware, the service, and, most importantly, the always amazing food.
Drink of choice?
Bubbly, of course, preferably Ruinart. If it’s an extra special occasion, Krug.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
If there’s anything we have learned from this pandemic, we should always celebrate life and count our blessings. My needs are much simpler these days. I am grateful for each day of good health and no drama.
Agnes Huibonhoa
Who are you wearing?
I envision myself wearing a Filipino brand. There is nothing like harnessing and wearing creations of home-grown talent—truly Filipino, truly loyal to our culture and traditions.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
One, always wear a smile through the happy times and through difficult times. Two, get enough sleep and have sweet dreams so that you wake up inspired and reinvigorated. Three, regularly exercise so you can be fit to serve and continue to lend a hand to those in need.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
What I miss most about attending events is the charitable motivation of these big, glitzy events. In the midst of glamor and fashion, we embrace the real intention of the occasion, which is a noble cause of helping the less privileged and the needy. Whether it is to alleviate the pains of the cancer-stricken or to uplift the education or the economic conditions of the poor or to promote environmental consciousness or the culture and the arts, the underlying purpose of the events is never lost to me. And this is what I miss most in attending events and grand balls and stylish affairs.
Food that you would love to see served?
Definitely, a Filipino chef will be proudly preparing and serving the food—Filipino food which has already taken its rightful place in the international palate. Filipino food served by gracious Filipino maître d’s will be another start in catapulting the Philippines as the food capital of the world.
Drink of choice?
I usually take Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
We have so much to celebrate and be thankful for. We should thank God for life, for love in our life, for our families and loved ones and faithful friends. We should even be thankful for the challenges and trials and difficult times that we face and that we will eventually overcome because these make us better persons, better Christians and responsible Filipino citizens. In celebrating life, we lean on God and his infinite compassion, we praise God and his awesome power; we acclaim his glory and greatness.
Charmaine Lagman
Who are you wearing?
A white ensemble skirt by Puey Quiñones, booties by Prada, black shirt by Jil Sander, and shorts by Lululemon.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
Sleep, water therapy, yoga, and workout.
Who are your go-to for hair and makeup?
Gela Laurel Stehmeier, Patrick Rosas, Lala Flores, Chuchi Ledesma, Nathan Javier. For hair, my favorite is Jan Edrosolan.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
Getting glammed up, the excitement of planning your whole ensemble, being with friends and seeing them all oh-so-regal and grand, hearing the pops of champagne bottles, being surrounded with the vibrant cheers and laughter, and, most especially, the tight hugs and kisses from friends.
Drink of choice?
I love champagne or rose wine. For long nights, I devour on favorite vintage single malt whiskeys
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
I’ve also punctuated great little life moments like when my kids get a summer job, getting their first paycheck, a successful presentation, when a client praises my team. Any celebration, big or small, is really about taking a beat to notice the good stuff in your life. It can also be a reminder of our talents and abilities, skills and persistence. Drawing on those things can motivate us to strive harder and keep working toward our goals.
Cris Albert
Who are you wearing?
The celebrated Mark Bumgarner and the distinguished Rajo Laurel. My two dearest loves, ‘the Young and the Restless.’
What have you paired it with?
The black roses neckband for Rajo’s flawless gown is from Ralph Lauren. The rest are Miladays and Bvlgari ornaments. I am not a hard Knox diamond or jewelry soul. I love beautiful pieces that bring out the look I want to embrace.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
Make your skin glow by constantly being in love with anyone or anything you do. Celebrate life and breakthroughs, no matter how small. These are on top of my sunblock and my moisturizer, of course! Love protects us from aging.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
Patrick Rosas is all about my super skin glow and my deep eyes. I can look extraordinary every time. Raymond Mateo crowns my posture. I virtually bloom with them as a team.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
The Friendship, the hugs and the kisses. I love being around society. The human touch is irreplaceable.
Food that you would love to see served?
I am not particular about the flavor. I want the settings to exude elegance. I learned that eating could be a waste of my time!
Drink of choice?
I commemorate with anything fresh. I am only particular about my champagne, but I don’t relish the bubbly without good relationships around me.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
Another chance in life, an opportunity to change sufficiently, and the ability to love deeply. My God and family are my most incredible solace squad.
Tessa Prieto
Who are you wearing?
Furne One. That was in the Red Charity Gala in 2019, the last one.
What are your Big Event beauty tips?
Make sure that you’re confident of what you’re wearing and that the whole ensemble looks like it’s thought of well. For me, beauty is not only makeup or good skin, it’s the overall glow. And when you come in, there is this sense of arrival. And you exude this aura that you know who you are and that you’re in a good place.
Who’s your go-to for hair and makeup?
I’m not big into makeup. I’m willing to work with anyone, but I think a good makeup artist can enhance the small nuances of your face. For me, it’s not really a matter of who I go to for makeup—I think most Filipino artists are so good—it’s more guiding him or her through.
What do you miss the most about attending events?
Everything! For me, most of all, I miss the whole concept of my Red Charity Gala, and its promotion of Philippine fashion, giving back to society, donating and doing charity. It gave people with like-minds an avenue to do good and share their blessings. There is also that whole concept of promoting the fashion economy. I miss that. If and when this pandemic is over, I want to refocus on trying to find a continuation of still promoting Philippine fashion and charity in one event.
Food that you would love to see served?
I’m a big dessert person. I can skip everything. Anything with dessert is what I look for. If I could choose, the first, middle, and last course would be dessert.
Drink of choice?
Normally, it would be like champagne or any of those bubblies. But now I’m enjoying all these Japanese gin and special cocktails. I think it’s called high ball. So yeah, right now, anything to do with Japanese gin.
What is something that we should always celebrate and be thankful for?
The pandemic has really decluttered my life. Now I’m really celebrating my children and a new chapter in my life.
