The Metropolitan Museum of Manila’s first Annual Fundraising Gala honored Jose “Pitoy” Moreno’s legacy through fashion, philanthropy, and the enduring power of human connection.
Held on June 28, “Remembering Pitoy,” the first annual fundraising gala of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (the M Museum), commemorated the closing of the Timeless: J. Moreno exhibition, which celebrated the legacy of Filipino fashion designer Jose “Pitoy” Moreno. The exhibition itself was launched in February to coincide with what would have been Pitoy’s 100th birthday.
Fashion, at its highest expression, is a form of social architecture that creates the conditions for beauty to flourish and find meaning. Pitoy understood this instinctively, which is why the event felt less like a closing ceremony and more like a reunion of family and friends. His former muses, models, brides, and patronesses graced the event, and their presence transformed the evening into a living memoir.
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The gala was spearheaded by a dedicated committee chaired by Tina Colayco, President of the M Museum; Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Fe Rodriguez, trustee. It was also supported by the creative team of Tina Ocampo and Maricris Floirendo Brias.
An Enchanting Evening at the M
The evening’s concept, envisioned by designer-artist Tony Gonzales, transformed one of the M Museum’s galleries into a theater. Floating paper panels created screens for a unique video presentation, with video production by Enzo Razon, Dinesh Mohani, and Gio Panlilo of Tarzeer Pictures.
A four-course dinner was served, created by celebrated chef Gilbert Pangilinan of Kai. Guests dined on long tables topped with an inspired detail: Pitoy’s original sketches silkscreened onto banana paper. The table runners proved so charming that many guests rolled them up like precious keepsakes. This little spontaneous act would have delighted Pitoy, who always understood fashion’s power to create personal meaning.
“Pitoy often said that true beauty lives not only in design, but in how we connect with one another,” reflected Doris Magsaysay-Ho, co-chairman of the organizing committee. “Tonight, through your presence, your support, and your stories, you’ve proven that true.”
The evening included a performance by the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Choir, who celebrated the “Manila sound” of the ’70s, ending with the beloved classic “Bongga Ka ‘Day.” The song even explicitly mentions a Pitoy Moreno outfit as the epitome of class. The choice was both nostalgic and prophetic, acknowledging how deeply Pitoy’s name has become embedded in Filipino cultural and fashion consciousness, suggesting true elegance transcends any particular era.
Pitoy and His Legacy of Philanthropy
Perhaps most moving was the gala’s recognition of Pitoy’s philanthropic spirit through the presence of seven former scholars he had supported at his alma mater, the UP College of Fine Arts. Issay Rodriguez, Marian Garcia, Neil Grantoza, Ariel Santillan, Jeana Marie Jose, Carlito Camahalan Amalla, and Digo Acuzar all created artworks inspired by Pitoy’s designs. Their creations were displayed in The M’s foyer and made available for purchase to benefit the museum.
“In remembering Pitoy, we remember his spirit of philanthropy,” said Fe Rodriguez, co-chairman of the organizing committee. “Early in his career, it had already become important to him to give back, and give back he did, establishing a scholarship fund that sent talented and deserving students to study at the UP College of Fine Arts, as well as the College of Medicine.”
This circle of giving, from Pitoy to his scholars, from his scholars back to the museum, and from the museum to future generations through fundraising efforts such as the gala, embodies the kind of cultural ecosystem that sustains artistic legacy beyond any single exhibition or event.
“To all of you who made this evening possible–your presence, your generosity, and your continued support–thank you,” said Tina P. Colayco, president of the M Museum and co-chairman of the organizing committee. “You honor us by standing with Pitoy and The M tonight.”
The proceeds from the evening will support the M Museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural preservation efforts, ensuring the institution’s nearly 50-year mission continues to reach students, teachers, and communities across the country.
Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M Museum).
