From backstage chaos to ballroom revelry, here’s your inside look at the Red Charity Gala 2025, a night that became the ultimate celebration of style and compassion.
Founded in 2009 by philanthropists Tessa Prieto and Kaye Tinga, the Red Charity Gala has since become one of the most anticipated events on the social calendar, celebrating local artistry through a designer-led fashion show and inspiring generosity with its lively charity auction. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Assumption HS 81 Foundation, Hope for Lupus Foundation, and the Philippine Red Cross, extending passion across the country.
This year’s Red Charity Gala took place at The Peninsula Manila, featuring a spectacular collection by Rhett Eala. Lifestyle Asia had a front-row seat to it all: from the backstage chaos to the dazzling runway show and the spirited after-party. We’ve captured every moment that made this year’s celebration remarkable, where style and compassion shared the spotlight.
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Backstage At The Red Charity Gala
Before the main festivities, Lifestyle Asia witnessed the orchestrated chaos backstage. As expected, the preparation leading up to the Rhett Eala show was hectic, yet there was something poetic about it. Watching models get their hair and makeup done, the styling team perfect each look, and the design crew make final adjustments to the runway revealed a kind of artistry in motion; a reminder that before the splendor of the runway comes the creative storm behind it.
In one of the few quiet moments, we had the chance to sit down with the show’s stylist, Noel Manapat. “I’ve known Rhett for quite a long time,” he shared. “And based on the works that he’s been very famous for, and even the contemporary work that he has done, I think his pervading DNA is that he makes women look beautiful, young, fresh, and expensive.” Noel added that these very principles guided him in styling this year’s collection.
The Auction For A Cause
The evening opened with the annual charity auction, held in the hotel’s lobby. In light of recent events in the Philippines, this year’s gala added another beneficiary: victims of the earthquake in Cebu. “We are all here for charity,” host Tessa Prieto reminded the audience before bidding began. The silent auction, which kicked off the festivities, featured high-value pieces such as an Omega Constellation 36mm timepiece, a Riqueza coral and emerald brooch set in 14-karat yellow gold, and a piece from Ivan Acuna’s Platinum Series.
The main auction followed, and it was a spectacle of generosity. Bidding grew especially intense for a pair of diamond earrings by DiaGold, which sold for an impressive PHP 750,000. Tessa Prieto then announced that the proceeds from all DiaGold lots would go directly to relief efforts in Cebu, making the moment even more poignant. Meanwhile, a major work by artist Jigger Cruz fetched the evening’s highest bid at PHP 1.5 million, capping off an extraordinary night of art, compassion, and giving.
The close of the auction served as a powerful reminder to every guest. Beyond the stunning gowns and glittering spectacle, the Red Charity Gala is dedicated to raising the critical funds needed to provide aid and lasting hope to those displaced and vulnerable.
Rhett Eala For The Red Charity Gala
After the auction, guests made their way to the Rigodon Ballroom for the evening’s highlight: Rhett Eala’s much-anticipated collection. A stunning set design by Gino Gonzalez greeted the audience—pillars lining the runway like chandeliers, aglow with flickering candles that seemed to dance in the light.
The collection started with black and white pieces. The first look featured a feathered skirt paired with a flowing cape, which set a dramatic tone for what was to come. Next came a series of dresses and menswear pieces accented with fringe, swaying gracefully as they moved down the runway. The show then transitioned to vibrant, fluid looks that celebrated color and movement.
In an exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia, Rhett Eala shared that his latest collection is an extension of himself, evoking memories of his first sketches, his debut show, and the recurring themes that have defined his signature style. Drawing from his design playbook with a renewed perspective, Rhett elevated his ethos to a new level, modernizing his aesthetic while remaining true to his identity. The collection marked a subtle departure from his usual work yet retained familiar elements, particularly his signature floral motifs, signaling a new era for the designer.
Photos by Kim Santos of KLIQ, Inc., Kim Montes, and The Red Charity Gala
