Elation over the successful staging of the 2016 Red Charity Gala was still running high when Kaye Tinga and Tessa Prieto Valdes began planning for the next annual fundraiser. Immediately after the fashion benefit, the two prime movers were already looking ahead to the next event the following year.
“We begin planning the day after,” Kaye laughs. “Seriously, almost as soon as the gala is over, we start selecting the following year’s designer. We meet in January, and the serious work begins by May, all the way to our October date.”
Style Mavens’ Choices
This is the ninth year that the indefatigable tandem are working together to mount one of the most well-attended charitable affairs. It is no mean feat to fill a ballroom with enthusiastic donors. “Each year, we try to top the previous one, and this year won’t be any different,” Kaye beams.
“As each designer has different design elements, the Red Charity Gala show is always unique,” Tessa continues. “We work extremely hard to make sure there are refreshing details added. Last year, our venue was new as we moved from Makati Shangri-La to the Shangri-La at The Fort. For this year, we are incorporating more digital elements to keep our brand current and fresh!”
“For the first time, we are presenting men’s fashion,” Kaye says. “Our featured designer, Joey Samson, is well known for his work for both men and women, and it seemed only appropriate that he shows both. He is one of the most talented and most creative fashion minds in the industry today. His work is comparable to any in the world, and we felt that this is his time, and we can provide him with the stage for the country to see what Filipino fashion is today.”
The roster of previously featured designers are highly respected names in the industry. Style mavens that they are, Kaye and Tessa’s choices have been stellar. “We feature the talent of one Filipino fashion designer every year starting with Dennis Lustico, Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago, Ezra Santos, Jojie Lloren, Lesley Mobo, Chito Vijandre, and this year, Joey Samson,” Tessa says.
“We select a designer for different reasons, but the one commonality is they have to be at the top of their game, and should be among the best in the industry,” Kaye adds. “There are truly many good and upcoming designers, but we choose the one that new designers can look up to and aspire to be.”
Giving is Fun
The synergy between Kaye and Tessa is a winning formula. “It’s teamwork,” Kaye enthuses. “We have the same goals, and it’s always give and take. Every meeting is always fun and eventful. It’s true that if you love what you’re doing, you never have to work a day in your life. And that’s how I feel about our collaboration.” That spirit is channelled into the big event itself and consequently defines the atmosphere. One of Manila’s most anticipated events is a fun evening where finely dressed benefactors have a good time.
“Kaye and I compliment each other’s character, thus creating a different gala show every year,” Tessa chimes. “Her elegant and classy touch added to my whimsical and free spirit makes the Red Charity Gala an affair to always remember. All details are discussed thoroughly from the menu, the lighting, the table setting, the color palette, the cocktails, to the main program. We give our director, Ariel Lozada a free hand for the actual fashion show, so there is an element of surprise for all.
The tandem are quick to acknowledge the team of volunteers, whose concerted efforts stage a successful show year after year. “I’m very fortunate to work with a team I love, and truly enjoy working with,” Kaye says. “Each year, we approach the event with renewed enthusiasm, constantly thinking of ways to make it more exciting for our audience, give more value to our sponsors, make it a career milestone for our featured designer. Most importantly, we raise funds for our beneficiaries.” Besides the Red Cross, they also give to Assumption HS 81 Foundation.
“Assumption HS 81 Foundation has built numerous homes in Mercedes, Samar together with the AAA and Assumption Mission Schools,” Tessa says. “We have donated pre-schools in Taguig, and last year, a library in Samar as well. Smaller projects like feeding programs, medical missions, deep-well project, relief goods donations and schoolbooks in public libraries. This year, we aim to build a multi-purpose hall in an elementary school in Maligcong, Mountain Province.”
While fashion is a means to generating resources for the charitable works, it is also an advocacy. Kaye says, “Aside from raising funds and awareness for our beneficiaries, it is always our goal to promote Philippine fashion by providing a venue for designers to showcase their finest work in the arguably biggest annual fashion event in the country.”
Behind the Scenes
Tessa and Kaye are grateful for the continued support through the years. They mention names who have worked as tirelessly with them. “Our production team is headed by Director Ariel Lozada,” Kaye begins to enumerate. “Ed Fuentes is our PR and a true partner and friend in our efforts. Robert Blancaflor is our super talented and generous event stylist. Our generous table buyers have supported us through the years, including our sponsors especially Ben Chan.
“Bench has been our biggest sponsor for the past several years, and Ben Chan is one of our most important advisers for the event. We count on his wisdom and knowledge of the industry for direction in each year’s show, and his contribution is invaluable to the success of the event.”
“We are also supported by Volvo, Sun Life Financial, Mega World, Globe Platinum and many more who have been with us from the start,” Tessa continues. “We are also so excited with our auction items from Jewelmer, Viking Range, Lucerne, Philippine Airlines, Emperor Group and Remy Martin, and the Botanist Gin. For media and digital sponsors, we have Lifestyle Asia, Inquirer Red, PDI, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin. People can check our website <redcharitygala.com> for more details. We would love for the website to be utilized for any PR, sponsor, adverts and even posts for our social media in Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.”
Kaye mentions how the media have been fully supportive of their efforts. “We had special Lifestyle Asia covers just for RCG,” Tessa enthuses. “We were the cover girls wearing Jojie LLoren three years ago!
“But the gala’s main success is due to the guests who support us,” Tessa emphasizes. “They are the ones who make the Red Charity Gala’s goal of raising funds a success with their generosity and kindness especially at the annual lively auction that Tim Yap and I conduct.
“We have been able to create Red Charity Gala into a respectable brand that brings an evening of sumptuous food, enjoyable entertainment, lively fun auction and beautiful people all together for the benefit of others.”
Anticipation is high as the day draws nearer to what promises to be another rousing occasion. Given the track record, it will be nothing less than spectacular.
The Red Charity Gala will be held on October 14, 2017 at the Shangri-La at The Fort.
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