Very much like gala nights at the Met, in Fifth Avenue, NY, ladies in red carpet gowns elegantly walked up the steps of the massively pillared National Museum,  held five nights ago.  This was Town & Country and Preview’s retrospective exhibit and coffee table book launch of Salvacion Lim Higgin’s haute couture collection, 1947-1990.  Monique Villonco, editor in chief of T&C and Pauline Suaco-Juan, editor in chief of Preview looked chic in stand-out style gowns.

Salvacion Lim-Higgins of the famed Slim’s Fashion & Arts School was a fashion giant with cutting- edge style.  She had produced such formidable names as Joe Salazar, Pepito Albert, Cesar Gaupo and Lulu Tan Gan. She lived in an era  where glamour had the likes of Chona Kasten and Conching Sunico. The Slim’s event was presented with support from Citibank, Nokia, The Peninsula Manila and Titania.

The Lady HB Potpourri

“The Week That Was”:  The Golden Anniversary celebration of Menchu and Ronnie Concepcion at their magnificent entertaining home at La Veranda, Antipolo.  To cap her speech, Menchu said: “I have one question, Ronnie: Will you live with me for the next 50 years?” Rousing laughter ensued.  It was attended by Manila Society’s glamazons, like Baby Fores, Judy Araneta Roxas, Josie Rufino…. Titania’s Tita Trillo celebrated her birthday at Red, Makati Shangri-La, with Jeff Cook of Kendall Jackson who flew into town for this wine-pairing dinner. Guests enjoyed the Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which was the same wine served at President Obama’s inaugural ball. Seated to my right was Johnny Litton talking to Lord Harry Nutall about his movie days and the time he met Sean Connery, Michael Caine et al... The Rustan’s launch of Bedat & Co. with its President, Frank Low, Anton Huang, Catherine Huang at The Establishment. Seen were Helen Ong, Robert Young, Rissa Mananquil with Paolo Trillo...  A night of merriment the other night at the celebrated Tatler Ball.  Now on its 8th year, the country’s premiere social event is a major source of fund-raising, with Irene Martel Francisco at the helm.

“The Week to Come”: Mandarin’s GM Mark Bradford had sent out invites to the lighting of the 20-Noble Fir Christmas tree and to launch “A Taste of Mandarin Oriental” Christmas cookbook….. The Christmas Concert Gala hosted by Ma .Cristina C. Zobel  and  Rev. Fr. Isidro Abano at the UST Chapel..... Afternoon tea concert of Bambi Harper at Intramuros….  And last but not least, the Louie and Mellie Ablaza Ball, where everyone is awaiting with bated breath, the fairy costume of Mellie Ablaza and where Jun Jun Ablaza’s mind-blowing fantasy will once again emblazon the NBC Tent, and which will be nothing short of fabulous!…...  Speaking of “fabulous”,  Rupert Jacinto photographed the one and only Tessa Valdes a few hours before the Tatler Ball, and shall likewise photograph Mellie Ablaza, a few hours before the Ablaza Ball, for Jacinto’s “Faaabulous” coffee table book, which will have society doyenne Imelda Cojuangco on the cover. Until then!