The ribbon cutting with Nini Quezon Avancena doing the honors, with Intramuros Administrator Anna Maria ‘Bambi’ Harper, curator Yael Buencamino, Mita Rufino and Chichi Salas.

There are always ways of exhibiting First Ladies’ gowns, but a rather enthralling one was the installation of “Many Splendored Ladies”, which was held recently at the Almacenas Reales in Fort Santiago.

Arriving at the historic ‘Royal Warehouse’ at 6p.m., my husband Rupert and I said hello to friends and acquaintances alike, among them, Intramuros Administrator Anna Maria ‘Bambi’ Harper, Nini Quezon Avancena, daughter of President Manuel Quezon and Aurora Quezon. We chatted with Tita Rosie Osmena Valencia, looking comely and spirited, who came with lovely daughter, Marissa del Rosario.

Presented as part of the celebration of Filipino Heritage Festival month, both exhibit and venue complemented each other perfectly, giving the viewer the feel of art, culture, and history within ones’ midst. The towering fortress of the Spanish Empire provided a stunning backdrop to the elegant ternos of the ‘First Ladies’, among them:  Loi Ejercito Estrada, Leonila Garcia, Eva Macaraig - Macapagal, Luz Banzon - Magsaysay, Imelda Romualdez - Marcos,  and Trinidad de Leon - Roxas.

Yael Avancena Buencamino curated the show, and the leading couturiers represented included: Ramon Valera, Joe Salazar, Ben Farrales, Aureo Alonzo, Salvacion Lim (Slim’s), and Rosario Valle (Rose Vale).

A hearty buffet was set up beneath a canopy tent situated at the well-manicured gardens. We soaked in the ambience, leisurely enjoying the wine and dinner in the cool evening breeze, amidst the fabulous setting of the ruins.

The exhibit was presented on a limited run in Intramuros, and has since been moved to the 2nd floor ‘Gallerie’ of Rustan’s, Makati, where it is ongoing until  May 31.