And The Award Goes To...

For the past 17 years, Philippine Tatler has honoured Philippine high society’s best and brightest at its annual ball. For 2018, the magazine recognises the beauty, talent, tenacity, and brilliance of a new roster of awardees, writes Marga Manlapig

- Marga Manlapig

Since it was first held in 2011, the Philippine Tatler Ball has become one of the most anticipated events of the country’s social calendar. It is an evening of glamour and elegance, one attended by high society’s finest, from grand dames and captains of industry, to young belles and up-and-coming leaders.

But the Ball is more than just a night of feasting and celebration. Over the years, it has become an institution that raises awareness and funding for worthy causes. It has also become a venue where those who have risen to become stalwarts in their chosen fields are recognised for their achievements.

This year’s illustrious roster includes two gentlemen who have revolutionised the global jewellery industry with their commitment to sustainability and masterful craftsmanship; a designer whose work has graced catwalks both here and abroad; a lady who has risen from beauty queen to an advocate for peace and creativity; a stylish woman who brings grace and compassion everywhere she goes; and a couple who, while known for their work in retail, are also admired for their work ethic and philanthropic zeal.

Diamond Awardee

Jacques Branellec & Manuel Cojuangco Four decades since they teamed up, Jewelmer—the company co-founded by French pearl farmer Jacques Branellec and Filipino entrepreneur Manuel Cojuangco—has become synonymous with exquisite jewellery made with the most lustrous cultured pearls in the world: golden South Sea pearls. But beyond the luxe factor that their brand exudes, Branellec and Cojuangco’s joint vision of sustainability paired with great craftsmanship has truly become a reality as it has served to raise awareness about the health of the environment, and has also been instrumental in safeguarding the lives and livelihood of the communities they work with.