Manila's Best Dressed mounts 29th Anniversary Gala

The 29th Anniversary Awards and Fashion Gala of Manila's Best Dressed was a resounding success, driven by the visionary leadership of Board Chairman Steve Young and President Jorge Hizon. Their strategic guidance and steadfast dedication to excellence enabled Best Dressed International Corp., which acquired the trademark from founder Oscar Marin, to continue its legacy of honoring fashion icons. This year, the prestigious event, held at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel, recognized 24 women and four men for their exceptional contributions to fashion, style, and influence.

The evening's highlight came as the lights dimmed and the runway transformed into a showcase of icons — 17 past awardees from Manila's Best Dressed since 1996. These distinguished women, three of whom were accompanied by handsome escorts, elegantly walked the stage in breathtaking creations by renowned Filipino designers. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues of Manila Bay's sunset, the collection beautifully captured the essence of the city with fabrics that flowed gracefully and exuded sophistication.

The second segment of the show was a powerful tribute to Filipino heritage, featuring 24 female awardees, four male awardees, and eight distinguished gentlemen, all gracing the runway in a stunning fusion of traditional and modern Filipino attire. The women wore exquisite Filipiniana gowns — masterpieces of intricate embroidery and sparkling sequins — reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of Filipino designers, while the men proudly showcased Barong Tagalog, a symbol of elegance and cultural pride. This segment beautifully highlighted the diversity and refinement of Filipino heritage, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary style. It was a breathtaking celebration of the timeless beauty and pride of Filipino culture, where past and present walked together in perfect harmony.

The runway show concluded with a spectacular finale celebrating Filipino heritage, featuring awardees in gowns inspired by the colors of the Philippine flag — symbolizing strength, unity, hope, and purity. The gentlemen showcased a mix of classic tuxedos, performer-inspired suits, and smart casual attire, each reflecting individual style and elegance, earning a standing ovation. Special thanks to fashion show director Raymond Villanueva for orchestrating such a stunning presentation.

An interesting highlight of the evening was the impressive musical performances that complemented each segment of the fashion show under the direction of James Doak from St. Scholastica's College of Music. Singers Darius Razon, Jonathan Badon, Laverne Arceo, Cynthia Garcia, and the Battig Choir added depth to the show with renditions of Broadway hits, modern favorites, and OPM classics.

The event was hosted by Raymond Gorospe and Queen Semana. Special awards were presented to Hi Society, Cory Navarro, Paul Crewe, and lawyer Dominador Buhain for their outstanding contributions.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Kythe Foundation, supporting children with chronic illnesses, and provided scholarships for underprivileged students at St. Scholastica's College Manila School of Music, underscoring the event's commitment to both fashion and social causes.