As it does every year in Manila, the Tatler Ball ended 2024’s ball season with a bang. 

More than Halloween, this belle of balls, held every year in November by Tatler Philippines, headed by Irene Martel Francisco, managing director, and Anton San Diego, editor in chief, signals the beginning of holiday merrymaking. Until then, the invitees to the ball, this year numbering no more than 300 of the country’s most influential, would go slow on attending dinner parties for fear of not fitting into the gowns or tuxes usually custommade for the occasion or for fear of looking tired, puffy-eyed, and bloated on the night of the ball.

That being said, the Tatler Ball doesn’t stop at appearances. It is a major fundraiser, partnering with a different charity organization every year. Since 2002, it has raised millions for foundations like Makabata, Gawad Kalinga, Child Protection Network, Philippine National Red Cross, Children’s Hour, Gawad Kalinga, MoveEd, Project Inclusion Network, U-Go, Habitat for Humanity, and WWF.

Tatler Philippines’ 23rd ball was no different, mounted at the grand ballroom of the Shangri-La The Fort for the benefit of ConnectEd, Tech for All by Her Legacy Project, helmed by Tootsy Angara and Karen Davila, whose noble vision is to equip the next generation with the tools they need, particularly through technology, to transform their lives, to chase their dreams, and, ultimately, to make a better future for themselves and pay it forward for the generation that follows.

As of writing, ₱21,326,400 has been raised, almost double the target of ₱12 million, but donations are still pouring in, intended to fund the purchase of 250 high-quality laptops and everything it takes, including skills training and internet connection, for each laptop to be optimally useful for last mile schools or schools located in the most inaccessible, most disadvantaged regions across the Philippines. 

The annual Tatler Ball also gives due recognition to individuals who have made the most positive contribution to society. The Impact Awards this year were given to scientist Dr. Erika Fille Legara for science and technology, social entrepreneur Cherrie Atilano for humanity, GCash CEO Martha Sazon for business, and Olympic gold-winning gymnast Carlos Yulo for culture.

Indeed, the Tatler Ball’s most important guest this year, as always, was generosity, the fairest of them all, dressed to the nines with pockets and purses deep enough for fat wallets, thick checkbooks, and big, big hearts.