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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Stars, beauty queens to topbill HIYAS Charity Gala at Manila Hotel

Stars, beauty queens to topbill HIYAS Charity Gala at Manila Hotel

Published Mar 9, 2026 11:46 am
Beauty queens, celebrities, models, and members of the diplomatic community will topbill the HIYAS Charity Gala, a star-studded fashion and entertainment event set to transform the historic Manila Hotel into a grand runway stage on April 16.
Designers, organizers, and guests gather for a group photo during the media launch of the HIYAS Charity Gala at the Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion on April 16.
Designers, organizers, and guests gather for a group photo during the media launch of the HIYAS Charity Gala at the Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion on April 16.
The highly anticipated gala will take place at the Fiesta Pavilion of Manila Hotel, where organizers promise one of the most ambitious live productions mounted this year. More than being a runway spectacle, the event aims to celebrate ASEAN unity while supporting Filipino artists and scholars.
Unveiled during a media launch at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico in San Juan City, the event carries the theme “ASEAN Excellence, Filipino Heart.” The word “Hiyas,” which means gem or jewel, symbolizes the brilliant talents of the Philippine fashion industry who are lending their artistry for a charitable cause.
Show director Raymond Villanueva said the production will transform the Manila Hotel venue into an immersive experience for the audience.
“For the show, we’d like everybody to please be early because if you miss a second, you miss everything,” the director said. “This is going to be the very first time Manila Hotel will be transformed. Everybody has been going to the Fiesta Pavilion, but this time, you will be transported. I think that would be the word to describe this show. Transported to a galaxy far, far away. Like a Star Wars movie.”
Villanueva added that the production will blend fashion with music and performance, creating an event that goes beyond the traditional runway show.
Showbiz Best Dressed Cecille Bravo will be one of the muses of the show, wearing pieces from the collection of her good friend Raymund Saul (right)
Showbiz Best Dressed Cecille Bravo will be one of the muses of the show, wearing pieces from the collection of her good friend Raymund Saul (right)
Among the featured designers lending their talents to the charity gala are Frankie De Leon, known for his structured elegance; Raymund Saul, recognized for his modern flair; Manny Halasan, celebrated for intricate detailing and metalwork; Olé Morabe, whose designs reflect culture and artistry; and Ronaldo Arnaldo, a veteran designer known for timeless silhouettes.
Designers will present their collections through a combination of professional models and muses, with personalities from entertainment and the diplomatic community also expected to participate.
Award-winning entrepreneur Cecille Bravo will be one of the muses in her capacity as one of the benefactors of the show. She said she is excited to wear pieces from her good friend Raymund Saul's collection.
Organizers are likewise inviting beauty queens from the 1960s to the present, bringing together generations of pageant royalty in what promises to be a nostalgic and glamorous highlight of the evening.
Director Raymond Villanueva said the Fiesta Pavilion will undergo a
Director Raymond Villanueva said the Fiesta Pavilion will undergo a "complete transformation" for the show. (Photo by Joy Arguil)
Producer Sherwin Sozon announced that the gala carries a bold commitment: 100 percent of the proceeds will support the next generation of Filipino artists, particularly scholars under PARCaralan and LyrOPERA.
“Every ticket directly benefits the next generation of PARCaralan and LyrOPERA scholars,” Sozon said. “Your support helps our local artists soar and represent the Philippines on the global stage.”
The event is also envisioned as a celebration of ASEAN’s cultural diversity, with designers and participants representing nations across the region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
Beyond the fashion showcase, the HIYAS Charity Gala is positioned as a platform for cultural unity and artistic empowerment, aligning with ASEAN’s founding vision of regional cooperation through shared heritage and creativity.
Organizers hope the gala will shine a spotlight not only on Filipino design talent but also on the importance of supporting the next generation of artists, with the iconic Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion as the fitting backdrop.
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