Karilagan pays tribute to Tita Conching

What do Techie Ysmael, Dayang-Dayang, Ping Valencia, Conchitina Sevilla, Margie Moran, Frannie Aguinaldo, Emily Relucio, Melanie Marquez, Via Marquez and Ana Tuason have in common? They are former Karilagan International models trained by the late Conching Sunico, the Grand Dame of Manila’s 400.

Tita Conching founded Karilagan International to promote Philippine fashion both here and abroad. She trained girls on social graces and etiquette. She also made sure the girls would have a well-rounded personality.

The country’s brightest names in fashion took part in Karilagan productions usually held at the Top of the Manila Hilton and Hilton hotels around the world.

I had the privilege of having been “discovered” and “raised” by the formidable Tita Conching. She trained me. What I am today, I largely attribute to her generosity, kindness and sense of adventure.

Tita Conching was a woman well ahead of her time. She had beauty, brains, wealth and a lot of guts. She was crowned Carnival Queen in 1938. She was the country’s first tourism commissioner under the administration of President Diosdado Macapagal. She was an important fashion and theater impresario, civic leader, and Manila’s top society hostess. Invitations to her fabulous parties were much sought after among Manila’s 400.

The ultimate fund-raiser, she organized concerts to keep the Manila Symphony Orchestra afloat. During the Japanese occupation, she produced shows with a group of friends using the proceeds to run a hospital for the sick and wounded and to help the guerilla movement. At the time of her death, she was the head of the restored Manila Metropolitan Theater where she came up with mega-productions that remain unsurpassed to this day.

In honor of her memory as Karilagan International founder and executive director, a grand reunion of former Karilagan International models, fashion designers, artists, production and office staff, sponsors, and friends will be held on Jan. 29. Among the highlights of the cocktail-dinner affair is a fashion parade to be participated in by 45 former Karilagan top mannequins and beauty queens. Flying in to Manila to take part in the reunion are former beauty queens Eva Reyes and Yogi Dominguez, top models Techie Ysmael, Dayang-Dayang, Baby Santiago, Anda Carmona, Cynthia Cruz, Marilyn Vinluan, Via Marquez, Nilda Fortaleza, Ana Tuason, Louanna Delfino, Noa Noa and Tess Galang to name a few.

Other Karilagan models who have confirmed their presence are Ping Valencia, Conchitina Sevilla, Trina Yujuico, Margie Moran, Frannie Aguinaldo, Jennifer Peña, Maritess Alava, Baboo Mondoñedo, Erlynn Bernardez, Emily Relucio, Merlita Antonio, Betchay Santos, Melanie Marquez, Carmina Gutierrez, Suzie Moya, Tisha Dominguez, Carol Caballero and Marian Dominguez, among others. Aureo Alonzo, Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno, and Christian Espiritu are among the Karilagan fashion designers attending the affair. Theater luminaries and former Karilagan artists Chinggoy Alonso, Leo Valdes and Cocoy Laurel have likewise confirmed their attendance.

I am sure my dearest friends Pinky Sabinosa Nelson, Monette Garcia Co, Mennen Eddun, some of Tita Conching’s prettiest “troublemakers” will be there. Bravo, Karilagan! Bravo, Tita Conching!

Former Karilagan International models, designers, artists, and sponsors who would like to attend may call Angie de la Cruz at 896-2996 or 0918-3867925.

Dawn returns to musical theater

Dawn Zulueta will play the iconic role of Desiree Armfeldt in Atlantis Productions’ staging of Stephen Sondheim’s classic A Little Night Music, which won six Tony Awards including Best Musical.

A Little Night Music is suggested by Ingmar Bergman’s film Smiles Of A Summer Night, and is now enjoying its first Broadway revival starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury.  It was also made into a film starring Elizabeth Taylor.  Sondheim’s peerless musical comedy recounts the romantic complications that befall mismatched lovers as they spend a delirious weekend at a country estate.  Warm, wise and wonderfully funny, A Little Night Music’s hauntingly beautiful score includes the classic Send In The Clowns.

Dawn returns to the musical theater stage after 12 years.  She was last seen as Elsa Montes in the musical Larawan.  She, once again, garnered critical praise for her recent appearance in Maalaala Mo Kaya in an episode titled Tsinelas, about the importance of family.

Bobby Garcia, who will be directing A Little Night Music, says, “We are thrilled to have an actress of Dawn Zulueta’s caliber, class and grace lead the cast of  A Little Night Music.  I am certain she will create an unforgettable Desiree Armfeldt!”

A Little Night Music is also Atlantis Productions’ celebration of Sondheim’s 80th birthday in 2010.  It opens in October at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Shows are now available for show buying and fund-raising opportunities. 

For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.