Who are you wearing to the Tatler ball tonight?

No need for reminders as all salons are fully booked, designers over-booked and people are oh-so-hooked to tonight’s most anticipated 7th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Tatler, this society’s glossy black book for living, leisure and luxe liaisons. But lest we forget the reason for the season, it is to celebrate the seven society shaking years that this magazine has been gleaming from the stands. I remember years back when people scoffed at the idea of having a publication dedicated to the lifestyles of the rich and richer. Seven years down the line, look who’s laughing now. Not that that’s how the well-mannered peeps at the Tatler behave — far from it. Two days before the actual event, I ask editor-in-chief Anton San Diego to recall his seven most memorable Tatler moments. Below are his musings on his muses.

1 . “First Daughters”  This was Philippine Tatler’s maiden issue.”Putting together four daughters of past and present Philippine presidents was quite a feat,”

according to editor-in-chief Anton San Diego, especially since it was a few months after President Joseph Estrada was ousted. Under such circumstances, San Diego was all praises for his daughter, Jackie Ejercito-Lopez, who showed grace under pressure and kept her word to be on the cover, along with Imee Marcos, Jo Ramos and Luli Arroyo.

2 . “Men in Black” This first anniversary issue featured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her then Cabinet members — Secretary Alberto Romulo, Secretary Angelo Reyes, SecretaryLito Camacho and Secretary Mar Roxas and placed the magazine on the map, so to speak. So controversial was the cover that it received coverage from CNN, BBC and local and international newspapers and magazines. Even today Philippine Tatler is remembered for this cover.

3. TATLER Features What makes Philippine Tatler different is its strong local as well as regional content. Asia Tatler can be found in 10 countries (Hong Kong,

Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Beijing, Shanghai, Korea, Thailand, Macau and Taiwan and the Philippines). The stories that are culled and shared amongst these magazines give Philippine Tatler a definite edge over other lifestyle and society magazines.

4. International Personalities Philippine Tatler manages to feature Philippine personalities who have made a name in the international circuit and have

done the country proud — Monique Lhuillier (August 2006, Los Angeles); Isabel Preysler (September 2007, Madrid) and Loida Lewis (New York); Josie Natori  (October 2007, New York); and Rose Anne de Pampelonne (October 2008, Paris). In the same breath, Philippine Tatler’s April 2008 cover (photographed by Nigel Barker) likewise landed on the pages of Newsweek Magazine.

5 . The Lists  In local magazine history, and yes, in the regional Tatler history as well,  the Philippine Tatler was the first to introduce The Lists. Much awaited are the controversial and tongue-wagging lists like The Most Eligible, Must Stylish, Power Issue, Top Hostess and the Most Invited List. They never fail to elicit a common reaction year after year: “How come I am not on the list!?”

6 . The Philippine Tatler Balls The first Philippine Tatler Ball in 2002 set a new tone in the parties and gala events of Philippine society. First, because it was strictly invitational; second, because of the awards given out to distinguished individuals in the country; and third, for raising funds for its chosen charity. Six years down road, the guest list has increased from 375 to 500, with an invitation to the ball still a “prime commodity.”

7 . Charity Issue Philippine Tatler introduced its Charity Issue in 2005 with Imelda Cojuangco on the cover. The next year it was John Jr. and Lance Gokongwei and this year, Manny V. Pangilinan. This charity issue has evolved now to include the “Green Issue,” aimed at helping halt the devastating effects of global warming, highlight the numerous environmental organizations in the country and feature ways everyone can do to help. Charity begins at home, so they say, and the Philippine Tatler has, through its events (including the Tatler Ball) and friends, donated a substantial amount to many organizations including Gawad Kalinga, Operation Smile, Bantay Bata, Makabata Foundation and Pink for Life. The spirit of philanthropy is something that the Philippine Tatler has been known for here and the region, its legacy side by side with giving its readers the best in society and lifestyle reads.         — Tim Yap