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Twenty Hours Before Show Time

26th of August 2012, twenty hours before my gala show celebrating twenty-five years of my fashion career, I check in at the Marriot Hotel Manila. Metro Society, the show's producer made sure I was pampered and well rested before the big day. I was given a big suite, comfortable enough for a party of twelve people.
Raul Manzano, the glossy magazine's editor-in-chief had magazines, pencils and sketchpads from Muji, chocolates and Belvedere Vodka laid out for me. It was really sweet of him and his team. Abby de los Santos and Bebeth Timbol made sure I was worry free. Thrilled with the expanse of my suite, I called my mother to join me and together with my two nieces, they kept me company for the night.
It had been raining for weeks, I was restless and kept making mental notes of things I might have overlooked. I slept short of three hours, good enough I thought. I got out of bed and drew out the curtains, the sun was shining, a beautiful sign of good things to come.

Magazines were laid out on the glass desk for my reading pleasure.

Very Lagerfeld, a black fan from Monchet Y Compania.

A very touching note from Raul Manzano and the Metro Society team.

My suite was big enough to comfortably host a party for twelve people!


King Size!

Welcome drink and fruits.

Pampering products sent by my dear friend Biboy Arboleda.

Personalized chocolates from Machiavelli Chocolatier.

This brought me to tears, flowers from the President!

Thoughtful as well, flowers from former President Arroyo and Atty. Mike.

Fragrant bouquet from my dear friend Kris who made me a household name!

A cute 'bouquet' of colored pencils from the Yabuts!

Good morning Marriot!

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