MANILA, Philippines - My mid-forty life officially began yesterday. That’s the sort of event that warrants a full-length visit to the mirror in all my naked glory. Is it time to submit to Dr. Vicki Belo’s wonder services? Are these curves still defying gravity?

Thank goodness the answers lie in Maidenform’s Flexees Shapewear line, my newly discovered secret. Maidenform has redefined controlwear by blending comfort with maximum impact. Not only are Flexees effective shapers, the line gives ease of movement while eliminating bulges to provide the silhouette desired.

My personal fave is the Maidenform Thigh Slimmer, which flabbergastingly fights flab to forge a functional form, and flatter the feminine figure. In short, good-bye, saddlebags and “puson”!

Made from ultra-light, high-grade materials, the controlwear line offers seamless, bulk-less contours, making clothes fall better. For specific areas, try the Maidenform High Leg brief, the Camisole and the Waistnipper, all of which results in inches miraculously lost. Things have come a long way from the Maidenform bra of old.

Rajo’s gala

I discovered Flexees when I received my loot bag from the Rajo Red Gala Dinner Fashion Show at the Makati Shang on Sept. 9.

Instead of lugging around heavy giveaways after the show, producer Venisse Laurel-Hermano thought of delivering them to the Rajo Red ladies the week before the show, thanks to the services of Air 21.

Maidenform’s partnership with designer Rajo Laurel officially bears fruit at the Gala. Rajo has incorporated a few Maidenform pieces into some of his designs. These will surely be showstoppers.

Rajo Red is the culminating event of many fundraising activities over the past months that have been held for the Philippine National Red Cross Makati branch. Aside from the highly successful Pagcor-and PhilWeb-sponsored Texas Hold ‘em Charity Poker Tournament at the Metro Card Club, there was also Visions For Red, a one-night-only, Camera Club of the Philippines photo exhibit held at the Trion Towers Showroom at the Fort.

The Visions For Red Photo Exhibit featured very low-key, private personalities, mostly cornered or harassed by me, to have their photographs taken by the expert members of the Camera Club of the Philippines (www.cameraclub.ph). More than half of them offered to just make a donation rather than subject themselves to the camera’s lenses. But happily all braved the family and solo photo sessions for the good of the Red Cross.

Red, black and white

In celebration of the Camera Club’s 80th anniversary, Visions For Red showcased the talents of these master lensmen, as they interpreted various femmes, all in black and white with a red element thrown in. Canon Philippines generously sponsored the developing and printing of the awesome photographs.

It all started with a phone call to Camera Club’s former president, Leo Riingen. Leo is a wellspring of ideas. After current club president Raoul Littaua gave the go-signal, the first Camera Club team flew to Tacloban City, where we photographed our first set of ladies, including former first lady, Imelda Marcos and daughter-in-law Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Each photograph has a wonderful, behind-the-scenes story to tell. It was indeed a cast of thousands that included showbiz queens, the street kids of Tacloban, Ronald McDonald, a beautiful Siberian husky named Secret and a real-life princess, Princess Ira Furstenberg, who graced the event.

Friendship, the passion for photography and the love of philanthropy bonded all that participated in this awesome project. Making a small contribution to society has left a remarkable impact on us all. Club prez Raoul noted that it was fitting that the club partnered with the Red Cross, as club member Francis Magalona was diagnosed with a curable leukemia. Indeed, all our love, blood donations and prayers go to you, Francis! Be well!

Sponsors, supporters

Robinsons Land Corporation was our major sponsor. It hosted Visions For Red at the showroom of their newest tri-tower project at the Fort, the Trion Towers. The photos are gone, but the showroom is still a great visit, showcasing the well-appointed interiors and displaying the endless possibilities of the spacious units.

Volvo supported the project as well and had the all-new Volvo XC 70 on display at the entrance. Volvo president, Albert Arcilla, has been a generous friend throughout these years, so supportive of my charities including my Assumption HS ‘81 Foundation. Volvo VP for marketing, Lyn Buena, was one of the Visions ladies.

Aside from Robinsons Land, Canon and Volvo, the other sponsors were Globe Platinum and Sony Ericsson. Special thanks also go to HSBC, Mercedes Benz, El Nido Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Moet & Chandon, Belvedere Vodka, Coke Light, Nivea, Swatch and Urban Spa. Our media sponsors were Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star, surely a unique cooperative venture for both!

Among the highlights of the night were 40+ testosterone-pumped bouncers used as frame bearers. Each carried the gigantic frames of the solo photos with much ease and effort.

The Makati Red Cross was there in full force to receive the P1 million donation from all the fundraisers. Branch director Marivic Rufino was very grateful on behalf of the Red Cross’s newest branch. She said the funds would help the Red Cross deliver services, including disaster management, safety services, blood banking, community health, nursing, and social services.

Visions For Red will be exhibited for another week starting Sept. 9, at the side lobby of Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Top photographer Arnel Murillo and the project team, including Che Mambong and Brian Kitane, will work again with Canon for the processing and developing of the solos of these charitable ladies.

Visions For Red and Rajo Red are two great thoughts to keep in mind this milestone weekend. I’m in my mid-forties and everything is coming up red roses!

E-mail the author at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph