MANILA, Philippines - October is probably the busiest social month. Ballet Philippines? ?New Beginnings? gala held last week at Cultural Center of the Philippines was one of the standout events.

About 900 guests from different spectrums of society celebrated Ballet Philippines 39th season. Women came in Filipiniana and evening gowns, the men in tuxedos and barong. On a rare night-out was society?s patroness of the arts, Imelda Cojuangco. Through her support, Ballet Philippines was able to acquire the rights to Alvin Ailey?s famous dance piece, ?Night Creature,? which premiered that night.

The CCP lobby was beautifully decorated by Margarita Fores? Fiori di M. She also displayed Arturo Luz sculptures to create a modern and striking effect.

Women in Filipiniana was a sight to behold. Not only does it hark back to the days of yore, it also speaks of our culture. The modernization of the terno is incredible?from classic to avant-garde.

Some of the ladies who looked simply smashing: Lizzie Zobel in black lace terno; Sharm Hiranand, deep violet terno; Karen Santos, turquoise colored terno; Kit Zobel, sexy and elegant terno; Gina Roxas, pink with black lace terno; and Mia Borromeo, differently sleeved with sweeping train.

Other notables were Lizette Cojuangco, Anne Marie Saguil and Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish.

Indefatigable chair

Spearheading this great event was the indefatigable chair Sofia Elizalde who worked very hard for this affair. The art scene in the Philippines has seen better days, but with the continued support of people like Sofia, it?s turning exciting.

There must be a clamor for events such as this. Sofia had help from Margarita Delgado, Vicky Zubiri, Mia Borromeo, Ina Ayala, Marit Yuchengco and Lizette Cojuangco who helped sell tickets.

It was my first time to be on a box seat and the view was absolutely incredible.

The night started with a speech by Ballet Philippines president, Ma-an Hontiveros; messages from the chair, Ballet Philippines alumnae and former Alvin Ailey principal dancer Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish and BP?s artistic directors Alan Hineline and Max Luna III.

There were two 20-minute intermissions and being able to come out of the box to an awaiting glass of champagne and canapés was wonderful.

The Sofitel Philippine Plaza did an impeccable job serving the guests. An ante-room on the second floor had a bar, private lounge and comfort room, built in the days of then first lady Imelda Marcos.

It was elegantly decorated with flowers, scented candles and L?occitane products.

It was actually nice to see people?s different reactions after each performance. Some thought about the music pieces; most marveled at ?Night Creatures? while the others at the all-male piece of ?Mga Awit.?

YPO dinner

After the gala, the Young President?s Organization (YPO) hosted dinner at the foyer of the box, catered by Kai restaurant.

An after-party was given for Ballet Philippines, and those behind the gala?s success. We were all driven in BMW 7-series from the CCP to Sofitel, where at Le Bar a sumptuous dinner spread was laid out.

Sofitel?s general manager Bernd Schneider and director of communications Rose Libongco welcomed the guests.

Behind ?New Beginnings? were Ayala Land Premiere, Olay, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Liwayway Marketing Corp., BMW, Globe Telecom, Cathay Pacific and Fiori di M. Co-presentor was the Philippine Tatler.