FOOD fight! Actually, it was more like a sumptuous five-course meal followed by a riveting series of URCC fights. This is what guests who attended Rogue magazine’s Black Tie Brawl last Oct. 18 experienced at the Ballroom at the Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila. While there was the usual schmoozing and pageantry, the unlikely series of events—from a funky rendition of the Philippine National Anthem (by former Kulay vocalist Radha Tinsay), to the blood-smeared ring smack in the middle of the ballroom—made it clear to the smartly-dressed spectators that this was no ordinary ball. It was nostalgic, calling to mind grand images of yesteryear wherein dashing gents walked arm in arm with lon-gowned ladies into majestic ballrooms to watch big fights—very Old Hollywood, very vintage Vegas. While most formal galas are easily interpreted as stodgy and stuffy, the Black Tie Brawl was a reminder that even when people are dressed to the nines and acting on their best behavior, sometimes, what makes an evening memorable is a good ol’ raucous.

L.A. Consing Lopez