Held every second Saturday in September, the Black Tie and Tiara Ball is a day when Filipina Fashionistas start visiting their favourite boutiques, weeks before, in search for that exclusive, most elegant gown. Everyone is excited to be part of the Belle of the Ball competition. This gala event held last 10 September was a celebration en masse of members of the Filipino community who have a special event in September. It saves the celebrant holding a party of their own “in style”.
The event was a “sold out” night. Ladies in their glittering best had their tiaras on and came in Red Carpet Fashion in delicious colours of the season.
Willy Reyes was excellent as Emcee of the night. The trio band was Tuscan Blue by Mike Seager, who is married to a Filipina, Diane Seager.
The event organiser is Norma San Diego-Santos of NSGLOBAL and her events partner is Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers. Frank Sabelberg and Imelda Mclean, Filipina lawyer, are well-known to the Filipino community. Jimmy Morcos, Senior Lawyer partner of the firm, announced a BIG NEWS to the guests that Filipinos who are financially disadvantaged and have a problem with immigration can now seek assistance and advice from the lawyers under the “Immigration and Application Assistance Scheme.” The Government will fund the applicant’s fees to the lawyers.
Part of the proceeds on the night goes to Miss Angelique Petrac, the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Beauty and Charity Quest candidate, who is raising funds to build the Philippine Community Hall in Laverton. Angelique rendered a beautiful solo.
The winner of the Belle of the Ball 2011 was Denise Ghaly, an Egyptian guest. The judges panel is headed by Paul Paredes, Filipino, who apprenticed with Richard Tyler in Los Angeles. Richard Tyler is a successful Australian designer for the Stars in Hollywood.
Francis and German Solier one of the “early settlers” of the Filipino community in Victoria celebrated their 50th Golden Wedding anniversary at this event.
The birthday celebrants of the Black Tie & Tiara Ball grow each year. This year, the event had Marielou Barnard, Merza Conley, Liz Honey, Lulu San Jose, Erlinda Williams, Julie
Biolowlecki, Hansel Babol, Susan Solier, Fernando Santos, German Solier, Jag San Jose and Willy Reyes.
The highlight of the evening was a Las Vegas style dance routine from Danceworld. Tall, slim beautiful dancers in gold and red corsets wowed the crowd. Then came the beating drums to have an East meets West evening. Again from Danceworld, the guests were treated to an exhilarating “Bollywood” in Melbourne.
