LAST Oct. 8, 2024, ambassadors and their spouses set aside more serious diplomatic work to spend an evening combining fashion with fundraising for a good cause. The “Diplomats for a Cause” Charity Gala, led by the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM), featured a fashion show and a silent auction of artwork. The diplomats, as well as heads of international institutions accredited to the Philippines, proudly put on barong, formal wear, and locally made accessories from Kultura and SM Fashion, as the SM group has been a long-time partner in SHOM events and activities.
SHOM has also worked for marginalized sectors across the diplomats’ host country, the Philippines, and the event, held at the Manila Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel, was no different. The gala event, and the accompanying silent auction of artworks by other members of SHOM, was for the benefit of vulnerable women, children, and people with disabilities from all over the Philippines.
Indri P. Akyol, SHOM chair and wife of Turkiye Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol, says she thoroughly enjoyed putting the affair together. Dressed in an updated kimona top and matching overskirt in bold prints, Akyol referred to the event as “our way to give back.”
The lady diplomats evidently enjoyed putting on the clothes. Singapore Ambassador Constance See rocked a kimono, complete with tapis and long skirt, and praised “Filipino creativity and fashion.” Hungary Ambassador Titanilla Toth put on a show-stopping patadyong coat over a matching dress, and Roswitha Brieger, wife of Austria Ambassador Johann Brieger, wore the terno’s butterfly sleeves with aplomb. The men had their moments, as well: Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown wore an intricate black-and-white barong, Argentina Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro put on a barong jacket, and Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo wore a gold and black cut-out lace barong. “Anything for charity is a good thing,” retorted Ambassador Widjojo when asked if he minded being a model for an evening.
SHOM is an organization of spouses of foreign Ambassadors accredited in the Philippines, and has focused on the betterment of vulnerable children, women, and people with disabilities as a favorite advocacy. Their annual events include the Charity Gala and the popular International Bazaar, where members bring in rare and curated goods from their respective countries.
“Any effort for charity is a good thing, from a social perspective, religious perspective, economic perspective,” he added. “It’s good that you could blend entertainment with a cause and contribute something to those less fortunate than us in the Philippines. I think that is the most important part, which makes us the happiest that we took part in this event.”
