It was not by design that Auggie Cordero, a Filipino master designer from the 70s and beyond, ended up with a nimbus of eternal friends who regarded him as "family".

Such were the loving words shared during an intimate and meaningful memorial held on 13 December 2022, over a month after he had quietly passed from this life into the heavens where some believe the angels had been waiting for him.

Auggie, these friends from his youth and clients from his first years as a designer attested, was simply being himself, always himself — a recluse who fed his own passions and unwittingly spread taste-making and trendsetting ideas into Philippine fashion and society; a loyal and generous soul whose space was always open to those he loved and admired.

"It was Auggie who taught me about class and style," said Margie Moran Floirendo.

The country's second Miss Universe was a young girl when she met the designer. At a time when couturiers were the ones who usually handpicked suitable candidates to represent the country in international pageants from their inner circles' stylish families, Auggie invited the teenaged Margie to compete.

Her parents were against the idea, of course, but fate played a hand and gave Margie Moran a chance to leave for Greece anyway.

That special memorial, as tasteful and subtle as I imagine Auggie's style to be, made me realize how important it is to keep ourselves authentic, or true to ourselves, despite what life deals you.

"Know yourself!" Auggie told a young man he encouraged to pursue modeling in Europe. "And take your ambition to the next level."

His was a life "stitched together" well — not many can claim to have genuine friends who stay with you till the end.

"I grew up with Auggie around," said my sorority sister's husband, Kenneth Silayan Go, who as a boy accompanied his mom to his shop in the 70s.

"Auggie was there for my college graduation. There was a Hong Kong trip there somewhere. Now I am not one for fashion. I leave that to you, guys. What I do want to talk about is the safe space we enjoyed when in conversation on topics other than fashion."

"Movies…. Who has seen the Martin Scorsese classic, Age of Innocence? That was a three-hour conversation on filmmaking, costume design, and societal obligations and deceit. I learned a lot in that wonderful conversation."

"Auggie was a social critic with, I believe, strong opinions on the matter. This leads me to my second favorite topic…society, constructs, and behavior. Occasionally we spoke about these changes from the 70s to the 2000s."

"As with all good friends, there simply was not enough time. But, let me say, time with Auggie was always time well spent."

There were many stories shared that afternoon — everyone revealing aspects of the late designer that were endearing, funny, and personal. It was like seeing Auggie Cordero as a meticulously made gown, beautiful and unique.

He was, as they say, a genuine article.