A Rose at the ‘Tertulia’ in Intramuros
The highlight of the night was when the glamorous members of the group offered flowers to the Virgin Mary during the Flores de Mayo Fashion Walk segment. A compelling designer-muse collaboration on that elegant night was between Lito Perez and entrepreneur and philanthropist Rose Tolentino Santiago
After the successful staging in 2022 of a fabulous ball and an awards night, the Philippine Heritage Society held a tertulia as it continues its support for local arts and culture, as well as the creative soul of Filipinos.
Britannica defines tertulia as a "type of Spanish literary salon that was popular in Spain from at least the 17th century and that eventually replaced the more formal academies. Tertulias were held in private homes at first, but from the early 19th century they met in clubs and cafés."
The Philippine Heritage Society
Casa Blanca in Intramuros was the setting for Tertulia Flores de Mayo: A Celebration of Fashion, Arts Music on 30 May. It was directed by Nathan de Leon, who founded the society together with Sherwin Sozon, a businessman and opera singer who leads LyrOpera; and Tess Castro, a former bank executive who is now a philanthropist and heritage advocate.
"Lubos akong nagagalak na naka-unang anibersaryo pa lamang ang The Philippine Heritage Society pero tumitibay na ang ating pundasyon, at tayo ay nakagagawa na ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang itaguyod ang mga pamanang sining sa ating lahi. At ngayong gabi nga, ating ipinagdiriwang ang Flores de Mayo sa pamamagitan ng fashion, arts at music (I am delighted that The Philippine Heritage Society, just on its first anniversary, is growing stronger, and we have been able to take concrete steps to promote our cultural heritage. And tonight, we celebrate Flores de Mayo through fashion, arts and music)," Castro said in her welcome speech.
The Philippine Heritage Society with co-founder Nathan de Leon (extreme left) and members serving as models at the Tertulia.
She continued: "Marami mang pagbabago sa panahon ngayon at sa ating mga Filipino, dahil sa modernisasyon at bagong teknolohiya, nanatiling buhay at matibay ang tradisyon na ito, na patuloy na sumasalamin sa ating malalim na pananampalataya, mayamang kasaysayan at makulay na kultura (Despite the many changes in today's time and in our Filipino society, due to modernization and new technology, this tradition remains alive and resilient, continuing to reflect our deep faith, rich history and vibrant culture)."
