Maricris Zobel, in Sunday's Social Set, had declared him the "the next Ramon Valera." Everyone agrees designer Paul Cabral, whose "Una," the premier gala fashion show held recently at the newly refurbished Laperal Mansion, the presidential guest house in Arlegui Street, received resounding applause, a standing ovation and a crescendo of superlative praises, has finally come out of his cocoon.

His first-ever fashion show drew the cream of high society, politics, the diplomatic world and business, led by US Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson, tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Jones and Mrs. Edna Lhuillier, philanthropist Alice Eduardo, Mark and Emily Villar, Helen Gamboa and daughter, among others.