Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, the iconic figure of Philippine fashion, has been celebrated via months-long exhibition entitled “Timeless: J. Moreno” at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M Museum) in Global City. On 28 June, the museum’s first Annual Fundraising Gala entitled “Remembering Pitoy” marked the closing of this landmark exhibition, which showcased some of the astute designer’s most iconic creations.

The exhibition brought together beloved muses, models, brides and patronesses — women who helped immortalize Pitoy’s place in fashion history. These personal recollections, shared through treasured photographs and stories, became the heart of the gala and the inspiration behind its theme.

“Pitoy often said that true beauty lives not only in design, but in how we connect with one another. Tonight, through your presence, your support and your stories, you’ve proven that true,” said Doris Masaysay-Ho, co-chairman of the Remembering Pitoy Organizing Committee.

This masterpiece event was spearheaded by a dedicated committee chaired by Tina Colayco, president of The M; Doris Masaysay-Ho, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Fe Rodriguez, Trustee, and supported by the brilliant creative team of Tina Ocampo and Maricris Floirendo Brias, who transformed one of The M’s galleries using layers of floating paper panels that served as screens upon which a video presentation was projected.