TO emerge in fine fettle from the lengthy somber spell into a bright new era is a blessing. A blessing that should be celebrated. A blessing meant to be shared. Winged in gratitude, Dusit Davao and Emilia Sitjar Jewellery took flight, joining many others, to be the wind under the wings of every child at the SOS Children’s Village Philippines.
The Dusit Davao x Emilia Sitjar Jewellery Charity Gala was grand, the first of its kind past the pandemic. It raised the glass for life with gratitude while celebrating Mindanao art, culture and fashion—all for the children of the chosen beneficiary. It was a timely affair in the season of giving—Christmas.
“There is so much gratefulness in our hearts as the Dusit x Emilia Sitjar Jewellery Charity Gala comes to life. This charity gala is rooted in doing things with a greater purpose. During the pandemic, many industries have been severely affected, including ours. As the hospitality business progressively bounces back, our drive to give back only got stronger. Not only are we doing this for a cause by helping the SOS Children's Village Philippines-Davao, but we are also giving the limelight to the fashion and jewelry industries,” said Christoph Kuch, general manager of Dusit Davao.
Generous souls from Davao and neighboring cities took heed. The hotel’s ballroom was filled with joy-filled hearts —and palates, with the new executive chef Piya Suthasiri from Thailand whipping up a delicious Thai meal that exudes the hotel brand’s essence.
In between bites and sips of fine wine, the affair provided an auditory indulgence as well. The music was set to enchant with the live performances by the University of Mindanao Chorale, Maan Chua, and the Davao Maharlika Strings. It was a heartwarming moment to see the children of SOS Children’s Village march on stage to sing. Perhaps it was their way of saying thank you.
Life is a celebration, dress up for it. With the population gaining the confidence to step out of seclusion and reestablish social relations, the fashion purveyors see the light on its industry. Dodjie Batu, president of DFDC, said the group is honored to be part of the event, expressing, “The Dusit Charity Gala is a trailblazing move to scale up perspectives anew the local fashion scene post-pandemic. This event is the first of many attempts to renew our passion for fashion by fashioning our hearts in creating a community that genuinely cares.”
Fashioned by “Elements,” the eight-member group interpreted nature’s essentials into wearable art.
Emil Sitjar, managing director of Emilia Sitjar Jewellery, thanked the hotel for providing the platform for Davao’s re-emergence. The homegrown jewelry house created a collection to exemplify the joy of life best with “Springtime of Gratitude” saying, “Our jewelry collection tries to capture how we feel – of being grateful for my family to have come out from the pandemic relatively healthy, of being able to restart our lives after over two years of ‘winter’ and to be able to give back, despite how hard times have been to most of us, to our community and to the children most in need. We also hope to put a smile on people's faces as they view our jewelry and be able to feel the wonderful elements of hope, love, and understanding as well.”
As the grand finale, bejeweled and radiant Davao muses illuminated the ballroom with sparkles from multi-faceted precious stones and beaming smiles. The collection elicited the emotion it was intended for.
Philanthropy is forever fashionable and it’s this season to wear it best. This year’s Yuletide cheers will perhaps be the merriest and the most resounding for many, if not all of us. Count your blessings. There is always a cause to celebrate. While you’re at it, always don the most important accessories—gratitude and a smile. Now, fly!
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