Manila's highly-anticipated Halloween event, Opulence Ball, is back for its third edition.
A brainchild of Raymond Gutierrez, the event aims to position Manila as a leading party destination in Asia.
This year, it is slated for Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Salon De Ning in the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City.
With the theme "The Velvet Underground" and curated by events expert Ash Rye, attendees will be transported back to the dazzling 70s—a decade famed for its lavish displays, eclectic fashion, and bold individuality.
Mond shared in a press release, "Every year we have the challenge to come up with a theme that will make each Opulence Ball, a night that not only excites but also inspires everyone to celebrate beauty in a grand, creative way."
Meanwhile, Ash revealed more insights into the theme: "Everyone's going all out again this year with their costumes for the Opulence Ball - The Velvet Underground.
"The 70s was all about liberation and self expression so I’m really looking forward to seeing our guests and all the designers have fun with the theme this year."
RAYMOND GUTIERREZ: OPULENCE BALL NOT JUST A HALLOWEEN PARTY
While the event is widely recognized as a Halloween ball for Manila's elite, Raymond emphasized that it goes beyond just a Halloween celebration—it serves as a platform for Filipino creatives to showcase their talents.
He said, "The Opulence Ball is much more than a Halloween event, it is a night where everyone is free to let their creativity shine through the most opulent looks.
"It's also a fantastic platform for Filipino creatives in production design, fashion, and makeup artistry to showcase their talent, highlighting Filipino creativity in a big way."
What can onlookers look forward to at the party?
Raymond chose not to reveal too much to preserve the element of surprise.
He told PEP, "People can expect another successful staging of the party of the year!
"We've set up the Manila Peninsula to have the glamorous vibe of the 70s, which will surely put everyone in the mood to party."
But definitely, celebrities will be attending.
The teasers preempted the presence of Nikki de Moura, Isabelle Daza, Solenn Heussaff, BJ Pascual, Jason Dhakal, Marina Summers, Christi McGarry, and Catriona Gray,
The House of Revlon, a ballroom house led by Filipino-American choreographer Nunoy Revlon, will be performing at the party.
What will Raymond be wearing?
His inspiration comes from outfits inspired by 1970's music icons and vintage photos of Studio 54, the famous nightclub and former Broadway theater in Manhattan, New York City.
He said, "I have several looks for the event and have collaborated with several amazing Filipino designers.
"It took about a couple of months of planning and collaboration.
"Disco is such a huge fashion inspiration so it was really fun looking at old photos of Studio 54 and music icons of that time.
"Halloween is the one day of the year where you can be whoever you want for a night so why not have some fun."
READ MORE: