Opulence Ball brings disco dazzle to Halloween night
The Opulence Ball nearly skipped a year, but founder Mond Gutierrez had other plans, opting to forge ahead despite limited prep time.
“We brought it back due to popular demand,” said Mond who stepped onto the red carpet in a bold, disco-ball-inspired ensemble, complete with striking yellow hair. “And we’re doing the ‘70s this time.”
The ball returned this Halloween with “The Velvet Underground” as its theme. Held at the Manila Peninsula’s Rigodon Ballroom, the event saw prominent figures from entertainment, fashion, sports, and business gather to showcase their take on ‘70s glamour, creating a lively and visually striking scene.
Each year, Mond and his team introduce a fresh theme, elevating the evening beyond mere costume to a spectacle of self-expression and artistry. This year’s “Velvet Underground” theme brought disco-inspired fashion, bold colors, and retro flair back into the limelight, offering attendees a creative playground rooted in an era famous for hedonistic fashion and vibrant expression.
According to Mond, the Opulence Ball aims to be more than just a costume party. “It’s an immersive experience,” he said, noting that this year’s theme allowed guests to express their individuality within a well-defined creative brief.
Mond shared that planning the event involved a detailed production, with numerous artists and creatives collaborating to bring the concept to life and further spotlight the Philippines’ growing entertainment and arts scene.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by a ballroom transformed into an opulent disco hall by Moss Manila, complete with decor that mirrored the vivid, eclectic spirit of the ‘70s.
Host Nicole Andersson, a key figure in the night’s proceedings, embodied the era with a standout costume that matched the evening’s vibe. For added engagement, a designated “Discovery Room” allowed attendees to explore offerings from event sponsors, including Kiko Milano, Belo, Don Julio, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Jewelmer, and Ploom.
The night’s ensemble of attendees included well-known names such as Maymay Entrata, Maris Racal, Kylie Verzosa, Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial, Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, and R’boney Gabriel. Each brought their interpretation of ‘70s glamour, crafted in collaboration with local designers and makeup artists.
As part of the evening’s festivities, awards were handed out to recognize standout looks, with categories like “Best Dressed” (sponsored by Metro), “Best Couple” (by The Peninsula Manila), “Icons Only” (by Don Julio Tequila), “Serving Face” (by Kiko Milano), “Truly Unique” (by Ploom PH), and “Beauty of the Ball” (by Belo Beauty).
