October 30, 2019
The elevator opened and perfect timing, there was Chit, Jeannie, and Boots all impeccably dressed. And there I was, wearing an old navy blue satin dress and a pair of old flat sandals.
“Dali, magbihis ka na.” I said “Bakit, hindi ba ako nakabihis? Nakahubad ba’ko?” Open-toed sandals were not allowed according to them. Chit offered to lend me a pair of shoes and clothes. Marami daw syang dala.
I didn’t get the memo. I didn’t see any dress codes. Bad trip na ako. I wanted to go home.
I went back to my room and I changed into a more conservative long cotton dress I bought the day before. And I covered it with a black and gray scarf. Shoes? I wore the white loafers I was wearing during the flight from Manila to Bangkok. I am not used to borrowing clothes, slippers, shoes, jewelry, bags, make-up, etc. I consider these things as personal. I don’t even borrow my daughter’s stuff. I’d rather buy than borrow.
I only brought business clothes, no formal handbag, no gown or cocktail dress. I just bought this made in Thailand long daster-like dress the day before in case I run out of clothes to wear. I didn’t expect that I would have to wear it. Parang daster talaga sya, ang luwag-luwag. I looked ridiculous. Bawal ba nakalabas ang mga daliri sa paa at tuhod? Mukha akong homeless, homeless na naka LV.
Everyone was so busy preparing, practicing their march, rehearsing their walk, bowing their heads.
I noticed four women in white uniform crawling back and forth on the stage floor. I found out, they were getting ready for the arrival of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati , the daughter of the king.
All the women attending the summit that morning were dressed fabulously as if they were attending the Oscar awards. They didn’t look like they were attending a business conference.
Many were wearing eyelash extensions and with carefully coiffed hair.
Pink Lady from Japan, Taeko Tada
Manon Pilon (CEO of Europelab), Amanda Oldridge Human Resources Regional Director of Linfox Logistics), Rossana Fajardo ( Head of Advisory- SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. ), and Suphajee Suthumpun (CEO of Dusit Thani Hotels)
The lady from China was the fairest, wearing gold shoes. She looked like a beauty-queen-turned-businesswoman. Many people wanted to have a photo with her.
Best Dressed
Jeannie Javelosa, Co-founder of ECHOStore Sustainable Lifestyle and GREAT Women
We were asked to take our seats, then there was silence. Here comes the princess…
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol is the first grandchild of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit of Thailand, and the only one of the seven children of King Maha Vajiralongkorn with his first wife Princess Soamsavali.
We were not allowed to take photos of the princess using our own cameras. Everyone bowed their heads when she walked by. I didn’t bow my head. She walked very past, I was still analyzing and deciding whether I should bow my head too. They also bended their knees. Parang mga nag-ge-genuflect. I didn’t bend my knees. I wasn’t sure if I should do that too. I only do that when I enter the adoration chapel or church, in front of the altar. This needs some internalizing and practice.
She was given a parade of welcome gifts placed on top of solid gold trays. She was again given several parting or thank you gifts as she exited the hotel. It must be nice to be her barkada. What is she going to do with all those gifts showered upon her? Donate, give away.
Getting ready for an official photo with HRH.
I saw this stage being assembled yesterday. I had no clue that I would be standing here today for a group photo with the young princess.
And where on earth will I be able to find a copy of my photo with the HRH? My camera is with me and I don’t have anyone to take my picture.
This protocol officer is busy telling everyone how to position their hands, arms, legs (no crossing of legs). It must be hard to be around royals all the time. Maninigas ako. Ang hirap kumilos, de numero.
Now we can all relax. The princess has left.
