For over 30 years, Habitat For Humanity Philippines has worked to provide affordable, sustainable shelter for millions of Filipino homeless. Last September, the organization celebrated its 35th anniversary with a glittering gala at Shangri-la The Fort. A veritable who’s who of Philippine philanthropy, the evening served to create awareness for Habitat’s many ongoing programs, raise funds, and to invite new partners to lend their support to this very noteworthy advocacy.

Committee chair Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, in her welcome message, recounted Habitat’s 30-decade journey in the Philippines and its astounding impact on homeless Filipinos. Over 150,000 families have been given shelter, with over 200 community infrastructures constructed, financial support extended to 934,129 households, and Habitat has over 5 million volunteers.

Habitat For Humanity's 35th Anniversary dinner at Shangri-La The Fort Dane Soriano

“Communities that were once marginalised and overlooked are now thriving centers of hope and opportunity. The impact that Habitat for Humanity Philippines has made goes beyond bricks and mortar; restoring dignity, igniting potential, and creating a sense of belonging for the many lives it has changed.”

Yet there is still so much work to be done. A backlog of 6.7 housing units must be constructed, and support is neeed for programs on disaster response, housing and community development. “tonight, more than 7 million children will sleep in unsafe environments, vulnerable to dangers and hazards. Let this night remind us of the urgent need for continued action. Our commitment to change lives and uplift communities is stronger and more necessary now more than ever.”

Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo Dane Soriano

Two housing beneficiaries, Christian Seso and Claudette Fernandez, shared how Habitat For Humanity profoundly impacted their lives. Seso, who received a house in 1998, is now a civil engineer, while Fernandez, who grew up in the slums of Manila, is now the General Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Their stories embody the resilience and hope that is possible when help and compassion is extended.

Fernando Zobel de Ayala, in his speech, said: 'Through the stories of Claudette Fernandez and Christian Seso, Habitat Philippines' work reverberates across many years. Their stories illustrate that a home is not just about shelter. Having a home is also about having hope, dignity, good health, safety and security, and an opportunity for a better future.”

Fernando Zobel de Ayala Dane Soriano

A highlight of the evening was the sumptuous four-course dinner created by three Michelin-starred chef Walter Manzke and his wife, 2023 James Beard awardee Margarita Manzke.

The dinner started with Chef Walter’s elegant cauliflower mousse coiffed with shining black pearl Kaluga caviar. This was served with generous pours of Gosset Grand Reserve Brut Champagne.

Cauliflower mousse with black pearl caviar Dane Soriano

The second course was wild-caught Dover sole, delicately poached then served in a swirl of sauce vin jaune, garnished with artichokes, black truffle, and oven-dried grapes. This dish paired beautifully with sips of premier cru Louis Michel Chablis, vintage 2020, a sylvan drink evocative of honey, green apples and fresh baked bread.

Dover sole in sauce vin jaune Dane Soriano

The main dish, crafted by Shangri-La The Fort’s Chef Joris Rycken, was medium-rare WX Rangers Valley MB5 Wagyu medallions bathed in bordelaise jus, with sides of potato and squash mousseline and asparagus. An elegant red beautifully complemented the meat: Les Hauts de Croix de Labrie 2018 from Saint-Emilion.

WX Ranger Valley Mb5 Wagyu medallions Dane Soriano

And the dessert, by Chef Margarita, was an almond dacquoise garnished with kaffir lime whipped ganache, passion fruit and mango sorbet.

Almond dacquoise Dane Soriano

These perfect pairings were thanks to Chef Walter, who preselected the wines even before he arrived in Manila, and the bottles had to be located and sourced. That is quite a story in itself, too.

Chef Walter Manzke Dane Soriano