On May 2,
2026, at exactly 1:00 PM, Cinema 2 of SM Aura Premier transformed into a
striking convergence of influence, elegance, and intellect as Rising Tigers
Magazine hosted an exclusive block screening of what is already being hailed as
the movie of the year, The Devil Wears Prada 2.
But this was no ordinary screening. Moving beyond the usual circle of fashion insiders and entertainment personalities, the event drew an unexpected yet powerful audience, diplomats, politicians, business leaders, and cultural tastemakers, reflecting the film’s enduring relevance across industries.
The afternoon unfolded as a celebration not only of cinema but also of leadership, identity, and the nuanced balance between ambition and authenticity, the very themes that have defined The Devil Wears Prada franchise.
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| Atty Salvador Panelo with wife Dra. Araceli Panelo |
Atty.
Salvador Panelo, former spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte, arrived in
his signature crisp suit and tie, embodying his unmistakable presence,
accompanied by his wife, Dra. Araceli Panelo. Their presence added a layer of
political gravitas to the gathering, proving that power dressing extends far
beyond the runway.
Cultural
pride and elegance were equally represented by the newly installed Indonesian
Embassy Trade Attaché, Abu Ayu Nighsih, who stayed true to her roots in
traditional Muslim attire, alongside her associate, Tassya Manuella. Their
participation marked their first-ever block screening experience in the
Philippines, one filled with excitement, curiosity, and cross-cultural
exchange.
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| Ms. Jenny Syquia |
Fashion met
reality with the arrival of Jenny Syquia, former fashion assistant at Vogue New
York and often regarded as a real-life reflection of Andy Sachs or Emily
Charlton. She entered with effortless sophistication alongside Kourtney Camcam,
turning heads and earning a spot among the best dressed of the afternoon,
together with Secretary Panelo and young entrepreneur Grace Santiago.
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| Barbie Arcache |
Barbie
Arcache, LGBTQ leader and entrepreneur, made an early and unforgettable
entrance in a sparkling gold tasseled blazer by Jor-El Espina, capturing both
the spotlight and the admiration of the media. Meanwhile, Aliw Awardees Niña
Campos and Lance Raymundo brought star power, with Campos showcasing a curated
mix of Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, an ensemble that perfectly echoed the
film’s fashion-forward narrative.
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| Engr Nicolas with Mr. Darius Razon |
The guest
list read like a who’s who of influence: Okada Manila’s Vice President for
Sales and Marketing, Cielo Ortega Reboredo; Becky Garcia of The Manila Times;
beauty queen Tiffany Cuna; media personality Irene Wicklein; Vogue Italia
contributor MJ Suayan; music legend Darius Razon; Dubai-based tourism leader
Malou Prado; resort owner Maria Odessa Escaler; Mrs. Universe Philippines owner
Maria Charo Calalo; and farm owner Mellany Pobre, among many others. Each
arrived in signature designer pieces, turning the cinema into a runway of
personal branding and identity.
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| Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas |
Yet the
undeniable centerpiece of the afternoon was Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Grace
Bondad Nicolas of Tag Media Group. Often likened to Miranda Priestly, she
gracefully dismissed comparisons, choosing instead to stand firmly in her own
identity. Dressed in a layered Rajo Laurel creation, paired with YSL stilettos
and meticulously selected Prada accessories—from earrings to a statement micro
bag—she embodied the essence of modern power dressing. Completing the picture
were her twin daughters, mirroring her refined taste in ensembles from Prada to
Gucci, as the family arrived together in anticipation of the film.
Quotes That
Defined the Editor-in-Chief
The Devil Wears Prada 2 continues the legacy of sharp dialogue and unforgettable lines that cut through glamour with striking truth. These are among Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas’ personal mantras.
* “Fashion fades, but power—power is always in style.”
* “You don’t
survive this industry by being liked. You survive by being necessary.”
* “The
moment you ask for permission is the moment you lose authority.”
* “Ambition
isn’t the problem. Apology is.”
* “In a
world obsessed with trends, be the standard.”
Lessons
Beyond the Runway
More than its couture and charisma, The Devil Wears Prada 2 delivers powerful lessons that transcend industries:
1. Leadership Requires Clarity, Not Approval
Miranda
Priestly’s character reinforces that decisive leadership often comes with
criticism. The film reminds viewers that clarity of vision outweighs the need
for validation.
2. Reinvention Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Characters
evolve, careers pivot, and identities shift, proving that growth often requires
stepping into discomfort.
3. Excellence Demands Discipline
Behind every
glamorous facade is relentless work. The film strips away illusion and
highlights the cost of staying at the top.
4. Authenticity Is the Ultimate Luxury
In a world
driven by appearances, true power lies in knowing who you are, and standing by
it unapologetically.
5. Influence Is Built, Not Borrowed
Whether in
fashion, politics, or business, credibility comes from consistency and
substance, not just image.
The Rising
Tigers Magazine block screening was more than just a cinematic event—it was a
statement. It blurred the lines between industries, proving that the themes of
The Devil Wears Prada 2, power, identity, ambition, and resilience, are
universal.
Because in the end, whether in stilettos or suits, couture or culture, one truth remains: style may open doors, but substance keeps you in the room.
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| Rising Tigers Publisher & EIC together with RT writer and Tag Media Bloggers |
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