Men came in tuxedos, formal suits and Philippine barong made of diaphanous jusi or pineapple fiber. Women wore gowns in white, torquois and shades of black and red. Some came color-coordinated from head to toe. Others wore really serious bling. The event’s beneficiary was Gawad Kalinga, with its program of building houses for the poor.

A New Year’s Eve atmosphere prevailed at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel here.

High-octane and poignant, it was about the past and the future in more ways than one. The 10 p.m. to11 p.m. presentation showcased Manila-flown Filipina international beauties modeling Philippine fashion through the years.

It had its jaw-dropping, ohh and ahh moments, but many found it ordinary or wanting. “I had hoped to see the contemporary, jazzed up version of Philippine fashion," said Jemma Arcega, wife of former NBC4 anchor Mil Arcega. The discerning noted the high-quality materials and the signature Pitoy style. “Very conservative and classy,” said Eleanor Madrona of the Philippine American Cultural and Arts Society (PACAS).

Others noticed the high cheekbones and the absence of double chins.

As entertaining as the show was, the real drama took place offstage.

Three things were on most everybody's mind. Did he jump or was he pushed, and in either case was that any way to treat an envoy who has performed well in five, crises-laden years? Who will be the next ambassador? And, What is the fashion show connection to the 100 years of Filipino migration to the U.S., and why is this costing us $225 plus gas?

The Centennial Tribute Committee Chair was Carmen Lagdameo Stull. WUSA9 News Anchor Todd McDermott emceed the program with model and TV personality Bessie Badilla del Castillo, who did a “Show must go on” stint, with her husband passing on a couple of weeks before the event.

In his five-minute speech, the envoy thanked the Filipino community and American friends and supporters. Guests included Philippine consuls general, among them Consul General Cecilia Rebong from New York; former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines and now Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte; U.S. Representative Todd Tiarh (R-Alabama), a member of the Philippine-US Congressional Friendship Caucus; Ollie Cantos, White House associate director for domestic policy; former Executive Assistant to the President Susan B. Ralston; White House Chef Cristeta Commerford, Vellie Dietrich-Hall with the White House Commission on Asian Pacific Americans and Islanders.

Del Rosario acknowledged the role of 12 Philippine consul  generals in the U.S. who “worked very hard in terms of enhancing credibility, confidence and cooperation in partnership with the U.S." He said he was very happy to see that as he moved on, significant strides have been made in the relationship between the two countries, citing “the leadership of both President Arroyo and President Bush."

He acknowledged “the steadfast support of the Filipino community in America." He concluded on an emotional note, and said to applause, “This friendship is very important to me, and that it’s important to me that this friendship will be life-long."

Foreign Affairs Secretary Romulo praised Del Rosario for being “the finest representative" in the country. He also saluted the Filipino World War II veterans, leaders, Filipino American elected officials, literary writers. He told U.S.-based Overseas Filipino Workers that last year, “60 per cent of the ($10.7 billion) remittances came from you here in America."

Director Negroponte added a personal, warm note in his speech that preceded the cultural show. “I regret that you’ll soon be leaving us,” he told Del Rosario and his wife Gretchen. “You will be missed after your distinguished service after more than five years here."