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Nena Lapus, Conching Sunico, Chona Kasten, Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales and Ping Valencia enjoy a get-together at Casimiro Abad's Cavite rest house in 1970.
During Pitoy Moreno’s recent centennial celebration at the Metropolitan Museum, it was serendipity that I bumped into one of Pitoy’s BFFs and muses, Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo, with her husband, former Spanish Amb. Lani Bernardo.
Their friendship grew from her teenage modeling days when Pitoy was the junior among his fashion designer peers. Conchitina reminisced, “Pitoy and I were the youngest in a unique ‘Fashion on Wings’ many decades ago. It was a fashion show on board a plane traveling to various Philippine destinations with Criselda Lontok, Jojo Kieruf, Nina Garrido, Encarnita Abiera, Baby Jereza, Melinda Shultze, etc. We became true friends. His parting remains a void in my life; I loved him and miss him very much.”
Happy times with Ronnie Concepcion, Zita Feliciano, Nene Quimson, Pitoy Moreno, Meldy Cojuangco, Mercy Tuason, Menchu Concepcion, Vic Reyes, Ching Montinola.
One of Pitoy’s favorite models of the mid 1970s, the lovely Maricris Cardenas Zobel shared, “I wanted to use my mother’s beautiful wedding gown that was made by Slim’s, but Pitoy would not hear of it. He insisted on making my wedding gown so I patterned the style after my mother’s gown.” She added, “My friendship with Pitoy was not really what I would call friendship as I was 16 and he was an older man; it was more of a sweet uncle who was tough when he needed to be and funny when he was relaxed. I modeled and traveled with him for three years and it opened my eyes to many things. One, and I feel it is a life lesson till today — is how — to get along with all personalities. Pitoy ran a tight ship, especially on international travels. We obeyed him and that was that. No questions asked. It was a beautiful introduction to life for me and I will always look back fondly at my travels with Pitoy and the gang!”
Carol Garcia, Cory Quirino, Frannie Jacinto, Maricris Zobel, Yoli Ayson, Helen Ong, Bonet Reyes were guest models for Pitoy Moreno’s tribute show at the CCP, 2004.
There were many who were Pitoy brides and when their daughters made their debut and got married, it was also Pitoy who dressed them with meticulous attention, including overseeing family heirloom jewelry that would match his designs.
Charlene Gonzales wins in the Best Costume category at the Miss Universe Pageant 1994, wearing a T'boli-inspired outfit by Pitoy.
At our 2010 Karilagan grand reunion attended by our top designers, ex models and beauty queens who started or worked with grand dame Conchita Sunico, Pitoy was already quite forgetful. He shyly approached Ben Farrales (they had been estranged for some time for some perceived slights) and since Ben was caught unawares, he stiffened up and stepped back. I gently whispered to Ben, “Ben, Pitoy is trying to talk to you. Forgetful na siya. Please be kind to him. Kausapin mo na.” Without missing a beat, Ben graciously held Pitoy’s outstretched hand for some time — the two fashion greats were friends once again.
For those who knew Pitoy, there were many instances to remember him by. As his memory slowly faded, he never failed to say something sweet even if he eventually forgot names and faces. During his birthday lunch at his Malate home in 2012, together with Conchitina S. Bernardo and Stella M. Araneta, I greeted him with a simple, “Hello Pitoy, happy birthday,” and without missing a beat, he replied, “Maganda ka pa rin.” Ever the gracious host, he led us to his dining table to partake of the homecooked goodies he was known for.
