In this Vogue Dinner, H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and the Forgotten Island Directors Get a Piece of the Philippines

At Conrad Manila, Jewelmer celebrates Filipino heritage and craftsmanship through the golden South Sea pearl, the National Gem of the Philippines.

At the Vogue dinner celebrating Forgotten Island, Jewelmer offered its own take on what it means to carry a piece of home with you. As the film explores friendship, belonging, and memory, the evening turned to another story rooted in the Philippines: the golden South Sea pearl.

For Jewelmer chief marketing officer Marion Branellec-de Guzman, that meant sharing the story behind the French-Filipino jewelry brand with the people who brought the movie to life. She presented writer-directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, along with Jerry Schmitz, with a special Jewelmer book that features the journey of the golden South Sea pearl. 

“We hope it offers a meaningful glimpse into our own story, and into the people, places, craftsmanship, and artistry that have shaped Jewelmer,” Branellec-de Guzman shared. “May it inspire you to continue championing the best that the Philippines has to offer and sharing stories with the world.”

The film’s lead actors, Liza Soberano and Gabi Wilson, also known as H.E.R., were presented with rare golden South Sea pearl pendants from the Les Classiques collection. As icons of Filipino excellence proudly shared with the world, the pearls are much like the film itself, which marks a milestone as the first Hollywood film to be rooted in Philippine mythology. Branellec-de Guzman also described the pendants as a way of sharing a piece of the Philippines with them, reminders of home wherever they may be.

“May our national gem carry with it a sense
of home wherever your journey may be”

Marion Branellec-de Guzman

The sentiment resonated particularly with Soberano, who spoke to Vogue Philippines during the dinner about the feeling of returning to a Filipino household and the sense of relief and safety she continues to associate with the Filipino community while living in Los Angeles. 

“I know, no matter who I run to, if they’re Filipino, they’re always gonna find a way to help me and support me,” the 28-year-old actor shared. “And I think that’s the genuine Filipino love and heart that not many people know about.”

Wilson, meanwhile, reflected on her lola. She recalls, “My lola really instilled so many amazing things in me. A lot of lessons, really good food, and a lot of great memories.”

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