Glitz, Glamour, and Diamonds: Stars Light Up Maddox Jewelry’s Iconic Runway
From humble beginnings in Bicol to leading one of the fastest-growing diamond brands in the country, President and CEO Charo Cordial has proven that luxury can be within reach for every Filipina. Maddox Jewelry marked a major milestone with its Iconic Runway fashion show, a grand event that highlighted both the brand’s timeless collections and its inspiring journey of empowering ordinary Filipinos to own authentic diamond jewelry.
Reflecting on the company’s swift rise, Cordial shared how the business unexpectedly came to life during a global crisis. “Naitayo ko ang company na ‘to 2020, during pandemic time. Lumaki na din kami, before nasa 4 or 5 employees kami, ngayon madami na. Lumaki na din ang Maddox Jewelry serving all Filipinas sa buong Pilipinas and also sa ibang bansa,” she recalled.
Her personal trajectory is just as remarkable. Coming from a farming family in Bicol, Cordial studied hard, moved to Manila, passed the board exam, and spent 15 years working in an international company. Her foray into the jewelry business started almost by accident. “Ako ay Bicolana, lumaki ako sa Bicol. Doon ako nag-aral, doon din ako nag-graduate, nandoon ang mga magulang ko. Hindi kami mayaman, lumaki akong mahirap, talagang magsasaka. After ko mag-graduate, pumunta akong Manila, nag-board exam, nagtrabaho ako ng 15 years sa isang international company. Nag-try lang ako ng live selling nung pandemic kasi na-bored lang ako, hindi ko kaya na wala akong ginagawa. Hindi naman ako nag-start na diamond jewelry agad, gusto ko lang actually nang may kausap kaya ako nag-live selling. Tapos dire-diretso na,” Cordial explained.
As a licensed agricultural and biosystems engineer, stepping into the world of luxury goods was never part of her original blueprint. “I’m a licensed engineer by profession. I am an agricultural and biosystems engineer. Hindi nila aakalain na mapupunta ako sa ganitong business, even ako hindi ko aakalain na mapupunta ako sa ganitong industriya kasi malayo eh. Naka-engage ako before sa agricultural machineries, ‘yung mga farm tractors, ang katabi ko mga kalabaw. Hindi ko akalain na mapupunta ako sa ganitong industriya kasi ang layo talaga ng pagkakaiba. Pero siguro dito talaga ako tinadhana,” she shared.
The Iconic Runway fashion show served as a celebration of this destiny and a testament to how far the brand has come. Cordial revealed that while a full-scale fashion show wasn’t in their initial plans, the rapid expansion of their clientele—which now includes everyday buyers alongside top celebrities—made it a natural next step to champion their core vision.
“Actually wala kaming plan, ‘yung ganitong fashion show, pero habang lumaki kasi ang Maddox, we cater many customers already, even celebrities. Ang mission and vision kasi namin is maging super affordable ang diamond jewelry sa buong Pilipinas. Isang way ito para makita ng lahat na hindi pa nakakakilala sa amin na merong diamond jewelry na pwede mong bilhin kahit na mga ordinaryong tao, na kaya pala natings bumili, na hindi siya millions o pang mga alta, all Filipinas can afford. We want to spread the news para sa lahat from Maddox Jewelry,” Cordial stated.
When asked how Maddox Jewelry manages to keep high-end pieces accessible without compromising quality, the founder pointed to a customer-first philosophy. “Trade secret namin, pero bilang owner or president ng Maddox Jewelry, ginagawan ko talaga ng paraan para sa lahat. In a simple way na konti lang ang kita para maka-afford ang lahat, and we have all kinds from super murang presyo, medium prices up to the expensive ones.”
The star-studded event ran seamlessly from start to finish, gathering an extraordinary lineup of personalities who took to the runway adorned in Maddox pieces. Among the stars lighting up the show were Ryza Cenon, Diego Loyzaga, Aljur Abrenica, AJ Raval, EA Guzman, Polo Ravales, Kris Bernal, Negi, Aubrey Miles, Troy Montero, Katrina Halili, Katya Santos, Nadine Samonte, Diana Zubiri, Daiana Menezes, Geneva Cruz, James Blanco, Jiana, Avery Cordial, Ara Mina, Beauty Gonzalez, DJ Durano, Ynez Veneracion, Regine Tolentino, Maureen Larrazabal, Jeric Raval, Gary Estrada, Alma Concepcion, Pokwang, Claudine Barretto, Amy Austria, Jackielou Blanco, Yayo Aguila, Gardo Verzosa, Eric Quizon, Epy Quizon, Roderick Paulate, and Carmi Martin.
Check out some photos from the runway:
The Iconic Runway fashion show offered more than just glitz and glamour; it perfectly presented the timeless beauty of the Maddox Jewelry collection, proving that elegance and luxury truly belong to every Filipina.
