Women reign supreme
With (from left) Charriol regional sales director Thibaud Jaouen, City of Dreams Manila property president Geoff Andres, chef Jessie Sincioco, Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat, Generation Hope’s Nanette Medved-Po, human rights advocate and founder of Association Cameleon Laurence Ligier, event emcee Atty. Mike Toledo, Miss Universe-Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters, fashion entrepreneur Alou Koa, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2017 Mariel de Leon, Furnitalia’s Florence Ko, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Madison Galeries’ Joy Wambangco Rustia, Fino’s Rose Ann Bautista, Philippine Airlines VP for marketing Ria Carrion Domingo and Geoselle dela Cruz, who took on eight jobs to graduate cum laude at the University of the Philippines.
Women definitely ruled the night with their power and character at the PeopleAsia magazine’s “Women of Style and Substance” awards night, held recently at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila.
Now on its 12th year, the much-awaited event has become a gathering of the country’s movers and shakers from the diplomatic corps, business and social circles to celebrate our awardees’ talents, accomplishments and advocacies.
Among the VIPs who graced the event were The Philippine STAR chairman Atty. Ray Espinosa, Tourism Undersecretary Ricky Alegre, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Camarines Sur Gov. Migz Villafuerte, who was there to support his girlfriend, awardee and Miss Universe-Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters.
With me welcoming guests was PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, who, in her opening remarks, acknowledged our awardees one by one for a fitting recognition. “Tonight, in the City of Dreams, I thank you all for being wide awake with us as we honor women who have made other’s dreams and aspirations come to life…Thank you, ladies, for believing in your dreams. Tonight, in the City of Dreams, I thank you all for being part of ours. And may all your dreams come true.”
This year’s “Women of Style and Substance” awardees included Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2017 Mariel de Leon, Association Cameleon founder Laurence Ligier, chef Jessie Sincioco, Generation Hope’s Nanette Medved-Po, fashion entrepreneur Alou Koa, Furnitalia’s Florence Ko, Madison Galeries’ Joy Wambangco Rustia, Fino’s Rose Ann Bautista, Philippine Airlines VP for marketing Ria Carrion Domingo, Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 winner Maureen Wroblewitz and Geoselle Dela Cruz, an inspiring young lady who took on eight jobs to graduate cum laude at the University of the Philippines.
For his part, City of Dreams Manila property manager Geoff Andres, who was a PeopleAsia “Men Who Matter” awardee, said, “We are truly delighted to be the host venue for tonight’s event. It is our honor to welcome you with open hearts and we would like to share with you that we have three world-class hotels, 22 restaurants, this great L’Opera, the only DreamPlay in the world, a world-class casino, two night clubs all together. We’re very grateful to Joanne and her team for collaborating with us and hosting this affair tonight.”
The program, emceed by Atty. Mike Toledo, featured a performance by crooner Markki Stroem, who serenaded the crowd with jazz renditions of The Way You Look Tonight and Toxic. Guests enjoyed the sumptuous dishes prepared by the City of Dreams Manila culinary team.
Before the program ended, Charriol regional sales director Thibaud Jaouen and SSI’s Mitch Suarez announced the PeopleAsia and Charriol “Star of the Night” as Geoselle Dela Cruz, who received a stunning Charriol Celtic 4 watch as her prize.
PeopleAsia’s 12th “Women of Style and Substance event was presented by City of Dreams Manila, Charriol, Mercedes-Benz, RCBC, Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, DMark Corp., PAGCOR, Happy Skin, Double Dragon, Cream Silk, Megaworld, Titania Wines, Ultherapy, W Group and The Philippine STAR. - Photos by BENING BATUIGAS and JESSE BUSTOS
