There was an exceptional presence of women power at the Diplomatic Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom during PeopleAsia magazine’s 10th “Women of Style and Substance” event. This much-awaited gathering of distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, business and social circles, was also a get-together of our awardees’ families and friends to celebrate their talents, accomplishments and advocacies.
“The strongest women are those who allow their hearts to be their softest,” said PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez.
For the first time since PeopleAsia started honoring the country’s Women of Style and Substance, the magazine paid tribute to a Roman Catholic nun, Laura Vicuña Foundation executive director Sister Marivic Sta. Ana. “A woman who has devoted 25 years of her life to uplifting the most vulnerable — children who are hurting. Sister Marivic’s substance is her style, and her style is her substance,” added Joanne.
With me on stage to present the special award to Sister Marivic was 2013 Women of Style and Substance awardee, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, who requested to leave the event early because she had a bus to catch that evening to Naga City. The Monday after our event, she announced her decision to run as the running mate of the Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas.
Awardess who were present at this year’s Women of Style and Substance were magazine editor Mia Borromeo, Bloomberg TV’s Jean de Castro, Sta. Elena Construction Corp. president and CEO Alice Eduardo, accessories designer Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, celebrity Solenn Heussaff, philanthropist Linda Ley, Unilever Philippines VP for personal care Gina Lorenzana, photographer Shaira Luna, retail executive Crickette Tantoco, celebrity stylist Liz Uy and DIWA party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar.
Other awardees include Isabelle Daza, ABS-CBN’s Marie Lozano and Bloomberg TV’s Shawn Yao.
For her part, Marriott Hotel Manila hotel manager Anna Liza Vergara said, “We welcome you to the biggest and grandest ballroom located in the integrated entertainment city, which is Resorts World Manila. We at Marriott Hotel Manila are truly honored that we were chosen by PeopleAsia to be part of the Women of Style and Substance event. We look forward to see more of you in the near future. We should be able to offer you limitless options for your company and social events.”
The event, hosted by Markki Stroem, featured a fashion show with a collection from British brand Reiss. One of the highlights of the night was the captivating performance of Monica Cuenco and Antoinette Taus, stars of the well-loved Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical. Crimson Hotel gave Sister Marivic a gift package for the children of the Laura Vicuña Foundation.
PeopleAsia’s 10th “Women of Style and Substance” event was presented by Marriott Hotel Manila, Reiss, RCBC, Nissan, Jewelmer, Belo Medical Group, Nars, Laura Mercier, Phyto, Dessange, Cignal, SSI Group, Alessi, Peroni, Rustan’s and The Philippine STAR.
It was ably directed by Ferdi Salvador of The Event Architects.
Photos by JOVEN CAGANDE, JOEY MENDOZA, renjie tolentino and MELO BALINGIT