The talk of TOWNS
Female bonding is one of the best ways to boost one’s immune system and that is exactly how I felt when I joined a small group of female achievers who have helped make our nation a better place. The intimate dinner with The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) awardees Letty Ramos-Shahani, Elsa Payumo, Evelyn Singson, Nina Lim Yuson, Mel Tiangco, Myla Villanueva and Karen Davila had topics that ranged from the serious to the humorous — travel, religion, love and the (im)possibility of remarrying — to juicy behind-the-scenes stories on intrigues and politics since elections were then just a month away.
Our conversation veered towards health with Letty Shahani, a pioneer TOWNS 1974 awardee when it was first conceptualized by the Lions Club as a salute to exemplary women. Letty has accomplished much as an educator, diplomat and senator. Looking at her, one would not imagine she is a stage 4 cancer survivor, and an octogenarian at 86 years old. Eating healthy, undergoing chemo and stem cell treatments, drinking juices with luyang dilaw, carrots, mushrooms and fresh organic vegetables have been her mantra. Yet, she enjoys a good meal with a glass of wine when the mood strikes her and advises us that the mind and body should not be stagnant.
My good friend Elsa Payumo received the 1977 award for tourism by introducing the Philippines as a major destination to international travelers. Currently the president of the TOWNS Foundation Inc., Elsa reminded the group that there is an ongoing search for this year’s TOWNS awardees that is open to Filipinas aged 21 to 45 years old. Held every three years, the nominees “should not only be distinguished in their field of specialization, but also committed to the promotion of the well-being and upliftment of Filipinos and the Philippines by contributing positively in shaping the nation’s future and serving as a catalyst for economic, social and cultural development.”
The evening’s host was 1981 awardee for Business, Evelyn Singson. She reminded us that this was the era when she was the exception rather than the rule because female bankers were a rarity. Seldom were women given the rank of a senior executive if they were not related to the bank’s owners. Still very much active, she is currently the vice chair and president of Philippine Hoteliers Inc. (Dusit Thani Manila) and looking forward to opening new hotels in Fort Bonifacio, Davao and Cebu in 2017.
Brainy beauty with a heart, Mel Tiangco is not only an ace newscaster but also the COO of GMA’s Kapuso Foundation. She is admired for the speed and efficiency of putting up mini villages of sturdy concrete houses and school buildings for typhoon Yolanda survivors in Samar and Leyte. Government agencies would do well to learn from her.
Always complimented for her beautiful skin, Mel shared that she uses hyaluronic acid (a powerful humectant, which helps the skin retain moisture especially for the seniorellas) and is readily available on Amazon.com .
Educator Nina Lim Yuson has been instrumental in early learning education. She authored the first curriculum for the Department of Social Welfare’s daycare workers nationwide. Nina was my children’s favorite choice when they were nursery and kindergarten students in her Makati school. How I wish she continued her pre-school to make learning interesting for little children instead of the boring regime of memorization and route learning! However, she is now busy with her Museo Pambata in Manila and still makes learning fun for children of all ages.
The dynamic and energetic Karen Davila is a multi-awarded personality with three live daily TV and radio programs on ABS-CBN. A social media influencer, she has more than two million Twitter followers. She gave us interesting insights on autism that combines chelation, stem cell treatments, a gluten- and casein-free diet that helped her son David. Ever the proud mother, she shared with us the good news that he is now a regular high school student and can socialize well with his peers.
Tech whiz Myla Villanueva was awarded in 2010 for her innovative work in building the first Philippine broadband wireless company with the hope of having the Internet reach the rural areas. Currently the PPCRV’s national board trustee with 800,000 volunteers nationwide, they made sure that the people’s votes would be watched over and counted. Amazingly, within two hours, there was a clear lead for the presidential race. Her company (Novare Technologies) provided PPRCV with the technical work gratis.
After spending time with these accomplished ladies, I cannot wait to see who the younger crop of TOWNS awardees will be and if they will mature as beautifully as the ladies that I had the pleasure of spending an illuminating evening.
For information, email towns2016award@gmail.com or check out TOWNSFoundation on Facebook.
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