“So Alex, how does it feel to be the only man in a room full of really powerful women?†jests Malu Francisco, marketing communications manager of Store Specialists Inc., Philippe Charriol International’s international trainer Alexander Jentes.
“Good!†was all the otherwise conversational gentleman could say, as the flush on his cheeks grew brighter (partly because of his German heritage, and safe to say, the beautiful and accomplished women around him).
Indeed, Fairmont Hotel’s Presidential Suite exuded class and sophistication as Charriol hosted a power lunch in honor of PeopleAsia‘s “Women of Style & Substance†awardees for 2016.
In the words of PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, “A woman of style and substance is like a Charriol; you know one when you see one.”
(PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez leads a celebratory toast to all the women and guests)
(Standing: Kylie Versoza, Christine Dayrit, Atty. Karen Jimeno, Tita Trillo, Alex Jentes, Geraldine Roman, Nikki Tang, Katrina Tantoco-Lobregat, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Maureen Disini and Maxine Medina; Seated: Atty. Trisha Bunye-Rojas, Jaclyn Jose, Kaye Zorrilla-Gamboa, PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez and Sheree Chua)
Among the lovely awardees who filled the room with their smiles and their confidence were Cannes 2016 Best Actress Jaclyn Jose for the film Ma’Rosa;Â Binibining Pilipinas International 2016 Kylie Versoza; and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2016 hopeful Maxine Medina.
Also present were Rep. Geraldine Roman of the First District of Bataan and the first transgender woman to win a seat in Congress; model Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, who is also the woman behind makeup brand Happy Skin; Rustan’s scion Katrina Tantoco-Lobregat; international lawyer Trisha Bunye-Rojas; president and CEO of Titania wines Tita Trillo; travel columnist for The Philippine STAR Christine Dayrit; Kaye Zorrilla-Gamboa who is the director for operations for Right Goods Philippines (Wella Philippines); micro-financing businesswoman and philanthropist Sheree Chua; multi-awarded jewelry designer Ann Ong; and “beautypreneur†Nikki Tang who is the CEO of DMark Corp. and DermAsia Corp.; fashion designer Maureen Disini.
The 14 awardees were dressed to the nines and accessorized with pieces from Charriol and Jewelmer to prepare them for a photo shoot later that day.
Other guests included former Women of Style & Substance awardee and lawyer Karen Jimeno, PR maven Susan Joven, SSI’s Luzanne Manlapit and Charriol brand manager Shirene Abel.
(Binibining Pilipinas International 2016 Kylie Verzosa pointing out Charriol’s iconic design on her timepiece)
With Alex regaining his bearings with the help of delicious appetizers, the women closest to him were quick to ask about the iconic Charriol band on his right wrist. “We’re probably the only brand whose iconic design has remained unchanged for two millennia. This piece I’ve had for about 15 years now,†he explains.
With two beauty queens at the table, questions about their training, experiences and expectations came from every direction. And because most of the socializing was done over a scrumptious three-course lunch, Miss Universe 2016 hopeful Maxine Medina was naturally asked about dietary restrictions, if any. To everyone’s surprise, the statuesque beauty’s answer was “None! None at all. Actually, I don’t let anyone control that part. That’s all on me, and all on the lady if she knows how to take care of herself.”
(Miss Universe 2017 hopeful Maxine Medina and Charriol’s Alex Jentes)
In an industry where looks dominate and in a world that prizes slim figures, Maxine will surely prove to be a positive role model for empowered women everywhere, should she win the crown next year.
Still on the topic of the ultimate beauty pageant, Malu says “I actually hope Miss Universe won’t be held in the Philippines next year. I’m worried that if Maxine wins, people will think it’s a biased decision.â€
It’s a valid point, but a point that Alex — along with all the women who were now deeply engrossed in the conversation — was quick to dismiss. “Filipinas can do it on their own. No bias needed.†All women nodded in agreement.
And he is right, on all counts.
PeopleAsia’s Women of Style & Substance awardees will appear in the magazine’s August-September 2016 issue. For more updates and information, visit peopleasia.ph, or like Stargate PeopleAsia on Facebook.
(By SARA DE LOS REYES Â |Â Photos by MANUEL GENEROSO)
(Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Karen Jimeno, Jaclyn Jose and Susan Joven)
(Ann Ong)
(Charriol’s display of their newest collection)
(Alex Jentes and Tita Trillo)
(Geraldine Roman shakes Alex Jentes’ hand with and Kaye Zorrilla – Gamboa and Joanne Rae Ramirez next to her)
