BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ/ Photos by RENJIE TOLENTINO
Eleven “Women of Style and Substance” awardees made October 10 a perfect 10, as PeopleAsia honored women who break the glass ceiling in a glittering awards night at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila.
In her opening speech, PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez welcomed the awardees whose achievements redefine the meaning of beauty, success and purpose. “It was once said that women are only helpless when their nail polish is wet. Well, whaddayaknow?! Gel polish was invented. So, who’s helpless now? Rather, who’s no longer helpless now! There’s no more stopping women, right, ladies? Women find a way — and then lead the way,” she said.
Gel nails or not, polished, indeed, the awardees came, as they answered the magazine’s call to “send in the gowns” for the evening.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, resplendent in a Jhong Sudlon creation, shared her award, not just with the women onstage, but also children, OFWs and other nameless individuals. “This award is about including the forgotten women who carried the burden of home and livelihood; who willingly put their lives on the line by flying into faraway lands; who struggle against as a society that was not made for them.” Hontiveros also dedicated the accolade to friend and colleague, former Sen. Leila de Lima, who, she said, “pays the cost for speaking up for justice and righteousness… who even at knife’s point stands her ground as a Filipino. May we all be more like her.”
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, in her white terno by Jun Escario, also took to the stage to share the accolade with “the best part of the Philippines’ – the Filipino people.” before adding “We’ve engaged in listening tours in all our 16 regions, engaged in Philippine economic briefings outside the Philippines, conveying as much as possible to the world, that the Philippines is open and ready, not only to take back its pre-pandemic position, but to take a primary position in the world, because that is the birthright of every Filipino.” Frasco added “Last Friday and Saturday, I went to Mindanao, Bukidnon, Davao, Samal Island, Carmen Island and Medelin in Cebu to establish one of the most basic things that is necessary in every person’s journey across the Philippines: clean and decent restrooms.”
Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera also celebrated how the award reflects the redefined essence of being a woman. “In the past, our choices were restricted to one thing or another. Pursuing one goal usually involves huge trade-offs. As my fellow awardees have shown, however, you can excel in leadership positions, we can uplift communities, we can pursue meaningful advocacies, yet look great doing it,” she explained.
The reign of women
Aside from the public servants, glamorous and hardworking women from other sectors also reigned during the evening. Among them is Filipino-Italian beauty Queen Celeste Cortesi, who will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in January next year in New Orleans. “A woman of style and substance is someone who is true to herself. She’s capable [of inspiring] others through relatability, authenticity, and kindness,” Cortesi, in a black corset with asymmetrical neckline by Anthony Ramirez, said.
Also being recognized were Grab Philippines country head Grace Vera Cruz, whose company is at the forefront of the country’s digitalization through the plethora of transportation and logistics services it offers. “I dedicate this award to all men and women behind Grab for inspiring me every day to empower everyday entrepreneurs, and for helping all of us to give the best of ourselves to bring the Philippines forward,” she said.
Okada Manila VP for sales and marketing Cielo Ortega-Reboredo, whose efforts helped the country’s largest integrated resort flourish in the midst of a pandemic, was also among the evening’s awardees. “To all aspiring men and women in the hospitality industry, only you can make your dream come true. With hard work, passion, perseverance and patience, nothing is impossible,” Reboredo, in a glittery midnight blue gown by Leo Almodial, said.
BRM president Crystal Jacinto, whose EW Villa Medica Manila brings state-of-the-art regenerative treatments and Swiss biomolecular medicines to patients in the Philippines, was also honored. “Balancing between motherhood and career is not an easy task, but it can be beyond fulfilling to have the best of both worlds. Most importantly, be sure to embrace your beautiful, imperfect, exciting, adventurous journey. After all, that’s what life is all about, right?” she advised.
Also present to receive her award was visual artist Kristine Lim, the “Artists on a Mission” founder whose organization uses art to teach kids how to express themselves as they grow in the Word of God. “Proverbs 31:25 says, ‘She is clothed in strength and dignity. And she laughs without fear of the future.’ I pray we all realize that the best style one can wear is the presence of our Lord in our lives,” she said.
Fashion entrepreneur and women empowerment advocate Mags Cue shared her award with her family. “I thank the men in my life: my four sons and my fifth, who is my husband, John. Thank you so much. And you know, everyone, in everything that I do, I always get my inspiration from my mom, Mrs. Flor Lopez-Calpito,” she said.
Sta. Elena Construction Corp. executive vice president Jacqueline Eduardo — dubbed as the “Woman of Steel Jr.” — paid homage to mom Alice Eduardo and individuals in the construction industry in her speech. “I would like to share this honor with designers, craftsmen, artisans and artists, not only for their talent and their skill, but also the heart they put into all their work, especially the women who are in unexpected industries, such as my mother,” shared Jacqueline, who looked regal in an emerald green Michael Leyva number.
Rounding up this year’s roster is French Ambassador Michéle Boccoz, who leads the 75th year of Philippine-French friendship this year. “I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful Filipino women. They are an amazing group of women – so strong, so brave, even when facing adversity and difficult circumstances,” said Boccoz.
Adding a dash of magic to the night were Bituin Escalante, who brought the house down with her powerful renditions of “Moonriver” and “Natural Woman,” as well as emcee Markki Stroem who serenaded the audience to “fly away” with him, under a canopy of lights and flowers deftly designed by Randy Lazaro.
PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style & Substance 2022 Awards Night was held in partnership with Okada Manila, Pilipinas Shell, United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corp., Sta. Elena Development Corporation, The Belo Medical Group, Toyota Motor Philippines, Insular Life, PLDT-SMART, Grab Philippines, Spotlight Cosmetics, Randy Lazaro Events and Lifestyle, Sweet Comfort Events and The Philippine STAR.
