PeopleAsia, led by editor-in-chief Joanne Ramirez, paid homage to stars that shine in their chosen fields, as the country’s go-to lifestyle glossy recognized 15 leading ladies as this year’s “Women of Style and Substance.”
By Alex Y. Vergara
When today’s women set their minds on achieving certain goals, there are no mountains too high to stop them, no glass ceilings too thick for them not to shatter, no notes too difficult for them to reach, and no colors too bright nor too dazzling to faze them.
These amazing traits were again on full display yesterday evening as PeopleAsia honored its “Women of Style & Substance” (WSS) 2023 awardees in a glittering ceremony attended by top diplomats, business leaders, celebrities, and society figures at the Grand Ballroom of Fairmont Makati. Now on its 18th year, the highly anticipated event was headlined by some of the country’s most prominent female figures in the fields of diplomacy, entertainment, business, sports and advocacy work, to name a few.
As PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez said in her speech, “Ngayong gabi ay parangal sa mga bituing may ningning. Tonight is an homage to stars that shine, and shine bright.”
Ramirez, who looked regal in strapless red-and-black gown by Puey Quiñonez, added, “Truly, what twinkles tonight are not little stars. They are diamonds in the sky, and right here on terra firma. Women of style catch your eye — but women of substance catch your attention as well. When women are both, well, they capture your admiration.”
And indeed, stars from various fields and industries went out to shine on the PeopleAsia stage.
Among them are “Women of Style and Substance” awardees US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Media Quest Inc. president and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, PeopleAsia’s publisher, president, and chief executive officer on leave, in a videotaped message, shared the same sentiments, as he made special mention of one of this year’s awardees.
“Women of Style and Substance is an annual event that recognizes women with exemplary achievements, blazing trails, and breaking the proverbial glass ceiling,” Romualdez said. “One of the honorees tonight is a good friend, Ambassador Mary K. Carlson, someone who I have known to come personally since she began her tenure as a top diplomat to the Philippines from one of our one and only treaty ally, the United States.”
The warm and self-effacing Carlson, in her acceptance speech, thanked the PeopleAsia team for the honor while giving “a special shoutout to the photographers and also to the people who do the photoshopping.” She also paid tribute to the first woman of style and substance in her life – her mother.
“When I received my print edition of the issue, the very first thing I did was send it off to my mom in Little Rock, Arkansas. I consider her to be my first and still most important role model,” she said.
A svelte Cuneta, who stood out in a black column in a roomful of bold-colored dresses, was ecstatic as she received the honor, her second award from PeopleAsia since the magazine cited her as People of the Year several years ago.
“…I am trying my best to live up to what you’ve always expected of me for 45 years now. I think there is something yet to be said about authenticity, sincerity, simplicity in a very complicated world and gratitude, most of all,” Cuneta said.
The consummate singer that she is, Cuneta broke into song at the end of her speech by singing a few lines from Pangarap na Bituin, the theme song of her hit movie Bukas Luluhod ang mga Tala. As soon as she was finished, guests lost no time shouting for “more,” and the Megastar graciously obliged.
Accompanied by the Marcy David Band, and with no prior rehearsals, she brought the house down with Ikaw, one of her signature songs, to the crowd’s delight.
Confidently beautiful with a sense of humor, the statuesque Dee said: “In a few weeks, humbly, I’m about to embark on a new journey at representing our beloved country, the Philippines, at the 72nd Miss Universe in El Salvador. And when I go there, I am not just carrying myself. But I’m carrying the hopes, the dreams, and the vibrant spirit of every Filipino.”
To Basas, a power woman in the mercurial world of media, “Substance is about depth of our character, the authenticity of our actions, and the unwavering commitment to our values. Substance is what gives style meaning, transforming it from a mere façade into a force for good.”
They were joined by fellow awardees such as Philippine Airlines’ AVP and head of Catering Operations Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer, climate warrior and advocate Mache Torres-Ackerman, Raffles and Fairmont Hotel Manager Aubrey Ada, volleyball stars Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez, Luminisce Hollistic Skin Innovations founder Dr. Kaycee Reyes, Aboitiz Group’s Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer Ginggay Hontiveros Malvar, and Converge ICT president and co-founder Maria Grace Uy.
The magazine also recognized its first “Rising Entrepreneur” awardee, Jujuglow founder Acee Sayson-Paita.
“I want to also express my gratitude to all the women here tonight, as they have paved the way and continue to inspire a lot of people. Let’s continue to champion diversity, mentor the next generation, empower them, and work together to create a more inclusive and digitally enabled society,” Uy, who came to the event with husband Dennis Anthony and their daughter Kyla, said.
For her part, Hontiveros-Malvar, a previous Women of Style and Substance awardee, said, “Beyond our business goals, I really believe that it is all our collective responsibility to advocate for a change of mindset, a mindset that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.”
Archer, the flag carrier’s trailblazing Filipino-American executive chef, vowed to make PAL soar further: “To be the first female executive chef at Philippine Airlines, I aim to do what I did in the US to make sure that Philippine Airlines remains one of the top airlines. I would like to accept this award on behalf of my six-year-old self, to thank those amazing women who have paved the way for me to become who I am. To become strong and to reach for the stars.”
Another trailblazer, this time in the field of beauty and aesthetics, Reyes said, “If you want to be happy, you need to learn every day and you need to evolve. But at the same time, I realize that’s not enough. You really have to give back to people to be truly happy.”
Focusing on the importance of teamwork in the hospitality business, especially during the height of the pandemic, Ada said, “Our collective tenacity and the robust support of our cluster general manager (Bernd Schneider), the executive committee and fellow artists, ensured that we didn’t just endure, but indeed we thrived.”
Schneider, who handed out the “Start of the Night” award to Joy Rustia, said in his welcome remarks earlier, “As we embark on this evening’s celebrations, remember that our laughter, applause, and accolades add to the timeless stories of women that the Fairmont brand has cherished and championed since its inception.”
True to form, Ackerman made a pitch for the environment in her acceptance speech. “Self-leadership is a prerequisite to organizational leadership. As a climate change advocate, the prospects for the coming years are both challenging and exciting. The challenge lies in the urgent need to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the exciting prospect is that we have the opportunity to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”
Celebrity volleyball players Carlos and Valdez both reflected on the importance of the recognition to their chosen sport.
“Sports is not just about wins and losses,” Carlos said. “Together with Ate Alyssa, we hope to share the mindset that sports can be a way to build and unite communities.”
Alyssa, a two-time Women of Style and Substance awardee, said: “Thank you, PeopleAsia, for this recognition, and thank you so much for recognizing women in sports. May we continue to inspire, influence, and empower younger generations of women.”
Also included in this year’s “Women of Style & Substance” list are BlueWater Day Spa’s Mary Simisim and Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated actress Dolly De Leon. Both were unable to attend the event due to prior commitments.
The awardees and guests, who all came in their colorful gowns and formal suits, were also treated to an evening of music, as Jed Madela and The Marcy David Band serenaded the well-heeled crowd. Monaco Consul RJ Ledesma also served as master of ceremonies, while event stylist extraordinaire Dave Sandoval decorated the venue in a flurry of fresh blooms and fall colors.
Prior to the event, PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style and Substance” awardees were featured in the magazine’s August-September issue, which was sold in select news outlets and online stores.
