Elegance in benevolence

Some of the country’s benevolent men and women recently gathered to witness the 2014 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines’ annual awards ball at Makati Shangri-La. Now on its 11th edition, the fund-raising charity ball continues its mission to support Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) in its goal to help cancer patients all over the Philippines.

Leading the festivities for the fabulous gala, which was conceptualized in 2004 under honorary chairperson Imelda Cojuangco’s tutelage, were PCS chairman Dr. Roberto Paterno and event chairperson Angola Consul Helen Ong along with the ever-dedicated selection and organizing committee members Mabel Abaño, Tanzania Consul Betty Chua, Roy Gonzales, Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Sandie Poblador, Roselle Rebano, Elaine Rojas Villar and your columnist as adviser.

Grabbing the spotlight during the evening of glitz and glamour were this year’s elegant Style Icons Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Myrna Tang Yao and Marife Zamora; and Best Dressed awardees Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Catherine Arambulo-Antonio, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Girlie “Maita” Ejercito, Kim Haw, Pauline Laverne Lim, Biñan City Mayor Len Alonte-Naguiat, Lynette Padolina, Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento, Elizabeth Ventura and Ofelia Nuñez-Wadle.

Also given recognition in the gathering, which also paid tribute to the Fashion Czar of Asia Jose “Pitoy” Moreno who was part of the selection and organizing committee from 2004 to 2010, were the Men of Exemplary Influence 2014 awardees Jose Mari Albert, Reynaldo Castillo, Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Noel Gonzales, Gerry Lane, Philip Laude, Michael Victor Severino Martel, Juancho Robles and lawyer Miguel Varela.

Taking time to participate in this cause-worthy event,  sponsored by Marc Coblen, CATS Motors, EastWest Bank, Landmark, BA Securities and Czarina, were the generous Ambassadors for Life. An auction of a masterpiece by renowned sculptor Ramon Orlina added excitement to the celebration, which was capped by a raffle.

Congratulations to the 2014 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines for another successful year!