A tribute to amazing, exceptional Filipinas

I pay tribute to amazing and exceptional Filipinas who bravely continue to carve a name for themselves not only here but globally as well. These women who are highly accomplished in their respective fields have the perfect combination of tenacity, determination, creativity, intelligence and a sense of humor that is uniquely Pinay.

Loida Nicolas Lewis is the chairman and CEO of TLC Beatrice International Holdings, Inc., a conglomerate of 64 companies in 31 countries. Loida was the first Asian-American woman to pass the New York State bar without having studied law in the US. She assumed the leadership after her husband, Reginald Lewis, the first chairman and CEO, died in 1993. By the time of his untimely demise, TLC Beatrice had made Reginald the wealthiest African-American in the US. His death left the board of directors, officers, employees and shareholders in great turmoil because the business was in trouble. Armed with entrepreneurial skills, legal acumen, negotiating abilities and a keen interest in people, Loida confronted the obstacles and skepticism ignited by her appointment as new chairman and proved that she can steer the course of one of the most successful business enterprises in the US. She is also the national chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, the largest advocacy group for Filipino Americans in the US.

What do famous celebrities like Pink, Emilie de Ravin, Natalie Imbruglia, Christine Baumgartner and Britney Spears have in common? Their wedding dresses were made by Filipino fashion designer Monique Lhuillier who is now based in the US. With French and Spanish-Filipino descent, Monique was born and raised in Cebu. A prominent name in Philippine high society, her family owns a chain of pawnshops operating in several cities across the nation. Her dresses are often seen on the red carpets and in editorial spreads of international magazines. Monique also added evening wear to her line and for the Fall 2007 season, she branched into more typical runway collections.

As founder and CEO of Natori Company, Josie Natori is a successful businesswoman in fashion. Born in the Philippines, she left Manila for New York in 1964 to study economics at Manhattanville College. After working as an investment banker, Natori started a line of women’s intimate apparel. Her apparel is known for its vibrant colors, bold patterns and designs. The signature detailing, embroidery, and appliqué work of the Philippines remain integral in Natori’s designs. Besides lingerie items, the company manufactures fragrances, home furnishings, accessories, jewelry and evening wear. Natori received numerous awards like the Galleon Award given by former Pres. Cory Aquino. She was a delegate to the Clinton Economic Summit Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1992 and a commissioner to the White House Conference on Small Business in 1993.

In the field of musical theater, Lea Salonga is a remarkable Filipina when it comes to international recognitions. She was the first to win various international awards for a single role. Lea’s excellent portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon earned her numerous awards like the Lawrence Olivier Award in London and the Tony, Drama Desk, Theater World and Outer Critics Circle Awards in Broadway. In 1993, Lea played Eponine in the Broadway production of Les Miserables and she is slated to portray Fantine this March also on Broadway. She was invited by Sir Cameron Mackintosh to join the Les Miserables dream cast as Eponine in the musical’s 10th Anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1995. In 2002, Lea returned to Broadway in the revival of the Flower Drum Song as the female lead Mei Li.

Magnificent Bulan

Imagine an old colonial house made of solid wood and stone, cathedral ceiling and adorned with exquisite carvings by skilled Filipino artisans. This old mansion located in the quaint neighborhood of Little Baguio in San Juan has been carefully renovated and restored to become the beautiful setting for a restaurant called Bulan. Bulan offers the finest European cuisine. Bulan features exotic Asian décor and furnishing. Hardwood flooring along with stone walls and magnificent chandeliers from India supply the warm setting that showcases the finest, most exquisite Asian art and furniture. Bulan is an object of art in its own right. The main entrance reminds one of an old church door, six inches thick and some 100 years of age. Others furnishings of the restaurant are of antique Chinese, Balinese and Tibetan origin. The bathroom door is customized from Tibet painted with dragons. The bathroom sink is made of fine Philippine marble. All furniture is Asian hardwood, of varied designs while some are antique pieces.

Bulan features a bar made of antique hardwood, while the counter is inlayed with a pattern of alternating ebony and ivory at its perimeter. The center of the counter is inlayed with bird and butterfly designs made of ebony and bone. The eyes of the birds and butterflies are set with amethyst, peridot and ruby.

Bulan’s chefs offer a whole new perspective in European fine dining. Master Chef Aguilar is a Filipino who has lived and worked as master chef in Europe for over 15 years. He holds European culinary awards and has taught European cuisine in Sweden. Bulan is also home of culinary skills training and chef exchange programs that bring students from Europe to the country to be trained by Chef Aguilar and to experience Asia and the Philippines. Culinary exchange, art exhibits, antique displays and the consistent exotic fine dining atmosphere enable major functions to be held at Bulan at least every quarter. One of Bulan’s constant diners, Gareth Davies, former owner of Glass House in New Zealand, one of the top 50 hotels in the world says, "There is only one word that I can use to describe the interior of this restaurant — magnificent! Also, the aioli is excellent, the starter marvelous and the pasta is great."