Empowerment is in fashion
MANILA, Philippines - Rarely can one find a fashion show for the cause of cervical cancer and HPV diseases. Rarer still can you find the country’s best physicians, cancer advocates and cancer survivors sashaying on the runway with top Filipina models and donning the creations of genius designers — all for charity and all making the call, “Choose to know!”
That statement of awareness and prevention against cervical cancer and HPV diseases just couldn’t be any stronger as that one evening of artistry when director Robby Carmona and the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the UP College of Medicine staged Brilyante: The Empowered Woman, featuring the finest designs of Delby Bragais, Parrish Carlos, Tina Daniac, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, JM Goulbourn, OJ Hofer, Michelle Lim, Richie Ortega-Torres, Randy Ortiz, Philip Rodriguez and Veejay Floresca.
Obstetric-gynecologist and Mu Sigma Phi 75th Anniversary Committee co-chair Dr. Ma. Angela Rodriguez-Bandola explained that Brilyante: The Empowered Woman, aims to communicate that cervical cancer, which continue to take the lives of 12 Filipino women everyday, can be prevented and that cancer patients need not be limited by their ailment. “We hope to empower them to face life with renewed vigor, hope and confidence,” Dr. Bandola said.
Partnering with the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority in supporting early detection and prevention of cervical cancer is global research-based pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), which strongly encourages women to get empowered and help protect themselves against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, i.e., vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and genital warts.
Inspired by this purpose, the designers delivered beyond expectations as they rendered their individual stylish expressions of empowerment in messages equated with the brilliance of precious gems: the message of courage with rich ruby and fiery red collections; peace of mind with soothing sapphire pieces; hope and dignity with gleaming emerald tones in various fabrics; and life with purpose with precious diamonds in white collections.
The designs befitted the exuberance, vigor and confidence of luminaries who modeled the striking and sophisticated creations on the runway: the crème de la crème of thoracic surgeons, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, pediatricians, otorhinolaryngologists from the Mu Sigma Phi sorority and fraternity; advocates lawyer Adel Tamano, Grace Lee, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Angel Jacob and Trade Ambassador Romela Bengzon; cancer survivors Pearlie Mae Castro, Marites Paule, Magne Guintu and Carina Villegas; and the men and women of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines, including Marina Benipayo and Joey Mead.
Lexi Schulze, who herself promotes HPV awareness through www.hpv.com.ph, hosted the benefit gala and reiterated the call for women to make the choice of knowing more about cervical cancer and HPV diseases.
Through Brilyante: The Empowered Woman, the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the UP College of Medicine affirmed its position as the staunch defender of this area of concern of reproductive health, being an integral part of its overall commitment for women empowerment.
Throughout its long and colorful history, the sorority has organized and pursued activities consistent with its ideals of solidarity, dedicated service, scholastic excellence and leadership in the fields of health.
Since its establishment in 1934, its membership has grown to over a thousand doctors dedicated to the sorority’s ideals, which are ever responsive to the needs, abilities and interests of young female physicians and physicians-in-the-making.
