Wonder Women

Women have always been a force to reckon with ever since the beginning of time. Their influence to the world has been of great value — recognized even by their male counterpart.

As civilizations come to pass, women have left their mark in history. Their contributions are felt in the advancement of science, politics, arts and culture. Through centuries, their astounding and outstanding influences have mesmerized the world and put it in a state of wonder. 

Today, women are empowered. And yes, they also empower others as they continue to inspire and contribute towards the making of a better future.

In the Philippines, many women are known for their noteworthy breakthroughs in different disciplines. They are the pioneers and game changers in many fields of expertise as they prove to be the living testaments of the many wonders of the modern women. They are purveyors of optimistic change in society as they set new standards, reinvent age-old traditional systems, restructure aesthetics, redefine stereotypes and revolutionize ideals in various professions.

The prestigious PeopleAsia magazine celebrates the many achievements of women in its “Women of Style and Substance” issue. These wonder women will be feted tomorrow at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza for the eighth “Women of Style and Substance” awards night. Leading the outstanding lineup of awardees are Sen. Grace Poe, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar, FILA president and CEO Cris Albert, stylish restaurateur and hotelier Sheila Romero, actresses and celebrity endorsers Heart Evangelista and Sam Pinto, young fashion designer Vania Romoff, SM Men’s Fashion assistant vice president for marketing Ayen Florendo, supermodel and PR head for Unilever Personal Care Apples Aberin, award-winning equestrienne and youth advocate Michelle Cojuangco Barrera and Invisible Sisters head and Asia’s first female commercial pilot Capt. Aimee Carandang-Gloria.

The legendary fine jewelry brand Miladay Jewels is one of the major sponsors of PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style and Substance” event. It’s worthy to note that Miladay was founded by the late Mila Dayrit, also a wonder woman, 47 years ago. From a small business enterprise, the jewelry brand has to date become an empire.

In collaboration with four of the hottest young designers in Manila namely Pablo Cabahug, Maureen Disini, Grace Ong and Vania Romoff, Miladay will present via a fashion show its latest dazzling collections of rare natural colored diamonds, black and white diamonds, pastel-perfect sapphires and luxurious gold in modern settings.

PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style and Substance” is one proof that the country does not run short of Wonder Women.

Photography by Rita Abiog • Styling by vanessa Martinez • Makeup by Ria Aquino for MAC Cosmetics • Hair by Hyatt Laurel • Model: Lou Muñoz • Special thanks to the management and staff of Fairways Tower, Bonifacio Global City