Painting the town ‘beyond beautiful’
MANILA, Philippines - It was a night when women were meant to shine — and they did when PeopleAsia magazine, through its ninth “Women of Style and Substance” awards, honored the achievements and advocacies of 10 women at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s newly renovated Grand Plaza Ballroom.
“They say a woman is only powerless when her nail polish is wet. Otherwise, she can rule with an iron hand, she can gently rock the cradle, but with fingernails that are impeccably manicured. She doesn’t sacrifice style for substance and vice versa — that is the epitome of a woman of style and substance,” said PeopleAsia editor-in-chief and general manager Joanne Rae Ramirez, who looked effervescent in an Inno Sotto number.
Awardees who were present at this year’s Women of Style and Substance were Cream Silk brand ambassador, actress, TV host and singer Toni Gonzaga, award-winning actress Alice Dixson, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2014 Bianca Guidotti, Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2014 Yvethe Marie Santiago, UAAP season 76 MVP for women’s volleyball Ateneo Lady Spiker Alyssa Valdez, model and philanthropist Jenny Rockett, Asian Carmakers Corp. (distributor of BMW in the Philippines) president Maricar Parco and broadcast journalist and Peabody awardee Kara David.
Other awardees include Pinkerton ice cream founder Alexandra Rocha-Araneta, performer Iya Villania, Cebu-based designer Mia Arcenas, fashion blogger Ingrid Chua-Go, jewelry designer Malou Romero and scientist Reina Reyes.
For his part, Sofitel Philippine Plaza GM Adam Laker said, “It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome you in this amazing event. The Sofitel is incredibly proud to be associated with such event that recognizes the amazing ladies here in the Philippines. Thank you, too, for being one of the first functions in our new ballroom. You are actually one of the first, if not the first, to grace the new ballrooms. Thank you for being part of this great event.”
Hosted by Markki Stroem, who also serenaded the elegant and dapper crowd with his smooth renditions of the classics, the event featured a fashion show with captivating collections of luggage brand Hartmann and chic RTW Viseversa. The Quinto Flamenco group charmed the guests with a fascinating flamenco number.
During the event, the special banking supplement collaboration between PeopleAsia and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) was unveiled. PeopleAsia managing editor Jose Paolo dela Cruz and Joanne Rae Ramirez presented the special banking supplement to RCBC first vice president for communications Joee Guilas.
One of the highlights of the night was the announcement of the Viseversa “Best Dressed” award, which went to Masha Boston, who wore an elegant BCBG dress. She won P15,000 worth of gift certificates from Viseversa.
PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style and Substance” event was presented by The Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Cream Silk, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Hartmann, Charriol, Viseversa, Jewelmer, Laura Mercier, Nars, Dessange, Phyto, Zen Zest, Crossover and The Philippine STAR.
