Front & Female Awards 2025: Grace, grit, and guiding light
It was an assembly of women who gathered at the Shangri-La, The Fort, under the discerning eye of Philippine Tatler’s Irene Martel Francisco, to toast six extraordinary women pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for women and girls in the Philippines.
At the initiative of Tatler Asia, this award was originally launched in Hong Kong three years ago to honor trailblazing women.
Irene explained, “I am proud of the two years that we have had Front & Female as a platform for women and girls in the Philippines. We now have a community of women who all see value in sharing and doing their best to make a difference for women and the common good. We aim to continue shining a light on these many laudable efforts.”
From an original shortlist of 18 inspiring nominees, six Front & Female winners emerged as icons of impact:
• Jack Animam, the indefatigable basketball phenom whose fearless leadership on the court has become the rallying cry for women’s sports in the country.
• Karen Batungbacal, a pioneer of the BPO industry and board member of IBEX Ltd., whose leadership has shaped the Philippines’ global outsourcing footprint
• Chef Miko Calo, a culinary tour de force celebrated for her refined technique, innovative use of Philippine ingredients, and the all-woman team she leads with quiet pride.
• Maribel Ongpin, chairman emeritus and CEO of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, whose dedication to preserving indigenous weaving traditions has revived local textile communities and woven heritage into livelihoods.
• Dr. Catherine S. Teh, a world-class hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon, the first woman to chair the Department of Surgery at NKTI, and a trailblazer in liver and pancreatic care in the country.
• Marife Zamora, the corporate stalwart now serving as independent director at SM Investments Corp., co-founder of Filipina CEO Circle, and an unrelenting advocate for women in leadership across the Philippines’ boardrooms.
From athlete to artisan, chef to surgeon, each honoree embodies the spirit of Front & Female — women who open doors, shine light into overlooked corners, and inspire others to follow their example.
