The empowered women
MANILA, Philippines - A fashion show for the cause of cervical cancer and HPV diseases is rare. Rarer still is getting the country’s best physicians, cancer advocates and cancer survivors sashaying on the runway with top Filipina models donning 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. The show featured 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 the affair aimed to communicate that cervical cancer, which continues to take the lives of 12 Filipino women every day, 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 all men and women to get empowered and help protect themselves against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
