Of style, influence and advocacy
The Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila was filled with the who’s who of government, business, and high society at the recently concluded Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) 16th Annual Awards Ball, the much-awaited prestige event for the benefit of Philippine Cancer Society (PCS). Remarkable men in their chosen fields and who are full of compassion were honored as the 2019 Men of Extraordinary Influence, namely, Eddie Chua, Dr. Joni Dizon, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Howee Go, Arlu Gomez, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, Charles Stewart Lee, Nelson Licup, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea represented by his wife Betty Medialdea, Paul San Pedroand James Yap, with special awardees Most Effective Communicator Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar and Bold and Perceptive Thinker Senator Francis Tolentino.
Making the event more special was the recognition of the 2019 Paterno Awards, in honor of the late PCS former chairman and Camera Club of the Philippines (CCP) former president Dr. Bobby Paterno, who pioneered the annual tie-up between BDWP and the aforementioned prestigious camera organization. The 2019 Paterno awardees who have consistently been Ambassadors for Life for a minimum of eight years were Marcott Almeda, Hoseki corporate affairs director Zabeth Co, Sheree Chua, Aficionado Perfumes and Personal Care CEO Joel Cruz, Noel Gonzales and Connie Haw. Under the leadership of the hardworking BDWP event chairperson Consul of Angola Helen Ong with the selection and organizing committee composed of Johnny Litton as adviser, project head Roselle Rebano, and members Consul of Tanzania Betty Chua, Flora Chua, Roy Gonzales, Consul of Gambia Agnes Huibonhoa and Consul of Uruguay Marian Ong and graced by the presence of PCS chairman Dr. Antonio Ma. J. Guerrero, the much-anticipated yearly event once again raised funds for PCS, an organization at the forefront of cancer prevention, awareness, and support for disadvantaged Filipinos battling this disease.
Also walking the runway were the 2019 Ambassadors for Life, who have been supportive of BDWP and its meaningful cause for years. Thank you once again to everyone who made this year’s Annual Ball a rousing success — Moments in Heels, Okada Manila, PAGCOR and BA Securities with official event stylist Robert Blancaflor and official lights and sound supplier Forsc Ink, Inc. See you all again next year for yet another season of using our privilege for a good and worthwhile cause! Congratulations to the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines for another successful awards ball.
