These suits are made for stunning!
PeopleAsia’s ‘Women of Style & Substance’ 2025
Off with the gowns and on with the suits! Guests and honorees at PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style & Substance” Awards Night certainly got the memo as they made their way to the Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila in Alabang in their stylish power suits — and we’re not just talking about the gents!
Rocking a black-and-white Puey Quiñones suit skirt, PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez opened the evening by saying “The unique alchemy of strength and sensitivity, guts and grace, toughness and tenderness makes us truly beings who are women of style and substance.”.
With a playful twirl, Ramirez added, “We wear suits tonight — and we tweak them, because women have that femininity that makes them rock the cradle, the operating room, and the boardroom. And because they have the strength and purpose to wear the pants, so to speak, in any place they choose to lead.”
Set against a lush backdrop of red roses and velvet by Dave Sandoval, this year’s celebration honored women who embody both elegance and excellence.
Among them were Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, broadcast journalist Karmina Constantino, top robotic surgeon and aesthetic gynecology pioneer Dr. Elsie Pascua, hepato-pancreato-biliary specialist Dr. Catherine Teh, Wilcon Depot president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan and Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo.
The honorees received their awards from Ramirez and U.S. Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson, joined by PeopleAsia board director Sara Soliven de Guzman and managing editor Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz.
The night’s distinguished guests included Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh, Norwegian Ambassador Christian Lyster and his wife Cathrine, who joined the stylish crowd in enjoying a dynamic program hosted by Markki Stroem. The evening also featured musical performances by The Bodyguard’s Vien King and Velvet Jazz.
Later in the night, socialite Hera Geriene and model Brandon Espiritu were named “Stars of the Night,” each receiving P400,000 worth of jewelry gift certificates from The Dainty Queen and Hartman Communications. Meanwhile, educator Nelia Cruz-Sarcol took home a round-trip business-class ticket to Singapore, courtesy of Singapore Airlines.
After the awarding, guests mingled over fine wines and cocktails prepared by Philippine Wine Merchants, while savoring The Bellevue Manila’s lavish buffet.
As former “Men Who Matter” awardee and The Bellevue Manila managing director Patrick Chan said onstage, the night, indeed, was a fitting tribute for the “celebration of women whose influence transcends fashion and flair, and whose strength, purpose and compassion continue to make a profound impact on our society.”
PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style & Substance” 2025 is presented by The Bellevue Manila, Singapore Airlines, Belo Medical Group, Makati Medical Center, Elite Beauty, Sun Life Canada (Philippines), Inc., Grab Philippines, The Dainty Queen, Anya Lagman, Toyota Motor Philippines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Anko Philippines, Philippine Wine Merchants, Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, Futech Innovations, and The Philippine STAR.
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