Beauties with a purpose

Philippine Cancer Society’s search for this year’s consummate women ended with a big celebration at the Grand Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The second year of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Awards, a fundraiser presented by San Miguel Corporation and Lifestyle Asia honoring the ultimate Filipina, was a huge success and raised a sizeable amount for cancer advocacy, research and patient services. This truly memorable night was graced by VIP guests who were welcomed at the reception line by the Best Dressed Selection Committee members — Philippine Cancer Society chairman Dr. Roberto Paterno, Relay for Life chairperson Imelda Cojuangco, Asia’s fashion czar Pitoy Moreno, architect Gerry Contreras, Best Dressed co-chairs Consuls Fortune Ledesma and Helen Ong, and of course, yours truly.

The unique occasion was a grand production, with various names pitching in to help. There was Mellie Ablaza for the flowers, Titania Wine Cellar and Torres Wines for the crisp whites and fine reds, touch-ups by Menage Salon and donations by Asahi Glass, BMW—the ultimate driving experience, Chopard, Avon and Rustan’s Essenses, as well as PCS friends Merle Pineda and Therese Coronel Santos. The evening’s highlights included the radiant awardees sashaying down the catwalk with their signature flair and style while being cheered on by their friends and family. Finally, a collective cheer resounded throughout the whole ballroom when officers of the Philippine Cancer Society opened a letter from the ever charitable, multi-Papal Awardee Meldy Cojuangco revealing a generous donation. This is just proof of how powerful we can be when we all work together for a noble cause.

See you at next year’s Best Dressed Awards!