'Women of Style & Substance'

People Asia recently held its much-anticipated “Women of Style and Substance” photo exhibit at Bocarinos at the Renaissance Makati City Hotel. The event also paid tribute to the magazine’s 15 “Women of Style and Substance,” led by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney.

People Asia publisher Babe Romualdez and editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, together with Rose Anne Belmonte, wife of president Kevin Belmonte, welcomed and honored the Women of Style and Substance in a program hosted by Weber Shandwick CEO, lawyer Mike Toledo.

The awardees present were Ambassador Kenney, STAR columnist Mons Romulo-Tantoco, broadcaster Karen Davila, Smart’s Julie Carceller, HSBC’s Elaine Dichupa, educator Fely Atienza, Knowledge Channel’s Rina Lopez-Bautista, L’Oreal’s Tessa Dragon, top makeup artist Chechel Joson and singer Nikki Gil.

The red-letter affair was sponsored by HSBC, the Renaissance Makati City Hotel, Grendha, Qualibet, Margarita King, Moet and Chandon, Zen Zest and Twinings of London.

Fashion-watching

Manila’s fashion conscious have been venturing into Makati Shangri-La to check the country’s top designers showcase their collections at Nokia Fashion Watch Quartet 3.

 Nokia Philippines GM William Hamilton Whyte says: “Nokia is proud to associate itself with the Philippines’ best and brightest designers. The design of our products is inspired by different trends in style, including those seen in the series of shows at the Fashion Watch Quartet. Our involvement in the event is to show our support for local talent and creativity in the realm of Philippine fashion.”

 On its third quarter, designers who have already featured their collections include Rhett Eala, Patrice Diaz, Cary Santiago, Mike de la Rosa, JC Buendia, Avel Bacudio, James Reyes, OJ Hofer, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Gian Romano, Ito Curata, Dennis Lustico, Lulu Tan Gan, Hindy Weber Tantoco and Jun Escario. Designers next quarter are Alex Bitong, Joey Samson, Ivar Aseron and Cesar Gaupo.

Each week, the featured designer showcases his latest work. Spotted at the shows included President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Inno Sotto, Ven Laurel-Hermano, Bebot Laurel, Beth Day Romulo, Michelline Suarez, Angelique Villaraza, Leica Carpo, Issa Litton, Mark Villar, Lilibeth Campos, Mia Borromeo, Jojo Zabarte and Frannie Jacinto.