People Asia Magazine celebrates the 2012 Women of Style and Substance

MANILA, Philippines - Like fountains that never run out of talent and beauty—this was how People Asia Magazine Editor-in-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez described the 10 women who were honored during this year's "Women of Style and Substance" at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The definitive list includes TV-movie actress Gretchen Barretto, Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, corporate wife and children’s welfare advocate Marissa Concepcion, Lanao del Norte Rep. Aliah Dimaporo, broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano-Aguinaldo, graphic designer Isabel Gatuslao, Palawan Mayor Pie Alvarez, lawyer Karen Jimeno, artist Olivia d’Aboville and airline executive Julia Godet.

"This year's batch distinguishes itself for being unique," Ramirez said. "We have a sculptor, a legislator, a home-maker with a heart for the poor, movie actresses, women from several fields, and they distinguish themselves for their style and substance."

"People Asia chose a lot of really deserving women and I'm really thankful they came up with this award because it recognizes the role of women in society and how important they are in whatever field they're involved in," said Atty. Karen Jimeno.

The program was hosted by GMA-7’s Victor Aliwalas and all who were present were serenaded by The Angelos. The night also saw the much-awaited fashion show by Vito Store, which showased the pre-holiday collections of 20 noted Filipino designers.

Among the designers were Ronaldo Arnaldo, Ivarluski Aseron, Vittorio by Vic Barba, JC Buendia, Louis Claparols, Patrice Diaz, Maureen Disini, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, Veejay Floresca, Lulu Tan-Gan, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Dennis Lustico, Rosanna Ocampo, Tippi Ocampo, Randy Ortiz, Mitzi Quilendrino, Yvonne Quisumbing and Joey Samson.

Meanwhile, the "Divine" and "Diva" awards—for women with the most eye-catching outfit of the night—went to Bianca Roque and Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, respectively, both of whom went home with jewelry from The Heirloom Collection.

People Asia also raffled off two pairs of VIP tickets to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which went to Francis de Leon.

People Asia’s "Women of Style and Substance" 2012 is sponsored by Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Chevrolet, Citibank, Vito Store, SM Accessories, Below Zero, Nu Asia, Zen Zest, Floriade, The Heirloom Collection, Glupa, Meister Watches and The Philippine STAR.

People Asia Magazine celebrates the 2012 Women of Style and Substance