Women reign supreme

Women definitely ruled the night with their power and character at the PeopleAsia magazine’s “Women of Style and Substance” awards night, held recently at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila.

Now on its 12th year, the much-awaited event has become a gathering of the country’s movers and shakers from the diplomatic corps, business and social circles to celebrate our awardees’ talents, accomplishments and advocacies. Among the VIPs who graced the event were The

Philippine STAR chairman Atty. Ray Espinosa, Tourism Undersecretary Ricky Alegre, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Camarines Sur Gov. Migz Villafuerte, who was there to support his girlfriend, awardee and Miss Universe-Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters. With me welcoming guests was PeopleAsia editor-inchief Joanne Rae Ramirez, who, in her opening remarks, acknowledged our awardees one by one for a fitting recognition. “Tonight, in the City of Dreams, I thank you all for being wide awake with us as we honor women who have made other’s dreams and aspirations come to life… Thank you, ladies, for believing in your dreams. Tonight, in the City of Dreams, I thank you all for being part of ours. And may all your dreams come true.”

This year’s “Women of Style and Substance” awardees included Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo

Puyat, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2017 Mariel de Leon, Association Cameleon founder Laurence Ligier, chef

Jessie Sincioco, Generation Hope’s Nanette Medved-Po, fashion entrepreneur Alou Koa, Furnitalia’s Florence

Ko, Madison Galeries’ Joy Wambangco Rustia, Fino’s Rose Ann Bautista, Philippine Airlines VP for marketing Ria Carrion Domingo, Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 winner Maureen Wroblewitz and Geoselle Dela Cruz, an inspiring young lady who took on eight jobs to graduate

cum laude at the University of the Philippines. For his part, City of Dreams Manila property manager

Geoff Andres, who was a PeopleAsia “Men Who Matter” awardee, said, “We are truly delighted to be the host venue for tonight’s event. It is our honor to welcome you with open hearts and we would like to share with you that we have three world-class hotels, 22 restaurants, this great L’Opera, the only DreamPlay in the world, a world-class casino, two night clubs all together. We’re very grateful to Joanne and her team for collaborating with us and hosting this affair tonight.”

The program, emceed by Atty. Mike Toledo, featured a performance by crooner Markki Stroem, who serenaded the crowd with jazz renditions of The Way You Look Tonight and Toxic. Guests enjoyed the sumptuous dishes prepared by the City of Dreams Manila culinary team.

Before the program ended, Charriol regional sales director Thibaud Jaouen and SSI’s Mitch Suarez announced the PeopleAsia and Charriol “Star of the Night” as Geoselle Dela Cruz, who received a stunning Charriol Celtic 4 watch as her prize.

PeopleAsia’s 12th “Women of Style and Substance event was presented by City of Dreams Manila, Charriol, Mercedes-Benz, RCBC, Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, DMark Corp., PAGCOR, Happy Skin, Double Dragon, Cream Silk, Megaworld, Titania Wines, Ultherapy, W Group and

With Laurence Ligier and Marissa Concepcion.

With chef Jessie Sincioco and Sara Soliven-de Guzman.

With STAR chairman Atty. Ray Espinosa and Rose Ann Bautista.

Mercedes-Benz’s Felix Ang, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and Joanne Rae Ramirez.

Geoff Andres, Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat and Dr. Aivee Teo.

Thibaud Jaouen, Rachel Peters and Joanne Rae Ramirez.

With Mariel de Leon and DMark CEO Nikki Tang.

With Geoselle Dela Cruz and Linda Ley.

Thibaud Jaouen and Domingo. Ria

(Seated, from left) Armi and Sylvia Carrion, Ria Domingo and Corazon Domingo; (standing, from left) Boy Toh, Bibot Domingo, Angie Buan, Carolyn Aguilar, Monicca DomingoMancao and Carla Muñoz.

(From left) French Baker’s Johnlu Koa, W Group’s Rosalind Wee, Alou Koa and Angola Consul Helen Ong.

(From left) Tara, Keana, Joy, Gilly and Joel Rustia.

With (from left) Pepe Rodriguez, Espinosa and Bobby Lim Joseph. Atty. Ray

(From left) Lutz Kunack, Monch Cruz, Quenby Go and Susing Pineda with Melchor and Cora Padiernos.

William, Florence and Billy Ko.

(From left) PAGCOR’s Ellen Arcas, Twinkle Valdez, Jing Arambulo and Maricel David.

Felix Ang and Joy Wambangco Rustia.

Felix Ang and Florence Ko.

Nanette Medved-Po and Geoff Andres.

Alou Koa and Sara Soliven-de Guzman.

(From left) Christopher de Leon, Sandy Andolong, Gabriel de Leon and Camie Juan.

Ambassadors Kok Li Peng of Singapore and Roberto Bosch of Argentina with Portugal Consul Tony Rufino.

and Charriol ‘Star of the Night’ Geoselle Dela Cruz (center) with Charriol’s Thibaud Jaouen and SSI’s Mitch Suarez.

DoubleDragon Properties Corp.’s Brian Ong and Hotel 101’s Gel Gomez with Earl Tanmantiong.

Cristina Bengson-Morales, Thibaud Jaouen and Thea Mitra.

City of Dreams Manila’s Amba Marcos and VP for public relations Charisse Chuidian.

Singapore Airlines’ Nedith Rachelle Rocillo, Aiza Soller-Garcia and Jessica Lahoz.

PAL’s Debbie Cuyegkeng and Eya Prospero-Dumol.

Israeli Ambassador Effie Ben Matityau and wife Lizia Lu.

Crimson Hotel GM Gerhard Doll and wife Kitty.

PAL’s Blaine Roxas and Kit Javier.

Felix and Grace Ang.

Raymond Alimurung and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

French Embassy’s Martin Macalintal and Diane Roblin.

Rose Ann and Rommel Bautista.

Rene Arambulo and Jereleen de los Reyes.

Hera Geriene and chef Jessie Sincioco.

RCBC’s Chester Luy and wife Elvira.

Laurence Ligier and Shaline Gamala.

Sofitel’s Adam Laker and wife Belinda.

Sofitel’s Assia Daourova and Yasmine Hidalgo.

Rene and Ann Puno.

Rachel Peters and Camarines Sur Gov. Migz Villafuerte.

Berna Romulo Puyat and Charlie Cojuangco.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

Tourism Undersecretary Ricky Alegre.

Lexus Manila president Raymond Rodriguez.

Volvo’s Buena. Lyn

Henann Group of Resorts’ Karl Chusuey.

’s Jose Paolo dela Cruz.

City of Dreams Manila’s Romina Gervacio.

Ultherapy’s Judith Albano.

Markki Stroem.

TogoConsul Evie Costa.

Mayenne Carmona.