Usually, when we think of balls, we imagine grand events filled with notable figures. Think of anybody who is anybody lining up on red carpets as waves of cameras, interviewers, and fans gawk over them in their extravagant outfits. Vogue’s MET Gala is the first to come into mind as the place where notable figures from various fields join together for what is considered by many as “fashion’s biggest night.” 

While such a grand event might come off as just a gathering of the elite to show off their wealth, this lavish event is for a good cause. After all, the MET Gala’s attendees raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, a section of the MET that contains over 30,000 objects spanning seven centuries of fashion. It raises millions each year to preserve the cultural significance of such outfits as tickets to be at the event cost up to $50,000 (roughly ₱2.8 million) each. 

Meanwhile in the Philippines, one similar event comes to mind. The Philippine Cancer Society’s (PCS) Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Awards Ball is one of the largest charitable events in the country. During this event, the country’s most prominent men and women gather together to raise funds for the battle against cancer. It goes as far back as 2003 after the PCS chairman at the time, Dr. Roberto Paterno, came up with the gala as a means of furthering the cause of cancer awareness and assisting patients in need through the PCS.

This year, it commemorated its 20th year through a grand celebration over at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC. Over 700 guests were present at the momentous occasion, all present in their very best. On this single night, up to ₱23 million was raised for the PCS. 

This is only the beginning as more funds are expected to come in through the sales of the soon-to-be-launched coffee table book, 2023 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines. Gracing its covers are six special ladies lauded as icons of style—stem cell technology businesswoman Crystal Jacinto, surgeon Dr. Lauren Liechtenstein, Michelle Jacqueline Lim from the energy industry, Corso Como owner Imelda Menguito-Sciandra, Congresswoman Shernee Tan from the Kusug Tausug partylist, and DMark Beauty and DermAsia CEO Nikki Tang.

It’s worth noting that such an event would not have been made possible without the hard work of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines’ board of trustees. At the helm is the chairman, Honorary Consul (HC) of Angola Helen Ong. She is joined by members HC Betty Ang-Chua, Flora Chua, Mario Katigbak, Kathleen Liechtenstein, Isabelita Mercado, Bo Muralla, HC Marian Ong, HC Charlie Rufino, Dr. Mildred Vitangcol, Froilan Gonzales, Sheree Chua; and representing the PCS are Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, Dr. Rachael Rosario, and Dr. Kelly Salvador.