The SJW Building in Paseo de Magallanes was transformed into a beautiful place of style and philanthropy as it hosted the afternoon party for the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) Awards and Men of Exemplary Influence last Sept. 3, 2024. This prestigious event, now in its over two-decade-long tradition, serves as a major fundraising initiative benefiting the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), ensuring that every bit of the proceeds supports PCS programs and services.
The meet-and-greet gathering brought together the awardees, BDWP committee members, council advisors, and numerous prominent personalities. Among the important personalities who attended were Helen Ong, BDWP’s event chairperson, as well as members of the BDWP board including Betty Chua, Mario Katigbak, Flora Chua, Bo Muralla, and Marian Ong.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from the officer in charge, followed by a touching thank you message from Consul Helen Ong which underscored the significance of the BDWP Awards.
“This marks another milestone and a day of gratitude for me as we celebrate and honor our awardees. This would not have been possible without your continued support to our cause by providing financial assistance to our cancer patients,” Ong said. “Being beautiful has nothing to do with looks; it is how you are as a person, and how you make an impact on the lives of many, especially those who are in need.”
A deeply moving highlight of the event was the testimony of Ann Puno, a cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and mother of three. Her heartfelt words resonated with the audience.
“My cancer journey was not all that bad; right now I look at it as a blessing,” Puno said. “It has cleansed my family, forgiven many things that happened in my life, and made us closer.”
Puno’s testimony underscored the ripple effect of the BDWP’s fundraising efforts.
“You’re not here by accident. You are really chosen to be here to help, because it is no joke to have cancer,” she added. “Thank you so much for all the donations; you are saving not only an individual’s life, but their families as well.”
A total of 63 awardees were announced, celebrating a diverse range of categories: Ambassadors for Life, Paterno Awards, Men of Exemplary Influence 2024, Most Exemplary Man of the Year, and the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines.
Among the notable attendees were Iloilo's esteemed medical couple, a.k.a the Dancing Doctors of Iloilo, Dr. Rollin Tabuena and Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena, who shared their personal commitment to cancer care.
What sets Dr. Rollin and Dr. Daisy apart is their remarkable individual achievements and the strength of their dynamic as a couple. Dr. Rollin, a highly respected expert in Pulmonary Medicine, has earned numerous accolades, including the title of Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine at Asia’s Golden Icon Awards in June 2023 and Asia’s Influential and Renowned Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine Award at this year’s Asia’s Influential Leaders Awards. Meanwhile, Dr. Daisy, an accomplished neurologist, has garnered similar recognition, having been named Asia’s Exceptional Doctor in Neurology and Asia’s Influential and Renowned Doctor in Neurology by the same prestigious bodies as her husband’s.
In addition to their medical expertise, both are strong advocates for health awareness and have also made their mark as fashion icons, having been featured in Rupert Jacinto’s prestigious FAAABVLOUS XI portrait magazine and coffee table book in 2023. Through their influence in both healthcare and fashion, the couple has used their platforms to promote important causes, including cancer care in the Philippines.
“Cancer care has become a personal advocacy for me through my work as a pulmonary doctor, working closely with lung cancer patients,” Dr. Rollin said during an interview with Manila Bulletin. “Beyond the medical hurdles, the emotional and financial toll that a cancer diagnosis can impose is truly crippling.”
“By collaborating with reputable organizations, such as the Philippine Cancer Society, I will aim to organize community-based events and support groups that offer essential information and resources to individuals and families affected by cancer,” he added.
For Dr. Daisy, her desire for improvement in cancer prevention pushes her more to support initiatives like the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines. “I encounter cancer patients in my practice as a neurologist,” she said. “Usually, when the cancer is not primarily from the brain, most of the time it is already in the late stage. It is devastating to the patient and the family, but I have this mission to make them face the problem with strength and courage.”
“This award further encourages and strengthens me to push through with cancer awareness activities with focus on prevention—to start in our locality and strive to be at par with the ideal, if not perfect, preventive strategies in other countries,” she explained.
Dr. Rollin and Dr. Daisy Tabuena are among the 63 outstanding individuals set to be honored at the prestigious Best Dressed Women of the Philippines grand awarding ceremony on Sept. 20, 2024, at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City.
The afternoon party concluded with an exciting raffle draw, courtesy of Shangri-La The Fort, which kept the guests thrilled until the end of the program. After the formal event, wines were served and guests danced to the music until the end of the evening.
This year’s BDWP Awards celebrated style, elegance, and the spirit of giving and community. As the event demonstrated, the true essence of beauty lies in the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and the generosity of those involved ensures that the fight against cancer continues with renewed vigor and hope.