The Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort came alive with extravagance on Sept. 20, 2024, as the highly anticipated Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Awards marked its 21st year in glamor.
The prestigious gala night was successfully mounted as a celebration of fashion and a noble fundraising event for the Philippine Cancer Society and cancer patients. The affair drew prominent personalities, all eager to witness a night of elegance, compassion, and purpose.
As the program commenced, a thrilling opening number set the tone, creating a vibrant atmosphere as 23 "Ambassadors for Life" took to the runway. These remarkable individuals, including Virma Yasa Apostol, Rosemarie Basa, Annabel Uy-Braganza, Jet Capina, and Richard Cariño, showcased grace and poise, kicking off the evening’s festivities.
The founder of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines, Consul of Angola Helen Ong, then took the stage for her inspiring opening remarks. She proudly highlighted a significant milestone for the organization and her gratitude to the people who have supported the cause since the beginning up to this year.
It was also announced that the fundraising event collected an incredible sum of P23,789,240.29 in 2023, which contributed to the total of P200 million donated to the Philippine Cancer Society since the event's inception. This remarkable achievement was met with a celebratory toast led by board member Bo Muralla, as the audience applauded the organization’s dedication to making a difference.
Other esteemed members of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Board were also present, including Mario Katigbak, Betty Chua, Flora Chua, Eisa Paredes Mercado, Charlie Rufino, Maymay Liechtenstein, Agnes Huibonhoa, Mildred Vitangcol, and Froilan Gonzales. Their collective efforts over the years have solidified the event’s reputation as a platform not only for celebrating fashion but also for creating tangible, life-changing impact through philanthropy.
One of the night's highlights was the lively auction of three masterpieces crafted by renowned Filipino artists Philip Dizon and Ramon Orlina. The exquisite pieces fetched a total of P3,460,000, with all proceeds going to the Philippine Cancer Society, further reinforcing the event's charitable mission.
The evening's spotlight then shifted to this year’s Dr. Roberto Paterno awardees: Bryan Ang, Noel Gonzales, and John Lu Koa. These distinguished individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions and influence in their respective fields.
A centerpiece of the event was the much-anticipated runway walk, featuring the Men of Exemplary Influence and the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines awardees. Among this year’s honorees were Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena, Yolanda Yebes-Abalos, Deluck Boonsirithum, Vivian Caramba, Tess Chua, Dr. Jamilla Gomez, Antonette Gutierrez, Cristina Deleste, Lesie Itendencia-Gascon, Happy Melendres, Ces Miranda, Arrissa Navarro, Ria Chan Romualdo, Ces Rodriguez, Maricar Threadgill, Michelle Takijima, Jill Tan, and Anna Orlina, each receiving a trophy that symbolizes the essence of the modern Filipina—a beacon of elegance, compassion, and resilience.
Adding a touch of brilliance to the event were two Ilonggo medical experts, Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena and Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena also known as the Dancing Doctors of Iloilo. Both were not only celebrated for their contributions to the medical field but also for their fashion sense and advocacy work.
Dr. Rollin Tabuena was one of the Men of Exemplary Influence, recognized for his tireless work as a pulmonologist and healthy lifestyle advocate. He uses prestigious platforms, such as the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines, to raise awareness about cancer and promote the development of cancer care in the country, especially in their community. That evening, Dr. Rollin showcased his elegance, donning a striking creation by renowned designers, Renee Salud and Bernard “Nono” Palmos. His accolades speak for themselves. He was awarded the Renowned Medical Internist and Pulmonary Specialist of the Year at the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards in February 2023, as well as the Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine at the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards in June last year. Dr. Rollin graced the cover of Cream Magazine in 2012 and was honored at the FAAABVLOUS XI event in 2023. This year, he was recognized as one of Asia’s Influential Leaders, adding yet another feather to his cap.
Equally impressive, Dr. Daisy Tabuena, a distinguished neurologist and philanthropist, was the epitome of grace in a gown designed by a fellow Ilonggo Romeo “Bo” Parcon, Jr. Known for her fashion-forward approach, she too is deeply involved in cancer prevention advocacy. Like her husband, Dr. Daisy has garnered recognition throughout her career, having been awarded at the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards in 2023 and the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards in the same year. Her presence on the cover of Cream Magazine and recognition at the FAAABVLOUS XI event are further testaments to her influence, both in the medical and fashion worlds.
The couple’s unwavering commitment to the cause of cancer awareness continues to inspire many.
Joining them among the esteemed Men of Exemplary Influence was Brian Poe Llamanzares, an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, investor, and public servant, along with Bernie Caramba Vicente Edgar Balisado, Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, and others. These men, through their exemplary achievements, have made a lasting impact in their respective fields.
The grand gala was a celebration of the best in fashion and the best in humanity. The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Awards continues to stand as hope, where fashion becomes a vehicle for change. With each edition, the event reaffirms its role in the fight against cancer, proving that elegance and compassion can indeed go hand in hand.