In a report published by the Philippine Statistics Authority about the leading causes of death in the Philippines, cancer placed second. From January to August 2024, neoplasms, or cancer, recorded almost 34,000 deaths, making up 11.1 percent of all fatalities. According to the 2022 World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, the country recorded breast, lung, and colorectal cancer as the top leading cancers in both sexes.

With this, the Philippine Cancer Society continuously held its successful fundraising event, The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines, founded in 2004 by the Honorary Consul Helen Ong, through the initiative of the late PCS chairman, Dr. Roberto Montilla Paterno. The annual fundraising charity event has raised significant funds for more than two decades, establishing itself as one of the nation’s biggest and longest-running fundraising events.

In its 22nd year, The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines 2025 dazzled the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Fort Bonifacio for an exquisite celebration that honored timeless style and social responsibility. The distinguished Gala Night was joined by prominent guests in their best, elegant, and sophisticated outfits, coming together for a night of glamour, generosity, and purpose. Previously, the charity event was able to raise more than 22 million pesos, where 100 percent of the proceeds were donated to the Philippine Cancer Society.

The night was filled with energy and an electrifying buzz as the 14 Ambassadors For Life graced the runway and set the mood with a vibrant atmosphere. Various notable individuals include Virma Yasa Apostol, Bernie Caramba, Richard Cariño, Cristina Deleste, Leslie Intendencia-Gascon, Arissa Navarro, Anna Orlina, Imelda Mengutio-Sciandra, Ronalynn Tran, Shilpa Tolani, Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo, Agile Zamora, and doctors Rollin and Ma. Daisy Tabuena showed elegance and confidence that embodied the spirit of the night.

The dynamic Dancing Doctors of Iloilo, Doctors Rollin Tabuena and Ma. Daisy Tabuena graced the runway wearing the timeless elegance of Bo Parcon and Renee Magtibay-Salud, who received an iconic designer award that night. Along with other Ambassadors for Life, the doctors showcased sophisticated fashion and commitment to life, courage, and the relentless pursuit of defeating cancer.

Dr. Rollin Tabuena is a respected pulmonologist and internist known particularly for his work in interventional bronchoscopy. His most significant contribution is his pioneering research into the TB-LAMP test, which provides a rapid and crucial diagnostic method for combating the high incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. He also gained the title, “Asia’s Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine” and “Renowned Medical Internist and Pulmonary Specialist of the Year.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena, a leading neurologist and internist based in Iloilo City, is recognized for her specialized expertise as one of the first practitioners in Western Visayas focusing on electromyography and dystonia. She was also named “Asia’s Exceptional Doctor in Neurology Medicine” by the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards.

Known affectionately as the "Dancing Doctors of Iloilo," the Tabuena couple expertly merges their passion for dance with their commitment to public health, using their energetic performances as a unique platform to promote wellness, joy, and community health awareness in their philanthropic efforts.

Aside from the Ambassadors for Life, the event also awarded the following as the Best Dressed Youth Awardee: Brandon Lao, Stella Nuguid, Sofia Copok, Isha Sophia Pastor Alog, and Prima Kelcy Gonzales. Meanwhile, Regina Beatrix Elizabeth Ang Lim, Andi Bacsal, Stephanie Bella Ho Mercado, Ava Samuelle Magaysay, Maria Maloles, Haley Ryanne Chua, Steven Ryan Ho Mercado, Lance Patrick Mercado, Amara Isabelle Mercado, and Sophia Bigornia Montemayor were named for Youth of Style and Distinction.

Paterno Awardees included Maru Go, Connie Garcia, Connie Haw, Irene Montemayor, Elsie Pascua, Ofelia Nunez-Wadle, Eimee Edralin Cragun, and Carolyn Lee Tan. At the same time, Renee Salud and Michael Chiu Rosero were awarded the title of Iconic Designers.

Prominent figures: Gov. Dulce Ann Hofer, Wanda Tulfo Teo, Atty. Hazel Rebadulla-Riguera, Chef Jessie Sincioco, Marge Organo, Nonie Basilio, Amenah Pangandaman, Crystal Jacinto, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Nikki Tang, Annabel Uy-Braganza, Baby De Jesus, and Malou Martinez were named Women of Influence.

Additionally, trailblazing men from different industries were recognized as Men of Exemplary Influence, including Sen. Joey Lina, Amb. Victor Garcia III, Ernie Salas, Mayor Jun Lapada, Asec. Gerard Alan A. Quebral, Benjamin Abalos Jr., Bobby Alvares, Atty. Michael Toledo, Claude Tayag, Fred Eric Hui, Albert Evangelista, and Carlmark Tangalin.

Among this year’s distinguished honorees is Dr. Hazel Suansing Delfin, recognized as one of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines. A remarkable blend of beauty, intellect, and creativity, Dr. Delfin is not only a dedicated medical professional but also a woman of exceptional talent—personally sewing her own gown for the event. Her recognition is a testament to her multifaceted excellence and her inspiring commitment to both her craft and her community.

The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines 2025 gala honored a distinguished list of awardees who embody both style and substance in their commitment to philanthropy, such as Congresswoman Linabelle Villarica, Julie Anne Flores, Marie Antoinette Nisce-Ngo, Pia Marie Ortaliz-Yanson, and Dr. Hazel Suansing Delfin. Dr. Delfin, a practicing physician from Bacolod City, showcased her personal artistry for the event by personally sewing her own gown.

Furthermore, the event recognized several women as Style Icon Cover Ladies for the 2025 Coffee Table Book, including Governor Pam Baricuatro, Stacey Pastor Alog, Vivian Vicente Caramba, Jessie Maloles, Alexia Nunez Muller-Roger, and Maybelle Padillo. A special recognition was given to Shyla "Shy" Tan, who was inducted into the coveted Hall of Fame

The continued success of the BDWP is sustained by its dedicated leadership and selection committee. Consul Helen M. Ong chairs the Board of Directors and includes influential members such as Mario Katigbak, Betty Chua, Flora Chua, Bo Muralla, Marian Ong, Sheree Chua, Eisa Paredes Mercado, Charlie Rufino, Maymay Liechtenstein, Mildred Vitangcol, Roy Gonzales, and Noel Gonzales. These efforts are supported by the Selection Committee, which ensures the integrity of the awards process and includes esteemed personalities like Agile Zamora, Mags Cue, and Ruby Chua.

Another highlight of the evening was the auction of Ramon Orlina’s artwork, Interwoven 2025, a carved peridot glass piece. Orlina, a multi-awarded artist, is renowned for his abstract glass sculptures showcased both locally and internationally. In addition, BDWP announced its newest campaign, “Early Detection Saves Lives,” featuring the latest Philippine Cancer Society Mobile Clinic, which will spearhead the initiative.

Beyond the awards and the bewitching gowns and suits, The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines serves as an engine of compassion, effectively transforming an evening of high-society glamour into a life-saving fundraising platform for the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS). Every peso raised is a lifeline thrown to families and loved ones in need of chemotherapy sessions, radiation treatments, and vital medicines. Beyond the night’s elegance lies its true purpose: delivering ongoing support for Filipino cancer patients through treatment and early detection of the dreaded disease.