Fashioning a cause

Cristina Gomez

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

This affair is about real beauty inside and out

BEAUTY WITH SUBSTANCE. 2012 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines awardees Joteen de Jesus-Jimenez, Ana Amigo-Antonio, Aziza Mondoñedo, Grace Barbers Baja and Tootsy Echauz Angara. All photos courtesy of Cristina Gomez

MANILA, Philippines – Glitz and glamour surrounded the 9th Annual Best Dressed Ball of the Philippine Cancer Society held on September 26 at the grand ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La. 

The foyer leading to the ballroom was converted into an exhibit area where portraits of the best-dressed ladies were on display as captured by the lenses of members of the Camera Club of the Philippines.

This year’s list of 12 is comprised of beautiful and elegant women who have all generously supported Philippine Cancer Society’s goals of assisting cancer-stricken patients throughout the years.

Led by style icons Ching Cruz and Carioyn Tan, the awardees for the night were:

  • Bernadette Montinola Aboitiz
  • Tootsie Echauz Angara
  • Ana Amigo Antonio
  • Grace Barbers Baja
  • Sheree Jane Chua
  • Elizabeth Co
  • Joteel de Jesus Jimenez
  • Kathleen Lior Liechtenstein
  • Aziza Mondonedo
  • Pinky Puno 
  • Agile Zamora

The organizing and selection committee: (from left) Mabel Abaño, Roy Gonzales, Angola consul Helen Ong, Tanzania consul Betty Chua and Sandie Poblador

The ballroom was packed with Manila’s distinguished men and women from the political, social and business circles. Fashion denizens donned their elegant ball gowns from their favorite local and international couturiers, completing a list of the who’s who in the design world.

Host Johnny Litton began the evening’s program with an honoring of 8 Exemplary Men of Influence, all distinguished gentlemen who have made an impact on society by leading the industries they are involved in.

The awardees are:

  • Former President Fidel V. Ramos
  • Solar Entertainment chair Wilson Tieng
  • Lawyer Ruben T. del Rosario
  • Hennan Resorts chair and president Henry Chusuey
  • I-Remir chair Banson Choa
  • Dr. Edgardo Ong
  • Turkish Chamber of Commerce EVP Abdugani Macatoman
  • Calata Corporation chair Joseph Calata

Gambia consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Angola consul Helen Ong, United States Amb. Harry Thomas and Mitch Aquino

Soon after the men, the spotlight was then turned to the women.

In the liveliest upbeat music, one by one, the ladies strutted their stuff in intricately designed gowns in varied shades of pink. The audience did their part as they excitedly cheered the women modeling on stage. Husbands, friends, children and colleagues of the women were all beaming with pride. 

It was a challenge consuming the delectable 6-course meal that was prepared by the hotel’s executive chef when all eyes were glued to the stage.

The 2012 Best Dressed Women

At the end of the fashion show, each best dressed lady was escorted by an awardee from the previous years and was given a trophy that will forever mark their place in the history of the organization’s best-dressed ladies of the Philippines. 

Apart from supporting the beneficiaries of the organization, the event helped provide marginalized Filipinos with personalized treatments through an initiative called the Patient Navigation Program.

Hermelina and Peter Ressa

The Best Dressed Ball of the Philippine Cancer Society was not merely a gathering of Manila’s inner circles.

It was an evening that fought for a cause and celebrated beauty in life. – Rappler.com


The 9th Annual Best Dressed Ball of the Philippine Cancer Society was made possible with sponsors East West Bank, CATS Motors and Lifestyle Asia

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!