A dazzling debut gala for women leaders

BPW (Business and Professional Women Philippines) held its first gala recently, an exciting milestone for their organization marked by “Viva Filipina! Fashion for a Cause” that featured the talents of Frankie de Leon and Cora DJ Manimbo. 

We joined them at the Okada Grand Ballroom for an evening of style and women of substance. In attendance were prominent female trailblazers like former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Senator Pia Cayetano, Ambassador of Israel Dana Krush, Susan Jones of BPW International and esteemed BPW Chapter Metro Manila president Medy Rams and more. It was inspiring to be in a roomful of successful and inspiring women!

It began in the afternoon with a forum empowering “Limiteless Women,” which focused on AI and guidance from successful startups. This was followed with the awarding of distinguished BPW presidents, and then the main event!

Runway-ready beauties strutted in a show directed by the iconic Oskar Atendido, first in Manimbo’s timeless Philippine Collection, followed by De Leon’s future-forward 21st Century Fashion. 

The show reminds us how style radiates from inner grace, shaped by community and the kindness we share. And being the true icons they are, BPW held this evening for its “Adopt a Community” initiative, bringing livelihood, education and opportunity to those in need.

Brava, ladies! What a beautiful first gala. I loved being a part of it. Congratulations to BPW, my dear friend Myrna Yao, and to your entire team. Looking forward to the change you will spark. Cheers!