'Milestones, Her Story' celebrates women’s courage and evolution

In a stunning celebration of womanhood and empowerment, JMG Infinity Events Management, led by Ruby Guiyab, in partnership with Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, presented “Milestones, Her Story” — a fashion gala conceptualized and designed by Rhon Balagtas. The event honored the strength, grace, and resilience of women who continue to redefine beauty and success in every season of their lives.

The essence of her story

At its heart, Milestones, Her Story told the timeless narrative of a woman who “grew through grace”—finding beauty in her strength and strength in her beauty. Each challenge became a chapter of becoming, shaping her into someone both fierce and tender. Through every rise and fall, she bloomed into a symbol of resilience and quiet courage. The show paid tribute to the ever-evolving woman—one who loves, leads, nurtures, and triumphs.

A runway of milestones

The evening opened with a soulful performance by Maren Reyes, alongside Luna Aviso and Rainbow Teruel, setting the tone for a night that intertwined artistry, advocacy, and emotion. The runway then came alive with captivating segments representing various stages in a woman’s journey—from youthful dreams to womanly grace.

Debutantes Sabrina Margaux Guiyab, Joy Balagtas, and Sophia Maxinne Guiyab embodied the promise of new beginnings, while radiant brides from Aces & Queens — Eriko Malabanan, Vera Dickinson, Leigh Sunga, Vienne, and Nicole — graced the stage as symbols of love, elegance, and hope.

Among the honorees were Celine Cornejo, a cancer survivor and content creator; Dani Camcam, beauty queen and model; and Miss Bea Rose Santiago, international beauty queen, actress, and host. These women personified grace under pressure and the triumph of authenticity.

Adding prestige to the event were philanthropists and industry leaders such as Cecille Bravo (CEO, Intele Group), Angela Sison (owner, Mamalous Restaurant), and Pat Puyat Palanca (Cluster GM, Crowne Plaza & Holiday Inn Galleria Suites). The evening also celebrated milestone love stories — Miss Nina Ricci Alagao’s Silver Wedding Anniversary and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz’s Golden Wedding Tribute — reminding guests that love, too, is a story worth honoring.

Fashion as a language of empowerment

Designer Rhon Balagtas, a rising name in Philippine couture, used fashion as a medium to tell stories of struggle, triumph, and transformation. A native of Guagua, Pampanga, Balagtas trained under Michael Cinco and Ditta Sandico, mastering both international sophistication and Filipino artistry. Her collection fused timeless elegance with meaningful storytelling, celebrating women who break barriers while remaining true to their roots.

“Fashion is not just about beauty. It’s about courage, identity, and evolution. Every piece in this collection mirrors a woman’s strength to rise and redefine herself,” Balagtas shared.

A celebration with purpose

Beyond glamour, Milestones, Her Story carried a deeper mission. As Guiyab emphasized, the event also served as a fundraising initiative for PROJECT PEARLS, a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through hunger relief, education, and livelihood programs in Tondo and other marginalized communities.

“This gala is not just about celebrating women—it’s about uplifting lives. Every milestone deserves to be honored, and what better way to do that than through fashion that gives back,” Guiyab said.

A night to remember

Gracing the event were esteemed guests including Edna Camcam, Jun and Kourtney Camcam, Mayor Corrie Poblete, Czaree and Armie Dy, Michael Osmeña de Jesus, David P. Sison, Ditta Sandico, and Director Raymond Villanueva. Special musical performances by Ima Castro and Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha filled the ballroom with emotion, sealing the night in timeless elegance.

As the final model took her walk, the message of Milestones, Her Story lingered beyond the runway: that every woman’s life is a masterpiece — painted in love, shaped by courage, and illuminated by grace.