SOCIAL SET
The runway of rescue: Best dressed women of the Philippines 2026 redefine the fabric of philanthropy
The annual gathering is a testament that true style demands saving lives, reminding us that humanity’s ultimate masterpiece is a community bound by compassion and healed by love.
For more than two decades, true elegance in the local capital has never been measured by the mere sweep of a hemline or the shimmer of a sequin, but by the depth of one’s devotion to uplifting others.
The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) made its grand return to Shangri-La The Fort on 22 September, proving once more that style achieves its highest purpose when anchored in profound philanthropy.
Founded in 2004 by Consul Helen Ong alongside the late Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) chairman Dr. Roberto Montilla Paterno, this annual milestone gathered an illustrious tapestry of leaders, artists and visionaries. Bound by a shared mission to champion cancer care, the evening seamlessly transformed the red carpet into a runway of hope, where every presence served as a powerful statement against a devastating disease.
At its core, this celebrated gala remains a fierce and enduring advocacy, directing 100 percent of its proceeds to the life-saving programs and services of the Philippine Cancer Society for indigent patients. The tangible impact of this decades-long crusade was beautifully actualized this year with the inauguration of the Helen M. Ong Patient Services and Multi-Purpose Hall — a sanctuary fully funded by BDWP to strengthen support networks for families in need.
Steering this massive philanthropic vessel is the 2026 board of directors, led by Consul Helen Ong alongside Mario Katigbak, Consul Betty Chua, Flora Chua, Bo Muralla, Sheree Chua, Marian Ong, Charlie Rufino, Eisa Mercado, Mildred Vitangcol, Froilan “Roy” Gonzales, May May Liechtenstein and Noel Gonzales.
By turning the global language of fashion into a lifeline for the underserved, the annual gathering is a testament that true style demands saving lives, reminding us that humanity’s ultimate masterpiece is a community bound by compassion and healed by love.