A SENATOR, a mayor, businesswomen, and other luminaries are among PeopleAsia magazine’s 14th batch of “Women of Style and Substance.” The magazine has been honoring women by including them in the lists since 2006.

The women were honored in a masquerade-themed ceremony last month in City of Dreams. PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez said in a speech: “We wear our most beguiling masks tonight — not because we have something to hide — but because we have something to show off. Tonight, we honor women who are not afraid to aim high and dream big, for themselves, for their community, and for the country.”

The awardees included: Senator Pia Cayetano and Makati Mayor Abby Binay, businesswoman Che Uy (who is on the board of several companies including Phoenix Petroleum; is corporate treasurer of Udenna Corp., and is the wife of businessman Dennis Uy), former Immigration Chief and PAGCOR Chair Andrea Domingo, BPI Family Savings Bank president Ginbee Go, Timson Securities’ founder Small Laude, Skin 101 medical director and CEO Dr. Jennie Diaz, “Build, Build, Build” Chair Anna Mae Lamentillo, entrepreneur and high-end real estate developer Carmen Jimenez-Ong of Menarco Development Corp., PLDT’s SVP and Group Controller and Smart’s CFO Chaye Cabal Revilla, and restaurateur and chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

From the media and entertainment, journalist Pia Hontiveros celebrated 30 years in the industry, as well as her award, and singer Moira dela Torre was also glad to accept hers.

Rounding off the list were style blogger Laureen Uy and obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Rebecca Singson who pioneered robotics surgery in the Philippines.

“We’ve always chosen women from all spheres: women who turn heads with their style, but who command attention with their substance,” said Ms. Ramirez told BusinessWorld. It’s easy to define style, maybe — you’ll know when you see it. As for substance, Ms. Ramirez said, “That could be charity, that could be your financial acumen, that could be your management prowess in running a bank.

“Every year, the list changes, because people, the Philippines doesn’t run out of women whose style is their substance, and their substance is their style.” — J.L. Garcia

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