2015 fourth quarter edition second half

IMAGESASIA Volume 2 Number 4 2015 Fourth Quarter Edition Php 300.00 | US$13.50

the expressions of art, life and style

Jessica Maloles

Beauty with a Golden Heart

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JESSICA MALOLES Beauty with a Golden Heart Photographed by HENRY FERRER and GERALD INOCENCIO

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he strong willed woman, Jessie Malolos was born in Davao but grew up in General Santos.

She came from a very simple family who just have enough food on their table. Her father was a fisherman and she had 3 sisters so life was not easy for them when she was growing up.

When her mother asked their father to quit from fishing because of the time being away from them, life became even harder. Her father had to look for job nearby; luckily he found a job with DOLE instead. However, his salary was not enough to cover all their needs. Jessie decided to work while studying in high school to help her parents. She worked in a cotton company. She recalls how backbreaking it was to work in the field under the heat of the sun harvesting cotton and corn. She would mumble while carrying the heavy crops, “Someday I will become rich and when I do, I will buy everything!”

A fighter with a golden heart, as she is described by her friends, Jessie gets emotional when she talks about her childhood. The hurdles that came her way and how life was so unfortunate for their family. She remembers the time when she and her siblings used to peek at their neighbor’s window just to get a glimpse of the TV because they didn’t have their own television. She cries when she remembers the challenges of the past but she used those memories to reach her goals and flourish.

At her young age, Jessie has shown diligence and resourcefulness. She shared one funny experience where her classmate then paid her to be a secretary because that classmate of hers was too lazy to copy the lessons on the board. Jessie excelled in school in spite the adversities of being poor. She was always in first honor roll in elementary, and remained top student in her class in high school albeit the difficulty she was going through that time because her mother was sick.

After high school she decided to continue being a working student. She worked in a hardware store in her college days. The store was owned by a Chinese family where she probably learned a lot when it comes to handling business. She worked there for quite a while but when one of the owners showed interest in her, she left. She didn’t like to entertain someone who was older than her, like many of life’s little twists, she would end up marrying someone who would be much older.

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Jessie who never considered herself pretty before had a lot of rich suitors when she was in Holy Trinity College where she took up Business Administration. She thought if she marries a rich guy, then she will become rich as well. But then, deep inside her she knows her character and will not let anybody tie her down and not work. To her mind, she wouldn’t want others to criticize her if she will end up being dependent on her husband alone. She wants to play a big part in her own family.

When she was in 3rd year college, Jessie met Rico Maloles who is 37 years her senior. Rico was single and came from affluent family. She was heartbroken during those days that’s why her vulnerability made her consider the guy. She was pursued, loved and pampered by him. He liked Jessie so much because of her beauty and simplicity. She gave him a hard time but his persistence to win Jessie’s heart paid off, they married soon enough and that started Jessie’s better days.

Rico is a businessman who owns a huge building in Manila. However, he was not too involved that’s why Jessie had to step in when she became the wife. Under her management, their business flourished. She was able to maximize the potential of her husband’s building. She learned the ups and downs in business and the secret to be successful – “You really have to be devoted to your work and oversee the operation yourself, otherwise, it will fail.”

With the success of their property rentals, she decided to venture into other businesses like restaurants. After so many years of handling various ventures, Jessie decided to lay low, and choose a less stressful strategy in business. She decided to have their whole building rented out to a Chinese businessman who turned their property into a hotel. Now she is enjoying her life traveling, taking care of her husband and 5 wonderful children.

Her most exciting travel experiences were in Bohol, Puerto Princessa, Davao, GenSan, Vigan Ilocos Sur, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Reno, LA, Hawaii, Hollywood, Grand Canyon in Arizona and around Europe. Another thing she is taking pleasure nowadays is her fascination with signature bags and jewelry collection. She loves fashion and while her choices are conservative they are glamorous and elegant in style.

Enjoying the fruits of her success, she became a part of the Manila’s Best Dressed Awardees then joined the Mrs. Asia International 2014 beauty pageant where she won First Runner Up. This memorable experience to be in public eye gave her confidence to continue her numerous achievements.

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Her accomplishments include establishing her own foundation, becoming CEO of Maloles Estate, recognition as Most Outstanding President of Rotary District 3810. She is a Paul Harris major donor sitting first class President to Rotary Foundation and recently started a new trading business venture.

Last but not the least, being a mother is what she’s most proud of among her accomplishments. She also shares her blessings with the less fortunate through Rotary Club and her own humanitarian and medical missions. In the near future, she plans to pursue her dream to be a lawyer. She always wanted to have an honorific title with her name.

IMAGESASIA 8 Looking back to where she started, it proves that nothing is impossible for anyone who puts their mind into their dreams. Jessie’s secret to success is to patient and work hard for it. She just kept moving forward and never lost hope. She gives thanks to God for all the honors she received and the chances to improve herself.

She is also thankful for what God has blessed her with physically when asked about her beauty secret. She said she doesn’t believe in diet, that she owes her figure to her family for keeping her busy every day. For her fresh look, she credits Vice for her make-up, Roy Tambong and her sister Ella for her hairstyles.

Jessie ended her story with her philosophy in life: “I will remain humble. I will continue to share my blessings to those in need.

To teach my children the same values as I have. I wish to make a difference by giving the less fortunate opportunities to improve their lives.”

IMAGESASIA 9 Photographed by GERARLD INOCENCIO Wardrobe by RYE BAILE JONG SUDLON Hair & Make-up by JHONG SUDLON Location: BORACAY ISLAND. AKLAN CITY OF DREAMS MANILA

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Photographed by Henry Ferrer Location: Baguio Country Club

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JERRY ISLES Architect to the World

Photographed by HENRY FERRER

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n the world of architecture, fame is usually reserved to a select few who have managed to gain

prominence with stunning designs recognized here and abroad. Hence fame usually comes around middle age, for architects who have built a steady portfolio and enough leverage to set their own firm.

No one seems to have told Jerry Isles about this trend, since at 33 he had already started his own architectural firm and by the age of 38, he has been featured in major Architectural magazines as well as several TV programs in the Philippines. It is no wonder that Jerry considers these as his greatest achievements to date.

But in true Jerry style, he distinguishes between greatest achievements and those that fill him with the most pride. The top spot here is reserved for his pride at the passion and devotion of his wife to homeschool their two children. He is also extremely proud of his two children for having such passion and fervor for doing God’s work.

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Taking the third spot on his achievements is a surprising thing. It is building 80% of his clientele on Facebook. This is something which many people would find difficult to do for fear of not getting paid, but Jerry is not like many people and the trust issue does not concern him too much because of his faith in the good will of other people, even strangers. Given his current success at remote jobs, it is clear that his trust has paid off.

Yet for one who has achieved fame at such an early age, he is surprisingly down to earth and humble. When not working, he is engrossed in either watching movies with his children or playing golf.

Moreover, he is happiest watching movies at home with his family, sharing with them his enviable collection of DVD movies.

A loving husband and devoted father, his most memorable experience in life was his first trip to Boracay with his wife. His most wonderful travel experience was their first family trip to Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Adventure. A true family man indeed.

He also recounts several other exciting and wonderful travels here and around the world including trips to Mainland China to meet for the first time contacts for architectural work. He also remembers travelling to Sultan Kudarat for missionary work and shuttling back and forth to Boracay for site inspections as some of his other wonderful travel experiences.

A graduate of architecture from Mapua Institute of Technology, he looks up to two architects as his personal role models. He admires Architect Ildefonso P. Santos, National Artist for Landscape Architecture for his faith and confidence in those people working under and for him. He also looks up to Architect Rogelio Villarosa for showing him the importance of excellence in service and work.

Jerry enumerates three things that define his character as a person. He strives for excellence in everything he does, diligence and tenacity in completing the tasks and work required of him and provision for satisfactory designs for clients using creativity and innovation.

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As far as the future is concerned, Jerry looks forward to being able to practice architecture in other countries via the 2016 Asean Integration. In short, Jerry wants to be an architect to the world.

With such dreams beckoning, Jerry makes sure that he gets enough sleep and engages in a regular exercise program. He also watches his diets and attunes his mind to have a stress free life.

“Whatever I do, I make sure I do it with excellence because I am doing it for the Lord and not only for men,” Jerrys reflected on his philosophy in life.

Location: Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Valerio Ayala Southvale Sonera,Alabang

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SHELLY LAZARO Glamorous Human Rights Advocate Photographed by HENRY FERRER

When meeting Shelly Lazaro for the first time, it’s easy to assume that she is just a

very well to do, glamorous and fashionable urban wife and mother whose life revolves around shuttling between spas, shopping malls, beauty parlors and jet-setting around the world.

After all, her fashion style is a dramatic one that encompasses a whole spectrum.

Think intimidating to intriguing, sensual to seductive, sophisticated to striking or classy with a pinch of elegant drama.

Through it all, she makes it a point to achieve a tasteful balance between classy and trendy. Is it any wonder then that the lasting impression Shelly leaves is a person who is glamor incarnate.

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But it would be a gross injustice to assume that this is all there is to her. Behind the beautiful face is a woman who is a staunch fighter for human rights and a very successful entrepreneur with master’s degree in International business.

At the moment, Shelly is most active in her freedom advocacy. She is a board member of Visayan Forum Foundation, a prestigious human rights organization. This foundation is very active in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The foundation runs a halfway house for victims and they are also conducting a massive awareness campaign called iFight, a youth movement. This involves conducting information campaigns in schools and teaching students how to identify human traffickers.

Location: MARCO POLO HOTEL ORTIGAS Wardrobe: JUN ESCARIO

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Through her human rights advocacy, she helps in the information drive for the youth to look for warning signals on human trafficking and to report suspects in their communities.

While other non-government organizations assist victims of human trafficking pursue the matter in court, Shelly’s foundation opted to adopt a multi-pronged approach that emphasize prevention and proactive measure to create awareness on the social cause and head-on resolution of the problem. In doing so, the problem of human trafficking and modern day slavery is addressed on several fronts: before it happens, while it’s happening and after the traffickers are caught.

It is not surprising that one of the people she admires is Katie Ford who ran Ford Models which her parents founded. In 2008, Katie Ford gave up her prestigious CEO position at the plum modeling agency in order to form the Freedom For All Foundation. The goal of Freedom for All Foundation is to raise awareness in the business community about human trafficking and what businesses can do to solve the problem. She is personally known to Shelly and Katie is not only the biggest supporter of Visayan Forum, she is also a part of the Advisory Board, playing a big role in helping raise funds for the Visayan Forum.

On the business front, Shelly put up her own business which brings very innovative and popular beauty and wellness products to the Philippines.

Her products include Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals from Australia which has the best topical alternatives to dermatological and surgical treatments, like the Skin Doctors EyeTuck, a miracle cream that eliminates eyebags.

Shelly also imports the Luminess Air Airbrush system as a better alternative to traditional makeup. She shares that it’s the long-time secret of Hollywood celebrities for having a fabulous, flawless complexion.

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Another product she distributes is the premium vegan line of nail and body care products from Beverly Hills California, SPARITUAL. Shelly definitely walks the talk because she is an avid user of all her products as well, serving as vivid proof of their effectiveness.

Despite all these highly significant and important achievements, Shelly considers motherhood to be her greatest achievement. Being a mother to her only child Aiden, is the most fulfilling and important role to her.

In fact finding out she was pregnant stands tall as her most memorable and cherished experience because she and her husband had been trying for 7 years. When she learned about her pregnancy, she double checked the results using 12 more pregnancy tests.

She embraced the whole motherhood experience, from giving birth, breastfeeding and now, taking very memorable trips out of the country with her jet setter son who is all of 2 years old. For Shelly, travelling with her toddler is a completely different experience compared to travelling with adults. In fact while it is definitely not a walk in the park, she wholeheartedly recommends that everyone should try it.

Shelly staunchly believes that in order to give something, one must first have it. For instance, it is hard to spread happiness if one is unhappy. Perhaps another way of putting it is that in order to teach something, one must first learn it. Spreading happiness comes easy to Shelly because she is a very trusting person who sees the good in everyone. It’s a conscious effort on her part to overlook the flaws and look for the beauty inside.

“All of us are born beautiful. We just pick up the imperfections as we grow older, lose our innocence, and hardened by circumstances. But each of us has a soft spot, a yearning for love and understanding. We are all different, yet the same,” she divulged as her perspective in life.

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RACHEL HARRISON A Life of Gratitude Photographed by HENRY FERRER

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owadays, Rachel Harrison is managing her own private resort called Zambawood in Zambales.

She basks in the splendor of joy in a peaceful ambiance wherein she welcomes discerning guests. Rachel is very proud to have created and built Zambawood. However, she finds a greater fulfillment in Zambawood’s social purpose to provide livelihood for the local community.

Her aura of contentment and confidence springs from her success in the prime of her youth.

Rachel went to high school at Maryknoll and finished college in UST with a degree in BS Architecture. She recounted that after graduation, she was one of the favorite models of various fashion designers and a stage actress at the Metropolitan Theater at the height of her popularity. She was the top model of her friend Teng Roma of Emphasis Salon and her modelling of hair styles won her numerous awards.

In her heydays, Rachel was a flight stewardess of Cathay Pacific Airlines. She had seen so many places around the world but she said, “…perhaps one of the most memorable experiences I had before I got married, is when I took my father with me on a flight to Rome. I took him sight-seeing and I shared the most marvelous quality time with him. We drank coffee together at the sidewalk cafes and bought Italian shoes in Rome, Tuscany and Pisa.”

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IMAGESASIA 26 Rachel shared that as life unfolded, she felt blessed with a happy marriage to her best friend and love of her life as well as the birth of her 3 wonderful boys. The eldest Alexander is an accountant with a major accounting firm.

Julyan, the second son is a farmer and her youngest, 16, is in senior school. Rachel describes her family as relaxed and cool, traits influenced by her amazing husband.

Rachel and her lifelong partner continue to do their best to be good parents for their boys. They have raised them to have the confidence so that they can do anything as long they put their hearts, mind and commitment into it. They have guided them to have good values which they hope will keep them grounded when they leave home and make their own life decisions.

Rachel is very proud that her children turned out to be good and loving boys who are still happy hanging out with their parents even if they’re grown-ups now.

To be a supportive wife and a loving mother in the best way she can be is what Rachel considers her greatest achievement in life. When her second son, Julyan moved to the Philippines, Rachel together with her husband created a happy and safe environment for Julyan.

A loving soul, Rachel told us her many wonderful beach holiday experiences in the Philippines. The one she fondly recalled was the day on a boat with her husband and three kids at the Hundred Islands National Park. They had a boat to themselves and went around the whole day going from one pristine island to another. Time spent with her family is priceless for her.

Rachel’s interest and activities evolve around a social cause that is so close to her heart: giving fun and purpose to adults with special needs. She is finding ways and opportunities for them to have a routine that they enjoy and give them work. She said her passion and interest evolved as she got older.

“When you reach a certain stage in life, what you do is more focused on things that give you fulfillment and happiness,” Rachel said.

She finds time to socialize, entertain people, listen to music, do yoga, paint, play tennis and golf, and even skiing. She also loves reading. She collects architecture and interior design books, gardening, self-help and leadership books. With her book collection, her husband thinks she has enough to open a small library.

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Although a lover of art and beauty, Rachel doesn’t consider herself a collector. Rather, she sporadically buys objects that capture her interest. She is drawn to interesting, quirky, unusual, artsy pieces, and the ones that excite her just by visual impression.

She has very few art pieces on display because she likes the simple, uncluttered, streamline, nicely put together look. She has a penchant for Indonesian wooden furniture where she keeps her collection of shoes. She accumulates a lot of shoes because she find it difficult to find her size and when she comes across a shop with her size and preferred style, she tend to buy more than one pair.

Rachel has seen fashion in all her travel experiences but she prefers to keep her style very relaxed and easy. She has a capsule wardrobe, almost like a “uniform.” She likes to mix and match. For business, she would wear classic shirts in elegant colors. For the evening, she would just add interesting pieces with vibrant colors or patterns or shapes. Accessorizing is another of her passions. For her, it adds that certain chicness to finish the look.

When it comes to her daily attire at the beach and farm, she dons kaftan and shorts. When we asked her how she maintains her figure, she unpretentiously answered that keeping herself slim is a challenge because she loves to eat and drink. Doing meditation, yoga, walking and playing tennis helps keep her balanced.

Rachel describes herself as very loyal, kind, loving and compassionate person. However, some might say she is outgoing. She loves being around people, making friends. She loves to talk and joke around. She recalled the times when she made her family laugh and shared jokes with her siblings but with no mean feat. For her, the world is good when the energy is positive. Family will always come first but she feels fortunate to have made many wonderful friends who have become her family.

A kindhearted individual herself, Rachel looks up to Mother Theresa of Calcutta. She has in fact visited the saint.

She admires Mother Theresa for her humility, love and compassion that was undeniably pure and authentic. Rachel uttered with delight, “Her work lives on to this day – what a wonderful legacy to the world!”

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In the western hemisphere, she admires another personality - Angelina Jolie, for her dedication and commitment as a UN ambassadress for women and children.

Locally, she admires Gina Lopez’ drive to help the less privileged people in the country.

Akin to the people she admires, Rachel lives by her philosophy. She imparted some of her well-meaning life guide, “Treat everyone with love and compassion. You harvest what you plant… You receive what you give… Life is a mirror… You do unto others what you want others do unto you.”

She added, “The way you make people feel remains in their memory. Give without expectation, receive and live with gratitude.” With these in mind, she wishes to see her work for older people with special needs to be a success.

Rachel is one spiritual being who believes that when God is present in the heart of man, anything is possible. “Life is worth living when our heart is filled with gratitude, “she affirmed.

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Location: ZAMBAWOOD Zambales

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ANNE LUKBAN Sense & Sensibilities Photographed by NORMAN PASCUAL SAN DIEGO

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er passion is modeling, producing and hosting TV programs as a means to promote her

business and balance her quality time with family. For Anne Lukban, it all makes perfect sense.

It’s a good thing that time management is not an issue for her. She can juggle the various spheres of her life with ease.

In modeling, Anne enjoys the moment in front of the camera and at the same time promotes her business.

She’s on the go with her various commitments for her TV show and special moments with her children who both excel in academics and extracurricular activities.

Anne enjoys dining out, shopping and swimming with her children. “It’s really fun being with them and I tend to forget all my stresses in life… A simple conversation with my family can lead to laughter,” Anne asserted.

Her strong connection with her kids inspires her to be more driven in her business. Anne aims to expand her business and investments. She currently has two travel agencies in the province and recently opened a branch in Manila. She and her travel agency associates strive to create a onestop shop for all travel needs.

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“Traveling is very close to my heart. It gives me time to unwind and meet new people. It is one of the main reasons that made me decide to put up a travel agency,” Anne stated.

Among her travels abroad, Macau is unforgettable for Anne, “…my Macau trip was the most memorable because it was my very first travel abroad. Seeing a world different from my mine is just astonishing. I gained friends and understanding of different cultures. Although Macau is merely a small city, its economy and cultural heritage are impressive….”

“I plan to expand the network of our travel agency abroad. My team has joined a lot of local & international expositions to promote our services in Dubai and Singapore.

I also recently entered the wedding planning business.”

Anne further said.

Alongside with those plans, Anne expressed, “I envision a more comfortable life not only for my family but for my staff as well. I consider my staff as a part of my family and I always strive to improve their lives.”

Sharing her success is an important element for the longevity of her business and strong relationship with her team, “I together with my staff recently visited Hong Kong and we had a great adventure. We had special bonding moments and got to know each other outside of the office.”

Aside from her travel agency, she is also growing her coffee shop business and maintaining her condominium units for lease in Manila and health and wellness gym alongside her restaurant in Kalibo, Aklan.

With her busy lifestyle, she has her trusty red lipstick and eyebrow liner in her purse all the time for a natural and fresh look both for business and personal time. Her fashion style is unique and elegant whether it’s casual clothes or formal and sophisticated for an executive presence.

As a business woman, she gained more insights into life and evolved as a better version of herself. For Anne, being a single mom and entrepreneur is quite tough but she handles it with sense and right sensibilities.

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She attributes her success to God’s grace and her two beautiful children. Having no man to stand beside her is not something she is worried about. She feels the presence of God in all her endeavors and any challenge in life. She keeps her faith through rough patches and peaks of accomplishments in business and life.

“No matter what, here I am standing firm and confident,” Anne mentioned about her colorful journey through life.

“Life is what you make it. You are the one making your own destiny. If you strive hard, you’ll achieve whatever dream you have. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from reaching your aspirations in life. But above anything else, always remember ‘To seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, because for sure, all those things shall be added unto you.’ This bible phrase gave me strength to face life’s challenges,” Anne imparted.

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“I also have three guidelines in attaining the good life.

First is faith. Let God be the center of your life. Whenever things get hard, just pray and He’ll do the rest for you.

Second is determination. If you want something to happen, be brave and dedicated enough to pursue things and make it happen. Lastly, have the consistency.

All your efforts and investment will turn into waste if your faith and determination are just temporary. It must be part of your everyday life,” Anne further expounded on her views.

With her numerous accomplishments, Anne intends to dedicate her life’s work to giving back to community, “I plan to build a school & offer scholarship to children who are less fortunate… If given a chance, I would like to build a church and a home for the elderly and disabled. It breaks my heart to see them not being treated well.”

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Wardrobe by JHONG SUDLON Hair & Make-up by GENESIS SATOZA Location: BORACAY WEST COVE MARZON HOTEL

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Events 2015 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines

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he 2015 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Annual Awards Ball was staged by the Philippine Cancer

Society (PCS) recently at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The institution was established in 2004 under the guidance of event chairperson Imelda Cojuangco that helps and supports cancer patients nationwide.

The fashionable Best Dressed gala was spearheaded by PCS chairperson Dr. Roberto Paterno, event chairperson and Angola Consul Helen Ong. Selection and organizing committee members were Mabel Abaño, Tanzania consul Betty Chua, Roy Gonzales, Gambia consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Marian Ong, Sandie Poblador, Jayelles’ Roselle Rebano, Elaine Rojas Villar and adviser Johnny Litton.

The night’s biggest and brightest stars were 14 ladies chosen for leading lives worthy of praise on the personal, professional and civic fronts. Taking the stage and leaving everyone in awe with their radiating beauty and stunning gowns were 2015 Style Icons businesswoman and cancer survivor Grace Ong Gobing and The Catalog Shopper co-founder Joy Wambangco-Rustia.

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The 2015 Best Dressed Awardees were businesswoman and certified public accountant Eni Alba, Procter & Gamble Financial Shared Services division quality management head Natalie Diane LimAng, Rex Bookstore director Danda Crimelda BuhainGarcia, businesswoman and MTG Educational Program founder Maika Garcia, Reimagine Global Health Fellowship founding fellow Jarelle Palabay Gonzales, Bloomwoods Flowershop owner Mia CabawatanLozada, currency trader and licensed stockbroker Anna Moncupa, fashion accessory designer and advocate of Filipino craftsmanship Ann Ong, St. Luke’s Medical Center’s top obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Elsie BadilloPascua, businesswoman Anna Sia, Vigan Plaza Hotel general manager and socio-civic leader Patch Savellano-Singson and well-known neurologist Dr. Hazel Paragua-Zuellig.

The event likewise recognized seven men of honor as the 2015 Men of Extraordinary Influence namely First Life Financial Co. Inc.’s president and CEO Peter Coyiuto, Del Rosario and Del Rosario Law Offices cofounder lawyer Arturo “Johnny” Del Rosario Jr., Divina Law founder and managing partner lawyer Nilo Divina, Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Millward Brown Philippines vice president for operations and director for project management Mario “Bo” Muralla, MVP Group of Companies media bureau head lawyer Michael Toledo and JGYU Enterprises and Team Network Emergency and Crisis Management owner Johnny Yu. The funds generated from the event has helped the PCS to provide the disadvantaged sector of our society with their programs such as pap smear, mammography and biopsy, free chemotherapy drugs and cancer hospice care and Patient Navigation Program, which directly benefits cancer patients particularly in the successful treatment of their disease among others. (Photos by Henry Ferrer)

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Events Jennifer Weigel’s splendid 50th birthday bash

Birthday Girl Jennifer Weigel

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ennifer Helen Weigel, a pride of Cebu not only

for her elegance and style but also for her philanthropic work, celebrated her 50th birthday recently. Considered one of the loveliest personalities of the Queen City of the South, Jennifer was greeted by guests hailing from both Metro Cebu and Metro Manila.

Jennifer, or Penny to her close friends and family, is the daughter of the late Honorable Mayor of Lapu-lapu City Ernest Jun Weigel. She is a constant item in both Cebu and Manila newspapers and magazines. In June, she again made news as she bagged the title 2015 Classic Ms. Asia International Metropolitan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is also constantly a best-dressed awardee, the most recent one coming from Philippines’ Best Dressed Ambassadors for Life in benefit of the Philippine Cancer Society.

The venue of Jennifer’s splendid birthday blast was the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City. The guest list was composed of Metro Manila’s jet set group and Cebu’s A-listers, politicians, business tycoons and showbiz personalities.

The grand celebration was emceed by Oh, No It’s Johnny host himself, everybody’s favorite Johnny Litton.

Upon his cue, the lovely birthday girl entered the red-carpeted ballroom and sashayed like a beauty queen wearing a gold Jun Escario gown—generating a roaring applause from the guests. The beauty also changed outfit a couple of times with the second gown made by Escario and the third by Philipp Tampus.

Assisting the birthday girl in welcoming her guests were husband Edgar Sarmiento, son Drew, and twin daughters Jasmin Ellen and Jennifer Helen.

Edgar, of course, gave a touching speech. He is up to grab a congressional seat in his hometown Samar come next election.

Jennifer was then serenaded by topnotch crooner Richard Poon, followed by the lively performances of veteran singer Jacqui Magno of the Circus Band fame.

Also present were OPM movers Marco Sison, Rey Valera, Hajji Alejandro and Rico J. Puno who were all flown in from Manila. Cebu’s pride On the Cover Band provided the dinner music and dancing after the program.

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Carminia Pavia, Lynette Padolina, Carol Mercado, Jennifer Weigel, Ovah Rumorh, DILG Secretary Mel Sarmiento, Ofelia Wadle, Marian Ong and Sandy Poblador

Marco Sison, Jennifer Weigel, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera and Rico J. Puno

Jennifer’s constant and loyal friends from Manila flew in as early as a day before to celebrate with her, Ofelia Nunez Wadle, Wopsy and Agile Zamora, Anna Sia, Ovah Rumohr, Marian Ong, Manoling and Sandie Poblador, Ann Ong, Carol Ocampo Mercado, Beth Ventura, Mayenne Carmona, Philip Dizon, Manila Times columnist Becky Garcia and husband Dr. George Sarakinis, Joyce Pilarsky to name a few. STGold’s Lawrence and Ann Gan Ow, sponsor of the beauty pageant where penny won flew in all the way from Malaysia.

The Cebu who’s who comprised of Jennifer’s brother in law, newly-appointed DILG Secretary Mel Sarmiento, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, Jennifer’s mother Paz Weigel, socialite Amparito Lhuillier, Eduardo Gullas, Irish Arcenas, Zee magazine’s Eva Gullas, Jun Aregrado of Bluewaters, former Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmena, shipping magnate Chester Cokaliong, Jun and Lucio Lim, Alo Mendoza and family, well known furniture maker and suppliers Evelyn and Mosing Selma, Nonoy and Marian Tirol, Ray and May Gera, Mila and Patish Demicillo, Elizondo family, Albert Go and family, Buboy and Lenie Durano, Buloy and Virginia Durano, Kia and B&W car dealer Goho family, Almendras family , Dr. Mar and Tita Escario from Virginia, USA among others.

Jennifer’s only son, Drew, made every detail of the event interesting with the able support of his team, Andrew Anthony Alcantara, event coordinator Ritchie Mendoza and flower stylist Debbie Huang, who decorated the hotel’s ballroom stylishly and elegantly.

An exact replica of Jennifer’s pet dog Lucky with crown was specially made as give away.

Jennifer’s lavish merrymaking lasted until the wee hours of the morning amid the endless selection of wines, and yes, the indulgent Cebu Lechon.

To Penny with a big heart, may you continue to share your blessings with the people around you. More birthday celebrations to come.

George Sarakinis, Becky Garcia, Jennifer Weigel, Sandy Poblador, Agile Zamora and Manoling Poblador Jennifer Weigel with Richard Poon