An Evening in Celebration of Women for their Achievements, Beauty and Leadership
OCTOBER 28, 2018 SUNDAY • 6:00 PM DOUBLETREE BY HILTON WHITTIER
CITY OF CARSON October 28, 2018
Albert Robles Mayor
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you tonight to the 3rd Annual Woman of Worth (WOW) Awards Night Gala to honor and give recognition to Outstanding Women of Achievement. On behalf of the entire Carson Community, we applaud your commitment to celebrate and promote the status of women. We are proud to see that WOW seek to honor and give recognition to women who are not only outstanding and successful in their chosen field of endeavor, but, most importantly, make a difference in the lives of others and have influenced change in their world for the better -- from their family to their community. To the honorees this evening, congratulations from all of us in the City of Carson. To the Founder and Producer of WOW Awards, Mutch CariĹˆo, thank you for your hard work and dedication in bringing this event into fruition. We wish everyone a wonderful and memorable event.
Jawane Hilton Mayor Pro Tem
Elito M. Santarina Councilmember
Lula Davis-Holmes Councilmember
Sincerely,
Albert Robles Mayor Cedric L. Hicks, Sr. Councilmember
701 EAST CARSON STREET, CARSON, CALIFORNIA 90745 • (310) 830-7600
Outstanding Women of Achievement
RACHELLE ARIZMENDI
REA POTICAR-LAZO
In 2014, Rachelle Arizmendi, was the first person of color to be elected to the City of Sierra Madre City Council. She was selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor in 2017 and was recently reelected to the City Council. Rachelle is also the Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment. PACE is a nonprofit, community development organization that annually serves over 50,000 people. She was recently recognized this last September in London, UK as one of the most Influential Filipina Women in the World.
Rea Poticar-Lazo has been working for the City of Los Angeles for 30 years from different Departments like Water & Power, Neighborhood Empowerment, General Services, and currently for the L.A.P.D. She is involved in numerous prestigious humanitarian projects, socials, and fundraising events in the Filipino community. Rea served as the President of Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE) from 2016-2018; Public Relations Officer of Philippine Independence Coordinating Council of Southern California; board officer of The City of Angeles Toastmasters, a public Speaking Club; Philippine Children’s Charities Incorporated Ambassador of Goodwill and a Beauty Pageant title holder Mrs. Philippines-USA Universe 2014.
GOVERNMENT SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Outstanding Women of Achievement
BECCA GODINEZ
PERFORMING ARTS Becca Godinez is a seasoned singer, actress, songwriter, director and producer. She is recognized as the first successful female singer-songwriter of pop music in the Philippines. A student of classical voice, she won for her US college its first classical voice trophy. Becca performed in straight plays and musicals and was a recipient of several awards such as, “Woman of Distinction” for Theatre, 1st Place at the Opera 100 Classical Competition, and an awardee for Awit Pambata and the Tinig Awards. At the 10th Tokyo Music Festival where she represented her country, Becca won two awards. As a songwriter, Becca won 1st Place at the Houston International Song Festival and under her record label, Vicor Records, she was the recipient of two gold record awards. In Manila, Japan and Los Angeles, Becca hosted her own television shows and was a guest in numerous other TV shows. Believing that all children should have equal educational opportunities, Becca helped to establish four childrens’ libraries in the Philippines. She gives all glory to God - the true source of all blessings.
INES OTBO
ASSISTED LIVING A Certified Public accountant, graduated from Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan. She worked as a Financial Comptroller with an International Oil and Gas Drilling Company based in Whittier, CA. She migrated to the US in 1990 and continued to work as an accountant. In 1994, she started and operated Residential Care Facility for the Elderly in the cities of Brea, La Habra and El Monte. In 2006 she opened a stand alone Memory Care facility in Buena Park specializing in Alzheimer care. She currently serves as Senior Vice President in the state of California for an advocacy group called 6Beds, Inc. representing all the Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly and Adult Residential Facilities for Physically and Intellectually Challenged kids and adults . 6Beds, Inc.’s mission is to advocate for a safe, affordable and quality residential care for these population. Also educating these RCFE and ARF operators to maintain and provide higher standard level of care to their residents and clients and ensure these operators has to stay in compliance with the State and Federal Regulations by providing them free seminars and trainings.
Outstanding Women of Achievement
MINDA CHIN
OLIVIA QUIDO-CO
Whenever the biggest stars in entertainment come to Los Angeles for concertds and entertainment extravaganzas, the event producers to Minda, along with her husband Jun, to provide catering services to these stars. From megastar Sharon Cuneta, Concert King Martin Nievera, to comedy star Ai-Ai De Las Alas, Vice Ganda, King of Talk Boy Abunda and name any star, they have been served and fed by the Caterer to the Stars, Minda and Jun Chin of Fiesta Fastfood. For over 20 years, they are the go-to people for whatever parties you may have. Even the Philippine Consulate relies on their catering service.
The beauty and wellness business is a very competitive one and Olivia Quido-Co, more popularly known as Ms. O has transformed her business into such a huge success. Now, she has two five-star locations at the Eagle Rock Plaza and the Cerritos Mall. Walking into these beauty clinics and spas wil make you feel a VIP and you will even feel better because they can help you enhance your beauty and look through their various beauty treatments and regimens. It is no surprise that when the stars come to Los Angeles, they all go to O Skin Care to make sure they look perfect and beautiful for their fans before they set foot on stage.
CATERING SERVICE
BUSINESS
Emerging Woman Leader
DR. SUSAN LIM PATHOLOGY
Susan finished her medical studies at SWUMHAM College of Medicine in Cebu Philippines. Susan migrated to California and worked initially as a research fellow at Norris Cancer Medical Center of USC Keck School of Medicine. Susan has three board specializations in Pathology. She did most of her residency training at LAC - USC County Hospital, USC Keck School of Medicine, with additional year of subspecialization in surgical pathology. She then went to UCLA Medical Center for another subspecialization in Cytopathology
DR. CATHERINE SY-LUIB
CHIROPRACTIC SERVICE As a dually licensed Chiropractor and Acupuncture Physician, Dr. Catherine Sy Luib is here to serve you with your health needs. As a holistic doctor, Dr. Luib promotes optimal health and well being for all her patients. Her approach and belief of holistic medicine integration is evident as a better way to serve her patients’ overall well being needs.
Emerging Woman Leader
MELISSA RAMOSO
MONIKA VEGA
PUBLIC SERVICE
SOCIAL WORK
For over 14 years, Melissa served and advised federal and state legislators. She is District Director for a State Assemblymember. She has aided trafficked Philippine Nationals, helped veterans and reunite families. Melissa served as California Democratic Party State Chair to the Filipino American Democratic Caucus and is currently State Chair to the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus. In 2013, Melissa ran for office as the youngest Filipino American in California and second youngest in the U.S. Presently, she is running for Artesia City Council. In 2014, Melissa received the Filipina Women’s Network’s “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award.”
Monika is the Senior Outreach Coordinator at a mission-driven health care policy communications firm. In this role, she supports the state, California Department of Health Care Services, in strategic communications, for its initiative to improve California’s health care delivery system and patient outcomes, for the state’s most vulnerable and high needs patients. She served as the 2017 Event Manager, for Larry Itliong Day-LA, along with Pilipino Workers Center and City of Los Angeles. Monika earned her masters in social work from Columbia University in New York, where she studied across the Schools of Business, Public Health, and International and Public Affairs.
Emerging Woman Leader
JENNIFER KHO
SWEENEY MAE MONTINOLA
Jennifer Kho is a realtor and financial advisor who migrated from Manila 27 years ago. Now a consistent top 25 realtor with the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and a regional director at Exertus Financial Partners. She is the Incoming president of the Las Vegas International Lions Club and is very active with charitable organizations both here in the U.S. and the Philippines. Jennifer, who is also a singer entertainer producer, involves herself in the production of special events and concerts, the latest of which was the Music is Us show, starring Joey G of Side A, Morissette Amon and Ice Seguerra, held in Las Vegas.
Sweeney Mae Montinola is a motivational speaker, social media and marketing expert, Amazon Best-Selling author, and award-winning Marketing Director at SouthBay Pavilion, a regional shopping center in the City of Carson. Sweeney Mae Montinola has served in several leadership positions in her community, including as President of the Carson Gardena Dominguez Rotary Club, Vice President of the L.A. Philippine International Film Fest, Vice President of Communications for Women’s Business Council of Long Beach, and Board Member for the Gardena Carson YMCA. She currently serves as a board member for the Carson Sheriff’s Station Support Foundation and the South Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
REAL ESTATE
MARKETING
Emerging Woman Leader
SYLVIA SILVA
MEDICAL AESTHETICS Sylvia Silva is a Medical Aesthetic Specialist at BeautyMed Spa, Wellness and Skin Care Clinic that offers various services that enhance the natural beauty in you. Through her guidance, their trained and friendly staff care for their clients using premium cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products along with modern technologies in a calm, soothing pampering but clinical setting environment. They go beyond skin deep as they present modern aesthetic treatments including non-invasive weight loss program and clinical grade services. They continuously aspire for a “timeless beauty.�
GAIL KAIBIGAN ALVAREZ FASHION DESIGN
Crystal Gail Kaibigan-Alvarez is a Filipino-American blogger and fashion designer and influencer who has gained notoriety thanks to her self-titled fashion line, Crystal Gaily. Her regular takes to social media to share about her taste and style on fashion for her clothes and creations made her a rising Filipina of today. She has since graced interviews (So Janelle) and features (The Manila Times) for her clothing line and had consistently promoted her vision of individuality, modern feminist and women empowerment. She strongly believes that beauty and strength lies not just with what we wear but more on the confidence of every woman. This Batangas native will surely be making more waves as she continues to represent genuine beauty as a reflection of your personality through her clothing brand.
Emerging Woman Leader
Outstanding Youth Achievement
MADOLOR KING
SHANIKA BAUTISTA
Madolor King is top-notch entrepreneur and is involved in various businesses. She is the founder of MDK WOCN Consulting which specializes with complex wounds, pressure ulcer, ostomies and continence. She is also a CoFounder and the Chief Marketing Officer at EFK Property Company where they buy, flip, fix and sell properties. Madolor is the newsletter editor of Ostomy Association of Orange County. She is also a involved in the Nursing AdministrationWOCN at Kaiser Permanente Orange County.
Shanika Bianca Bautista was a top student and graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors in getting her degree in Cyber and Network Security at the ECPI University. Prior to that, she was an Information System Technician in the Navy for five years. Her command recognized and awarded her with the Navy and Marine Corps medal. She is still furthering her education by staying in school with the goal of becoming a more careeroriented woman who is an inspiration to others.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ACADEMICS
Most Beautiful Filipina
JANET HAMMOND Janet Hammond was recently crowned as Miss Philippines USA 2018. She is 20 years old and works as a Sales and Marketing Assistant at Optical Zonu Corporation.
ALEXANDRA ZACKY Alexandra Zacky is the reigning Miss Young Philippines USA Tourism, who also won Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Talent in the pageant. She is a sophomore at John Burroughs High School with a 3.95 GPA, and dedicates her free time to volunteering within her community. Alexandra will be traveling to the Philippines later this year to fulfill her advocacy to help impoverished children in the Philippines. Besides raising thousands of dollars to purchase school supplies, she has also enlisted the assistance of several medical and dental professionals who will dedicate their time and resources to further benefit those children. She aspires to be a marriage and family counselor one day, and she wishes to continue her passion for modeling and music in the years to come.
Most Beautiful Filipina
ALINA AQUINO Alina Aquino is 26 years old from San Francisco, CA. She graduated summa cum laude and magna cum laude in college and graduate school, finishing B.S. in Archaeology and MA in Anthropology. Her pursuit of higher education has always been one of her defining characteristics as she is always trying to better herself mentally, physically, and spiritually. As Miss Philippines USA Ambassador 2018, she strives to uphold her title with intelligence, confidence, and grace. Alina works in advertising for iHeartMedia and in her spare time can be found modeling, ice skating, trying new foods, and sewing.
ANYSSA MENDEZ 19 years old, Anyssa was born and raised in California. She was brought up to always have her head up and smile whenever she possibly can. She personally believes that a woman’s confidence is shown through her smile. Anyssa is a second year student at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Liberal Studies to become an Elementary teacher. She loves being with her family. She proudly exclaims that “I owe my parents so much for where I am today. I would like to thank you all so much for this opportunity to receive this award and I thank all my friends and family for all their support and presence tonight.
Most Beautiful Filipina
JESEREY SANCHEZ This 5 foot 7 aspiring singer actress is the reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas Northern California. Last July, she competed in the 50th Anniversary of the Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant and emerged as one of the Top 25 semifinalists. She studied music as well as Bachelor of Fine Arts at the AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles and was a graduate of the John C. Kimball High School. She speaks Tagalog fluently though born and raised in the United States.
KIMI MUGFORD This Filipino Canadian beauty represented the Filipino communities of Canada in the recent Continental Miss Philippines America beauty pageant. She was the top winner and won the title of Miss World Philippines USA. This earned her the chance to compete in the Miss World Philippines national beauty pageant and was crowned Miss Multinational Philippines. She will then compete in India this December in the Miss Mutinational International beauty pageant.
Most Beautiful Filipina
ALLISON LORENZO Allison Lorenzo is 21 years old and is a student nurse at CSU San Marcos, where she has been named to the Dean’s List all three years. She loves snowboarding, going to the beach, and played basketball for 10 years. Allison was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Southern California 2018 and was awarded Best in Swimsuit and L’Aura Wellness Miss Body Beautiful. She also finished in the top 25 among the 50 candidates of the 50th Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant in the Philippines. Pageants have given Allison a powerful voice to inspire others and become a game changer.
NINA ANCHETA Nina Ancheta was crowned as Mutya ng Los Angeles in the recent Mutya ng Pilipinas Southern California beauty pageant. This earned her the chance to compete in the Mutya ng Pilipinas national beauty pageant in the Philippines. She was among the TOP 12 Finalist. During the course of the competition, she also won several Special Awards and comendations.
Most Beautiful Filipina
PAMELA SAGUINSIN
SHEKINAH AUSTRIA
Pamela graduated in June of 2018 with a Doctorate in Business Administration focusing in Human Resources. She is a UCI Alumni and has graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Psychology. She is currently the Miss FCC-FACLA 2018. Pamela was also named as Binibining Pilipinas USA - Miss Congeniality in 2017. She is a fashion model and has modeled for Noell, Puey Quinones, David Tupaz, Carl Andrada, LA Fashion Studios, Kisha Waters and Tineola. Some of fashion shows that she has done are: The David Tupaz Collection, Carmelo Designs, Raging Runways Fashion Show, Ode to Fashion Week LA, and The Movement LA.
This multi-talented beauty is also a multi-awarded one. She was Spotlight Awards Star Discovery of 2018. In 2017, Shekinah was the recipient of the Youth Achivement Award at the TOP Awards and also received a scholarship grant from the Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA). In the Filipino American History Month Celebration in the City of Carson, she was the unanimous choice of the judges to win the Filams Got Talent Championship. Her star is rising that she has been a part and will be performing in various major concerts and shows here in California.
Most Beautiful Filipina
BETH MCKINLEY
ROSEMARIE MEJIA
Beth McKinley is the reigning Mrs. Philippines US for this year. She was one of the models in Holiday Fashion Show for a Cause 2017 by Ms. Lou Razon and one of the Cover Models of Miss Magazine, February 2018 edition. She is currently working full time as an electrical CAD Designer at Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering. I am also a licensed realtor for more than 12 years at First American Team Realty, Inc. Beth is an advocate of humanitarian causes and believes in giving back to the community.
A woman who is blessed with beauty and brains, Rosemarie Belle Mejia is an experienced real estate agent, financial consultant, real estate investor and a Certified Resident Property Manager. She is an alumnus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) where she earned her Commerce degree major in Management. She is a successful career woman who is also involved in philanthropic and humanitarian works both in the Philippines and in California, where she is an active member of various organizations. A beauty queen since her youth, she has been crowned as Ms. Earth, Ms. Lakambini, Ms. Kalayaan, as well as Valentine’s Queen. She was also crowned as Mrs. Philippines USA, aside from being named Lakambini ng Pag-ibig and Lakambini ng Pag-asa. Rosemarie is passionate about traveling, dancing, cooking and working out. A constant inspiration to her family and friends, Rosemarie aims to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate and hopes to leave a mark in their lives and hearts.
Most Beautiful Filipina
AMELIA DEITA
SHEB ROMANO
Amelia Deita was crowned Mrs. Philippines US 2018 First Runner Up. She is also an outstanding school teacher for 19 years. Her passion for teaching and giving back to the community is her life’s advocacy. This beauty is head organizer for school activities Against Drugs. She teams up with San Bernardino, Riverside and LA Police Departments to campaign against drugs. She is a commitee member of Western Accreditation of Schools and Colleges. Known for her charming and outgoing personality, Amelia has 2 children of her own and married for 22 years.
Sheb Aquino Romano is 34 years old and currently works as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in a Subacute nursing facility which specializes in taking care of patients on ventilators and GTube feedings. She is married to her husband Richard and has 2 kids, Ryvof age 4 1/2 and Ryquor age 2 1/2. She is also Mrs. Philippines US 2018 2nd Runner up, and is very much active in the MPUSA events and other Filipino community events.
Most Beautiful Filipina
JENNY GUZMAN YU
YAMANI CALIWARA
Jen was born in Norfolk, Virginia and at the age of 5, her father retired from the US Navy and moved the entire family back to the Philippines in a small town called Luna, La Union. In 1999, Jen completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine in the Philippines at Centro Escolar University and came back to the US in 2001 and started An E-Commerce and a Retail Financial business with her husband. In 2013, Jen attended a Women’s Leadership Seminar which empowered her to build her own company, Crave Lashes which is based in Southern California that creates quality, cruelty-free premium false eye lashes. Although she has left the dental field to pursue her true love and passion in the beauty industry, Jen still goes back to the Philippines every 2 years and organizes dental missions that offer free dental work and feeding programs and gives away backpack and school supplies to under served Filipino children.
Yamani Caliwara is a 2017 Philippines Best Dressed Awardee during the 2017 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines. With her experience as a professional international stylist , she is a licentiate of Style 2020 Academy of Los Angeles under her very own brand, House of Yamani. She is also an award recipient of various organizations like the Paul Harris Award. She is affiliated with several organizations such as Rotary Club, Soroptimist International Congressional New Generation and Softec Digital Inc. Also, she has designed and supplied apparel for local and international companies. Despite her hectic schedule, she continues to inspire the people dearest to her, daughters Heather Yana & Kylie Lanna Ongpauco. She raised them single handedly and putting their education as her highest priority.
Most Beautiful Filipina
GRACE FIGUES
JOY ANGELES
A constant awardee since her youth for being a Best Dressed Female and Fashionista both here in California and in the Philippines. Whenever there is a contest for a best dressed award, you can assure yourself that she will come out the winner. Grace is a sales manager at Kevins Jewelry and is always a topnotcher in sales in the statewide chain of Kevins Jewelry stores.
Jocelyn Angeles is a former print and ramp model who has competed in various beauty pageants and won 1st runner-up in the Lakambini ng Pilipinas in the late 80’s, having garnered the most special awards. A Masters Degree holder from the University of the Philippines, she is currently the Secretary and a Board Member of the UP Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles. For work, she is a manager in government service at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Joy has also served as HR Manager with several multi-national companies in the Philippines and was nominated as HR Manager of the Year award in early 2000. Indeed, a woman of worth, this seemingly tireless brain and beauty has a stubborn resolve to see herself continue to succeed despite life being full of challenges.
Most Beautiful Filipina
ALEXA ORTEGA Alexa Ortega grew up in the Philippines and landed her first lead role in professional theatre at age 12. She has worked as a Nickelodeon host for Asia and has also landed 5th place on a televised singing competition called “Are You The Next Star”. Aside from performing, Alexa graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor or Science in Psychology. When she is not performing she is whipping people into shape. As a personal trainer she believes it’s important to walk her talk and lead by example. She’s currently training for the LA marathon.
JENNIFER HAMMOND Jennifer Hammond was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016. She is a model at Professional Models Association of the Philippines. She studied Bachelor of Science in Nursing at MDC, UPH.
Most Beautiful Filipina
Production Staff MUTCH CARINO Producer & Founder
ALICE GONZALEZ Associate Producer
SHIRLEY & RODEL LUMANOG Logistics
RANDY TRINIDAD DJ ERNIE Technical Director
JOE COBILLA Photography
POL JOAQUIN Videography
BETTY DAVIS Betty Davis is 21 years old and is residing in Northern California. She is majoring in History and plans on becoming a teacher by profession. She recently travelled to the Philippines and modeled for works like Zee Magazine and Cosmo PH. While there, she further pursued her passion for beauty pageants and trained with one of the top beauty camps.
JANICE JIMENEZ Emcee
SHANE SELLORIA Ventriloquist
KINDREDS OF CARSON
Congratulations to all the awardees and honorees of the
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Ines n. OtbO Executive Director
care
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(562) 842-7539 • otbo1956@aol.com 1730 Elmsford Ave., La Habra, CA 90631
Congratulations to all the awardees and honorees of
From:
MELETTE LAMPINO
and Addison Acedera (son) Achelle Lara (daughter) & Family (Phillip Lara- son in law, grandkids Camille Jordan Lara, Collin James Lara, Campbell Jay Lara)
Congratulations
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