On Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. several Filipino women will be honored at “Tingting’s List: The Elegant Filipina,” an event sponsored by Diamond Hotel.
An award designed by Arnel Papa and a 20-piece fashion show by Albert Andrada will entertain the 400 “by invitation only” guests.
Other sponsors are D.M. Consunji, Inc., Globe Telecom, Berjaya, Baguio Oil, W Groups Inc., Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc., Lexus Phil., MM Lazaro and Associates, Ralph’s Wine and Spirits’ Manny Angeles, Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc. and Zen Institute to raise funds for the widows and children of the Special Action Force 44 to keep their memory of heroism alive.
Bo Cerrudo will sing three songs and Ballet Philippines will perform a short number to add to the elegance of the evening.
This year’s panel of “TingTing’s List” is composed of Honorary Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma, fashion entrepreneur Tina Ocampo, Tattler managing editor Chit Lijauco, designer Albert Andrada and Tingting Cojuanco who all defined the elegant Filipina as: “The woman who unwittingly is at the center of attention, knows the language of fashion, possesses beauty; is refined and cultured; she commands respect in her chosen field and leaves a legacy of grace, wisdom and compassion”
With those criteria in mind, the list of 10 Elegant Filipinas includes:
Felicia Atienza – Graduate of Wharton and University of Pennsylvania. Felicia spent 10 years immersed in the competitive world of finance working for multinational giants, JP Morgan Fleming and Merrill Lynch.
Felicia Hung Atienza is today founder, president and CEO of Chinese International School, a K-12 International Baccalaureate World School.
Marilu Batchelor – Designer of limited edition handbags sold to private clients and select retailers in the Philippines and abroad, providing her with fun and satisfying creative outlet when she’s not keeping time as a mother taking care of two sons and walking about with her husband as exercise.
Marissa Concepcion – Involved in two foundations, she is a member of the board of trustees of Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc., a social welfare organization that provides immediate protection for children in crisis. She is an active advocate of VIDES, a volunteer program engaged in the development of women and children’s education, scholarships, livelihood and medical services, and a supporter of the VIDES “roving library.”
Michelle Tan – Timeless simple clothes accentuated with jewelry perfectly chosen, she embodies feminine strength as an advocate for breastfeeding and dedicated mother to her one- year-old daughter.
To maintain a healthy mind and body, she turns to swimming as her form of relaxation and exercise.
Mariquita Yeung – referred to as Dame Mariquita Yeung based in Cebu. She balances a family and philanthropy, and business where she devotes great enthusiasm. Mariquita has established health centers to facilitate the delivery of medical services among the unfortunate. Constructed homes and schools for victims of natural calamities. Financially assists indigent students in the field of education through her MSY Charitable Foundation Inc. Sponsored surgery of cleft lip and palate that, as of today, results in more than 5000 children who can smile proudly.
Mariquita S. Yeung was conferred in 2011 the title Dame of the Order of St. Sylvester, a Papal title given for exemplary work for the Catholic Church for her socio-civic involvements, Mariquita was presented by the Province of Cebu with the Garbo sa Sugbo Award, 2011. The city appointed her Chairperson of the Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation for the beautification and renovation of Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.
Dawn Zulueta – Aside from being a head turner in blue jeans or a Filipina terno, this film, TV and stage actress, wife, mother is also a conservationist. Together with good friends, she founded Kahit Hindi Pasko Foundation in 2009, extending financial assistance for the medical needs of young children.
Karen Davila – Tailored and smoothly dressed, TOYM (The Ten Outstanding Young Men) Award and TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) Award for broadcasting, UNICEF Child Rights Award for her documentary on Children in Jail, a silver medal for the New York and Film Awards for her documentary on children and street drugs. As a contributor for CNN Special Report in 1999, she was awarded the Bronze Medal for her environmental report on the Marinduque Mine Spill.
In 2010, Karen was chosen as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. She can be seen in three live daily TV and radio programs. She has more than 2.3 million followers on Twitter and around 350,000 followers on Instagram.
Stephanie Gonzales – Known for her sense of style and effortless ability to be ahead of the trends, Stephanie has become a new generation icon, is a wife to Christian and mother to 3-year-old Andrea. The 29-year-old Philux designer and retail executive oversees the sales and business development areas of the homegrown furniture brand. Passionate about interiors, Stephanie supports and promotes local craftsmanship through Philux’s retail arm embodying the company’s mission of keeping luxury within reach. Stephanie is an avid believer in education and conservation.
Pamela Huang – Tiny in severely cut clothes with just two Cartier love bracelets “for always,” Pam is a dermatologist, educator, volunteer, and lifelong learner. Treasures loving relationships and transformative experiences… “I believe in the importance of education, in the value of hard work, honesty, humility and strength of character and the power of prayer,” as a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend…
Vanessa Suatengco – Elegance personified in posture and tailored clothes. Unfazed and “cool” minimalist dresser. In 2009, she assumed the post of General Manager of the Diamond Hotel, and become the first Filipina to hold such post in a 5-star hotel in the country. Under her management, Diamond Hotel has evolved to become one of the major hotel players.
Completed Psychology at Boston University and Industrial Psychology at Ateneo de Manila University and certificate courses under the Professional Development Program on the School for Hotel Administration of Cornell University.
One of Vanessa Suatengco’s notable recognitions was being chosen as the Mabuhay Gold Awardee bestowed by the Association of Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry (AHRM) for her valuable contributions to the Philippine hotel industry.
