Advocating for all women
“People are going to judge you anyway, so you might as well do what you want.” – Taylor Swift
In celebration of Women’s Month, many brands have chosen to highlight achievements of different women in their field of expertise. Whether it is in the kitchen, the boardroom or the design table, these women have shared their culinary skills, business platforms and decorating tips to help others gain knowledge and information to lead their families into a more tasteful and financially stable future.
At the beautiful showroom of Scavolini at Proscenium at Rockwell, a stylish crowd gathered for Queens of the Kitchen—an intimate affair that honored women who bring meaning, warmth, and creativity into the heart of the home.
More than a design showcase, the event was a celebration of how the kitchen has evolved into a space where life naturally unfolds. It is where conversations happen, where guests linger, and where everyday moments turn into something memorable—made even more meaningful by the women who bring these spaces to life.
At the center of the evening were Marielle Santos-Po, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, and chef Florabel Co-Yatco, each representing a distinct way of living through the kitchen. Marielle spoke of the kitchen as a place of gathering, where hosting feels effortless and connections happen naturally. Ana, as the force behind Wildflour, shared how the kitchen is the foundation of every dining experience—where structure and creativity come together. Meanwhile, chef Florabel offered insight into preparing for large-scale and high-profile occasions, where precision meets the art of creating memorable experiences.
Guests were invited to move through the showroom, experiencing the kitchens not just as beautifully designed spaces but also as lived environments. From the contemporary Libra to the refined Mira + Formalia, and the warm, timeless Favilla, each space reflected a different rhythm of living—one that seamlessly blends function with everyday life.
“The kitchen has always been at the center of how we live and connect,” shared Bettina Hontiveros. “With Scavolini, it becomes more than just a space—it becomes an experience.” Bettina is the charming wife of Brian Hontiveros who is the big boss of Scavolini and we had a fun chat after the event.
Investing in women
I had arrived so late from another affair at Intramuros, Manila. It was the induction ceremony and membership gathering of Women’s Business Council or WomenBizPH where my good friend Rose Ong-Bosch of Wilcon Depot is the incoming president.
WomenBizPH is a leading advocacy group for women in business in the Philippines, composed of top women business leaders and entrepreneurs. Their mission is to empower women in commerce, inspire entrepreneurship, and promote women-led and women-owned enterprises through networking, technology, and policy advocacy. They work closely with government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Commission on Women to address challenges faced by women in business.
I was happy to reconnect with other empowered women who are truly inspiring like Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Monette Hamlin, Nikki Tang, and Nova Veluz of Buddy’s Pancit Lucban. These women have tremendously supported me in my “crisis” years and now I am shining brightly like them.
A woman’s lasting impact
From lovely talks about entertaining in the kitchen and economic programs, we move to interior design sessions at the Opulence Design Concept, the premier destination for premium international home décor brands. Continuing to celebrate extraordinary women whose creativity, passion, and achievements transform homes, a special event called “Women Who Rise: From Her Space to the World Stage,” was held at this design shop in Greenbelt 5.
“We celebrate women who inspire both at home and beyond,” said Jinky Sy, owner of Opulence Design Concept. “Women are the heart of every home, yet their influence extends far beyond it. Their creativity, strength, and leadership shape not only spaces but entire communities, proving that their impact knows no bounds.”
Gerry Sy, co-founder and husband of Jinky Sy, added, “We’ve seen how women bring a strong sense of clarity and intention to design—balancing aesthetics with function in a very natural way. Many of our partners are women, and their perspective consistently elevates the way spaces are planned, detailed, and experienced. It’s something we value and continue to support in our work.”
This celebration brought together distinguished women in their particular fields to celebrate their achievements and contributions to society which included Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 and founder of Asul; Sheila Romero, executive chairperson of Global Port Terminals and founder of I Want to Share Foundation; and Charisse Tinio, co-owner of Nice Print Photo. Their stories exemplify leadership, resilience, and the power of making a lasting impact.
The affair also honored the story and achievements of Jonathan Adler, an internationally renowned potter and home décor icon. Adler’s journey of perseverance in the face of doubt mirrors the resilience of the remarkable women being celebrated. His bold, eye-catching designs bring personality and warmth to homes, serving as a lasting reminder of creativity, determination, and the enduring spirit behind his empire. All these I learned from the design presentation of Cecil Ravelas, president of Philippine Institute of Interior Design.
Beyond Jonathan Adler, Opulence Design Concept offers an extensive selection of premium brands, including Fornasetti, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace Home, and Polspotten.
As we end March with so much global pressure for peace, we collectively pray for an end to this war that has affected our country with the escalating price of gas. We could just hope for a peaceful end so we could all have a solemn and restful Holy Week!
