Glittering celebration marks 75th anniversary of YWCA Philippines

PLUS: Lala Gamboa, David Jason Mendoza unveil 'Flora & Fauna'

The Maynila Ballroom at Manila Hotel was ablaze with radiant celebration, overseen by notable figures including Leonida Bayani Ortiz, Past National President and Chairman of the 75th Anniversary of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of the Philippines, as well as incumbent National President Atty. Bienvenida Gruta and National Executive Director Nerriza Llena.

Joey Lina, Baby Ortiz and Dr. Susi Diaz-Mercado

Nora See, Dr. Leonida Bayani-Ortiz, Rosita Sia and Annie Kho

Harry Dy and Winny Chang of LukFook Jewellery

Rachel dela Cruz, Dr. Leonida Bayani-Ortiz, Atty. Nida Gruta, Atty. Joey Lina Senator Cynthia Villar and Neriza Llena

Nora See, Dr. Leonida Bayani-Ortiz, Rosita Sia and Annie Kho

Hi Society, Juliet Yap, Jorge Hizon, (standing) Vince Borja, Lory Cua, Frieda Hizon, Marilyn Ramirez and Darius Razon

Peter Uy, Dr. Leonida Bayani-Ortiz, Lions vice governor Charles Park, Henry Monzones, and Lions past governor John Siy

Noemi Abarzosa,Stela Sandico, (seated) Malou Bewer, Lory Cua, Marilyn Ramirez and Darius Razon

Esteemed guests and YWCA members from all corners of the nation convened to pay homage to the organization's remarkable 75-year journey.

The event was a showcase of elegance and unity, as attendees graced the occasion adorned in shimmering gowns, emanating a profound sense of togetherness. Darius Razon, the jukebox king of the '70s, graced the stage, captivating the audience with his melodious voice and a medley of nostalgic songs.

Distinguished guest speakers, including Senator Cynthia Villar and Joey Lina, former senator and President of Manila Hotel, delivered inspiring talks. Villar underscored the pivotal role of the YWCA in empowering young women.

Remarkably, Joey Lina, the president of Manila Hotel, not only delivered a compelling speech but also amazed the audience by revealing his vocal prowess. His musical performance delighted attendees, sparking requests for additional songs.

Enhanced by the exhilarating melodies of Marcy's band, the dance instructors adeptly sustained the celebration's vibrant spirit, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of non-stop dancing that concluded just before midnight.

The event proved a resounding success, a testament to the meticulous efforts of the organizing committee. Kudos to them for orchestrating an evening that celebrated YWCA Philippines' rich legacy and inspiring future.

Winny Chang of LukFook Jewellery received a Plaque of Appreciation from the YWCA for being one of the sponsors of the 75th anniversary of the YWCA of the Philippines.

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Filipina-French artist Lala Gamboa and Filipino-German artist David Jason Mendoza unveiled their latest collection entitled “Flora & Fauna” at Fashion Interiors on September 2.

Gamboa's passion for painting and the arts led her to the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts in Diliman, where she was accepted in 1993. She transferred to the UP College of Arts and Letters in 1997 and obtained here Art Studies degree in 2002. Along the way she joined the Sigma Delta Phi Sorority, continued to paint and sang with the iconic reggae band Tropical Depression.

A mother of two who writes, sings, and speaks four languages, she is currently the Librarian of the Lycée Français de Manille (LFM) at the European International School. She works with various media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, graphite and ink.

Yoly Pajaro, Manuel Gamboa, Boris Frank & Jason Mendoza

Cast of Beyond Beauty headed by Renee Salud and their Models

Boris Frank, Lala Gamboa, Michaela Pfeifer, Hi Society, David Jason Mendoza and Viola Buck

German European School Manila Teachers

Imee Haerle, Jenny Gruenewald, Jason Mendoza and Edmund So

Jason Mendoza, Sunshine and Julien Ferandon, Viola Buck and Boris Frank

Meanwhile, Born in Goa, Camarines Sur, well-travelled autodidact Mendoza worked in Japan and Germany before moving back to the Philippines, where he discovered his passion for painting at the height of the Covid pandemic. Since then he has joined online art exhibits in Milan and Barcelona, and has been featured twice in group exhibitions in Manila. Conversant in Filipino, English, German and Japanese, Mendoza is a full-time artist who likes to travel, cook, hike and garden when not holding a paintbrush.

The “An Ode to the Colors of the Earth” is on one side awash with the bright, deeply saturated colors that have become Mendoza's signature. Inspired by the inherent palette of nature, he employs a range of hues so vibrant that they seem to come to life. Whether it is the electric blues of ocean waves or the polychromatic plumage of exotic birds, their colors serve as a tribute to the beauty of the Earth — with a twist of gold and glitter. Each of his pieces in the Fauna collection are majestic and exuberant contributing to the thematic richness of the collection, adding layers of emotion and resonance that engage viewers on multiple levels.

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Beyond Beauty, now celebrating 10 years anniversary, is a remarkable assembly of beauty queens, fashion designers, and stylists renowned for their unwavering commitment to charitable causes. It is proud to announce its most significant fundraising event of “Renee Salud X Thai Silk” which will be held on October 25, 6PM at the Mayuree Ballroom, Dusit Thani Hotel Manila.

This gala fashion show will showcase traditional Thai Silk in a modern rendition by the Ambassador of Philippine Fashion, Renee Salud. But more importantly, the show will serve as a powerful means of support for three incredibly impactful charities: The Center of Hope, Kanlungan sa Erma, and Battle Against Ignorance.