To mark Women's Month, Cosmopolitan Philippines recognizes Filipinas who are bringing about positive changes in their spheres of influence.
Cosmopolitan Philippines hosted a special dinner party on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the Manila House in Bonifacio Global City to honor the "fun, fearless, and forward Filipinas who have made their mark in their respective careers and platform."
This year's honorees include award-winning actress Nadine Lustre, content creator Rain Matienzo, siblings and JellyTime founders Ava Daza-Zanirato and Isabelle Daza, beauty queen Mela Habijan, Home Buddies founder Frances Cabatuando, and filmmakers Antoinette Jadaone and Samantha Lee.
COSMO.PH'S WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 2023
In their interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Cosmopolitan Philippines' Women of Influence 2023 awardees conveyed their appreciation for being recognized in the esteemed list.
Fan Girl director Antoinette admitted feeling a mix of emotions when she found out about beng on in this year's roster of influential Pinays.
She told PEP.ph, "Nagulat ako, but super happy. The film industry is represented by two women: me and Samantha Lee."
She also shared her recognition with her good friend Rod Singh, the transwoman director behind the award-winning film Mamu: And a Mother Too and the Philippines' first original drag competition Drag Den Philippines.
Antoinette continued, "I brought my plus one, si Rod Singh, who is also in the film industry. [She is] a transwoman making waves in the industry now as a storyteller and as a director.
"And yun, super happy na I’m part of the list."
Siblings Isabelle Daza and Ava Daza-Zanirato are recognized by the magazine for normalizing sex-positivity and combatting taboos through their sexual wellness brand JellyTime and their podcast The Sexytime.
Ava received the award on behalf of her sister, who she joked could be giving birth any moment that night.
Speaking to PEP.ph, she expressed her gratitude to Cosmopolitan Philippines and said, "I am so honored. My sister and I were talking we're like, two years ago, we would never imagine to be part of this because...
"It was such a gamble, getting into a space about sex and sexuality, especially in the Philippines, we all know [how conservative the country is].
"So to be recognized for the work that we've done in this realm is actually such an honor for us."
Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent Rain Matienzo, thankful that her TikTok content aimed at empowering young Filipinas, has been recognized expressed, "It feels very surreal pa rin e.
"When you think about being a 'woman with influence' parang, you would think a woman who will [end] the world hunger or parang end poverty.
"But something that’s simple as what I’m doing which is just empowering younger Filipinas, I’m so glad that my work gets recognized and I hope I get to do it for longer."
Rain was also named POND’s Glowing Bestie Award during the event.
Queer activist and writer/director Samantha Lee was thrilled to share the spotlight with other inspiring and empowered Filipinas.
She told PEP.ph in a short chat, "I’m really thankful to Cosmo for including me in this list and I’m very happy to be in this list among women that I admire."
In her acceptance speech, Samantha rued that feminism has, at times, made her feel like she doesn't fit in.
Emphasizing the significance of inclusivity, she said, "When we talk about the empowerment of women, we have to consider all the forms that we come in.
"We're people of different bodies, different genders, different SOGIEs, different fates, different class backgrounds, different abilities, and so much more.
"We need to take into account all these differences because without this kind of inclusion, feminism means nothing."
Accepting the award was also a surreal moment for Miss Trans Global 2020 winner Mela Habijan, most especially because she was recognized as a woman making a positive impact among the members of the LGBT+ community.
She told PEP.ph, "I feel honored and ecstatic because I am recognized to be a Woman of Influence.
"Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na kinikilala yung boses, kinikilala yung mga naggawa at nagagawa and I am dedicating this award to all the trans sisters and trans brothers that we have because we now have a platform and we’re heard by people."
Also feeling so honored was Frances Cabatuando, the founder of Home Buddies and known as "Mayora" to her community of three million members.
She told PEP.ph, "It feels surreal kasi I’ve been hiding behind the Mayora persona and if you recognized as frances it makes me kilig, but it couldn’t have been impossible without all my kapitbahay so this one’s really for them."
During the event, former TV shopping host Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao received "The Innovator" Award from Globe Business for her entrepreneurial abilities and proficiency in expanding her business using technological advancements.
Before she received her trophy, she told PEP.ph, "[I'm] super excited because, you know, it's such a great honor to be awarded as an innovator for the past years it has been really such a hustle for me and being recognized for that hussle is actually very fulfilling."
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