Cosmopolitan Philippines celebrates Women's Month through its Women of Influence Awards, an annual tradition that recognizes the achievements of gritty women who are blazing new paths as catalysts for meaningful change in Philippine society.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) covered the recognition dinner held on March 21, 2024, at Origine restaurant in Brittany Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Read: Scenes from Cosmo.PH's Women of Influence 2023 dinner
COSMO PH'S WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 2024
Here they are—Janina Vela, Pola del Monte, Agatha Wong, Angely Dub, Kaladkaren, Dr. Aivee Teo, Carla Abellana, and Iza Calzado—eight forward-looking and fearless women who are reshaping the landscape of influence outside their element for the greater good.
JANINA VELA
Content creator Janina Vela, granddaughter of broadcasting legend Helen Vela, receives the "Next Gen Thought Leader" and Dove Difference Maker awards during the event.
Janina never met her late grandmother, but in her speech she reflects how Helen has inspired her to be mindful of the legacy she is leaving behind.
She says, "I was not able to meet her, but every time I come across somebody who did know her, there were only good things that I would hear about her.
"And that’s when it hit me, to ask a question to myself, if she left such a beautiful legacy for me to pick up, what legacy am I leaving behind?
"And that has always been the question since then on my mind.
"History is being made right now, right?
"How are we going to make it, is it something that the Gen Z is going to be proud of, or something that we’ll want our kids to skip nalang in the history books.
"So, you know, to be recognized as a Dove Difference Maker, I really want to share that with my lola who I was not able to meet, but she has made such a difference in my life without meeting her.
"And I want to pass the question to you guys also, what’s the legacy you want to leave behind? What’s the difference you want to make while we’re here? How do you want the future generation, your children to remember us?
"And yeah, thank you so much, Dove, for putting that question in my mind again, and reminding us all that we’re making history right now. Thank you."
POLA DEL MONTE
Journalist Pola del Monte, also known as the Miss Chief Editor, is named "The Wordsmith" by the editors of Cosmopolitan Philippines for her influence on media literacy.
In her speech, Pola recounts a harrowing incident of sexual harassment during her childhood that left her speechless.
It turned out to be a defining moment that would lead to her career in journalism.
She recalls, "When I was seven years old, I was waiting for my school bus at home, I was in front of the TV and a man entered our house.
"He stood right beside the television set, he unzipped his pants, pulled out his genitals, and performed an act that would change my life.
"And at that time, because I was still young, I didn’t have the words to describe what was happening. And so, not having the words, effectively silenced me."
For Pola, this traumatic incident sparked her understanding of the profound impact of words, leading her to recognize their power in shaping narratives and influencing others.
She also stresses the responsibility to wield language responsibly, both in traditional media and on social platforms, mindful of the potential harm words can inflict.
"I have learned that words hold power.
"And this is why, I’m in this field of journalism, because while I may not undo the trauma that was inflicted upon me, while I might not be able to undo other people’s trauma—I can inform, I can uplift, I can inspire, and I can empower.
"But, at the same time, words can also hurt, words can also oppress, which is why, I think this is the reason why women of influence, and other people should be more responsible about how they talk, how they write, how they use social media.
"Because we can maintain power in society, we can hurt people, but we can also empower, we can also uplift."
In her closing remarks, Pola del Monte expresses appreciation to Cosmopolitan Philippines for giving her the opportunity to represent women with backgrounds similar to hers.
"Thank you so much, Cosmo, because this is a validation, and, obviously, usually, like when I was younger, the people who would get these awards are, you know, tycoons or models.
"But giving this recognition to people in different fields, I think that also gives young girls role models who they can aspire to become.
"Someone who is career-driven, someone who is feminine that is still powerful and strong. So, that’s all. Thank you so much, and have a good evening."
AGATHA WONG
Recognized as "The Game Changer" by Cosmopolitan Philippines, Wushu athlete Agatha Wong in her speech reflects on the gender disparity in sport, highlighting the importance of breaking barriers.
Agatha's full speech: "I’ve been an athlete since I was three years old, and I’m turning twenty-six this year, and I can’t believe that I’m standing here today with all of these amazing women, you know, the women of influence, the women of Dove, behind Globe, thank you so much for recognizing me, because it means a lot.
"Especially that my sport isn’t as recognized in the Philippines.
"I remember when I started my sport, nobody really knew what it was, if most of you don’t know, my sport is a martial art.
"So, for Taekwondo, it’s Korean, in Karate, it’s Japanese, so naturally my sport is Chinese.
"What’s very ironic is I’m the only woman in the team right now, so it’s a male-dominated sport.
"And every time I train with my teammates, and every time I represent the Philippines each year, I grow stronger.
"And I find the strength and I find the perseverance in me to work harder to represent our country, because the program that I go through each day is not catered to a woman like me.
"So, you know, just being with all those strong men, and just being with them and training with them, I think mentally and physically I’ve gotten stronger, even though, hindi mukhang, hindi naman ako mukhang brusko, you know?
"We don’t have to look strong to be strong, and I think that’s a really important thing that I want to deliver to everyone here in this room.
"You know, you don’t have to look strong, you don’t have to be masculine to be strong.
"So, thank you so much, Cosmopolitan Philippines, and everybody in this room for just, um, I’m just really grateful for today.
"And, thank you to Globe, and thank you to Dove Philippines."
ANGELY DUB
Access Travels founder Angely Dub is awarded the title of "The World Traveler" for her impactful contributions to the travel industry.
In her speech, the businesswoman/content creator dedicates her award to her mom, who has been her greatest supporter.
Angely tells of her humble beginnings by way of encouraging others to take control of their own narratives, despite facing challenges that come along the way.
Here's Angely's full acceptance speech: "I want to start my speech with my mom, I’m going to cry.
"So, I feel like she’s the person behind me, and it always makes me emotional, even when I did my TED Talk last year, it just made me cry on the stage.
"Because, I came from nothing, I’m no one.
"Standing here, it gives me so much pride to say that you can be no one and become someone.
"I came from a very humble family, we didn’t have that much, but my mom is a single mom because my dad died when I was thirteen, so I believe I am not extraordinary.
"There are so many people who are more capable than me, smarter than me, prettier than me, sexier than me, it’s never-ending.
"There’s always someone else, but there are some things that I learned in my thirty-three years of existence that made me different from a lot of people.
"Passion is overrated. Anyone can say, ‘I’m passionate about travel, business, makeup,' whatever, the list is so long.
"But there are underrated things that people don’t talk about: consistency, discipline, showing up when you want to cry, and being there for your loved ones, for people you don’t know, just being kind to everyone.
"There are days I’m not kind. I snip, you know, I trigger.
"But it took me a lot of time to learn that I will never find myself in this lifetime, but I will create it, recreate it, reinvent it, then do it all over again.
"So, I, to be here tonight, I flew all the way from Madrid.
"Yes, because—Iza knows the story, when my visa was denied, I was on the process of moving to Madrid. She saw me, I was crying outside Belo, I was like, 'I don’t know what to do, my visa was denied, I have everything,' but I re-tried again, then my visa was approved in twenty-four hours.
"So, see, that’s the thing, you try and try and try, because life is about showing up, be consistent about your dreams, because nobody is going to give it to you unless you came from a rich family, and that’s also okay.
"I took my masters in Madrid then, I realized, I was classmates with the son of CEO of this, from Paraguay, Uruguay, and I was just Angely Dub of Access Travel, and that made me proud because that was mine, it was not given to me by my parents or anyone, that was mine.
"And it will be always mine, and this is my story to tell.
"I don’t need a script or anything, because this is my story, and that’s what I want to leave a mark here.
"Create your own story no matter where you are from, because nobody can steal it from you. That’s it, adios."
KALADKAREN
Award-winning transwoman actress and news anchor Kaladkaren proudly accepts "The Goundbreaker" award during the Cosmopolitan Philippines Women of Influence 2024 recognition dinner.
In her speech, Kaladkaren reminisces about her childhood surrounded by remarkable women who inspired her to dream.
However, she also noted the absence of transgender representation in mainstream media during her younger years, leading her to doubt if her dreams were ever possible.
She then resolved to break barriers and demonstrate that transgender individuals like her can indeed achieve their dreams.
Ultimately, Kaladkaren would become a living testament of a person happy in her own skin, fully knowing that no one can diminish or invalidate her truth.
Here's Kaladkaren's acceptance speech: "When I was a little boy, let me share this with all of you, when I was a little boy, I have so many heroes and inspirations that are women.
"My mother, of course, Britney Spears, Spice Girls, di ba? Iyan yung mga idol ko noong kabataan ako, and, news anchors in the Philippines, like Mel Tiangco, Korina Sanchez and Ma’am Karen Davila.
"And I was thinking parang gusto kong maging sila, I thought to myself.
"Sabi ko, 'Parang, gusto kong maging babae in the future.' And I knew from the start, deep in my heart, that I am a woman.
"Pero sabi ko, parang imposible, because I haven’t seen any transgender woman on mainstream media when I was growing up.
"That’s why, when I won the first... my award, as the first transgender Best Supporting Actress, and became the first transgender news anchor in the Philippines, I said I think the Lord has paved the way to have me, this kind of responsibility, to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and the transgender community.
"So that, the trans-kids, the trans-youth, you know, have someone to look up to and that is really very important.
"Because you are giving them hope, you are giving them inspiration to become who they want to be.
"And it is not impossible, because I am the living testament to that, I am standing here right in front of all of you, as myself, as my true self, and I am so proud of that.
"And nothing can take that away from me, no matter what other people say, I am me, I am KaladKaren, and I am proud to be myself.
"Again, I am so thankful to Cosmopolitan Philippines.
"Thank you very much for including me, I am grateful, because this is exactly how it feels like to be included. Thank you very much."
DR. AIVEE TEO
Beauty doctor Aivee Teo receives the title "The Glow Up Hero" in acknowledgment of her initiative to establish The Aivee Clinic's Beauty Beyond Borders Foundation.
Dr. Aivee's non-profit foundation organizes dermatological missions in communities, exemplifying her commitment to uplifting women through her expertise.
Upon receiving her award, Dr. Aivee expresses, "I’m so proud to be part of this group of women, of Cosmo Women of Influence 2024.
"It’s really such a diverse group of women, and it’s so nice to be included talaga in this super wonderful set of women.
"As a dermatologist, I really deal with women every day, in the clinic, I empower women to be the best versions of themselves.
"In the Aivee Group, which I founded, I employed ninety-nine percent women. So I help women, help them become better, help them... achieve their dreams, and be the breadwinners in their family.
"And, of course, in my advocacy, the Beauty Beyond Borders, I’m so proud that we help women in the communities.
"We give free treatments, we help bring back their confidence, and give them a service that they cannot afford.
"So I’m truly honored to be just with all of these women tonight.
"Thank you, Cosmo for recognizing all our efforts, and I really am so happy to celebrate the success of every woman in this room, because we are paving the way for women achievers in our society.
"So, let us continue to celebrate women, and let us continue to celebrate each other’s successes. Thank you and good night."
CARLA ABELLANA
GMA-7 prime-time actress Carla Abella is recognized as "The Compassion Champion" for her dedication to animal welfare.
In her speech, Carla credits the women who have supported her advocacy, and thanks Cosmopolitan Philippines for the recognition, which she deems "a hundred times better" than an acting award.
Here's Carla's full speech: "A woman of influence has the courage to use her voice, no matter how terrifying, if it’s for the truth, if it’s for what is right, and if it’s for a cause she truly believes in.
"Thank you very much Cosmo PH for recognizing my passion and advocacy.
"This is a hundred times better than an acting award, really, thanks.
"I dedicate this award to all women animal welfare advocates, volunteers, rescuers, fighters, believers, adopters, donors, most especially to Adu Cabrera of PAWS, Malou Perez of PAWSsion Project, Atty. Heidi Marquez of Animal Kingdom Foundation, Melanie Ramirez of Strays Worth Saving, Mariz [De Mesa-Lacuesta] of ASPIN tunay at tapat, and to Senator Grace Poe.
"And of course all the women behind striving, small-scale, barely known shelters, and homes who welcome and selflessly care for their own rescues.
"May you continue using your voice, and keep shining your light.
"Keep making a positive impact in my life, and in the lives of animals and other women everywhere. So, thank you very much.
"Thank you, Cosmo PH for this recognition."
IZA CALZADO
Cosmo.ph's Women of Influence 2024 headliner and March 2024 cover star, Iza Calzado, is presented with both "The Inspiring Voice" and "Dove Empowerment Icon" awards during the recognition dinner.
She is recognized for her significant contributions to women's empowerment through She Talks Asia, a nonprofit organization focused on female empowerment and mental health awareness, which she co-founded.
In her speech, Iza draws inspiration from a thought-provoking question posed by Janina Vela about leaving a legacy in this generation.
Iza hopes to inspire women to utilize their voices to make a positive impact in the world.
She says, "I think I know what I do because... or I’ve been doing what I’ve been doing because I think about my mom, and how it was for her as a woman back then.
"Maybe she didn’t have a voice, she didn’t have that kind of support group, the women that I am surrounded by now, she didn’t have that.
"And all the... you mentioned my mental health advocacy, also really deeply stems from, from her story, from her reality.
"And I think I wanted to take that reality and change the narrative for our family, and make it a better one.
"And so, I do now what I do more so, because now I have my own daughter, and one day, I hope that she, and possibly her daughter, would step on a stage and say, 'I am using my influence to inspire others because this is what my mother did, this is what my grandmother did.'
"And so, I’m doing this for them, and I’m doing this for every woman here, and whoever is watching this now, so that you can be inspired to use your voice to inspire others.
"So, thank you, thank you, thank you for this recognition.
"And like you [Janina] said, you put it so wonderfully, we are just the one percent who are getting recognized.
"My mother was not recognized, so many women are not recognized, and we share this with them, and we share this with all of you.
"Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, sa ating lahat."
THE INNOVATORS
Lorelie Osial, president and CEO of Pilipinas Shell, and Kathrina David, Supply Chain Management director at Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., each receives the Globe Business "The Innovator" award.
In her speech, Lorelie gives credit to her team, saying, "I guess awards like this really makes me think about all the people behind the team, because this is bigger than myself.
"And I guess as I receive this award tonight, I really would like to share it to the five thousand two hundred men and women in Shell companies in the Philippines.
"This year is our hundred and tenth year in the country, so, quite a long time, to be in the country.
"And I’m really blessed that I have these talented experts, of people behind me, who are here to really look at and address the current needs of our customers today, but also the needs for the future.
"A big thank you to all of them."
Kathrina, on the other hand, gives emphasis on the need to address customer needs through sustainable energy solutions powered by digital innovation in collaboration with Globe.
She says, "For us, we have an ambitious strategy when it comes to powering progress, and we really see that for us to be able to get sustainable energy solutions for the future, leveraging on digital and technology will be a big thing for us.
"So partnering with Globe has been a joy, and working with the people of Globe [has] been a enjoy, too.
"When it comes to looking at digital transformation and innovation...I have the pleasure of leading a few A.I. and machine learning implementation the last few years."
Continuing her speech, Kathrina highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion as well as the need for equity in building a sustainable future in the energy sector.
"The diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the team that you have really matters, and you have got your transformational and innovative outcomes when you have a diverse team.
"So, that’s also, I guess one thing that we are celebrating this month, when it comes to that.
"As a woman of energy, I do believe we can have a sustainable future, but it can only be sustainable if it is equitable as well.
"Thank you so much. Magandang gabi."
@pepalerts Lorelie Quiambao-Osial, President and CEO of Shell Philippines and Country Chair of Shell Companies in the Philippines, proudly accepts the Globe Business: The Innovator award at the #CosmoWomenofInfluence2024 dinner held at Origine in Brittany Hotel. #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH #WomenOfTikTok ? original sound - PEP.ph
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