An evening of shared milestones at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria—narrated in gowns, glamor, gumption, and goodwill
Strobing lights, sharp tailoring, strong women. Her Story: Celebrating Every Woman’s Milestones wasn’t your typical fashion gala—it was part runway, part tribute, part power statement. Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s Grand Ballroom, the event offered more than visual spectacle. It was a tribute to every woman’s sublime strength, swathed in layers of couture. An evening of elegance, empowerment, and Filipino pride.
It marked designer Rhon Balagtas’ striking solo debut, presenting a collection that paid homage to heritage and sustainability. Each piece reflected quiet power—rooted in Filipino craftsmanship, rich with cultural memory, and tailored for the modern Filipina. The designer’s intent was clear: tradition is not a relic, it’s a resource. And it can be reimagined with elegance and edge. Rhon showed a collection, but also shared a point of view.
Icons from different generations and walks of life took to the runway, and their presence made the stage feel less like a catwalk and more like a shared space for lived stories. Gloria Diaz, Bea Santiago, and Nina Ricci Alagao brought a commanding presence, joined by respected figures like Angela Sison of Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, Cecile Bravo of Intele, and Patria Puyat, Cluster GM of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria. These weren’t just fashion walks. They were testaments to influence, leadership, and grace.
And the future also made itself known. Ten-year-old gymnast Maren Luxe Reyes lit up the runway with a performance full of promise and precision—because if we’re talking about milestones, hers are just getting started.
The moment the room held its breath
There were plenty of scene-stealers that night, but none quite like the segment featuring teacher and cancer survivor Celine Cornejo. Her walk wasn’t strictly stylized, nor was it simply a studied sashay. It was something else entirely: strong, stunning, stripped of pretense. Just presence. Her grace turned the spotlight inward, onto something quieter, deeper, more human.
A hush fell over the room. Not awkward silence—reverence. And then, as if on cue, the audience erupted in applause and cheers—equal parts jubilation and recognition. Of what survival looks like. Of what spirit costs. In that moment, Celine wasn’t just walking the runway. She was walking the message.
Right there was the living heart of the event: resilience, renewal, and the beauty of becoming.
Fashion meets purpose, not just performance
Indeed, the event was a symphony of style and substance. Her Story was created with impact at its core. Proceeds went to Project PEARLS, a nonprofit uplifting underprivileged Filipino communities through its main tenets: Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love, and Smiles.
This wasn’t lost on the evening’s hosts. “At Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, we believe that true hospitality goes beyond service—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and supporting purposeful causes,” said Patria Puyat, Cluster General Manager of the hotel. “Her Story was not only a celebration of women’s achievements, but also a reflection of our advocacy for sustainability, cultural preservation, and giving back to the community.”
More than a night—an experience
Earlier that day, a matinee show titled “Threads of the World: A Global Heritage” showcased designs by emerging talents from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. Their vision? Global traditions through a modern lens. It featured silhouettes inspired by garments from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. A wearable celebration of global storytelling, it blended craft with cultural unity.
Celebrities like Wynwyn Marquez, and actor-entrepreneur Will Devaughn and his wife, walked the runway in a celebration of multicultural harmony and legacy. This segment wasn’t just stylish—it was strategic, smart, and culturally awake.
Production that delivered on every front
The night was produced by JMG Infinity Events, helmed by industry veteran Ruby Guiyab, who summed it up perfectly:
“As the lights dimmed and the first model walked the runway, the message was clear: fashion is more than beauty—it is a powerful voice for women, echoing strength, freedom, and the countless milestones that shape their story.”
From music by Ima Castro to the exquisite venue styling, the event proved that detail matters—and when paired with dedication, the message resonates louder.
Milestones in style, with space to grow
Adding a touch of lifestyle luxury, the Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria unveiled its redesigned 2-bedroom penthouse suite, now a stylish venue for intimate celebrations. Bridal showers, anniversaries, gender reveals—it’s a space tailored for meaningful gatherings, proof that milestones come in all forms, and all deserve beauty.
The power behind the polish
Her Story wasn’t about glitz for glitz’s sake. It was equal parts grand and grounded—a rare collision of elegance and earnestness. Every dress carried weight, and every woman on that runway carried history. Glamor played its part, sure, but the true spotlight was on heart, heritage, and the grit behind the glimmer.
No fluff. No filler. Just milestones made visible, stitched together in silks, stories, and strength.
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