Moments we loved at the Front & Female Awards 2025 in the Philippines

After entering Bonifacio Hall, guests were eager for the programme to begin. Tatler Philippines‘ managing director Irene Martel Francisco started the ceremony with her inspiring remarks, saying, “In a world that is often too noisy and full of self-promoting, it is even more vital that we recognise and award those who work towards measurable results, without much fanfare, and yet produce maximum impact.” 

More from Tatler: From groundbreaking athletes to founders blazing new trails—meet the winners of the Front & Female Awards Philippines 2025

An undeniable highlight of the evening was when our keynote speaker, Representative Leila De Lima, delivered a moving speech about navigating a political system that often disadvantages women. Despite her struggles for independence, she maintained an undeniable fortitude and conviction that captured the attention of everyone in the room. “I was called names no man in politics would be called,” she shared. “They didn’t just go after my position. They went after my being a woman.”

She shed light on a painful truth: that women who challenge systemic barriers are often seen as ‘too much’, and at the same time ‘still not enough’ to dismantle such forces. Nonetheless, she rallied the women in the room behind a common cause, stating that the Front & Female Awards in the Philippines was “not just a celebration of powerful women—it is a cultural intervention.” She called each woman to stand firm in their convictions. “Progress is not measured by the successes of the few,” De Lima believes, “but by the freedoms and dignity we secure for all.”

After such empowering speeches, guests sat down to a hearty three-course meal by the Shangri-La The Fort team, which included black angus beef carpaccio, oven-roasted and herb-crusted giant perch fillet and flourless dark chocolate for a delicious dessert. In between, guests were encouraged to mingle with new acquaintances and reunite with familiar faces.

After dinner, host Issa Litton invited guests to listen to the fireside chat, which was hosted by Attorney Emmeline Villar, the previous undersecretary for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Felicia Hung-Atienza, an educator, entrepreneur and conservationist. The women shared insights on how they balance success and fulfilment amid their busy lives, as well as the importance of placing joy and connection at the centre of each decision.

After the fireside chat, the highly anticipated awards ceremony took place. The first winner was Jack Danielle Animam, a six-time UAAP women’s basketball champion and the Rising Champion Award winner. The next awardees were Dr Catherine Teh, a hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon, for the Well-Being Award, Karen Batungbacal, the Mother of the business process outsourcing industry, for the Business Leader Award and Miko Calo, chef of restaurants like Metronome and Taquería Franco, for the Innovation Award. The final two winners were Maribel Ongpin, the chairman emeritus of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council and Marife Zamora, the co-founder of Filipina CEO Circle, for the Founder Award. 

Each winner expressed their deep joy and surprise at receiving the award. They each recognised that it was not only a step forward for them, but also for the communities they continue to serve daily. The evening closed with another round of applause for the winners and a renewed conviction to advancing women's causes in the Philippines in the years to come. 

NOW READ

How Lea Salonga found her voice—and made space for her son’s

6 influential women in F1 history who have broken barriers in motorsport

Is there a ‘loneliness epidemic’? Here’s the value of community and ‘third places’ in Manila