PeopleAsia's Women of Style and Substance 2026 Awards Night: She's the star
From stars that light up the marquee to a scientist who brings us closer to the stars—to empowered women who serve as north stars on terra firma—PeopleAsia’s Women of Style and Substance awardees dazzled at the leading glossy’s recent Awards Night.
At the scarlet-draped Forbes Ballroom of Conrad Manila that evening, stylish guests honored leading ladies who don’t just occupy space, but also redefine it with their inimitable style and their enviable accomplishments.
PeopleAsia’s editor-in-chief Jose Paolo dela Cruz, during his welcome remarks, said succinctly, “Tonight’s awardees are all stars—not just because they twinkle in our skies—but because they are all a force to reckon with. They build, break barriers, and lead. They light the path like the many other Women of Style and Substance before them.”
Leading this year’s roster is PeopleAsia cover girl Atasha Muhlach, who has proven her naysayers wrong as she plays Annie Batungbakal in the ongoing hit production Bongga Ka ’Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.
Also honored that night were Rappler co-founder and executive editor Glenda Gloria, architect and SM Prime Holdings’ Design, Innovation and Strategy head Jessica Sy, Center for Advanced Dentistry’s Dr. Nelda Valencia-Eufemio, Michelin-starred chef Quenee Vilar of Celera, LMT Packaging Corp. founder and CEO Shy Tan, Philippine Space Agency director and astrophysicist Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, Alcala, Cagayan Mayor and lawyer Cristina Antonio, and Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez.
Rounding out this year’s list is stage actress Shiela Valderrama, who also showed guests why she’s one of the industry’s best by treating them to back-to-back song numbers.
Dressed in elegant suits and stunning gowns, well-heeled guests trooped to the Forbes Ballroom 1 and 2 of Conrad Manila, which was bedecked in velvet drapes and sparkling adornments by event stylist Randy Lazaro.
Mister World Philippines 2026 First Runner-up Sean Kyle Ortega emceed the event, while Mr. Universe Philippines 2026 Logan De Leon Culp escorted each awardee on stage.
This year’s awardees and guests were also treated to a sumptuous spread prepared by Conrad Manila’s culinary team, as well as a spread of local delicacies courtesy of Chef Edward Mateo’s LRPG Food Service. Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, on the other hand, provided the night’s free-flowing wines, while guests partied the night away to music by The Velvet Jazz.
PeopleAsia’s Women of Style and Substance 2026 Awards Night would not have been possible without the support of Conrad Manila, Center for Advanced Dentistry, BMW Philippines, GSC Incorporated, SharkNinja Philippines, Belo Medical Group, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Randy Lazaro Events & Lifestyle, Spotlight Cosmetics, Philippine Wine Merchants, LRPG Food Service, and The Philippine STAR.
WATCH: Is Gen Z too soft? (Generations Ep. 23)
September 30, 2026