MANILA, March 28 – In a dazzling celebration of female power and potential, Malaya Business Insight (MBI) transformed Century Park Hotel into a vibrant tribute to Women’s Month. This wasn’t just another networking event – it was a powerful testament to the women who are reshaping our world, one breakthrough at a time.
MBI’s Editor-in-Chief Neri Tenorio kicked off the evening with a powerful reminder: greatness resides in each of us. Ma. Cecilla Oebanda-Pacis, founder of Voice of the Free (VF), followed with an inspiring message that resonated deeply, weaving themes of hope and community connection.
Trailblazers taking center stage
Sibling powerhouses Monica and Toby Macasaet took center stage to honor two remarkable women who are changing the game:
Bai Rohaniza “Honey” Sumndad-Usman: A peace builder extraordinaire
Receiving the Trailblazer Award, Sumndad-Usman’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. As the founding president of Teach Peace, Build Peace Movement, she has done more than just advocate for peace – she has actively cultivated it. Her approach goes beyond traditional boundaries, creating spaces where children from different backgrounds, religions, and generations can connect, understand, and respect one another.
Her work isn’t just about preventing conflict; it’s about building understanding from the ground up. By focusing on youth and community-level interactions, Sumndad-Usman has created a ripple effect of peace that extends far beyond individual encounters.
Maria Fatima Garcia-Lorenzo:
Healing beyond medicine
The Lifetime Achievement Certificate found a worthy recipient in Maria Fatima Garcia-Lorenzo. More than a child psychologist, she’s a pioneer who understood that healing is about more than physical treatment. Through her Kythe Foundation, she revolutionized pediatric care in the Philippines.
Her groundbreaking approach provided psychosocial support to over 20,000 children and their families. In a healthcare landscape that often overlooked emotional wellness, Garcia-Lorenzo insisted that a child’s mental and emotional health was just as crucial as their physical recovery.
All in the family
In a delightful twist, the evening celebrated another remarkable story of success. Monica Macasaet, MBI’s driving force, received the Guiding Star recognition. But this wasn’t just an individual triumph – it was a family narrative of innovation and leadership.
Working alongside her brother Toby, Monica has demonstrated that leadership knows no gender. Their collaborative approach has transformed MBI, proving that when siblings support and challenge each other, extraordinary things can happen.
Real conversations, real empowerment
Content creator Inka Magnaye orchestrated what might have been the evening’s most electrifying segment: an unfiltered panel discussion. Joining her were two powerhouse entrepreneurs, Apples Mangubat of Asialink Group and Mary Joy Lopez from Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage.
The conversation was gloriously raw and real. They dismantled stereotypes, shared laugh-out-loud moments about navigating male-dominated industries, and offered candid advice about professional growth. From discussing monthly hormonal challenges to strategic career moves, nothing was off the table.
Giving back: More than just an auction
The evening seamlessly blended celebration with purpose. A silent auction for Voice of the Free raised an impressive ₱50,000, featuring unique artwork that told stories of resilience. Paintings created by the young women of VF shared space with a rare piece by Anita Magsaysay-Ho – a Presidential Medal of Merit awardee whose art has long championed social narratives.
VF is a non-profit organization in the Philippines dedicated to addressing issues related to human trafficking, child labor, and the welfare of marginalized migrants, particularly those in domestic work and informal sectors. The organization provides a range of services including residential care, medical and psychological support, education, and vocational training for victims of trafficking, especially women and children.
A night to remember
As trivia games sparked laughter and the dance floor came alive, the event transcended its initial premise. This wasn’t just a celebration – it was a powerful statement about female potential, community, and the magic that happens when women lift each other up.
The night proved one undeniable truth: When women support, inspire, and celebrate each other, there are no limits to what we can achieve. The future, it seems, is brilliantly female.
Our heartfelt thanks
The spectacular evening would not have been possible without the generous support of the following – McDonalds, Universal Robina, Jollibee, Biogenic Alcohol, Silka, Choco Mani, Raven Hair Spray, David’s Salon, Jill Tolentino Customs Brokerage, Yale Lift Truck Technologies, Century Park Hotel Manila, Voice of the Free, Ashoka, Neitivity, and Dancing Ants Productions – whose commitment to celebrating women’s achievements helped create a truly unforgettable experience for all.
