Annually, we reveal the Cosmopolitan Women of Influence Awards on International Women's Day (March 8). In its fourth year, we recognized yet another group of fun, forward, and fearless Filipinas who have stayed true to themselves, broken ground, and redefined what it means to influence and be a catalyst for change.
On March 21, 2024, we celebrated the achievements of our Cosmopolitan Women Of Influence 2024 Awardees during our Recognition Dinner held in Origine, Brittany Hotel, BGC. It was a memorable night because we honored ten fun, fearless, and forward-thinking Filipinas who have made their mark in their respective careers and platforms. These women stand firm as leaders and role models. They showed us how to stay true to ourselves and how to move forward even in challenging times. The event was made possible thanks to our major sponsors, Globe Business, Dove Hair, and Dove Bar.
Cosmo's Associate Editor, Ira Nopuente, delivered the opening remarks and set the mood, starting the evening with a high note.
"We are incredibly honored to have you here with us tonight. The Cosmopolitan Women Of Influence Recognition Dinner is the perfect occasion for us to celebrate women who are the embodiment of the words fun, fearless, and forward."
"For the fourth year of Cosmopolitan Philippines' Women of Influence campaign, we chose the theme 'Illuminating Impact.' We are shining a light on the stories of phenomenal Pinays who use their voices to champion causes they truly believe in."
"This year, we awarded a group of extraordinary women for their efforts in Animal Welfare, Sports, Business and Travel, Media Literacy, LGBTQIA+ Representation, Gen Z representation, Beauty Autonomy, and of course, Women Empowerment. Tonight's awardees are not just advocates, they're changemakers. They pave the way for a brighter and better future, not just for themselves, but for countless others," she said.
The Cosmopolitan Women of Influence 2024 Recognition Dinner Highlights
Janina Vela, "The NextGen Thought Leader" Award
Gen Z content creator Janina Vela uses her platform to discuss topics close to her heart: body neutrality, mental health, and holistic wellness. She helped build We the Youth Vote, a voter's education coalition in 2021. She has been outspoken in advocating for the youth to be more socially aware and knowledgeable about the issues facing them today.
"I realized that life is not all about virality, but also integrity and consistency. Integrity is who you are outside and inside, public and private. And consistency is the constant decisions we're making, the intentionality behind all of our habits," Janina shared.
Pola Del Monte (Miss Chief Editor), "The Wordsmith" Award
Pola del Monte, better known by her public handle Miss Chief Editor, was honored for using her platform to improve Media Literacy. With over 10 years of media experience as a professional writer and editor, she was chosen as the National Consultant on Social Media Marketing in the Philippines for the UN Women. She is currently establishing UN Women's local presence and setting its communication strategy for 2024.
Pola's speech emphasized why we should be careful of what we say or post: "Words hold power. This is why I'm in the field of journalism. While I may not do undo the trauma that was inflicted upon me, while I may not be able to undo other people's trauma—I can inform, I can uplift, I can inspire, and I can empower."
Agatha Wong, "The Game Changer" Award
Agatha Wong made her mark in international sports when she won medals representing the Philippines at the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and the World Wushu Championships. A five-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, the Wushu athlete also bagged a silver medal in the International Wushu Federation World Wushu Championships in Texas, United States in November 2023.
Agatha detailed how being a woman in a male-dominated sport has made her stronger:
"It's a male-dominated sport. 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 perseverance in me to work harder. Just being with them and training, I think mentally and physically, I grow stronger although hindi ako mukhang brusko. You don't have to look strong to be strong."
Angely Dub, "The World Citizen" Award
Angely Dub is the owner and founder of Access Travel. She is a self-made entrepreneur who has traveled to over 100+ countries across all seven continents. Her goal is to help Filipinos see the world through her company, her podcast (Life in Progress), and her book (Meet the World). This CEO also created Explora Ahora in 2023—a travel company spotlighting Philippine travel experiences for foreigners and locals alike.
Angely explained why passion is not the only ingredient to success, "Passion is overrated. There are underrated things that people don't talk about: Consistency, discipline, showing up when you wanna cry, and being there for your loved ones, just being kind to everyone."
Carla Abellana, "The Compassion Champion" Award
Carla Abellana was awarded due to her passion for upholding animal rights. As the face of the Artists Against Animal Cruelty campaign by PAWS—the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, of which she is a member—she uses her social media platforms to highlight causes against animal cruelty and speak up on regulations that promote animal welfare and protection.
"A woman of influence has the courage to use her voice no matter how terrifying if it's for truth, if it's for what is right, and if it is for a cause she truly believes in," Carla declared.
Kaladkaren, "The Groundbreaker" Award
KaladKaren is part of this year's Women Of Influence list because she never stops breaking barriers and stereotypes. She is the first transgender woman to win Best Supporting Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival, for her role in the 2023 comedy Here Comes the Groom. The LGBTQIA+ rights advocate and trailblazer also joined TV5's Frontline Pilipinas in June 2023, becoming the first transgender news anchor in the Philippines.
"When I became the first transgender news anchor, I think the Lord has paved the way to have me this kind of responsibility to represent the LGBTQIA+ and the transgender community so the trans youth will have someone to look up to, and that is really very important. Because you are giving them hope [and] you are giving them inspiration to become who they want to be," she said.
Dr. Aivee Teo, "The Glow Up Hero" Award
Dr. Aivee Teo is known for her renowned eponymous beauty clinics. Aside from helping people look their best, she is also the founder of the Beauty Beyond Borders Foundation—together with a team of medical professionals, she visits various barangays to assist people in addressing their dermatological and skin-surgical concerns free of charge.
Iza Calzado, "The Inspiring Voice" Award
Iza Calzado was recognized as an inspirational woman who advocates for women empowerment and self-love. She co-founded She Talks Asia, described as a "woman empowerment community" by way of on-ground conferences and multimedia content. She's also been outspoken on the importance of body love (hence her project #BodyLoveRevolution) and is proudly open about her motherhood journey.
Iza proved that she is indeed an Inspiring Voice during her acceptance speech: "I'm doing what I'm doing because I think about my mom and how it was for her as a woman back then. She didn't have the support group, the women that I am surrounded by now. She didn't have that and I think I want to take that reality and change the narrative for our family and make it a better one,"
The Cosmopolitan Women Of Influence 2024 Special Awards
Aside from the Cosmopolitan Women of Influence Awards, Globe Business presented "The Innovator" award to two extraordinary women who are the epitome of the word "innovator."
The Vice President and Head of Globe Business, KD Dizon and Chief Marketing Officer of Globe Business, Pia Gonzales-Colby were onstage to present the awards.
Kathrina David and Lorelie Osial, Globe Business "The Innovator" Award
The first recipient of the Globe "The Innovator" Award was Supply Chain Management Director Kathrina David. She is responsible for Shakey's Pizza Philippines' dynamic digital transformation journey, and made a remarkable impact on its operational landscape.
With Kathrina at the helm, Shakey's Pizza Philippines made huge steps towards digital transformation: from investing in software solutions to revolutionize their business processes to proactive initiatives towards tech advancements in the fast food industry. Her leadership helps Shakey's Pizza Philippines stay dedicated to innovation. The Globe Business team accepted the award on her behalf.
President and CEO of Pilipinas Shell, Lorelie Osial was also granted the Globe "Innovator" award. She is the first Filipina to be appointed President and CEO of Pilipinas Shell. Currently the Country Chair of Shell Companies in the Philippines, she also leads the transition of Pilipinas Shell from a fuel company to an energy giant. Additionally, she is the Country Chair for the Philippines. In this global role, she steers the Shell Group of Companies to power progress through growth, innovation, and evolution of their businesses and portfolio.
Dove has always empowered women through their impactful campaigns and brand messaging. At the event, they presented the Difference Maker Award and Empowerment Icon Award. Dove Shower Assistant Brand Manager Ariadne Umali, Dove Bar Assistant Brand Manager Alexa Coronel, and Mindshare Digital Executive, Pat Cabral presented the awards.
Janina Vela, "Dove Difference Maker Award"
Janina Vela received the Dove Difference Maker Award for her transformative influence and efforts to drive change. Specifically, her steadfast dedication to amplifying the voice of Gen-Z Filipinos, advocating for mental health awareness, and promoting body neutrality. All three resonate deeply with Dove's mission to inspire confidence and inclusivity.
Iza Calzado, "Dove Empowerment Icon Award"
Iza Calzado was presented with the Dove Empowerment Icon Award for her remarkable dedication to and achievements in championing the empowerment and upliftment of women. Through her unwavering commitment and impactful contributions, she exemplifies Dove's mission to foster self-esteem, confidence, and positivity among individuals worldwide.
How Cosmopolitan Philippines continues to empower women globally
Summit Media's Deputy Editorial Director Thea Masakayan concluded the event with a thoughtful closing remark, emphasizing how Cosmopolitan Philippines continues to empower women to live unapologetically and fearlessly.
"Tonight, we gathered under the banner of one of the most iconic brands in women's media: Cosmopolitan. From stories on love and relationships to fashion and beauty, Cosmo has spoken to millions of women for several decades now."
"Many of us grew up reading Cosmo, and we proudly declare that it shaped not just our understanding of the world but also our confidence in ourselves. We thank the female trailblazers, writers, creatives, and editors who came before us, especially Ms. Myrza Sison, for fearlessly leading the way."
"Now, Cosmo is still at the forefront of empowering women, challenging norms, and championing diversity and inclusivity. There's still a long way to go, but we've made incredible progress," she declared.
Watch the highlights of the Cosmopolitan Women Of Influence 2024 Recognition Dinner here:
The Cosmopolitan Women Of Influence 2024 Recognition was made possible thanks to major sponsors Globe Business and Dove. Special thanks to Origine, Brittany Hotel, our official venue partner; and Nix Institute of Beauty for doing the hair and makeup of the Cosmopolitan Philippines team.
