On the evening of March 20, 2024, The Plaza at Arya radiated with the collective energy and spirit of the sisterhood of women from diverse backgrounds, all coming together for a transformative experience at the WOW Manila Soiree. Beyond a celebration for Women’s Month, this gathering showed us the true essence of unity, empowerment, and inspiration.

Supported by partners including VCS, What’s Inside, RibbonFish, KAYA ROI, Lactacyd, and a host of other dedicated companies and organizations, the event encapsulated the spirit of International Women’s Day 2024 with its resounding call to #investinwomen and #inspireinclusion to accelerate progress.

Designed as a talk show-style event showcasing speakers from various backgrounds and experiences, coupled with interactive icebreaker activities, delicious treats from the event’s partners and sponsors, raffle draws, and networking opportunities, the evening offered an engaging and vibrant experience for all guests.

Among the attendees were Team VCS’ very own Business Development Executive, Pat Tandog, Associate Creative Director, Kat Torrefranca, and Anabelle Dizon of Sunday Morning Studios, VCS’s partner studio for photoshoots. Our Chief Creative Officer, Amrei Dizon, played a dual role in the event as an organizer and a panelist.

Forging Paths Together: VCS's Collaboration with the WOW Manila Soiree

As a women-led agency, VCS takes pride in our efforts to empower women, beginning with those within our agency. With women occupying key positions in both creative and finance departments, we prioritize inclusivity in everything we do, valuing the insights and contributions of each member, regardless of gender.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, one of our primary objectives is to reaffirm our commitment to the values and causes integral to our identity. This March, our spotlight is dedicated to women, hence our partnership with Women Of The World.

Women of the World (WOW) is a global development program and community exclusively for women seeking to drive change and shape their professional and personal trajectories. Facilitated by highly experienced coaches boasting over 25 years of leadership expertise spanning diverse industries worldwide, WOW offers a platform for women to hone their skills and expand their horizons.

Read: Isa Agabayani-Buencamino shares the vision and mission of Women of the World and what pushed her to advocate for empowering women

WOW has established its presence globally, with WOW Soirees spanning from Stockholm and New York to Singapore and Manila, offering face-to-face gatherings in diverse locations worldwide. These soirees serve as vibrant platforms where women are invited to converge, engage with inspiring speakers, and foster connections in a supportive atmosphere.

Uniting Diverse Voices: Highlights from the WOW Manila Soiree

Our very own CCO Amrei Dizon, an alumna of the program, distinguished entrepreneur, and Board Member of The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, brought her profound commitment to inclusivity to the stage. Joining her were Michelle Aventajado, CEO of Best Buddies Philippines, who passionately advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental diversities, and Nicey Ignacio, a talented artist and musician with Down syndrome. Together, they shared poignant insights on embracing diversity and celebrating uniqueness, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding in creating a truly inclusive society for all kinds of women. Their collective wisdom resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring reflection and dialogue on the power of embracing differences.

Honorable Mary Jane Ortega, President of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs and Former Mayor of the City of San Fernando, La Union, alongside Shawntel Nieto, Co-founder & Executive Director of the One Cainta Food Program and global changemaker, shared their remarkable journeys of overcoming challenges as women in their respective fields. Their narratives showed the resilience and determination required to navigate through obstacles, ultimately empowering them to occupy positions of leadership and influence. Their stories served as powerful reminders of the importance of women claiming their space and asserting their capabilities in shaping a more equitable society.

Pat reflects, “I was struck the most with what Hon. Mary Jane Ortega mentioned during her segment—about how a woman is not only for culture or arts but also for good governance. More often than not, people think that women can only contribute to something to an extent. Our contributions are being limited when we have so much to offer in different fields such as in business and politics. A personal experience of mine was that some members of my college political party would usually value the insights of male leaders more than the women leaders. The guest speakers reminded me that women are smart, brave, and intellectual, and we should not be afraid to voice out our thoughts and ideas.”

To cap off the evening, Georcelle Dapat-Sy, CEO and Founding Artistic Director of G-Force, shared her empowering journey of advocating for world-class excellence in performance. Reflecting on her transformative impact, she recounted G-Force's pivotal role in revolutionizing the dance industry in the Philippines, elevating dancers from mere backup roles to acclaimed individual artists. Joined by her daughter and sons, they led a special TikTok Challenge for WOW attendees, igniting a spirited atmosphere as everyone rose to their feet, feeling more empowered than ever, and dancing to the beat of Woman by Doja Cat.

WATCH: Women of the World (WOW) Soirée Manila March 2024 by KB Entertainment Unlimited Inc.

Sisterhood Beyond the Soiree: Empowering Women Every Day

Reflecting on the event, Kat recalled, “As someone who went to an all-girl’s college, I know sisterhood when I see it. The atmosphere felt so warm and welcoming, as if telling me that I belong here and that I can take up space. It was so inspiring to see women be so selfless with their stories, perspectives, and experiences. I felt so empowered to embrace my own voice.”

Pat sums it up nicely, “These kinds of events are very impactful as they create a sense of sisterhood. As a part of VCS' 20th-year anniv campaign, it was an honor to be one of the partners for this event in solidarity with Women's Month.”

Empowering women doesn’t end as Women’s Month ends. At VCS, we will continue to cultivate a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment in every aspect of our operations.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and advancement to all our team members, irrespective of gender. Through mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and ongoing support, we aim to nurture the talents and aspirations of women within our organization and beyond.

Vitalstrats Creative Solutions (VCS) is a creative agency based in Quezon City, Philippines.
VCS specializes in content marketing, advertising, and video production. We use strategic creativity to help our clients grow their brands.

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