Empowering Change: A New Chapter for Soroptimist International of Nova Central
Quezon City, Philippines — On August 21, 2024, the B Hotel buzzed with excitement and anticipation as Soroptimist International of Nova Central held its Handover Club Induction and MMNED District Director Turnover Ceremony for the Bennium 2024-2026. This event marked a significant transition in leadership, with the induction of new members and the announcement of a new set of officers, spearheaded by the newly elected president, DeeJae Juanta.
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
The highlight of the ceremony was the valedictory address delivered by the outgoing president, Dr. Leilani C. Agana. Over her six-year tenure, Dr. Agana led the organization with unwavering dedication, carving a legacy that has empowered countless women and girls. Her inspiring message underscored the achievements of Soroptimist International of Nova Central (SI Nova Central) in promoting education, community service, and leadership development.
“Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about igniting hope and fostering compassion,” Dr. Agana stated, reflecting on her journey. Under her stewardship, SI Nova Central expanded its membership to 12 dedicated individuals, each committed to the organization’s mission of uplifting women and girls in the community.
Dr. Agana’s tenure was marked by the successful implementation of the “Dream It, Be It” (DIBI) program, which provided essential support to 260 Grade 10 female students from local schools.
“This initiative embodies our commitment to education, offering resources that empower young women to envision and achieve their dreams,” she said, highlighting a particularly impactful event held on March 15, 2024, at the Our Lady of Lourdes Multi-Purpose Hall.
A Legacy of Compassion and Community Impact
Dr. Agana’s leadership was characterized by a spirit of generosity and deep compassion. The organization’s fundraising efforts, such as
WATCH: Ilonggo philanthropist Captain Carlito Baronda Drilon, Jr., PhD, has recently been honored with multiple prestigious international leadership awards for his remarkable contributions to business, culture, and the arts. A native of Dumangas, Iloilo, Drilon was recognized at the Asia’s Best of the Best Awarding Ceremony, organized by AMHuman Worldwide on September 8, 2024, at the Camelot Hotel in Quezon City.
Drilon received several distinguished accolades, including:
“Highly Exceptional Outstanding Business CEO and Producer of the Year” from the Pacific Global Human Excellence Award.
“Most Promising Independent Film Producer and Creative Collaborator of the Year” from the Pearl of the Orient Seas (Ginintuang Perlas ng Silanganan Awards).
“Exceptional Man of the Year” and “Culture and Business Visionary of the Year” from the Hollywood Asia Diamond Elite Prize.
“Most Outstanding Humanitarian Leader of the Year” from the Golden Leaf Emeritus Awards.
Drilon, who graduated as Valedictorian in high school and excelled in his studies at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, was also elected as the first president of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Dumangas Alumni Association. Despite a humble beginning, Drilon achieved success through his dedication as a scholar and consistent academic honors and journalism achievements.
His wife, Karen Drilon who recieved an award as "Trailblazing Business Woman of the Year" from Hollywood Asia Elite Prize delivered his message in his behalf.
Mega Travel Expo, one of the most anticipated travel and business exhibition events set to unfold on October 18 - 20, 2024 at Megatrade Hall 1 - SM Megamall held a press conference at Ello's near Greenhills Shopping Center today.
Mega Travel Expo, one of the most anticipated travel and business exhibition events set to unfold on October 18 - 20, 2024 at Megatrade Hall 1 - SM Megamall held a press conference at Ello's near Greenhills Shopping Center today. Worldmaster International Travel CEO, Dr. Leilani C. Agana shared some inspiring words to help elevate the event.
VISUAL EPIC OF CULTURE & BEAUTIES: BADIANGAN, the home of the brave and beautiful people, the cultural gem in the heart of Iloilo and the well-spring of eternal treasures and nature’s wealth in Western Visayas is forged by time and destiny through its timeless stories of beauty and inner power. Tonight, one lost legend will come to light like an avatar of soulful dreams, beyond mythology and history, crossing the boundless mysteries of beliefs and faith. The lost queen that wields the blades of life, craft skills and heritage embodying her hometown’s timeless tradition will be carved in history after many years of hiatus. From darkness to light, the spark of blades and bolos forged to create a fire like a phoenix will illuminate the mystical sky of Badiangan, as she calls the 10 destined women bestowed with courage and spirit that will weave endless generations of artisans, workers and warriors of fate. The lost genesis of heritage finally unfolds among the stars in the constellation tonight. Here's a glimpse of the epic visual opening billboard of Binibining Pandayan 2024 on June 21 produced by RSLPhoenix Creatives and Badiangan LGU Tourism; directed, shot and edit by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao.
LEGACY & BEAUTIES: Elegance and grace are innate passions that reflect the beauty of a woman. The 10 gorgeous Binibining Pandayan 2024c candidates confidently radiate with inner charm and great aura express their deepest love for their beloved hometown - the Municipality of Badiangan, proving that heartfelt beauty is a reflection of sophistication. Here's a glimpse of the visual video intro before the evening gown competition on June 21 Coronation Night produced by RSLPhoenix Creatives, shot and directed by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao.
PANDAYAN'S POP MUSIC: The glorious return of Bb. Pandayan Pageant this 2024 after years of hiatus has become an inspiring journey of beauty and bravery that.empowers the town of Badiangan towards greater heights. Bb. Pandayan official theme song "Forged in the Sky" is performed by Bb. Pandayan 2014, Jay Roxanne Divinagracia, written by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao, music by Ymmanuel Demegillo, arranged by Genesis Demegillo, co-produced by RSLPhoenix Music, Creatives & Events and AYG Studio returns with a captivating 2024 music video version.
SONG LAUNCHING: A new voice and a new face for the revival of an iconic 1990s hit song unfolded through the official launching of "Kaba" popularized by singer, Tootsie Guevara and composed by iconic Filipino composer, Veehne Saturno last April 17, 2024 at Music Box in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. The fresh, talented and charming new artist who revived the iconic OPM hit song is 15-year-old Ysabelle Magno Palabrica, who hails from Janiuay, Iloilo. She's the daughter of Hon. Mark Palabrica, the munciipal mayor of the municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo. Her gorgeous and supportive mother, JeAn Magno Palabrica, a school owner and administrator of Centerphil Montessori School - Janiuay, is deeply proud of her daughter's passion for singing and achievement. The popular Filipino composer who wrote "Kaba", Veehne Saturno, expressed his admiration for Ysabelle as a young artist with great determination for her craft. The event attracted entertainment writers, media entities and showbiz bigwigs to attend and witness the official launch of "Kaba." It was a day when Ysabelle poured her heart, entertained her family, friends and guests with her live rendition of the pop-rock flavored new rendition of the song on stage. In the coming weeks, the song will be released on all online music platforms to jumpstart Ysabelle's career in the music and entertainment industry. But amid the promising opportunity, Ysabelle remained grareful, humble and sweet, a kind of virtue and personal perspective that her loving parents had taught her. "Kaba" is just the start of her journey, as Saturno promises more original songs will be recorded and set to be released by this charismatic Ilongga pop singer.