Today, my friend Rosemarie Bosch-Ong is commemorating her birthday surrounded by family, friends within and outside the industry, and those who hold special places in her heart.
Rose has always had an excitement about celebrating birthdays — whether it’s the gifts, the chocolate cake, or the well-wishes. However, above all, it’s a time to pause and reflect on the journey people have bravely undertaken. Recognizing that this occasion symbolizes the passage of time, this year’s celebration extends beyond Rose, embracing the cherished individuals who have been part of her remarkable year.

Sheila Lobien, David Ong, Fely Ong, Architect James Jao and Marites Alen

Techie, Dr Maryann Pamuspusan and Fannie Cruz

Blanca Mercado, Sarah Mateo, Cherrie Atilano and Christina Stieber

Lucien Dy Tioco, Beth Lee, James Bosch and Arnold Ologuin

Rosemarie Bosch Ong

Eileen De Leon Jennie Bosch and James Bosch

James Bosch, Carl Lim, Jennie Bosch and Leni Imperial

Eric Reyes, James Bosch, Alen Alban and Arnold Ologuin

Chef Jessie Sincioco, Chris Lopez, York and Mildred Vitangcol

Joey and Marissa Concepcion

Arnold Ologuin and Alen Alban, Ray Jarina and Mylene Abiva
Following a private family celebration, Rose also had the opportunity to share this life milestone with friends and colleagues in the heart of Makati on October 7, at The Chef Jessie’s Place. Rose blew out her birthday candle with her son, Bryan, taking a moment to express gratitude to all her visitors who took the time to be with her on this special day, hoping her words serve as a poignant reminder of how much she values and cherishes these connections.
Beyond her family and dear friends, she also enjoyed the pleasure of sharing the evening with her Wilcon family and media associates. This gathering followed the successful launch of the Naic, Cavite Wilcon Depot Branch. The occasion provided an opportunity not only to commemorate the branch’s successful opening but also to strengthen the bonds cultivated over the years.
The night continued with a blast as the live band set the tone, and the guests enthusiastically hit the dance floor. Originally intended as a humble gathering, this celebration turned into much more than an event due to the people she shared this moment with.
As we embark on another year, one can only anticipate the continued excellence and positivity that Rosemarie will bring to every facet of her life. With heartfelt connections and memorable celebrations behind her, the journey ahead promises to be as remarkable as the moments she shared with those who matter most. Cheers to another year of growth, joy, and meaningful connections.
* * *
Meanwhile, the PFCA II Awards and Charity Gala was a night of elegance.
From the social circles of Founder Mamou V/Virgie Monton to dignitaries, famous designers, business CEOs, families, and friends as guests — all the way to the stage, lights, and sounds — the yummy food served by Okada Manila created a great ambiance to engage and socialize before the show.
This is what PFCA calls Fashion360. Therefore, PFCA is holistic — believing that all aspects of fashion are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole. That is why it is the Fashion Circle — the interconnected elements, the comprehensive viewpoint, the aggregate parts, the sum total of the whole fashion ecosystem are recognized.

Artisa Manalo and Erik Lenar Visser

Cristina Herras, Shirley Sobremonte and Valentina Vega Anrtey

Zonta Club of Metro Rizal monthly meeting Merle Martinez, Charter President Celine Bautista, President Malou Bewer, Ope Lopez, (standing) Tering Ligon, Ria Edulan, Evita Barandiaran and Marie de los Santos

Dra. Liza Quirolgico, Roselle Rebano, Virgie Monton, Hadja Jumdan Sali, Cory Quirino and Lorraine Badoy

Tina Corona

Hi Society, Amir Sali, Virgie Monton

Jessie Mendez, Roulette Esmilla, Ann Ong and Aza Martinez

Amir Sali, Carolyn Tan, Andrada and Michael Cinco

Az Martinez Coloma, Jessa Macaraig and Josephine Canonizado
“To become the most trusted, prestigious, and coveted prize in the Philippine fashion industry.”
The PFCA Awards are bestowed with distinction, exclusivity, honor, prestige, and serve a noble purpose:
Highlights in the show include the designers award competition, where designers from around the nation compete using indigenous materials. the champion was Vorge Fitzgerald Cunanan of Cavite City, and the 1st runner up is Israel Ungkakay from BARMM Cotabato City. Finalists are Jessy Magaway Matandag of Digos City, Davao Del Sur; Maverick Francisco Oyao of Basilan Province; and Priscilla Pasion of Batangas City.
Awardees are meticulously chosen by the organization, strictly nominated by a reliable source in the fashion and allied industries. They are:
Aza Martinez- The Global Glamour Ambassador Award; Lorraine Badoy- The Multifaceted Pioneer Award; Roulette Esmilla- The Haute Couture Maestro Award; Hadja Jumdan Sali- The Empowerment Catalyst Award; Ann Ong- The Jewel of Elegance Award Award; Liza Quirolgico- The Philanthropic Healer Award; Oliver Tolentino- The Couture Luminary of Global Glamour Award; Jesi Mendez- The Timeless Trendsetter of Hairstyling & Makeup Award; Johnny Litton- The Maestro of Hosting and High Society Galas Award
The Legendary Grand Master of Style can only be Michael Cinco, who came early, engaged, and socialized with the other attendees.
Benefactors to our charities slayed the ramp include: Ambassadors of Hope Mhel Pechera, Jessa Macaraig, Josephine Canonizado and Grace Gobing.
Posthumous goes to Christian Espiritu and Fanny Serrano.
Guests of Honor are Ambassador of Egypt to the Philippines Ahmed Shehabeldin and Department of Foreign Affairs Director Isu Raymund Toledo.
There was also back-to-back fashion shows by Albert Andrada and Amir Sali while an executive Eames chair was raffled off by COO Josiah David Pimentel and in-house interior designer Tiffany Joy Del Valle, whose lucky winner was from awardee Jesi Mendez family.
Charities for PFCA II: LGBTQIA Sunshine Village and Generations Home
Truly PFCA II 2023 is another success, more intimate, organized flawlessly by its Founder Virgie Monton, aka Mamou V, and her competent team headed by PFCA council, board of judges and consultants, stage director Manni Coloma, and event director Ina Bugayong.
Congratulations to all the awardees and winners.