Photograph courtesy of Thermage.
For International Women’s Month, Thermage Philippines launches the first-ever LIFT Awards, leading the conversation on beauty, leadership, and community impact.
Karen Davila has always stood firmly for women. Whatever cause, platform, or story she chooses to devote her time and energy to, the faces and voices may change, but the message remains the same: women supporting one another.
At the first Thermage LIFT Awards at the Grand Hyatt Manila, the broadcast journalist and UN Women Philippines Goodwill Ambassador gave that message a new frame: beauty. “These are new things I want to teach girls, women and girls,” says Davila. “[I want to teach them] what beauty is. You define it. You are beautiful. No man has to tell you you’re beautiful. Maganda ka dahil maganda ka talaga.”
Her perspective is also the same anchor and tone for the launch of the Thermage LIFT Awards, or Leading Inspirations, Forging Triumphs. Timed to International Women’s Month, the event was created to recognize Filipino women who have made an impact in their respective fields and communities.
Host Issa Litton opened the ceremony before welcoming beauty queen and Thermage ambassador Lara Quigaman, who spoke about the challenge of selecting only 10 honorees from a large group of deserving women.
Pinky Tobiano
The Harvard Business School OPM Philippines Chapter chairman and founder emphasizes shared purpose over individual recognition. “All our stories are so heartfelt. What an amazing feeling, being recognized together with all of you. All of us, sharing a common goal: making the Philippines, the world, a better place.” The chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist highlights these goals through the Pinky Cares Foundation and online show Grateful Tuesdays.
Rhiozeel Pomer
Inspired by Davila’s message, the autism awareness advocate recalls applying it to her own life: “Don’t limit yourself.” Her work also speaks to the women who do not just raise awareness as a slogan, but turn care into action, visibility into support by developing the Bridges Autism app, an AI-powered tool that supports early intervention for parents and educators.
Maribel Legarda
The PETA artistic director brings a perspective of women whose work shapes culture and how art shapes language, identity, memory, and the way people imagine themselves. She spoke candidly about how women are often consumed by caring for others. “It’s always outward, so that inner movement, that inner ‘taking care of yourself’ is so important. We seem to forget that.”
Dr. Mary Jane Almahdi
For the chemical engineer, she aims to reframe beauty through women whose authority is built on expertise, discipline, and leadership in highly technical spaces. “Behind every confident woman is a circle of women who believed in her when she needed it most, and we get to be that circle for someone else.”
Ann Marie Cunanan
As a social entrepreneur, Ann Marie Cunanan brings the conversation back to purpose. Through her organization Meaningful Travels, she focuses on ventures that connect travelers with local communities, champion women and youth, and promote sustainable, culturally rooted tourism. “I was already told about the things I could and could not have,” she recalls about her early life in Davao. “But I have always been ambitious, and I [have] always [gone] for my dreams. I am just really grateful for that drive to always be brave.”
Cory Quirino
During her speech, the media personality reflects on life, self-respect, and solidarity among women. “My message, really, is a message of life,” says Quirino. “And that we should honor it, and that we can only honor it the best way we can by honoring ourselves. I believe that women can dream bigger, better, and bolder. But we can do this, more beautifully, together.”
Maria Guia De Leon
As the creator of Festive and Fit and Dance Magic PH, a community-based initiative that encourages lifelong physical and mental wellness, De Leon centers her work on empowering women, youth, and families. “It’s a movement that connects confidence and community,” says De Leon.
Drawing from education, movement, and storytelling, she champions a more holistic vision of healing and self-confidence through volunteerism and community development. “I believe that it’s a reminder that even in simple efforts, yet consistently done, we can create lasting and beautiful changes in the community,” shares De Leon.
Christianne Santos
The 2kk founder frames her work through humility, action, and impact. “There are so many things happening in our world,” Christianne reflects. “But then, if we just start where we are, that can make a difference. And I’m happy to share the same ‘small things with great love’ that I’ve seen in so many people’s lives.”
Christine-Marie Miller Marzan
The oral surgeon and implantologist, known for combining clinical skills and community service, is recognized for her dedication to dentistry, mentorship, and supporting families with limited access to dental care in Aurora Province.
Olivia Caling
Even after retirement, Caling continues to devote her time to community work, church ministry, and support for underprivileged families in Bulacan. Her work as an educator and volunteer has earned recognition from institutions such as Meralco Foundation, ABS-CBN Publishing, and Metrobank Foundation Search.
“Napaka-challenging po ng pagiging babae,” says Caling. “Napaka-empowered po natin because we can do all things at ‘yan po siguro dapat ay ipagmalaki natin.” She adds that every woman should take pride in her substance and in the strength that comes with being empowered. (Being a woman comes with many challenges. But it is also very empowering, because we can do all things and that is something we should all be proud of.)
For Thermage Philippines, the LIFT Awards serve as the brand’s way of marking its 20th year globally, as well as the milestone of five million treatments sold worldwide. More than an awards platform, the initiative reflects the brand’s “Lift Up Your Beauty” philosophy by celebrating women whose leadership and work continue to shape their communities and inspire others to rise with purpose.
For more information, follow Thermage Philippines’ on Instagram.
