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A vibrant celebration of leadership, artistry, and empowered womanhood marked the conclusion of BARO (Babae. Arte. Ritmo. Obra): Mga Natatanging Batangueñang Kababaihan 2026 on March 1 at the Batangas City Convention Center.
Staged as a charity gala fashion show, BARO 2026 gathered distinguished women leaders, community advocates, educators, and entrepreneurs for an afternoon defined by elegance and purpose.
At the center of the event was a striking showcase of modern Filipiniana creations hand-painted by multi-awarded Batangueña artist Ada Panopio. Each piece, meticulously sewn by seamstresses from the historic town of Taal, Batangas, transformed the runway into a moving gallery of heritage and contemporary design.
The collection was divided into four categories—Marikit (Beautiful), Masipag (Hardworking), Matapang (Courageous), and Matalino (Intelligent)—worn by honorees recognized for their contributions in shaping communities and inspiring future generations.
Among those honored were Congresswoman Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha; Batangas City Councilor Aileen Grace Arriola-Montalbo; Honorable Jo-ann Ponggos, the first female mayor of Alitagtag, Batangas; Honorable Naereeza Bainto, the first lawyer mayor of Taal, Batangas; local dancing diva Ester Severina Luansing-Elepano; ophthalmologist Dr. Ana Maria Palacios; dentist Dr. Rowena “Nini” Hernandez; top-notch banker Helen S. Cifra; child rights advocate Arminda Sastrillo; Soroptimist International Governor Marivic Paras; Taysan, Batangas Vice Mayor Eloisa Angela D. Portugal; real estate pioneer Aurora Realon; Cuenca, Batangas Vice Mayor Aurea P. Pantas; business magnate Felie O. Go; academic trailblazer Dr. Nora Lumbera-Magnaye; Soroptimist International stalwart Loisa P. Mayo; medical professional and social advocate Dr. Venus de Grano; university president Dr. Remedio P. Magnaye; psychiatrist Dr. Imelda Morales-Martin; educator Dr. Imeilyn Macaraig-Faltado; architect Suzette Carinagal-Chua; and entrepreneur Pauline Plata-Bondad.
Organizers said the event also served as a fundraising initiative for the Access to Education (ATE) Project of Soroptimist International Batangas Downtown, aimed at uplifting women through education and skills development.
The project was led by Chairperson Kathleen David-Garcia and Co-Chairperson Susie Ann V. Blanco. In her message, Blanco expressed hope that the event would inspire attendees to carry the spirit of women empowerment into their homes and workplaces.
David-Garcia, meanwhile, extended her gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, partners, and participants for their support, emphasizing the importance of investing in women’s potential to create meaningful change in society.
The event follows the success of “La-Portrate” in 2024, continuing its mission to highlight the achievements and impact of Batangueña women.
