Celebrating Beauty and Competence: Project G.A.N.D.A. Empowers Modern Filipinas in Mandaluyong
This month marks the global commemoration of women, a pivotal time to honor their contributions, achievements, and excellence while acknowledging the historical struggles for rights, safety, and equality. This month marks the global commemoration of women, a pivotal time to honor their contributions, achievements, and excellence while acknowledging the historical struggles for rights, safety, and equality. This month marks the global commemoration of women, a pivotal time to honor their contributions, achievements, and excellence while acknowledging the historical struggles for rights, safety, and equality.
It is a period for domination, not to enforce women's supremacy, but to break barriers where power and authority exist equally across genders. With a highly dominant workforce, CTC Far East Philippines, Inc. partnered with Rotary Club Mandaluyong Uptown, Soroptimist International of Pasig, and the Barangay Council of New Zaniga to launch an event that highlights “Ganda at Galing.” (Beauty and Skill) of women at all stages of motherhood. The project provided an avenue for expressing beauty and self-confidence through self-care education and embracing individuality.
The event – launched as the Project G.A.N.D.A., an acronym for Gabay at Alaga para sa Nutrisyon ng Diwa at Adhikain ng Kababaihan – was held last March 21, 2026, at PVL Restaurant, which was attended by 50 women who are residents of Brgy. New Zañiga, Mandaluyong City. This initiative is more than just a commemorative event; it is a holistic intervention designed to bridge the gap between legal protection, technical skill-building, and environmental advocacy. This project is anchored on five (5) important pillars that address the mind, the body, and the community.
Kensing Solutions presented antioxidant solutions for food and beverage through Orn Sirikantaramas, addressing current challenges and opportunities.
Legal Empowerment (Diwa)
Knowledge is the first line of defense. Atty. Nikki de Vega of Nicolas & De Vega Law Offices led a practical session on Women’s Rights in Everyday Life.
The talk focused on the rights of women and children during separations, highlighting the legal obligations of fathers to provide financial support and the concrete steps mothers can take to assert these rights.
Daepyung Co., Ltd. shared insights on stevia and glucosylated steviol glycosides, with discussions led by Mr. Tyler Yoon and Mr. Park Myoung-Jin.
Technical Skill Acquisition (Adhikain)
Beyond advocacy, the project provided a path to livelihood.
Through the Adhikain Workshop, participants learned the science
of crafting effective and safe natural massage oils. Led by the
CTC Group Philippines specialists, this session covered everything
from ingredient blending to tips for small-scale entrepreneurship.
Leveking, represented by Devin Dong, introduced natural preservatives through fermentation, focusing on clean-label innovations.
Symega’s Mr. Santosh Kumar is unlocking the world of natural colors.
Chef Zak Kuczynski of Jeneil Biotech Inc.
Highlighted the science behind dairy flavors.
Highlighted the science behind dairy flavors.
Wellness and Dignity (Alaga)
Self-care is a fundamental right. Through the "Gupit-Ganda" initiative, professional stylists from HappyHub Salon (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown) provided free haircuts in parallel with keynote talks. This concurrent session emphasized thatconfidence often begins with the dignity of self-care.
Key Takeaways
The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Pamela Dealca, Business Director, thanking all attendees and partners for their valuable contributions.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Pamela Dealca, Business Director, thanking all attendees and partners for their valuable contributions.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Pamela Dealca, Business Director, thanking all attendees and partners for their valuable contributions.
Video Recap
Ms. Jaslyn Jessa Ortiz, a Registered Chemist at CTC Group Philippines, also led participants in learning a nourishing hair-care routine while maintaining their hair health. Good hair care is not only an expression of beauty but a component of self-expression and confidence, providing pride and empowerment.
Environmental Stewardship (Sustainable Sisters)
Empowered women are the primary drivers of sustainable homes.
Mr. Megs Omega, Pollution Control Officer of CTC Group Philippines, led a movement for a Plastic-Free Community. This session educated participants
on waste reduction, proving that nurturing a family and nurturing the environment go hand-in-hand.
Institutional Synergy
The event’s success was made possible by the collaboration between CTC Group Philippines, Rotary Club Mandaluyong Uptown, Soroptimist International of Pasig, and Barangay Council of New Zaniga. Together, government, civic organizations, and the private sector united to uplift women, establishing foundational support, fostering community participation, and providing economic opportunities, turning women's empowerment advocacy into meaningful action.
The event’s success was made possible by the collaboration between CTC Group Philippines, Rotary Club Mandaluyong Uptown, Soroptimist International of Pasig, and Barangay Council of New Zaniga. Together, government, civic organizations, and the private sector united to uplift women, establishing foundational support, fostering community participation, and providing economic opportunities, turning women's empowerment advocacy into meaningful action.
Project GANDA is more than just a celebration; it is a movement that uplifts women by recognizing both their beauty and skills. At the end of this event, 50 women walked away not only with a new look but also with a reinvented sense of self, learning, growth, and a sustainable mindset; a personal transformation in redefining beauty and competence.