On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Palace Suite at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington became a vibrant sanctuary of culture and connection. The Filipino Women’s Association UK (FWA-UK) celebrated International Women’s Day with a landmark event themed “Threads of Change: Weaving Wellness and Identity.”
The day was a deliberate journey—beginning with the internal work of wellness, moving through the exploration of heritage, and culminating in a collective celebration of reclaimed agency and community joy.
The Morning: Wellness, Art, and Collaborative Support
The doors opened at 11:00 am to an atmosphere of creativity and shared purpose. Guests were greeted by a stunning art exhibition by Bianca Pacifico, whose work served as a visual anchor for the day’s themes.
The morning began with a proactive focus on holistic health at a dedicated wellness station, led by FWA-UK members Kristine Inocencio and Michelle Arcangeles, both of whom are healthcare professionals. The station provided a vital space for blood pressure and sugar level checks, alongside general wellbeing assessments, generating high engagement from the start.
In the foyer, a collaborative community hub allowed partners and sponsors to showcase an array of services and goods. This was more than a marketplace. It was a supportive ecosystem where local businesses and health practitioners engaged directly with the community. This synergy highlighted the vital bond between our non-profit mission and the partners who help sustain our work, making the morning a rewarding and worthwhile experience for everyone involved.
The morning then branched into parallel wellness experiences:
- Stella Sait led an energising Zumba session that captured the true spirit of inclusivity, with participants ranging from young adults in their early 20s to guests aged 70 and over. The room was filled with movement and vitality across generations.
- Simultaneously, Raquel Scrivens facilitated an intimate “Grief to Growth” Life-Coaching Circle. The session was profoundly emotional, transformative, and cathartic. In a safe, sacred space, women were encouraged to release long-held emotions; tissues were used in abundance as shared vulnerability brought the room together. The feedback was overwhelming, with attendees describing the session as a vital turning point in their personal healing.
The morning concluded with a restorative Sound Healing Therapy session by Rona Grealey, which settled the spirit with harmonic frequencies in preparation for the afternoon’s dialogue.
The Afternoon: Identity, Heritage, and Advocacy
The afternoon session opened with a formal welcome from moderator and Trustee Atty Crystal Dias. Crystal set the tone by sharing the association’s vision of ensuring every woman left feeling stronger, valued, and empowered.
At the start of the session, special acknowledgments were made to the distinguished guests in attendance, including Madam Louise Locsin, wife of the Philippine Ambassador, and Mrs Ira Valdez-Nicotra, First Secretary and Consul at the Embassy. The association was also honoured by the presence of various representatives from the Philippine Embassy in London and officers of the Migrant Workers Office (OWWA), as well as Wito Quimson, daughter of the association’s late founding patron, Mrs Nene Quimson.
The spiritual heart of the afternoon was an opening prayer led by Dr Remy Reyes, the founding Chairman of FWA-UK. She offered profound gratitude for bringing everyone safely to the gathering and for the women who “led the way to dismantle obstacles and continue to rise above adversities for the common good of women throughout the world.” Dr Reyes specifically thanked the Lord for inspiring the IWD team led by Crystal Dias to focus on Wellness and Identity, reminding the room that “woman was created in God’s image and likeness.” She prayed that through the “generous sharing of the professional knowledge and skills of our workshop leads and presenters,” every attendee might find the inspiration to improve their own health and wellbeing, asking for continued blessings upon the supportive community of mentors.
Following a quick cardio stretch led by Cllr Myla Arceno, the programme explored the roots of Filipino identity:
- Dr Maria Cristina Juan (SOAS) presented textiles as “archives of memory,” explaining how historical cloths serve as anchors for the diaspora.
- Christian Belaro (PamPinay Co-Founder) discussed contemporary fashion that supports indigenous weaving communities. This segment transitioned into a mini catwalk that electrified the room. FWA-UK members of all ages—from young adult professionals and seasoned business owners to distinguished former corporate leaders—showcased the latest PamPinay collections, embodying the living beauty of our heritage.
- Stella Sait shared a poignant reading from her book Natalie, mirroring the sacrifices and dual lives of many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
- Dr Liezel Longboan provided a trauma-informed perspective, reminding the community that “people are more than their trauma” and that safety and transparency are the foundations of a supportive society.
The Keynote: Reclaiming the Binibini and the Bebot
The final segment of the formal programme was a powerful keynote address, “Sex and Sensibilities,” by award-winning investigative journalist Ana P. Santos. She navigated the “Threads of Change” by exploring two cultural archetypes:
- The Binibini: Traditionally representing the “refined” woman, rooted in the word mabini (modesty and grace). Santos discussed how this ideal can carry the weight of narrow social expectations.
- The Bebot: A symbol of modern agency, fierce expression, and reclaimed beauty.
Santos argued that reclaiming one’s full identity—embracing the grace of the Binibini alongside the agency of the Bebot—is a radical and necessary act of wellness. She urged the audience to break the silence on “taboo” subjects, moving beyond social stigmas that can become personal prisons.
Closing and the Festive Filipino Spirit
In her closing remarks, FWA-UK Chairman Glyndell Belmonte delivered a stirring message: “Empowerment is not about standing above others; it is about lifting others as we rise.” She emphasised that while every woman carries a thread of change, weaving them together creates a future stronger than any challenge.
The formal programme reached its conclusion with the presentation of certificates of appreciation, handed out by Madam Louise Locsin, Glyndell Belmonte, and Crystal Dias. After the formal group photographs were taken, the spirit of the day could not be contained.
In a beautiful display of the vibrant Filipino spirit, the atmosphere shifted instinctively from formal to festive. The music took over, and guests—still in high and celebratory spirits—transformed the suite into a mini after-party. The afternoon ended as all great Filipino gatherings do: with singing, dancing, and a flurry of photographs, celebrating a community that truly knows how to rise and celebrate together.
A Tribute to Our Main Sponsor: The National Lottery Community Fund
We extend our deepest gratitude to the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF). As the main funder for this event, their generous support was the cornerstone of this celebration. We would like to specifically acknowledge and thank our Trustee, Jeannette Thomson, whose dedication and hard work in applying for the lottery funds made this event possible. This grant allowed FWA-UK to provide a high-quality, inclusive platform that prioritised the wellness and empowerment of our community. We are honoured to have the NLCF as a partner in weaving these essential threads of change.
With Gratitude to Our Collaborative Partners
This event was a testament to what can be achieved through collective support. Our sincere thanks go to the partners who shared their time, goods, and services:
- Platinum Partners: Rockwell, GCash Overseas, and Skinfaciality.
- Supporting Partners & Vendors: Ayala Land, MM Beauty Lounge, Usana, Skin Care Essentials, TruScent, Roni B’s Kitchen, Siocolat, Saladmaster, and Pampinay.
- Special Acknowledgements: EJA Creatives for photography and the dedicated FWA-UK IWD Working Group .
Join the Movement
Inspired by the “Threads of Change”? We invite you to stay connected with us as we continue to uplift and empower the Filipina community in the UK.
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- Become a member: Join our supportive community of mentors and leaders. Visit fwa-uk.com/join to register today and weave your own thread into our tapestry.