I Want To Share Foundation’s Brave Warriors Gala raised ₱88M in one night, blending fashion, art, and heart to support young cancer survivors in the Philippines.
What do you get when you mix couture, art, and a whole lot of heart? The I Want To Share (IWTS) Foundation’s An Evening for Brave Warriors answered the question dazzlingly at Shangri-La The Fort’s Grand Ballroom. Far from just another charity gala, the 2025 edition was record-breaking, raising a remarkable ₱88 million in a single night. Over 550 guests—philanthropists, celebrities, and changemakers—packed the room, proving that when style and compassion share the stage, magic happens.
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Art And Fashion That Transforms
The ballroom at the hotel was transformed into an elegant, almost ethereal space. Warm lights and thoughtful details created a sense of intimacy, making a guest list of hundreds feel connected and truly present.
But the true stars of the night were the young cancer survivors who walked the runway with undeniable poise and radiance. Dressed in stunning creations by Filipino fashion luminaries Francis Libiran, Ivar Aseron, Dennis Lustico, and Michael Leyva, they turned the runway into a tribute to survival, joy, and the power of community. It was fashion, yes, but also an incredibly moving performance of unity.
For Sheila Romero, Founder of IWTS (and a cancer survivor herself), the gala was a personal mission come to life. “I’m forever grateful to every friend, donor, and partner who believed in our mission,” she shared. “As a survivor, I know what it’s like to fight and to endure. I want every child to feel that they are not alone in this journey. This gala isn’t just about raising funds, it’s about creating moments that show these brave kids how seen and loved they are.”
Art gave the evening yet another emotional texture. A carefully curated auction featured masterpieces by Ramon Orlina, Daniel De La Cruz, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Manny Garibay, Elmer Borlongan, Jigger Cruz, Yeo Kaa, Ayka Go, and other celebrated creatives. Each piece was more than a work of beauty—it was an offering, created with intention and generosity, destined to transform lives far beyond the ballroom. As the gavel struck again and again, the sense in the room was clear: every bid was a gesture of hope.
The Purpose And Future of the I Want To Share Foundation
The highlight of the evening wasn’t only what happened on stage—it was what the night promised for the future. Proceeds from the gala will help fund the second phase of the Philippines’ first Charity Bone Marrow Transplant Wing at PGH, provide fifty cutting-edge infusion pumps to its Cancer Institute, and sustain IWTS’s Survivorship Program. These initiatives ensure that every child diagnosed with cancer doesn’t just get treatment, but also the dignity, support, and long-term care they need to thrive. From free CT scans and hearing aids to symbolic graduation ceremonies that mark the end of chemotherapy, IWTS is rewriting what survivorship looks like.
Reflecting on the night’s triumph, Romero emphasized what the gala truly stood for. “An Evening for Brave Warriors was more than a fundraising event—it was a statement of solidarity,” she said. “Together, we are building spaces where healing is possible, where compassion leads, and where no child is left behind in the fight against cancer. Not on our watch. Not tonight.”
In the end, An Evening for Brave Warriors was more than a gala—it was an unforgettable celebration of resilience, a declaration of hope, and a promise that no child will ever be left behind in the fight against cancer. For one extraordinary night, fashion and art didn’t just meet philanthropy—they danced with it, and together they lit the way toward a brighter, braver future.
Photos courtesy of IWTS Foundation
