Discover Sharyn Wong, Windie Villarica, and Ruby Gan’s philanthropic endeavors that create change and better opportunities for their chosen cause.
In an exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia, Sharyn Wong, Windie Villarica, and Ruby Gan updated us on the charities and causes they support. Through their philanthropic endeavors, they make waves in each cause and serve as catalysts for change.
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From breast cancer awareness to medical missions for children—these three women are making use of their influence and capabilities for the greater good. Know more about their causes.
Sharyn Wong
What is a foundation or cause that you support?
For 30 years and counting, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has been a catalyst of progress towards a breast cancer-free world. Globally, the Company’s Breast Cancer Campaign has funded more than US$131 million for lifesaving global research, education, and medical services with more than US$103 million funding medical research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). In the Philippines, we have raised almost 30 million pesos to fund lifesaving screening services, hospital rehabilitation, and medical equipment over the years.
Why is this close to your heart?
Supporting meaningful causes and driving impact in the community is something that has always been close to my heart. Breast cancer is one of the causes that I am particularly passionate about and I’m fortunate to have played an active role in ELC’s Breast Cancer Campaign over the last 20 years.
How have the recent updates to your charity’s programs affected the communities or individuals you serve?
In 2022, in partnership with Kasuso Foundation, we raised PHP 9.75 million via The Pink Ball to sponsor free mammograms for those who would otherwise not have access to such type of care. The free mammogram project went around the country, launching in Bacolod and going as far as South Cotabato. The courage and determination of women who prioritize their breast health given the misinformation we see, as well as some gendered socio-cultural pressure, is a source of inspiration for us to continue moving forward.
Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder Philippines
Windie Villarica
What is a foundation or cause that you support?
I’ve been donating to UNICEF since I was a student.
Why is this close to your heart?
I have a soft spot for children and I believe they really are the future. We should bet on them. Our family also supports our soldiers. They do so much for our country, especially our new cadets. They are so young and they are inspiring. It is always a decision to serve. The Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc. also conducts a lot of medical missions on top of continuing medical education.
How have the recent updates to your charity’s programs affected the communities or individuals you serve?
I’ve been a member for quite a while now and avidly support their missions. I love being able to go to underserved areas in the remote areas of the Philippines, even near the metro. Most of the missions are privately initiated and funded. The doctors and nurses in the foundation volunteer their time and resources to get a project done.
Since it’s Dermatologic surgery, it is sometimes the first time they’ve seen specialists in years! I bring my children with me on these missions because I want them to see and hear people. It’s important that they can see their privilege and at the same time know that they can help. Personally, it keeps me in check. I learn so much from being in these communities. You don’t hear much about these societies because it’s not glamorous and they are not written about but they get things done.
Photos courtesy of Windie Villarica
Ruby Gan
What is a foundation or cause that you support?
I have supported the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. for about three years now.
Why is this close to your heart?
Although it’s true that they may have committed crimes and deserve to be in prison we also know that many could have been wrongfully accused. So who are we to judge?
How have the recent updates to your charity’s programs affected the communities or individuals you serve?
I’ve supported other foundations in the past but when I found out about this, I decided to go with them simply because of the plight of the persons deprived of liberty (PDL) who become despondent through time.
Banner photo courtesy of Estée Lauder Philippines.
