I Want to Share Gala: Fashion, Art, and Philanthropy Unite for Hope
It was a night where fashion, art, and the spirit of generosity were woven together for one cause: to bring light, healing, and dignity to Filipino children battling cancer.
The I Want To Share Foundation (IWTS) returned to the Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La The Fort for its annual charity gala, An Evening for Brave Warriors. The evening raised an astounding ₱88 million, making it the most successful fundraising milestone in the foundation’s history.
More than 550 guests filled the ballroom, but the stars of the gala were the young cancer survivors who walked the runway. Dressed in ensembles by Francis Libiran, Ivar Aseron, Dennis Lustico, and Michael Leyva, they walked with confidence, each step a declaration: of survival, of joy, of hope. They were joined by Catriona Gray, Kaila Estrada, Kirk Bondad, and children of IWTS members.
“I’m forever grateful to every friend, donor, and partner who believed in our mission,” said Sheila Romero, IWTS Founder and herself a cancer survivor. “This gala isn’t just about raising funds. It’s about creating moments that show these brave kids how seen and loved they are.”
The evening’s highly anticipated auction brought together a collection of works by Ramon Orlina, Daniel De La Cruz, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Manny Garibay, Elmer Borlongan, Jigger Cruz, Yeo Kaa, Ayka Go, and others. For the artists, many of whom had seen friends or family touched by cancer, their creations were powerful tributes to the resilience of those who fight.
The funds raised will accelerate two landmark initiatives: Phase 2 of the Philippines’ first Charity Bone Marrow Transplant Wing at Philippine General Hospital (PGH), a project designed to provide equitable access to life-saving care; as well as the donation of 50 Mindray BeneFusion/UVP Infusion Pumps to PGH’s Cancer Institute, equipment critical to both pediatric and adult patients, and donated for the very first time exclusively through IWTS.
Funds from the gala will also sustain IWTS’s Survivorship Program, ensuring that healing continues long after chemotherapy. Annual CT scans, hearing aids, financial assistance for essential post-treatment needs, and the symbolic CAn Beat It graduation ceremony together allow survivors not just to live, but to thrive.
As the evening drew to a close, the darkened ballroom was stilled by the music of cancer survivor Gary Valenciano. The children then returned to the stage carrying candles that lit up the room, each one symbolizing life and hope.
Behind the scenes were generous acts that gave shape to the gala: the staging under the creative vision of Robby Carmona, IWTS Board of Trustees, and support from brands such as Belo Medical Group, Rockwell, Spruce Gallery, Casa Juan, Nice Print, and Vision Express.
“An Evening for Brave Warriors was more than a fundraising event,” Romero said. “It was a powerful statement of solidarity. 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.”
For more information about the foundation and ways to help, please visit their Facebook page here.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Evening for Brave Warriors is the annual charity gala of the I Want To Share Foundation (IWTS), held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort. It supports Filipino children battling cancer, and more than 550 guests attended an evening of a runway show, art auction, and music.
The gala raised ₱88 million, described as the most successful fundraising milestone in the foundation’s history. The funds are directed to Phase 2 of a Charity Bone Marrow Transplant Wing at Philippine General Hospital, infusion pumps for its Cancer Institute, and the foundation’s Survivorship Program.
Young cancer survivors walked the runway in ensembles by Francis Libiran, Ivar Aseron, Dennis Lustico, and Michael Leyva. They were joined by Catriona Gray, Kaila Estrada, Kirk Bondad, and children of IWTS members, in a segment described as a declaration of survival, joy, and hope.
Funds will support Phase 2 of the Philippines’ first Charity Bone Marrow Transplant Wing at Philippine General Hospital and 50 Mindray BeneFusion/UVP Infusion Pumps for its Cancer Institute. They also sustain the Survivorship Program, including annual CT scans, hearing aids, financial assistance, and the CAn Beat It graduation ceremony.
Sheila Romero is the founder of the I Want To Share Foundation and herself a cancer survivor. She said the gala “isn’t just about raising funds” but about creating moments that show children how seen and loved they are, and called the evening a powerful statement of solidarity.