Stories of Grit, Growth, and Greatness
Through candid conversations and curated design, Opulence Design Concept spotlights women who are reshaping industries.
Words Gerie Marie Consolacion
Photos courtesy of Nice Print Photo
April 02, 2026
In celebration of Women’s Month, Opulence Design Concept reimagined its flagship Greenbelt 5 showroom as a space for dialogue, reflection, and inspiration. The event, titled “Women Who Rise: From Her Space to the World Stage,” gathered accomplished women whose work continues to shape industries, communities, and creative disciplines.
More than a simple showcase, the gathering reflected a deeper philosophy. It positioned the home not just as a physical environment, but as a starting point for influence. Through thoughtful design and intentional living, spaces can become catalysts for empowerment and meaningful change.
Designing with purpose and perspective
Jonathan Adler Collection
At the core of Opulence Design Concept’s ethos is the belief that women play a central role in shaping both homes and the broader world. Their influence extends from the most intimate spaces to the public sphere, where leadership and creativity intersect.
Owner Jinky Sy emphasized that women bring a rare combination of strength, vision, and emotional intelligence to everything they build. These qualities allow them to create spaces that are not only visually compelling but deeply personal and purposeful.
Opening Remarks by Jinky Tobiano-Sy
Co-founder Gerry Sy expanded on this idea by pointing to intention as a defining element of design. Many of the brand’s collaborators are women whose perspectives introduce clarity and direction into the creative process. Their approach often balances aesthetics with function in a way that feels intuitive, resulting in environments that are refined, expressive, and grounded in real life.
A defining highlight of the event was a series of candid reflections shared during the program. These insights revealed the mindset and discipline behind each speaker’s journey.
Stepping forward with confidence
(L-R) Bianca Valerio with Sheila Romero
Sheila Romero, Executive Chairperson of Global Port Terminals, spoke about her ongoing efforts in fundraising for the Philippine General Hospital, a cause she has supported for five years. Her message centered on action and belief. For Romero, success begins with the willingness to step in and take responsibility.
She emphasized that enjoyment plays a crucial role in sustaining effort. When passion aligns with purpose, challenges become more manageable. Her guiding mindset, “you can make it,” reflects a quiet but powerful confidence that carries through even in difficult environments.
Building a business through adaptability
(L-R) Bianca Valerio with Charisse Tinio
Charisse Tinio of Nice Print Photo addressed a question many aspiring entrepreneurs face: how to grow a business in an unpredictable world. Her answer was grounded in discipline and flexibility.
She highlighted hard work as non-negotiable, but stressed that adaptability is equally important. Change, she noted, is inevitable, and the ability to pivot can determine long-term success.
Tinio encouraged keeping an open mind, staying consistent with one’s goals and passion, and investing in relationships. For her, growth is not just about scale but about sustaining meaningful connections over time.
Discipline at the highest level
(L-R) Bianca Valerio with Celeste Cortesi
Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 and founder of Asul, shared a glimpse into the level of preparation required to compete at the highest level. Her journey involved a full year of focused training and mental conditioning.
She described the importance of maintaining a mindset of excellence, approaching each moment as if she needed to perform at her best. At the center of her message was one defining value: grit. For Cortesi, persistence and mental strength are what sustain performance long after motivation fades.
Creative expression and the power of interpretation
(L-R) Bianca Valerio with IDr. Cecila Ravelas
The event also explored how art and design intersect with identity. The work of Jonathan Adler served as a reference point for bold, expressive interiors that celebrate individuality.
Interior designer Cecil Ravelas, National President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, expanded on this idea through her curated vignette and conceptual direction.
She introduced The Muse Collection, drawing inspiration from the women who influenced Pablo Picasso. Ravelas explained that Picasso’s work, while controversial, reflected a long-standing engagement with the female form. Though once criticized, these interpretations are now seen through a more appreciative lens.
Jonathan Adler Collection curated by IDr. Cecil Ravelas
For Ravelas, this evolution mirrors how society continues to redefine the narrative around women. She emphasized that women possess a unique and powerful strength that deserves recognition and expression.
Her advice to homeowners was direct and resonant: own the space you live in. Design should not feel imposed or imitated. It should reflect the person inhabiting it, creating a sense of authenticity and belonging.
A curated destination for global design
Jonathan Adler Collection
Beyond the event, the Greenbelt 5 showroom remains a destination for those seeking a refined and globally inspired aesthetic. It features a curated selection of internationally recognized brands, each offering a distinct design language.
Among them are Versace Home and Dolce & Gabbana Casa, known for their bold and expressive styles. These are complemented by the artistic vision of Fornasetti and the contemporary edge of Polspotten.
Together, these collections reflect a spectrum of creativity, allowing homeowners to curate spaces that feel both personal and globally connected.
Where lifestyle meets inspiration
Jonathan Adler Collection
Enhancing the showroom experience is Opulence Caffè, an in-house café that invites guests to pause and immerse themselves in the environment. It offers a seamless blend of hospitality and design, encouraging visitors to experience the space beyond visual appreciation.
This integration transforms the showroom into more than a retail destination. It becomes a place where ideas are exchanged, and inspiration is experienced in a tangible way.
Spaces that shape futures
(L-R) Charisse Tinio, Sheila Romera, IDr. Cecila Ravelas, and Jinky Tobiano-Sy
Through “Women Who Rise,” Opulence Design Concept reinforces the idea that design is deeply connected to identity, ambition, and purpose. The event highlighted how environments, when shaped with intention, can support growth and self-expression.
In this context, the home is not simply a setting. It becomes an extension of one’s values and aspirations.
By aligning design with lived experience, Opulence Design Concept shows that the spaces we create can ultimately influence the lives we lead.
