Philanthropist and businesswoman Sheila Romero initially set a modest fundraising goal of PhP20 million for her biannual charity gala. But the event at Shangri-La at The Fort exceeded expectations, raising PhP28 million—enough to complete the bone marrow transplant unit at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Then, in a last-minute surprise, an anonymous donor pledged PhP60 million, bringing the total to PhP88 million—arguably the largest sum ever raised in a local charity ball. (Who was the donor, the grapevine was set in a buzz. It turned out the anonymous donor was not someone from Metro Manila’s old Socially Visible Set, a newbie.)
Romero’s I Want to Share (IWTS) Foundation has quietly but powerfully transformed the lives of children battling cancer, particularly those treated at PGH’s Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit. What began as a personal mission has evolved into a full-scale support system for young patients and their families, covering chemotherapy costs, improving hospital facilities, and providing both essential equipment and small moments of joy.
The foundation generates funds through charity events, donations from friends and allies, and partnerships with companies eager to give back. Under Sheila’s leadership, it has become a lifeline not just delivering medical help but also offering hope.
The bone marrow transplant unit, the gala’s main beneficiary, was designed by architect Dan Lichauco. It will feature four specialized rooms and a nurses’ station. Part of the funds will also go toward purchasing 50 infusion pumps—critical equipment PGH currently lacks—at a cost of PhP3.2 million. These pumps deliver chemotherapy directly to tumor sites, increasing drug efficacy while minimizing side effects, especially for inoperable cancers.
The foundation is also supporting a cancer survivorship program, a comprehensive healthcare plan for patients who have completed treatment. The program provides long-term monitoring, emotional and physical care, and guidance toward a healthy post-cancer life.
“Whatever PGH can’t provide, they can get from our fund,” Romero said. IWTS is one of its biggest private backers.
In partnership with Manila Hearing Aid, the foundation also provides hearing aids to patients who experience hearing loss due to brain tumors or platinum-based chemotherapy. A single device costs between PhP30,000 and PhP80,000.
Finally, there’s condolence assistance—financial help for funeral and burial expenses. “Sad to say, four children passed away just last month,” Sheila said. “We try to help their families, too.”
I Want to Share Foundation raised funds through ticket sales ranging from PhP150,000 to PhP200,000 per table, and individual seats priced at PhP15,000 (silver) and PhP20,000 (gold).
Sergio Azuega, Jojie Dingcong, presenter Dr. Vicki Belo, Cole Misek
Major sponsorships came from Dr. Vicki Belo and the Belo Medical Group, which served as the event presenter. Vision Express also came in as a key supporter, while Rockwell was a minor sponsor.
Ernest Cu and wife Arlene with their prized sculpture by Jinggoy Buensuceso
An art collector herself, Sheila added an art auction to boost revenues. Given her ties to leading artists, many of them donated works specifically for the gala. Among the featured sculptors were Ramon Orlina, Jinggoy Buensuceso, and Daniel dela Cruz, while visual artists included Didier Alarcón, Aya Halili, Winna Go, and Yeo Kaa. Photographer Mark Nicdao donated a package and also shot portraits of the young cancer patients, who were dressed in gala attire, as a special gift.
Dr. Hayden Kho, Dr. Vicki Belo, Sheila and Milka Romero, Tim Yap
Tim Yap was the master auctioneer, tirelessly working the room until he was satisfied with each bid. In the silent auction, restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu offered a private dinner for 12. A Rolex watch donated by Vintage Grail sold for PhP500,000, while jeweler Erica Concepcion contributed a Roberto Coin ring and another piece from her Riqueza line.
Donors Kim and Benson Ng with their sculpture from Ramon Orlina
The top-selling artwork, Jigger Cruz’s signature tactile abstraction, went for PhP2.7 million. Buensuceso’s hammered metal relief fetched PhP2 million, and Elmer Borlongan’s work commanded a similar price. Orlina’s prismatic glass sculpture closed at PhP1.8 million.
An art collector herself, Sheila added an art auction to boost revenues, with the top-selling artwork, Jigger Cruz’s signature tactile abstraction, going for PhP2.7 million
Sheila underscored that buyers were driven not just by art acquisition, but also by the cause itself. “I curated the entire collection. I wanted the gala to be known not only for the cause but also for showcasing a strong selection of original artworks. These are not from the secondary market—the artists created them specifically for charity,” she said.
As with every IWTS event, the young patients were the true highlight. This year, the Brave Warriors—20 young patients still undergoing treatment—walked the runway as the event’s muses. “It’s special because it’s really for them,” Sheila said.
The fashion show featured clothes by top Filipino designers Francis Libiran, Dennis Lustico, Michael Leyva, and Ivarluski Aseron and were modeled by celebrities such as Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, model Kurt Bondad, actress Kyla Estrada, the Belo Babies, and the children of IWTS members, including Sheila’s daughter Mandy and son Santi. Sheila herself wore a custom blue woven gown by Aseron.
Sheila Romero with Drs. Aivee and Z Teo and daughter Keli
The gala was a star-studded affair, attended by celebrity doctors Dr. Vicki Belo, Dr. Aivee Teo of The Aivee Group, and Dr. Christopher Cachuela of Avignon Clinic. Notable charity organizers included Tessa Prieto of the Red Charity Gala and Helen Ong of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines for the Philippine Cancer Society.
Political and diplomatic guests included senators Mark and Camille Villar, Sta. Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and her husband Aubrey, Singapore Ambassador Constance See Sin Yuan, and Thailand’s newly appointed ambassador to the Philippines, Makawadee Sumitmor—apt since the Nara Thai franchise is one of Sheila’s endeavors.
I Want to Share Foundation has been active for over a decade. Asked how it came to rival the prestige of long-established events such as the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines and the Red Charity Gala, she replies, “It takes a village. Each ball requires at least four months of preparation.”
The show’s director, Robbie Carmona, also an IWTS board member, has long championed the cause, treating the event as both advocacy and art.
Much of IWTS’s reach stems from Sheila’s ability to build and sustain relationships. She cultivated close ties with the press early on, hosting intimate gatherings in the halcyon days of Azzurro restaurant in Glorietta.
Over the past three years, Sheila has also stepped into a larger business role, taking over from her husband, Rep. Michael Romero, as chairman of their family-owned Globalport Terminals. It now operates 10 ports across the Visayas and Mindanao. With his three terms in Congress completed, Michael has shifted his focus to renewable energy in partnership with their daughter Mandy, and to his passion for professional polo.
Though Sheila remains CEO of the Nara Thai Philippines franchise and Oracle Hotel and Residences, she has delegated daily operations to her team to devote more time to the foundation.
With the funds raised at this year’s gala, IWTS is well-positioned to continue its programs through 2027, when the next ball is scheduled.
Sheila believes her experience as breast cancer survivor has brought deeper meaning to her life’s mission. “It sped the way for me to glorify God,” she said, adding that a person’s response to others is a reflection of their inner purity. “A pure soul naturally gives love, respect, and good wishes to others.”
Special number by Gary Valenciano
