Rufino's ‘woman of worth' in Benilde Fashion Museum

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February 20, 2025 | 12:00am

I have watched, fascinated at the development of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. Our presence shows our desire to assist in the dramatic development of St. Benilde’s cultural and scientific contributions to society,” declared Ernest Rufino, philanthropist and business magnate.

The affair was for a noble cause: the turnover of a substantial gift to the Benilde Fashion Museum (BFM).

The gentleman has felt the infectious energy of the college’s campuses. “Needless to say, I am always amazed at the activity, enthusiasm, vitality and dedication I can feel every time I am at Benilde. The pulse is palpable!”

He then recalled several Proverbs in the Bible in his speech, to highlight the reasons why he chose to support such a cause.

The first story involved three men on a hike. The first one prayed he had the strength to cross the river — and he did after two hours. The second one prayed he had the tools to achieve the same feat — and he did receive a rowboat. The third one, after witnessing what had happened, asked for knowledge on how to conquer the obstacle.

“Just as suddenly, he was turned into a woman. She checked the map, hiked 200 yards upstream and walked across the bridge. The moral of the story is that if at first you don’t succeed, do it the way your wife told you,” he narrated in a lighthearted manner.

“The Book of Proverbs Chapter 31 verse 10 says, ‘Who can find a Woman of Worth? Far beyond jewels is her value.’ Proverbs 31 goes on to describe the traits of such a woman. I  have married the best Woman of Worth, Josie Padilla,” said Ernesto Padilla, to which I fully agreed, having known them since my youth.

The patron then likened his wife, the former Josie Padilla, to all the Proverbs verses he had shared. “My Woman of Worth, Josie, is all 22 verses and more. She is the most wonderful person in my life, and richly deserves the ending verses of Proverbs 31 —  ‘Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he (and I) praise her. ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all’.”

“It is a tiny token, but it is done with all the gratitude, love and respect in my heart,” he ended.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) was formalized.  On hand to sign were Benilde president Bro. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC, chancellor Benhur Ong, and Ernest and Josie Rufino. Witnesses were vice president for academics Angelo Marco Lacson, the Rufino family, director for partnership advancement Robin Serrano, and BFM board of advisers Eric Pineda and Edu Jarque.

A cocktail reception, prepared by the Vatel students, mentored by their chef-de-cuisine, soon followed at the Vatel Restaurant, the international partnership hatchery of the college with the renowned French institute.

Multimedia arts student and BFM intern Angel Nhele then presented the college’s token of appreciation: his digital artwork inspired by the cover feature of the Woman of Worth from Asia Magazine, where she wore a traje-de-mestiza by Philippine National Artist for Fashion Pitoy Moreno. The piece was based on the original photograph shared by heritage conservation advocate Isidra Reyes.

Through this generous gesture, the Benilde Fashion Museum is certain to carry on the beliefs and legacy of someone worth far beyond jewels.