ASTOUNDING women leave remarkable imprints on places and people that they encounter. They leave their mark and sometimes even change the course of history.

How profoundly these women impact the lives of those they touch vary, of course. But it is still a privilege to write about the one or two who come into focus every now and then.

This week?s column is dedicated to some examples of extraordinary women I know. I?ll preface it by saying that this is not a ranking or an exhaustive list. Rather, it is just a series of feel-good anecdotes.

I?ve always admired US Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney for being so hardworking, energetic and totally committed to community service. The first female US Ambassador to our country, she has involved herself in several social projects, from Tondo to Basilan. She works hard and plays hard.

Most mornings are dedicated to her exercise. We sometimes bump into each other jogging around the village. I also bump into her on Facebook, which she updates with her official blog.

I always look forward to getting invitations from the US Embassy, and recently got one for a reception on board the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Unfortunately, I had a scheduled taping for my TV show, ?House Life,? and asked my hubby, Dennis, to attend instead.

The ship, part of the US Navy?s 7th Fleet, was in Manila on a four-day goodwill visit that highlighted the strong ties and shared histories between our two countries. The talented sailors participated in a series of events, including sporting events and seminars.

More importantly, the crew worked alongside their Philippine Navy counterparts on various community service projects, planting trees, doing a coastal cleanup, improving facilities for veterans and promoting health.

Dennis reported that the reception was a blast, featuring a surprise number by Charice Pempengco and the presence of Manny Pacquiao. Ambassador Kenney was just as delighted as all the Pinoy visitors, saying she?d been ?channeling ?Top Gun? all week.?

Empowered

I can name several families whose women members are awesome examples of empowered individuals. National Bookstore grand dame Socorro Ramos has inspired me and taught me that nothing beats hard work and dedication to your craft.

Her daughter-in-law, Swatch lady boss Virgie Ramos, is equally dynamic. She has a brilliant mind for out-of-the-box marketing, and her Swatch launches are always original and fun. Even her endorsers are captivating women like Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.

Mikee and Billy Crawford recently launched Swatch?s newest face, John Lloyd Cruz, at The Establishment. The Swatch Fall/Winter 2009 Collection is a perfect match to John Lloyd?s lifestyle and cutting-edge fashion. His personal Swatch collection dates back to when he was only seven.

A Swatch/Virgie party is never complete without raffle prizes. An array of watches from the current collection went to lucky winners, including ABS-CBN Publishing?s Ernie Lopez and still-?best friends?-with-John Lloyd Liz Uy. One of the big prizes was the Swatch on John Lloyd?s wrist; it went to Melba Llanera of Philippine Entertainment Portal.

Household name

The consumer goods industry is rife with female marketing mavens. Cris Albert has made Fila a household name in sporty and chic fashion. For an encore, she has started Tiva, an artful, playful shoe collection that she personally and lovingly designs.

All dolled up in an original Vera Wang gown, Cris recently celebrated another milestone in her favorite restaurant, the Intercon?s Prince Albert Rotisserie. It was a family affair with supportive husband, Butch Albert, her mother, Wanda Louwallien, her sister, Ana Abad Santos, and all her children there to wish her happiness and continued success.

At midnight, the Tiva princess? party moved on to The Establishment and her favorite haunt, Members Only, accompanied by close friend Alex Van Hagen.

Fifth-generation jeweler and accomplished gemologist Vanessa Figueroa is another woman of note. Schooled in Europe, the Vanafi founder has an intense passion for the art of jewelry-making. She recently opened a branch in the newest and most luxurious Shangri-La ? the new Shang Boracay Resort & Spa.

Vanafi also has branches in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Edsa Shangri-La, Shangri-La Mactan Resort and the SM Mall of Asia.

Her new boutique was launched at the Shang Bora?s Villa Balani. Over romantic cocktails, the elegant guests marveled at the exquisite designs of the Vanafi jewelry collection.

Shang Bora GM Andre Kretschmann and Aklan Mayor Ceciron Cawaling led the ribbon-cutting. Several guests flew in just for the affair, including Mega Publishing Group CEO Sari Yap and Lifestyle Asia editor Anna Sobrepena. Also present were Mark Rudnicki, director of 7 Stones Boracay Suites, Karen Batungbacal and Maureen Santiago.

Speaking of Shang Bora, I?d like to greet my brother-in-law Philip Romualdez a happy birthday. Philip is celebrating his birthday weekend there, with my sister Sandy and their three boys. Sharing the natal day is my sister-in-law Myda Prieto, who I hope continues to read my column via the INQUIRER.net, and thus gets my birthday greetings to her.

Jampacked

As a finale to this short list of amazing women, I?d like to cite that newly discovered icon, Lady Gaga. Her recent jam-packed concert at the Araneta Coliseum was spectacular, featuring nine fiercely performed songs and six even fiercer costume changes. Her show was a livewire act with explosive performances that had the crowd standing and shouting the whole time.

I?m more of the Madonna generation, but my daughter Annika knows all her songs, and we both enjoyed the concert. Special thanks to Araneta Center?s Genny Marcial, who was able to get us great seats.

Lady Gaga is just breaking into the limelight. I hope she realizes the immense imprint she can have, especially on her young fans, and that she remains a good role model to her followers.

E-mail the author at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph