100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn
Contributed by
Virginia Bautista
June 18, 2021
In celebration of International Women’s Day in March this year, Gina Romero of Connected Women and I partnered to find and recognize the most influential Filipino women who are making a difference in their own fields or in their communities, and who are also active on LinkedIn.
“When women support other women, great things happen.”
— Maria Montserrat “Monette” Hamlin
We asked our LinkedIn network to nominate those that they thought should be included in the list. We reached out to those who were shortlisted based on the criteria, which I discussed in the methodology section at the end of this article, until we have arrived at the final list.
In this article, I am excited to present to you the curated list of 100 most influential Filipino women on LinkedIn!
Here’s a special message from Gina Romero, one of the most influential Filipino women who help uplift the lives of fellow women in the country:
“I’m so happy to collaborate with Virginia on this meaningful project, to showcase some of the many outstanding Filipino women on LinkedIn. Raising our online profile and building a digital presence is important, but leveraging our influence to create a positive impact is the most important thing we can do.
This list highlights exemplary Filipino women who are not only successful, but consistently pay it forward by lifting up others. I hope this encourages and inspires other women to leverage this powerful platform to share, connect, work and learn.”
I met Gina at a conference in 2019 where we were both speakers. And I knew when I had the opportunity to speak with her that she genuinely believes in the power of women in empowering fellow women.
The Top 15 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn
From the overall list of 100 women, we ranked the Top 15 most influential Filipino women on LinkedIn based on the number of nominations.
Follow or connect with them on LinkedIn and you’ll be amazed at how they use LinkedIn to amplify their messages through stories, advocacies, inspiration and expert advice in order to make a difference in other people’s lives. We asked them about their LinkedIn success stories and here’s what they said:
#1: Wandalyn Tan Calupig | Founder at Working Moms Academy
LinkedIn helps me connect with the right people to support my advocacy of helping moms overcome stress and burnout. I go live every week to share life tips and tools through live webinars, interviews and live coaching.
#2: Jennette Cajucom | CEO Branding Strategist
When I moved from the city to the province here in the northern part of the Philippines, I applied to become a host for LinkedIn Local to gather all the amazing freelancers and entrepreneurs in my area to form a community where people can collaborate and exchange ideas. It was then when I met Virginia Bautista, as I invited her to be a panelist for the meetup. She was the one who opened my eyes on how powerful LinkedIn can be in helping me achieve my professional and business goals.
It was then when I started investing my time and energy to add value through my content on the platform – from 1 post a week, to a single article, to 3 posts per week then to more articles. More than posting content consistently, it was the mindset and the intention behind the content that mattered. Giving (or adding) value through educating, inspiring and empowering is a powerful way to attract opportunities.
It didn’t take long when I started receiving invitations to collaborate, speak at events, and even cowrite a book. Since then, I had also left online freelance marketplaces as I have also started receiving messages on LinkedIn from potential clients who needed help with my expertise.
It was also through LinkedIn that Marketing in Asia found me and appointed me as their editor for the Philippines. A lot of opportunities have come since then, and just recently, I was invited as a panelist for the DigiConfab Asia.
#3: Charlene Lucas | Registered Psychologist/ Organizational Behavior Consultant
LinkedIn has helped me connect with people all over the world, gaining valuable connections and learnings from all the brilliant minds. It helped me as well in building my credibility as a psychologist.
Sharing my thoughts and knowledge about life and mental health are my main reasons for using LinkedIn, adding value to the community and giving hope to people.
#4: Roselle Munsayac | Vice President and Author
I started using LinkedIn to post job vacancies in our bank. Then I realized there are so many like minded people here who are willing to share their knowledge and capabilities, their wisdom and experience to enrich others. I was inspired to do the same, share what I can in my own way. I achieved this by posting for women, mostly poems that will empower them.
I started being active late 2019, and in January 2020 I started my series of poems entitled 20/20 Perfect Vision for a Perfect You! This was just for January 2020 and I wanted to highlight the promise of the year 2020. But the pandemic happened after but I wanted to make the women realize that whatever life situation we face, as long as we have the love, strength and faith, we can rise above anything and thrive.
I also gave a talk last year on LinkedIn, in which mostly Filipinos are the audience and it was entitled Happy Here, Happy Now. I discussed how we can be happy right here where we are and right now, because there is no other time than now.
Last February 2021, I had my second series on LinkedIn to honor the month of love. It was entitled Fall in Love, and pointed out ways to true love in the only way I know how, by my poetry. I then made an eBook out of it, it’s now available on Amazon, and the sales will go to the community pantry which we organize in our house in our home province.
#5: Maria Korina Bertulfo | CEO and Founder at Filipina Homebased Moms
Follow MK
LinkedIn has helped me and FHMoms greatly. It helped connect with people that supported FHMoms and are willing to collaborate and connect with us. This experience made FHMoms grew exponentially over the last few years. Until now, it is only on LinkedIn where we initially connect with people, leaders, founders, and businesses. It is reliable and constantly there to provide the solution especially to organizations like us that are open with collaborations, social activities, and partnerships.
#6: Laraine Zyreen Marcelo | Marketing, Technology & Finance Lead at LJMB Online
LinkedIn has helped me connect with thousands of individuals across the globe. It also showed me how one post can impact one, hundreds, or thousands of people at a time — truly, the POWER of ONE POST! I get surprised and feel grateful whenever I get messages from people (whom I don’t know personally), how my posts have inspired them or led them to do better actions.
I use LinkedIn to inspire people on the:
(1) power of “mindset + actions” — with the right mindset, we can perform better actions and reactions;
and that it’s important to:
(2) go after “what makes you happy” rather than “what looks successful”. Success is just an outcome of happiness. When you’re happy with who you are and what you do = success will come naturally.
I also use LinkedIn to promote and learn more about the power of Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and how it’s revolutionizing the Digital Learning industry. The platform helped me find and connect with experts in this field. My team has been working on bringing this technology to the Philippines.
#7: Mikki Sachiko | Health Coach, Host and CEO at Wellnessible
Linkedin has helped me a lot in reaching more people with our wellness advocacies. It warms my heart whenever there is a message from someone telling us how he/she is being inspired by our contents. This platform also helped us meet new business partners from different parts of the world!
#8: Delby Bragais | Founder and President at The North Road Group
Being active on this platform has opened doors for me … Among them are as follows:
1) invitations for paid speaking engagements locally & internationally
2) invitations to facilitate workshops both locally and abroad
3) invitations to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects or initiatives
4) helped me indirectly land coaching engagements
5) provided me a source of updated global trends, learning and inspiration
All of these in addition to warm friendships!
#9: Kristine “Kurly” de Guzman | Life and Career Transformation Coach
I don’t think that there is one particular story, but everytime someone comments on my post or sends me a message about how they are inspired it brings me so much fulfillment knowing that in one way or another, I am making a difference.
#10: Ruth Yu-Owen | Co-Founder at Connected Women; President at Upgrade Energy Philippines
With LinkedIn, I’m able to connect with people and companies instantaneously. The percentage of success in getting responses and connected is around 70% for me. It’s an excellent platform for professional networking!
#11: Sheena Yap Chan | Keynote speaker, coach, consultant, author, podcaster
I have been invited to many speaking engagements, getting clients, getting featured on major publications and making amazing connections.
#12: Bonnie Factor | Founder & CEO at Leading With Success
I have used LinkedIn as a recruiter since 2010. You can say LinkedIn is a part of my career rise, shifts and changes.
Now that I am an entrepreneur, LinkedIn is a source of inspiration, networking, digital content marketing, personal branding, storytelling and overall a great community to be engaged in.
#13: Ana Maria (Penny) S. Bongato | Life and Career Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author
I post a lot on LinkedIn, not just my successes but my learnings on my failures as well. My desire is that the readers get inspired and motivated by my posts because there are times that a post would just come in at the right time of each person’s life and I have read comments in my posts that have said that. And I too have read posts from others that have touched me at the right time of my life.
LinkedIn also helped me build my business – I have received a number of queries on speaking engagements and coaching because of LinkedIn and appreciate and grateful to LinkedIn for that.
I am also a connector, I connect people to others in my network when requests are made and I feel that is one of my roles too.
#14: Doreen Cooper | Learning Facilitator, Professional Speaker, Book Author, Online Content Creator
LinkedIn has helped me make new friends and connections. It has also helped amplify my voice by being able to reach more people with my content. This, in turn, has allowed me to provide insight and support to more individuals.
It has also been instrumental in helping me gain recognition as a thought leader in my industry; and for all those reasons and many more; I am forever thankful about the decision I made to have become active on LinkedIn as a platform.
#15: Katherine Castro | CPA Consultant for Southeast Asian Startups & Small Businesses
I built and grew my own consulting business organically in the middle of the pandemic, sometime in June 2020. Armed with a mindset that networking is a farming exercise, I dedicated myself to providing value to my network, whether or not I get the people I interact with as clients.
Coming from a place of authenticity and value have helped shape my personal brand into a strong one, proof of which are the majority of my clients and prospects coming from LinkedIn.
Knowing that my influence doesn’t stop with me being the CEO of my own consulting agency, I discovered that I can also provide immense value to fellow Filipino accountants and finance professionals through a counterintuitive coaching on consulting and freelancing.
LinkedIn has helped me a lot in reaching a lot of people and doubling the impact I have, without spending so much.
100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn
“When you set your mind on reaching a goal, every hurdle you conquer becomes gold: a learning experience you will not see in books and theories. Principles can only take you so far; you have to take the first step, jump off and witness what happens for yourself.”
— Annaliza (Bacani) Laxamana
Below is the complete list of the most influential Filipino women from various industries including: professional training and coaching; marketing and advertising; IT services; human resources; management consulting; travel, tourism and hospitality; outsourcing; banking and finance; writing, and more.
Each of them shares with us what they think is the most significant contribution Filipino women make to the country and what their best piece of advice is to Filipino women in order to succeed. Follow them all on LinkedIn.
Alyzza Rica Pera
No. of Followers: 11445
Position: Lead – Sales & Operations at LJMB Online
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I believe the most significant contribution that Filipino Women make to our country is our strong sense of empowerment, diversity and fairness.
Also, what I’ve observed in different organizations and to most of the women leaders that I get to connect to is that being strong and tough while being compassionate and empathetic can still be possible. I saw a balance between care and firmness.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Break whatever barriers you will encounter! Never let other people or even the society define you!
Ana Maria (Penny) S. Bongato
No. of Followers: 11654
Position: Life and Career Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women are strong willed. We, women, play so many roles in our lives – we work, being a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, doing the household chores, being caregivers at times. We can juggle these roles in our lives which make us even stronger. We find ways and means to help our families and it begins with the family and eventually, helping the community and the country.
Anda Goseco
No. of Followers: 4102
Position: Global Executive Coach
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
As a leader, mom, daughter and friend, we are able to positively influence people to overcome difficult situations. We are able to adapt and use courage to navigate through challenges. We are also able to use our strength with people to be the bridge that nurtures and builds relationships. This became even more evident during the pandemic when these strengths of Filipino women helped families and organizations.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
We have our own unique strengths and purpose. All we need to do is to focus on who we are as individuals to make our own mark. We don’t need to copy others. Who we are is our anchor, which will guide us to who we need to be.
Angel Guerrero
No. of Followers: 2127
Position: Founder, President & Editor-in-Chief of Adobo Magazine
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
The innate creativity in Filipinos is undeniable, we are naturally creative and innovative. Filipino women have taken on the world stage in performing arts, animation, fashion, music exemplified through for example the feats of Lea Salonga, Monique Lhuillier, Josie Trinidad, Lucille Tenazas, and more. However, this is but a small representation of the potential of women creatives.
The potential to discover, hone, and showcase the talents of the creative and naturally-talented Filipino women is tremendous and under represented.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Specific to the creative industries that I support, I encourage Filipino women to pursue their passion for the arts, crafts, design, and creative entrepreneurship, wherever they can apply their creativity. Build confidence within each other to succeed in this endeavor and create an opportunity to encourage, support, and promote the creative industry in the Philippines.
Annaliza (Bacani) Laxamana
No. of Followers: 4966
Position: Founder & CEO at Modern Ads & Promo, Inc.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
That above anything else, women are as capable as men— that we are just as passionate, just as hardworking, just as driven. There is no such thing as “Girl Power”—it’s just power—abilities and innate skill equally given to both men and women. Therefore, gender is neither an obstacle nor an influential factor, to realizing a person’s dreams.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
When you set your mind on reaching a goal, every hurdle you conquer becomes gold: a learning experience you will not see in books and theories. Principles can only take you so far; you have to take the first step, jump off and witness what happens for yourself. So when you desire something, run after it. Don’t wait on other people. Lead the way.
Aurora Denise Aquino Leynes
No. of Followers: 627
Position: Operations Manager at Equus Software
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
There are so many areas where Filipino women excel and contribute greatly! But I think one of our most significant contributions is how we consistently pursue success and progress not only for ourselves but also for the people around us. We always care about others and we think about what’s best for everyone.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
I am all about collaboration and support! I believe that if we support and learn from each other then it is easier to be successful.
Averil Frances Chapap
No. of Followers: 1882
Position: Content Writer/Content Strategist/Teacher
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Stepping up, embracing change and making a difference. Gone are the days that the role of women are focused mainly on keeping the house and rearing the family. We have women leaders in the government and non-government sector, influencers in social media, women who use their talent and skills to help their fellow men and a long list of women educators.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
There are three things I would like to share with Filipino women to achieve success.
1. Believe in yourself. When you have faith that you can overcome any obstacle, everything follows. Nobody is perfect, but if you believe you are a work in progress, that mistakes are normal, and that learning is a continuous process, you will certainly be able to achieve success.
2. Love yourself and know your worth. This is not a selfish act. As they say, you cannot pour from an empty cup. How can you love others when you can’t love yourself or fully accept who you are? How can you make others happy when you are not happy?
By loving yourself and knowing your worth, you will not have to depend on others for happiness, acceptance, or even love. By doing so, you will be a bright light of hope to every woman you meet.
3. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes in life when things do not go as planned, despite the effort we put into achieving them.
Take it as a learning experience or a lesson learned, perhaps to do better next time, to take a different path, or to wait for the right time. The Bible says, for everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.
Aya Dorado
No. of Followers: 2539
Position: Marketing Executive at Esco
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Personally, I do not look at the gender of a person. I look at their values and work ethics. But I believe that women contribute to society by providing a balance to the male machismo. The female’s sensitivity to the needs of others allows them to respond more holistically to what society needs.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Know who you are and what you want. That is success. It’s not the title, it’s not the salary. It’s you. If you feel content, if you feel powerful, if you feel you have a grip on your life, then you are successful.
Baby Quida Montesclaros
No. of Followers: 1491
Position: Senior Director – Global Finance at ADP
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Raising the next generation well is the most significant contribution women can make. But that requires work, inner work mostly. Women come with a lot of trauma passed on from mother to daughter, and we need to heal them. Plus our societal conditions. For a vast majority of Filipino women there is the trauma of sexual exploitation, poverty, a male chauvinist society, the double standard, low self worth.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Success is relative. Search your heart for what that means to you and do all that you can to achieve it.
(1) Accept failures, fall down seven times and get up eight.
(2) It’s ok to make bad choices as long as you learn from them.
(3) It’s not a competition. When one of us breaks the glass ceiling, it makes it possible for many more to follow.
(4) Celebrate small victories. Success is the journey, not the destination.
(5) Surround yourself with the right people. Those who love you, accept you and those who call out your bullshit.
Bea Lim
No. of Followers: 2091
Position: Managing Director at TeamAsia
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I believe Filipino women are phenomenal and absolutely amazing. We wear so many hats and we make it happen— we build homes, we nurture families, we cultivate relationships, we mold lives, we create and sustain businesses from homes and offices, we innovate and invent sustainable solutions and we inspire others to do the same. We lead people, both at home and in our communities. See, so many hats and so many roles to play!
I believe the most significant contribution of Filipino women in our country today is advocating and fighting for a more equal future that we all deserve to live in. That requires strength, stamina, grit and determination. We are making conscious, collective and continuous efforts in breaking gender bias in the country. I’d like to believe we are inspiring other countries and communities to do the same.
When I think Filipina, I see someone standing tall, chin up, uplifting everyone around them with a smile on her face. The epitome of strength and resilience.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
For me, success is making a positive impact in your work, in your community, in your country. Go for it—jump, dive or fly. With both feet in. And flash that smile as you do.
PS: You’re amazing. Don’t make anyone else try to tell you otherwise.
Bim Gutierrez
No. of Followers: 12247
Position: Region Head of Digital, Media & E-Commerce at Bayer
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Service with heart. All while running our households and keeping the family intact.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Do not be afraid to explore uncharted territory. Keep searching until you find the job and role that, in the words of Steve Jobs, “makes your heart sing”.
Bonnie Factor
No. of Followers: 13531
Position: Founder & CEO at Leading With Success
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Pinays are lucky we are born in a country that has almost the same amount of women executives and same pay rate with men.
Not taking this for granted I have seen women communities’ and leaders’ have advanced career growth of each woman in the Philippines.
Name a skill, name an income-generating activity and you’ll bet there’s a Pinay who has created a community for that.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Evaluate your habits on a daily basis. Improving productivity to achieve and contribute to the country so much will depend on what you focus on everyday.
Combine end goals + daily productivity habits to ensure you are 1% improving everyday.
1% improvement a day will amount to 365% of growth in a year!
Carissa Villacorta
No. of Followers: 1636
Position: Executive Director at National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
They take care of the next generation.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Success is relative. You may lead a simple life, but if you feel at peace, secure, happy and healthy, that’s better than living a life of fear, anxiety, or worries.
Carla Perlas
No. of Followers: 5053
Position: SVP of Content at Tickled Media
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
We normalize women at work, and have made our country a role model in gender diversity in the workplace for other countries – especially since PH ranked first in gender diversity in Asia, according to the 2019 Gender Diversity Benchmark for Asia report.
I look at my daughters, and I am thankful that whatever it is that they dream to do or become, they have the access to go for it – because generations of working Filipino women, including their mom, aunts, and grandmothers, had worked hard and paved the way for them to ensure their equal place in the workplace.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
It helps to be self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was: surround yourself with smart people. Don’t be intimidated by them; learn from them, as they may fill any gaps in your skill set.
Also remember to always be kind, be generous, but don’t let anyone trample all over you. You’re not a doormat. You have brains, skills, and charisma – and let them see that you are able to contribute significantly to the team.
Celina Bianca (Celz) Alejandro
No. of Followers: 1242
Position: Founder, Celz Alejandro Productivity and Life Coaching Services
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Being ourselves. While gender equality has improved leaps and bounds over the past few decades, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Just the act of standing up for ourselves, our beliefs, and not settling for crumbs is a big contribution.
I would say the act of defiantly gritting our teeth and doing the work that we believe needs to be done, wherever that may be, creates ripple effects that slowly but surely changes stereotypes about women. There’s still a lot that needs to be done, but us showing up for ourselves and for each other is an important step in breaking glass ceilings, and prejudices against us.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Give yourself permission to trust your gut. Allow yourself to feel, there’s a difference between having emotions and being emotional. Feelings, tempered with critical thinking and solid strategies, create cultures that are kinder, warmer, and more empathetic without sacrificing the bottom line. You CAN be vulnerable and be strong.
Charlene Lucas
No. of Followers: 8241
Position: Registered Psychologist/ Organizational Behavior Consultant
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Being a voice to those who are voiceless and afraid. Being an agent of change and inspiration that anything is possible regardless of gender.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Be true to who you really are, don’t be afraid to follow your heart and to find your voice. Focus on giving value to other people and create your own definition of success. Be compassionate not only on your work and other people but with yourself as well.
Chiqui Escareal-Go
No. of Followers: 2078
Position: CEO and Chief Behavioral Strategist at Mansmith and Fielders, Inc.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Perhaps still a bit traditional as can be expected from my boomer generation :-), I still find Filipino women as a strong moral compass for the country – in terms of maintaining order and standards in both the household and in the economy, while helping raise future generations of Filipino citizens who MUST always remember and be proud of their heritage.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
1) Know what you want in life – be it in your career or in your personal space.
2) Decide to pursue that what you want in life and be single-minded or focused about it – ask yourself : will that job or will that choice of a spouse/partner give you what you want in life?
3) Pray for clarity of your choices and actions.
Christine Filomeno
No. of Followers: 1189
Position: Managing Director and Co-founder at Philippine Business School (PBS)
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
They say, the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.
As women, we hold the heart in our homes, in the family, even in our work place. Educated Filipino women who are virtuous and grounded can shape this country towards progress.
Starting with nurturing the right leaders in every home. Living simple lives without jealousy or envy of other people’s lives. Supporting our spouses to be better than they are. Staying firm on our convictions and staying true to our purpose.
Filipino women are influential. Their impact on the community is indubitable.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
There is no formula for success, but there is one for a happy and contented life. It all comes from what is in your heart, your reaction to the world around you, your motivation, sense of purpose and your faith that God has created you to be happy. Finding that happiness in our hearts may be a life-long journey, or we can find it when our knees touch the ground.
Christine Matriano
No. of Followers: 785
Position: Manager, Engagement & Communications at First Gen Corporation
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Leadership with compassion. I think it is in women’s DNA to care for and have malasakit in everything that we do. I also know more women who think well on their toes, are great multi-taskers, and are excellent networkers.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Be authentic. Have a ton of self-confidence. Always be prepared – like a true girl scout.
Christine Tambaoan
No. of Followers: 2646
Position: General Manager at Tea Cups Manila
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Senior management positions held by Filipino women at work are increasingly growing through the years. In fact, according to a report conducted by Grant International last 2020, the Philippines has the most women in top business positions among the 32 countries studied on the survey. This shows that Filipino women are helping in shaping the future of the country’s economy.
Moreover, a lot of Filipino women are also starting their own business with an advocacy. They are not just simply opening a business for profit but a business that carries their personal values and advocacy that helps address pressing issues around their community.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
A Filipino woman must keep in mind that she is a gift to the world and that she holds a power that needs to be shared to those who are in need of strength. She should not be afraid to speak her truth. In order to achieve success, she must be willing to learn everyday, continually improve her mindset and always do the hard work.
Cielo Marte Presas
No. of Followers: 5271
Position: Co-Managing Partner/ Happiness Coach
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I believe women playing a larger role in the workforce is a significant contribution to our country. We are more active supporters of our society now, more than ever. Unlike before when majority would stay at home and take care of family, a lot of women are now in offices and workplaces. Add the fact that there are now more women leaders in companies and organizations; and more women entrepreneurs. These will create an impression to female millennials that there are endless possibilities (despite) of being a woman.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Never give up. Work hard to achieve your dreams.
Connie Barrientos-Carey
No. of Followers: 26614
Position: President at Aleph Talent Solutions Corporation
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
There’s a reason why necessity is called the MOTHER of invention. It’s the Filipino woman’s creativity, persistence, and endurance that keep families, organizations, and businesses going.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Other people’s opinions won’t cut you a check. Unless something makes you happy, makes you better, or makes you money, don’t waste your energy on it. Break as many glass ceilings as you possibly can.
Cristina Calaguian
No. of Followers: 5382
Position: Managing Director at DAGAZ HR CONSULTANCY AND RECRUITMENT COMPANY
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipinas, simply base on the number of individuals involved especially in hospitality and healthcare. Showcasing Filipina culture being friendly, warmth and caring traits. Increasingly, individual Filipina are rising to prominence in senior professional positions across all industries all over the world.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Be confident, look at yourself honestly as a competent and capable individual who is proud to be a Filipina- but can compete in any market globally.
Czarina-Medina Guce
No. of Followers: 1435
Position: Sociologist, International Development Consultant
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
We cannot single out a category or function for the contribution of Filipino women, in the same way that we cannot box Filipino women on what we could or could not do. The question, however, nudges the idea that we Filipino women could commit to — that we will not propagate the limitations and prejudices imposed on us.
We will not be the cause for another Filipino woman, or any other human being for that matter, to experience being removed from making choices, making mistakes and being accountable for them, or growing and learning as any free human being should.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
I’d say to define success in our own terms and commit to it. And strive to be Filipino women who would empower the next generation of Filipino women to define their own successes as well.
Danica Octa
No. of Followers: 3020
Position: President and CEO at Metamorphosis Group
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I can’t emphasize enough how valuable women are in the Philippines. When they said women were “more emotional” I refuse to see it as a negative. And instead of “emotional” I would prefer to use the word “more empathetic.” Didn’t Google already say that empathy was going to be one of the most crucial skills in the new normal? I believe that this is the true value that we deliver.
Without empathy, we wouldn’t be able to identify the truest needs of the market and we wouldn’t be creating services, products, businesses, and organizations that can help solve those problems. Empathy is a super power that I think most Filipino women have and this should be seen as significant and valuable especially by our male counterparts.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Keep and preserve your power. I say this to all genders but women need to start realizing this as well — know your worth. Not one person in this world has the license to degrade, hurt, or invalidate you as a person. If you know that you can provide value to the world, ask for something as an equivalent exchange. Don’t allow people to shortchange you and take away your power. And this is applicable not only in your career but also in your marriage, friendships, and business dealings.
If you didn’t succeed in keeping and preserving your power, that’s okay just take it back… and take it back with pride. Assert yourself and let people know that you have other more meaningful and sustainable options when one opportunity doesn’t work out or match expectations. That’s how you take your power back and that’s how you become a superhero of your own purpose and vision.
Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo
No. of Followers: 2501
Position: Founder and Managing Director at Viviamo! Inc.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Creativity and possibilities. I believe the power of women that may seem sometimes stronger than other is really rooted in the ability to give to birth. I’m definitely not saying all women should experience giving birth – and of course i definitely believe it doesn’t make you any less if you choose not to. I’m saying because of this possible ability – women are instinctively able to go through hardships and challenges with the eyes of hope, creativity and possibilities. When one is pregnant or giving birth, the truth is — there is no going around it, but rather just going through it. There is significant value in just going through something, having the courage to push forward.
When times are tough like in this pandemic, we need people to say – things will get better. Even if things doesn’t seem to get better, in hope, we see light, creativity and possibilities. And with those, life will DEFINITELY get better.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Quoting Walt Disney, “Keep Moving Forward.” Success in truth is how you go through the journey to your goals and dreams. Success isn’t the end-game, it’s the continuing experience of the journey. Keep moving forward, Filipinas. You have so much gift, value that the world very much needs right now. You are worthy of having it all.
Delby Bragais
No. of Followers: 5398
Position: Founder and President at The North Road Group
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, Rules the World! Women are the Nurturers of the country, the connectors and the heart. Whenever there are changes to the world around us (such as what we are experiencing today due to the pandemic) Women take the lead in helping the family adjust to new realities and ways of living.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Never Settle!
Doreen Cooper
No. of Followers: 8892
Position: Learning Facilitator, Professional Speaker, Book Author, Online Content Creator
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Women are the backbone of our society. Women deliver children, nurture children, are the first teachers of their children, help provide for the family, and help lead our country.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Remember that you are beautiful in your own unique way.
So dream, regardless of the situation you’re in;
Work Hard, regardless of the circumstance;
Choose your Relationships wisely, they can help you succeed or be detrimental to your success;
And choose your Role Models carefully. Compete only with yourself.
Elizabeth Ocampo
No. of Followers: 8476
Position: Accounting Manager at Excel Cosmeceutical Industry Pte Ltd.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Be an active citizen. Actively demonstrate your love for your country.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Keep thinking about what you are learning along the way and what you can improve for yourself.
Fabi Cariño
No. of Followers: 4409
Position: Country Head, Human Resources at dentsu international
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino Women play a vital role in the country as our first teachers and role-models. They are crucial in molding the mindset of our youth. They also are considered a principal source of inspiration, strength and resilience in the nation . Filipino women has proven to be the best in different fields as leaders and part of the labor force in education, media, healthcare, business, agriculture, private and government offices . They continue to thrive in these industries and many more – truly making an impact on the globe.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
The best advice I would like to share is to be a CHAMP-
C- Chase your dreams. It is never too early or too late to Choose and Carve your path.
H- Harmonize with like-minded individuals. Keep the ones that believe in your greatness and support you.
A- Accomplish goals in all the aspects of your life not only in career and finances but also health, family, relationships, knowledge and skills development
M- Mind your mind always.
P- Persevere and be resilient for the path to success is not easy. Pray and keep faith.
Faye Sta. Ana-Corpuz
No. of Followers: 8954
Position: Marketing Executive at Careem
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
The ability to bring back the human element to every situation is FIlipino Women’s most significant contribution to the country. More than providing logical plans to solve problems, FIlipinas execute solutions with compassion and ensure that no one is left behind, felt injustice and disrespected. The solutions FIlipinas make are not always grandiose, but because we tap into the hearts and minds of our community that makes our impact more powerful and inclusive.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Always listen. There is power in listening to understand than listening to respond. I’ve learned through my years of living outside the Philippines, that FIlipina women have a super power to put themselves in someone else’s shoes in order to understand and support them better. As human beings, we feel so much that we are always triggered to solve problems right away, but a FIlipina woman will listen, step back and work towards a long-term plan than a band-aid solution.
Flaregin Jaculina
No. of Followers: 2914
Position: Director – Compliance & Risk Management at IBEX
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
It starts in the family as the women are expected to be the primary care taker. When major changes take place, women take the lead in helping the family adjust to the new realities. Just like when covid happened and we all had to be locked down.
A lot of women had to give up their careers to take care of the family. Women play different roles from being educators, farmers, caregivers… and a lot of the informal entrepreneurial labor of women like the “sari sari store” in local communities not only can be an extended family’s help line but can also form a network of economic foundation like the multi-purpose cooperatives. It’s really hard to pinpoint a single major contribution of women as their contributions to this country whether big or small are undeniable.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Make self-improvement a habit. Take chances, do not be afraid to put yourself out there, and make yourself be heard. For all the women out there, we shouldn’t be stabbing each other with our stilettoes but rather be lifting and celebrating one another as that is the only way we can break the glass ceiling!
Gail Concepcion Cruz-Macapagal
No. of Followers: 1557
Position: Country Director at DynaQuest Technology Services Inc
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino Women are fortunate to be part of a culture that upholds women in the society, and this allows us to be more productive and more valuable to our Country. We have achieved numerous gains in terms of economic, political and social equality, we have demonstrated perpetual growth and momentum.
I think the most significant contribution that we make to the Country is our ability to be strong, fearless yet nurturing and caring, which is a manifestation of how we are as both a woman and a mother.
We contribute by ensuring that the next and future generations are able to match or surpass what we have achieved by leaps and bounds by ensuring that our children are equipped with the necessary tools to do so. Another significant contribution that we make to the Country is our strong decision making skills, matched with our ability to multi-task, put both of them together and what you get is a woman with a mission to do good things and to do wonders.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Some women inspire, some women influence, do both! Never ever give up and lose hope, because it is when you are during your hardest times that your resiliency and strength is built. And remember, where you are now is not your final destination, everything that is meant for you will come when it’s time, as long as you combine hard work, passion, dedication and grit.
Ginger Arboleda
No. of Followers: 9475
Position: COO of Taxumo, Founder of Manila Workshops and Blogger behind MommyGinger.com
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I think the most significant contribution of Filipino Women is how they embrace and share their talents while handling multiple roles. Most of us juggle and have a lot of things on our plate, but we do what we can to make the lives of our family and the people around us better.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Always believe that you can — you can achieve that dreams that you set for yourself, you can life the life you always wanted and you can make a difference. Oftentimes, it’s us (our fears, inhibitions and insecurities) that stop ourselves from attaining success.
Gladys Anna Guañez
No. of Followers: 8501
Position: LinkedIn Profile Optimizer, Strategist, and Coach
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipina women play a central role in shaping a more democratic, stabilized and developed society. I personally believe that women’s role in every family has a huge impact when it comes to stability, growth, and development – both personally and professionally.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
It’s all starts with simply being visible… Each of us has a mission, whether we’re already aware of it or not. So we need to be seen, heard, and remembered in order to fulfill what we’re supposed to become. It’s time to be seen and let your voice be heard.
Grace Kagahastian
No. of Followers: 4424
Position: Executive and Organizational Coach
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women are exquisitely unique, creative and highly intuitive in nature and I am excited to see how we are now changing the game in the corporate or start up arena. Having said this, I think that we can raise more awareness that women can be great leaders too and we need more empowering women to step up, to be given the chance to lead, to be heard and to use their voice to affect change in any way, shape or form.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
The first thing you should ask yourself is, “What is success to me?” A few years back, I thought success was what truly defined me. I had to rethink it and then I realized that success is not meant to be a destination because it is actually the journey that leads to success.
Who you are becoming and the people you have helped along the way is more important than what you have achieved or the rewards that you will eventually reap. We need to learn how to let go of personal ego, thus, it’s time to redefine what success looks like to Filipino women who value purpose, meaning and life’s fulfilment.
The impact is more sustainable that way and not just for one’s success but also for others.
Haseen Whel
No. of Followers: 12695
Position: Production Manager
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
For me, as a Filipino Woman, I considered myself as a voice which echoed to different places.
There are many important various aspects to consider to hear our voices at all times like “Women Empowerment”. which helps our society to increase women’s credibility to stand what they believe.
To serve our country is a must because it’s our home.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Stop doubting yourself, you are a child of GOD, you are unique, you are beautiful and amazing.
Whatever you do in your life stay focus and believe that an extraordinary you have an extraordinary GOD to back you up!
Imelda Tiongson
No. of Followers: 612
Position: President at Opal Portfolio Investments (Spv-Amc) Inc.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Care and passion to complete the task in the best of our ability… they say you give it to a woman, the job gets done…you give it to a Filipina- it gets done with love and care.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Never cease learning and on the way when you become an expert, never cease sharing.
Ivy Paraluman De Borja
No. of Followers: 4855
Position: Vice President for People & Culture at Acquire BPO
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Often the go-to-persons and the fixers of problems, we, the Filipino Women are always there to support and enable others to navigate through challenging times. We smile though we’re exhausted, we cheer others up, and resourcefully solve challenges.
Our selflessness is a great example to many, and demonstrated consistently, we inspire people around us to be a blessing to others.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
A Chinese proverb says that the greatest leaders are those who discipline themselves. In order to be successful, you need to put in hard work consistently. This is of course easier said than done, because no matter how determined you are, you will be challenged and hurt. Setbacks happen, and they could bring you down.
There will be mornings when you won’t spring out of bed excited for the day. When energy is down, remind yourself about your reasons for doing what you do. By remembering your why, you’d find the courage to get up, and when you do, don’t just show up, make your presence count. It’s the only way that you’d truly succeed— to be there 100% in the moment.
Jan Abdelghany
No. of Followers: 4332
Position: Chief Executive Officer at Algorhythm Call Center Services
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women equates to strength. We fought for our place in this table. We sowed sweat, blood and occasional tears. We grew. We blossomed. We worked our way to be where we are today harder than anyone. Yes, we worked hard but amongst all, us Filipino Women standing at the top provides the best example on how we can achieve something if we put our mind into it. We provide the motivation for others to follow. We shape, correct and hone our generation and next to fight for what they deserve, a better life.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Do not stop. You fall seven times, stand up eight. Work, work, and work. Never let anyone cool down the flame that ignites you to provide a better life for your family and your country because you are more powerful than you think. And if you get tired, don’t be afraid to rest. Rest is as important as movement. Take your time to enjoy what you have worked for. After all, all hardships are useless if you never had the chance to appreciate the beauty of your journey.
Jane Martinito
No. of Followers: 5901
Position: Digital Marketer & Web Designer
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Her greatest contribution to our country is to perform her role and serve her purpose.
If she’s a mom, let her raise her kids to be not only as a good citizen but also as a good person, making God the center of their lives.
If she’s a career woman, let her find a job that she’ll enjoy, discover what else she can do, and succeed.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Success has different forms because we’re all different from each other.
We all have different goals.
If you’re someone who has achieved your goal, then, you succeeded.
My advice for every Filipino woman is to start with knowing what they want for themselves or their families. Then, list your goals. Next, create a vision board (I highly recommend Ms. Penny Bongato. ;)). Then, do your best. Lastly, let it go and leave it to God.
Don’t forget to also take care of yourselves. Exercise, eat healthily, and enjoy your time with your family.
Remember that your priorities show who you are as a person.
Janeth Destreza
No. of Followers: 23699
Position: Crowd Sourcing Specialist at Appen
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I can say, by simply doing our best to make a change is a significant contribution. Not because we want to prove something but because we can do something.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
I am not actually sure if I can call myself successful, but I will. Do not limit yourself. There is something in you!
Janice Lao
No. of Followers: 4625
Position: ESG Director at Helen of Troy
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Pinays are incredibly resilient, flexible and creative. We need to amplify the voices of our fellow Pinays to show other young Pinays what success and potential for them can look like
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Never dim your light for anyone. Shine bright!
Janice Villanueva
No. of Followers: 1276
Position: Founder and CEO at Mommy Mundo
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Women are natural problem solvers, intuitive nurturers, and community builders. If there is something that works well, we support it and also don’t hesitate to share the good news with everyone we know. If we see that something needs fixing, we will also not hesitate to take steps and do what we can to fix it or make it better. Then when it’s fixed, we will also call on everyone to support and celebrate!
Filipina Women are of a different mettle. We are creative, resourceful, resilient, and where situations call for it, and allow, we also lead. All this done with grace and a smile on our faces. We’ll see this happening in big corporations and in SME/ MSME’s in various industries. We’ll see this in communities, in churches, non profits, and you’ll see this in every home and household too.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
My advice to Filipino women who want to be successful is actually our Mommy Mundo campaign for 2021 which is to MIND YOUR MIND.
Oftentimes, what keeps us from achieving our dream is what’s in our heads: the fear of the unknown, the feeling of not being good enough, or not having enough resources, or what other people will say – don’t let these stop you from going for your goals and dreams. Mind your mind, and choose the thoughts that you make your own. Choose the thoughts that give you power.
Second, we women have the tendency to overthink, and to that I say, you can think, calculate and flip the idea once or twice, but after that, let go and believe it is yours. Never underestimate the power of your mind. Dreams take visualizing:)
Just remember the only thing that comes between you and you achieving your goal is yourself. Visualize your goal, take the steps towards success, and own it.
Jem Erroba
No. of Followers: 824
Position: Copywriter at Speakers Institute
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women are leaders. Ever since the pandemic started, I have seen more and more women rise up and take charge online to provide for their families, create a better life for themselves, and help other people achieve their goals.
From making Dalgona coffee to entertain kids, attending webinars to improve their skills, or looking for work from home jobs to improve their income, Filipinas will do whatever it takes to make things better.
Both inside and outside of the home, Filipinas are truly a force to be reckoned with.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
My best advice for Filipino women to achieve success is to first find what success means to them.
We all have different definitions for success and living your life to attain someone else’s dream or reach someone else’s standards will only make you feel frustrated and unfulfilled.
Life is not a race, it’s a marathon. Thee are many, many ways to reach the finish line. All you have to do is find the road that works best for you.
Jennette Cajucom
No. of Followers: 5548
Position: CEO Branding Strategist
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
That true leadership can be empathetic and nurturing; that it can be about giving; and that it can be about lifting up other people.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Success is best achieved when we give value and help other people.
Jennifer Pacilan
No. of Followers: 2233
Position: Entrepreneur/Digital Marketing Specialist/Trainer
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
As a Filipino woman and mother, I’d like to think that my biggest contribution to my country is raising good children and educating them with the hope that they will become better citizens of the country who are able to positively contribute to the growth of our country.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Always follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you that your dreams are way too big.
Jenny Lind Elmaco
No. of Followers: 747
Position: Regional Coordinator at EURAXESS Worldwide
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipina women nurture and transform societies. In the country, women not only break the glass ceilings but they are also fixing the leaky faucets. Women lead with the future in mind but also are cognizant of the challenges of today.
To me, the most significant contribution Filipinas give and continuously give is HOPE. It is because of this seemingly unlimited supply of HOPE that gives inspiration and drive for the country to progress and develop, as well as for its people to reach their potentials.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Believe that you are enough. And the first person that you should take care of is yourself.
Joanna Velez Rodriguez
No. of Followers: 1585
Position: Public Sector Director at Microsoft
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
To inspire, influence and take action
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
My advice for women (and men, for that matter) – take your unique skills with you at all times and stay true to your personal values, both at work and play. Learn something new and be better, everyday. Knowledge and character fuels enthusiasm and equanimity for life.
Karen Batungbacal
No. of Followers: 4986
Position: Board advisor & Independent Director
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women pass on values and ethics to the next generation. We are the conscience of the nation and we should have an equal role in governance.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
We aren’t alone in the journey. There are many resources available we can tap into. Find these, create your support infrastructure with friends and family and believe in yourself. There isn’t anything you can’t achieve.
Kassy Braganza
No. of Followers: 10398
Position: Chief Encourager, Online Growth Business Coach
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino Women are natural powerful community builders and leaders. We fuel the economy through our own endeavors at the same time support our respective families.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Don’t be scared to be unapologetic when it comes to driving your ambition and serve the love, always.
Kate Hancock
No. of Followers: 7953
Position: CEO at Bintana sa Paraiso
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
They can make the most impact by representing well, creating companies in order to employ more people especially women and teaching them to do the same. Filipino women are some of the strongest and most hardworking out of any I have seen in the world. They have the grit in order to be successful and uplift others. We need an abundance mindset.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Find mentors who have done it and learn from them to emulate that success. Success leaves clues and it is easier to be in a community where these people exist. Find a place where you can share with like minded Filipino women and who all uplift each other.
Kath Eustaquio-Derla
No. of Followers: 1,667
Position: Founder and CEO at PaperKat Books
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I’m going to answer this with my publisher hat on, only because most people would probably dwell on the child-rearing and generation-nurturing contributions of Filipino women.
As a publisher, one of the biggest contributions of Filipino Women is the ability to use one’s story to inspire and move a group of people. Stories, especially your own, are powerful, and it can create a ripple effect—some visible, some invisible but powerful, nonetheless.
For instance, I have a mentee who is a long-time dialysis patient. Under my All-In PaperKat Books Self-Publishing and Mentoring Program, she wrote and self-published a book about her journey and survival through faith while battling chronic kidney disease (CKD). She sold a lot of books and has created several fundraising projects to help fund the dialysis treatments of her fellow CKD patients who don’t have the money for regular treatments. She also became an inspirational and resource speaker, as well as a life coach.
Her story is just one of the many stories of Filipino women, or Filipinos in general, that have a ripple effect in terms of inspiration and generosity. And as a female publisher, I believe it’s my contribution to make sure these stories get published in books and that no manuscript should go to waste.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
First, define success. You have to be clear what success means to you. You may feel mediocre now but in the eyes of other people, you’re already the biggest success story they’ve heard. Once you know what success means to you, build something to help you get it. It could be a product, a service, a business, or a position in a company. Then find like-minded individuals who can help you build on that success. These people then become your success partners.
Katherine Castro
No. of Followers: 8700
Position: CPA Consultant for Southeast Asian Startups & Small Businesses
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women are brave, smart and intuitive.
They provide that feminine strength to battle-tested avenues in business and life, in general. Filipino women continue to inspire growth and change, evidenced by the increasing number of women of influence in many sectors like business and government.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Hey Pinay! You have such beautiful strength. Never be afraid to speak your beautiful mind. Never be afraid to be vulnerable to challenges and failures. A lot of miraculous things can happen when you are given the freedom to express both inner strength and beauty. Be a lifelong learner. Start a business. Raise good and God-fearing citizens. Build strong homes. Smile! We are rooting for you!
Kathleen de los Reyes Muller
No. of Followers: 5412
Position: Regional Vice President at SAP
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Many will highlight that the Filipino Women who make up the majority of the Overseas Foreign Workers population contribute an average 35% to the country’s GDP. I believe the Filipino Women’s contribution to the country goes far and beyond this lagging indicator.
Filipino Women embody some of the purest, powerful habits of service leadership, inclusivity and equity.
As you’re reading this, relive your own experiences when you executed on powerful habits like these.
We thrive in environments that move us beyond our comfort zones so that we can provide better for those in our care.
We are built to manage through conflict and curate environments that encourage harmony and collaboration at home and in our communities.
We believe that ALL people deserve to be heard, nurtured and nourished.
We honour ALL honest work and do not discriminate against tenure, age, salary, university, gender, religion, assets or roots.
We stand for those who have no voice in the face of adversity, poverty and inequality.
While these ring true for many cultures, the Filipino woman’s most significant contribution to our country is the example that service leadership is what nurtures communities and brings people together to realise a shared purpose.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
You have it in you to live your best possible life. So live purposefully. Build a bigger table, not a taller wall. “Break bread” especially with those who are different from you. In sharing your life lessons you inspire and enable others to be their best selves.
When we learn and practice living as our best selves, we lead by example in setting the stage and honouring generations to come.
Katrina Rausa Chan
No. of Followers: 1,661
Position: Executive Director at IdeaSpace Philippines
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
It’s difficult to come up with just one answer. I do think Filipino women, while unsung heroes in history, are the backbone of our society and culture. I’ve often heard that the Philippines is a matriarchal society, and speaking from my own experience, I was brought up by an economically independent, loving mother who had strong values and principles, and who raised me to be confident and unafraid to pursue my dreams and passions. My mom has had an outsized influence in my life.
Taking a broader view, the Philippines has had Filipina Presidents and Vice Presidents, Supreme Court justices, heads of conglomerates, Olympic athletes, national artists– in other words, women that have been at the top of their respective fields. In this sense, I believe our most significant contribution as Filipino women is proving to the world that we can do it, and deserve to be seen, heard, and be recognized.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Have confidence, get out there, and just start. In working with startups, I’ve learned that:
(1) A lot of success comes via ‘fake it til you make it’, you need to have confidence to get others behind you. A lot of things come from ‘hype’ and if you don’t believe in yourself first, you can’t expect others to believe in your vision too. Modesty is an overrated virtue especially among women.
(2) It’s important to build your network. Nobody gets to do it alone, and your own impact gets amplified when you’re able to work with others that can complement your weaknesses and support your strengths.
(3) Just start. It’s more the exception to get it right the first time, or the first eureka idea being the perfect one (movies like to talk about the Bill Gates/ Mark Zuckerberg college dropout makes the billion dollar idea story). Most successes emerge from iteration– a series of experiments and refinements that eventually get you there. Don’t overthink things and try to get everything perfect before you execute. Rather, get things perfect by executing quickly (having an MVP minimum viable product), getting feedback and learning, making changes and doing it again until you get it right.
Kimmy Coseteng
No. of Followers: 810
Position: Area Director, Southeast Asia at Smile Train
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women are among the most passionate people in the world, enabling them to take on a variety of leadership roles locally and internationally. In most cases, they are empathic leaders and are able to make appropriate decisions by finding that right balance, using both their hearts and their minds.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
It is important to stay focused and to never stop learning or wanting to learn.
Kristine “Kurly” de Guzman
No. of Followers: 3723
Position: Life and Career Transformation Coach
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipinas have the natural ability to love in extraordinary ways. It’s that kind of motherly love (regardless of whether the woman is a mother or not) that transcends all boundaries, difficulties and pains. It’s that love that strengthens us in our challenges, fuels us to keep going, and nurtures the inner child in each one of us. Our country and the world in general is full of so much hate and hurt, and it’s this love that can heal.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Just be authentically you, believe in yourself, embrace who you are and love yourself. There is no need to be someone else or to be like someone else. Your uniqueness is meant for a special space in this world. Someone needs what you do, someone needs you. What you do matters and you matter to. Keep going and just enjoy the journey.
Kristine Santayana
No. of Followers: 902
Position: Country Director at Quintegral Philippines
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the
Country?
Filipino Women have taken key leadership executive positions in the corporate world – we have the highest percentage of women key executives in the world. That speaks a lot about the strength and grit of the Filipino Woman – having the ability to accept, believe and surrender to the belief that we can have a brilliant purposeful career and a happy personal/family life – that we can have the best of both worlds and that we deserve it.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
I am so inspired by the words and advice of Sheryl Sandberg that I wish to share it here for the Filipino Woman who wants the best of both worlds – a thriving career and a fulfilling personal family life: ” Take a seat at the table …. Make your partner a real partner … don’t leave before you leave.”
Laraine Zyreen Marcelo
No. of Followers: 13169
Position: Marketing, Technology & Finance Lead at LJMB Online
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
‘Malasakit’ — “care for something (someone) like it were one’s own.” I believe this has been the greatest contribution of the Filipino women to the country — just like how a mother takes care of her child, we move beyond just showing care, rather we take actions, we move to uplift each other’s lives.
We see.
We own.
We solve.
We do.
From community pantries to free mobile swab testing — women have been changing the country — without the need for titles or formal support — just true ‘Malasakit’.
“Strength is often characterized by an ability to withstand pain — like continuing a race even through intense discomfort.” (elemental.medium.com)
And even though inequality still exists, we courageously continue to provide ‘Malasakit’.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
“What you think, you become” — Buddha
Know your worth.
Know you’re worthy.
Be fearless — to do, to fail, to learn, to reinvent.
Mafae Yunon- Belasco
No. of Followers: 1347
Position: Founder & CEO of Mafae Management Consultancy / Region Head of Australias KUMU
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Our resilience to make positive changes to not only our country but for the world. Confidence of acceptance and having a voice.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Learn to speak up, surround yourself with other women or men who have experienced the challenges and continue to reinvent themselves and strive to achieve goals and wins each and every day.
Marjorie Aviso
No. of Followers: 3196
Position: Founder and CEO at TeleWork PH
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women are among the best leaders and workers in this country – because of our ability to empathize with people, while being courageous about our choices and decisions. I have seen a lot of times where Filipino women are branded as domestic helpers internationally and while some find this offensive, I personally find this as very, very inspiring. It clearly paints how a Filipina started with nothing and triumphed in the end. We saw how hard work, with no connections or growing up from a poor family, unfolded to the CEO or business owner that the international community recognizes..
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
My advice would be to honor our Filipino values such as respect for the elderly, hospitality, family centeredness, industriousness and humor – these are the exact values the other nationalities admire us for, all while learning from other nationalities’ values. It is beautiful to see a Filipina who exudes the values of being a Filipino but is able to blend well or be flexible with whatever situation/culture she is brought in. Everyone is going global and the international community knows how hardworking Filipinos are all over the world whatever the career is.
Maria Korina Bertulfo
No. of Followers: 17195
Position: CEO and Founder at Filipina Homebased Moms
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Resilience and creativity. With women rising and getting noticed recently, we have proven our great contributions to the situation that our country is facing. Women stepping up has provided new approaches and perspectives, may it be in business, politics, media, or simply in daily life.
Our country’s resilience to different unwanted events, women were trusted in keeping things together may it be in work or within their family, and I believe, we’ve been doing a good job.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
We are in a different era now. Women have more opportunities to explore and more platforms to excel in. Cultures and traditions are changing that we’re now encouraged to go out and voice our opinions; so go out there, explore, learn, and succeed.
Maria Lourdes de Vera
No. of Followers: 7031
Position: Award-winning Author and Artist
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
To effect CHANGE not because we want to alter, topple or replace a system that is either ineffective, inappropriate or slow. it is the ability to think and do by transforming something into something greater or better. it is Constructive in nature rather than destructive. Rather from the grassroots endorse change as a versatile aspect of Life. To be proactive members of the society is to take part in building human communities recognizing the participation and contribution of every individual as an important factor of progress and development.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
I would personally recommend 1. Consistency; 2. Determination; 3. Skill; 4. Passion; and 5. Discipline.
By Consistency, It refers to having a schedule and keeping that routine. Determination pushes you to go beyond the extra mile.
No matter the challenges, we look at failures as a venue to improve one’s craft. Knowing your skill leads to confidence. Being able to identify what you are good at gives you a better chance in finding good work.
Passion, look inside yourself and know what gives you the zest or fire to living! What is it that inspires you to do something greater? It is something that allows you to expand beyond the limits of your situation. Having the passion for life is valuing the moment. What gives you meaning in Life is Passion.
Finally, discipline is having a personal set of values that govern your own actions, thoughts and deeds. Things that you adhere to as your personal moral and emotional structure, which in turn brings out what is authentic in oneself. Being true to oneself and others is basic to a peaceful and integrated sense of life.
Maria Montserrat “Monette” Hamlin
No. of Followers: 2961
Position:
President and Founder, TeamAsia
Chairwoman, Women’s Business Council Philippines, Inc. (WomenBizPH)
Chairwoman, Hopkins International Partners, Inc.
President, Government Academe Industry Network, Inc. (GAIN)
VP Conventions, Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibitions Organizers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS)
Speaker and Co-Founder, Philippine M.I.C.E. Academy
Co-chairperson, Philippine MICE Roadmap 2030 Sub-Working Group on Human Resources
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Women in the Philippines are strong. This strength begins in the family and is honed as daughters see their mothers take care of the home and nurture the family, no matter what difficulties arise. Daughters imbibe the values of love of family, love of God, diligence, hard work, tenacity, resilience, malasakit.
Women in the Philippines are trained through fate and the never-ending challenges thrown at them to adapt and fight for justice and equality, all while also taking care and nurturing their household. Filipino women have been paving the way for social change and nation-building in the Philippines.
In today’s time, we have gone past being subservient beings in society. Filipino women may be considered as one of the most advanced women, especially in Southeast Asia. Going beyond responsibilities at home, we continue to play an active role in every sector be it academically, professionally, or politically on both local and national levels, which I believe is a significant contribution because these are essential for our country to continuously progress.
According to Grant Thornton International’s 2020 Women in Business report, the Philippines topped the rankings for having the most women executives holding senior positions in the workplace among 32 countries, helping meet business goals and boost the economy. Data also shows that almost 50 percent of the local workforce is composed of hard-working women that contribute to lifting the economy.
The Philippines also leads Asia in legislation for women’s rights. Signed into law in 2009, the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) is comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in marginalized sector.
I’m happy that here in the Philippines, there is a greater awareness of the importance of women in society. Although much has yet to be done to fully achieve equality, we have come a long way when it comes to making an impact and compelling every Filipino to value and respect diversity, equality, health, and education as we move forward into the future.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Speak up! Don’t be afraid because you can be anything you want to be. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Invest in education, in developing your mind and your character.
This I learned from my mother, aunts and grandmothers, all strong women who served as my role models. They inspired me to work hard and chase my dreams. By sharing my story, I hope to motivate and inspire more women to be brave and be risk-takers to truly move forward, achieve success, and create change.
Poverty is still one of the biggest hindrances for women here in the Philippines but take heart and grab every opportunity that you can to learn and develop your skills. At the same time, let’s empower and build each other up. Only us, women, have the capability to fully grasp what we go through, that’s why we should do everything we can to lift one another to create a stronger foundation for the next generation of women in the country.
When women support other women, great things happen.
Maria Victoria Roberto
No. of Followers: 1064
Position: Special Projects Advisor at Office of the Ombudsman – Philippines
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
In this part of the world, Filipino women have made outstanding achievements both in their own business, in the corporate world and in the government sector. Notably, it has been proven that when women are at the helm, it turns into astounding success.
As a matter of fact, Filipino women have been regarded astute not only in business and in corporations but as mothers as well. In this part of Asia, we rank high as we have numerous women that are successful in their chosen field or business where other countries have relegated its womenfolk behind with its prejudices. Filipino women are unafraid to start with a novel idea, to create something that will describe them as smart and innovative, to take further steps to improve on what is sorely lacking and we have just witnessed that as an example, with the community pantry created by a young woman that mushroomed all over the country.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Believe in yourself and in your abilities. Make it on your own and never at the expense of another. Do not let your limitations stop you from achieving your goals but turn it into something useful or productive. Limitations should not control you.
Mistakes happen, learn the lessons and move forward. Use your cognitive ability and be wise in your decisions. Accept the challenges and use your brains. We are all created unique and God has given us that particular ability to overcome those challenges. Ultimately, in your decisions, you will make a judgment call and use your discernment to arrive at an informed decision. Remain kind and considerate of people because we do not know others’ circumstances in life.
Marie Aquino
No. of Followers: 7769
Position: Recruitment Manager at Appen
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Women now can work side by side with men. Women are given more options and are accepted to different fields whether it may be sports, technology or even politics and they are recognized and are financially stable. Women are more vocal to their opinions and beliefs nowadays. Women are more empowered nowadays because of this significant changes.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Success has no gender but it takes a lot of courage and confidence in order for a Woman to succeed. You just have to believe in yourself because you always have it in you. You are a Woman because of these qualities.
Mariel Foronda
No. of Followers: 2261
Position: Learning Experience Designer and Training Consultant at Mandala Learning and Consulting
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
We turn our passions, and sometimes frustrations, into something purposeful that serves more people.
Ana Patricia Non inspired a community pantry movement across the country with a single cart of food because she wanted to provide for people who needed more help surviving the pandemic.
The late Gina Lopez’s tenacity created foundations like Bantay Bata and Bantay Kalikasan. She led the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and several esteros in Metro Manila and played a significant role in halting questionable mining practices.
Fueled by their passions, countless more Filipino women have built schools, promoted Philippine arts and culture, run big businesses, and demonstrated good governance.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
This advice is for introverted Filipino women. Introversion is never a disadvantage. Embrace it.
Your skills at observing, listening, holding meaningful conversations, making deliberate decisions and intentional actions, plus your creativity and keen inner voice, are your superpowers. These superpowers make you an excellent leader.
For a long time, I thought there was something wrong with me because I wasn’t the life of the business party even if I was trying to be one. Then I met mentors and coaches who helped me cultivate the naturally quiet yet dynamic presence that I now practice to build my business, and coach and mentor people.
So, to Filipino women, introverted or extroverted, start that project, set up that business, because you can make things happen. I’m cheering for you!
Martine De Luna
No. of Followers: 1332
Position: Transformational Coach & Work at Home Mother Mentor
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I feel Filipino women can contribute best by always remembering who they are, by breaking any and all conditioning that keeps them limited to what they’ve always accepted.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
My best advice is really to protect the family. If you are married: Prioritize your marriage and cultivate that, before your work and business. A relationship is a success when it is founded on love and devotion to one another. Focus on cultivating the proper order of the dynamics of your relationship, with mutual respect. (Money follows a strong, secure relationship.)
Mezzina Soliven
No. of Followers: 7502
Position: Recruiter at realme Philippines
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Heart. Filipino women are extravagant, powerful and adventurous. We keep on striving harder to fulfill the dreams, needs and luckily the wants. It’s always says that women are patient, kind-hearted and intelligent. And yes, Filipino women are more hospitable, family first mindset and practical.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
As a young women of 20’s, keep on dreaming. Don’t be in a hurry but please always keep on mind that we can have it, if we follow the steps step by step. Slay, girl!
Michelle Morales
No. of Followers: 1570
Position: Senior HR Manager at Iyuno•SDI Group
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino Women have this innate nurturing power. This is for me is the most significant contribution that we, Filipino Women make to the country especially right now that we are in the midst of the pandemic. Being nurturing is also what makes as a natural leaders and change makers because we can influence others by clearly stipulating the benefits of every action that we make.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
I’d like to answer this by sharing one of my LinkedIn post:
“Daily Mantra: “I will make a difference because I can!”
Believe that you have the ability to contribute and make a difference. It could be at work, community, or to yourself.
Your WILL power is the determining factor in pursuing your journey in making a difference for a better change.
Let’s make a difference because we can.”
Mikki Sachiko
No. of Followers: 6071
Position: Health Coach, Host and Wellnessible CEO
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipinas are strong, empowered women who constantly bring light even during the darkest moments – we know this historically speaking and even in our own lives.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Filipinas need to balance being too caring for others and also showing up for themselves. The healthier the tree, the better fruit it can offer. So to unlock more success, she needs to be constantly looking after her wellness too.
Mimmie Ong
No. of Followers: 1423
Position: General Manager – Southeast Asia at Appnext
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
As a Filipina based in Singapore, I try to provide a platform for Filipinas to showcase their talents and elevate their skills to international level.
Being in the digital industry, I introduce new digital technology and innovations to the Philippines helping build the digital ecosystem to the forefront specially in advertising and marketing.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
As Filipinas, we should believe in ourselves. Never shortchange nor second guess ourselves.
Always listen to your gut instinct.
Respect is earned. Conduct yourself with integrity and lead with empathy.
Always do your homework. Build deep roots. When challenges come, sway with it like a bamboo and not break.
It is darkest before dawn but tomorrow always comes. A new day. New hope. New chance. New opportunity.
Minette Navarrete
No. of Followers: 2,105
Position: President at Kickstart Ventures Inc. / SVP at Globe Telecom
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
For the most part, Filipino Women see a problem, a gap, an injustice, a need as a Job To Be Done … and they go ahead and Do It. This year’s most significant contribution – and probably the most influential Filipino woman of 2021 – has got to be Ana Patricia Non and her community pantries: the epitome of doing what needs to be done.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Raise your hands for the tough jobs that no one else wants to do. Collaborate. Hold yourself accountable. Focus on performance, not on publicity.
Monalisa Dimalanta
No. of Followers: 609
Position: Senior Partner at PJSLaw
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipinas have always been leaders. We are leaders in our homes, in our families and in our communities. This leadership that is marked by empathy, courage and accountability is what we pass on to our children and our organizations.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
As Pope Francis loves to say, “be not afraid”. Take courage and forge ahead in spite of your fear or even insecurities. We may be burdened by poverty, disability or discrimination — but always be watchful for that opportunity to take one step forward. Seize it when you see it, and be grateful for it — until the next one comes along. Repeat.
Mylene Abiva
No. of Followers: 1959
Position: President/ CEO at FELTA Multi-Media Inc.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipina Women in Technology Initiatives aims to help end the gender technology gap and empower women and girls to create innovative solutions to advance equality in their respective communities .
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Always achieve your full potential . Remember to be the voice for other Filipino women to break the glass ceiling particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).
Nica Valdeavilla
No. of Followers: 3847
Position: Facebook Ads Media Buyer
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women wear so many hats. You’d hear about a woman who has a full-time day job, has kids, and even has time to do online selling. Or, a single mom who works at night and takes care of her child during the day yet manages to squeeze in freelance gigs on the weekends. These two situations just show that Filipino women are capable of doing so many things at the same time.
BUT it’s all about these two things: taking charge of their career WHILE prioritizing the welfare of their families.
They do not only contribute to the economic growth of the country but also help shape future generations. As my Economics Professor once said, “If you invest in women, you invest in a generation.”
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
My advice is to not wait for your so-called “BIG BREAK.” Make it happen instead! And of course, ALWAYS have faith in God and in yourself. 🙂
Niña Terol
No. of Followers: 3047
Position: Chief Marketing Officer at Talino Venture Labs
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Even beyond the country and the Filipino community, I think Filipino Women have been contributing to the GLOBAL discourse on women empowerment and female leadership long before these became fashionable topics.
We did it when the late President Corazon Aquino led the Filipino people in toppling a dictator and restoring democracy and people empowerment in governance, in 1986. We did it when Lea Salonga won a Tony Award for her role in Miss Saigon in 1991, shining the global spotlight on Filipino performing arts talent and inspiring Filipino performers to dream bigger and conquer the global stage.
We did it in 2018 when Maria Ressa was named one of TIME Magazine’s Persons of the Year (and even years earlier, thanks to Rappler’s “Founding Mothers”), for upholding fearless journalism and truth where propaganda, fake news, and trolls are now part of our daily fare.
We do it through globally award-winning social entrepreneurs like Reese Fernandez of Rags2Riches, Cherry Atilano of AGREA, Louise Mabulo of the Cacao Project, and many other women who are bringing their Filipino brand of passion and purpose onto profitable enterprises, showing us how business ought to be done. We do it through our Filipino women in STEM, like astrophysicist Reina Reyes, Anne Aaron of Netflix, sustainability expert Janice Lao, data scientist Stephanie Sy, Women in Tech founder Audrey Pe, among many others, who are breaking boundaries and showing other Filipina girls that, yes, we can excel in the sciences, too.
I cite these examples beyond the country because I believe that by shattering global glass ceilings and working to create impact beyond our shores, Filipino Women set positive and powerful role models for girls and women in the country, too. We can be true to ourselves, excel in our chosen fields, and make lasting, valuable contributions in the global arena, too. Kayang-kaya ng Kababaihang Pilipino!
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Don’t be afraid to make the first move.
Whether it’s in terms of taking care of yourself and your physical and mental health, investing in yourself and your dreams, negotiating the next steps in your career, turning your passion project into a profitable venture, breaking boundaries, fighting for people’s rights (including your own), empowering yourself and others, dreaming bigger and bolder, and finding love (yes–that, too), we truly don’t need anyone else’s permission to make the first move and claim our birthright to success.
In line with this, I also encourage women and girls out there: don’t measure yourself according to someone else’s yardstick, timeline, or metrics. Measure your life and your success according to the values that matter most to YOU, and create a life of meaning that gives YOU joy and peace.
Get to know your inner voice, listen to that inner voice, and hone in on the truly essential things. Everything else around that is just noise.
Pacita Juan
No. of Followers: 2956
Position: Member, Steering Committee, Forest and Farm Facility at FAO
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I think that Filipino women make good charismatic leaders and are in a position to inspire other women to pursue their personal dreams as well as societal goals.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Know your gifts and use them well. Each one has a unique gift and is best used to affect others in a positive way.
Pat Dwyer
No. of Followers: 2417
Position: Founder and Director at The Purpose Business
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Where do I even start?! We mother, we nurture, we raise, we educate, we inspire, we listen, we develop, we care – and all that while staying humble and true to our roots!
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
ASK. You will never know if you don’t.
Priscilla Salud
No. of Followers: 1274
Position: Chief Operations Officer at Archwell Solutions
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino leaders are constant learners, have good work ethics, and embrace the servant leadership style. They seek to be of service to their employees and their customers, never proud to do any type of work and always curious as to what the future brings.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Be comfortable in who you are and confident in what you bring to the table. It is good to be different, embrace diversity. Be bold and courageous yet respectful, thoughtful and reliable. Let your presence always be a joy to others and your absence be a noticeable miss.
Raisa Lydelie Sarah Santos
No. of Followers: 541
Position: Funnel Builder/ Founder of Funnel Builders Academy
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
The role of a woman as educator.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Just do you! Achieving what you want is absolutely possible. You just need to fall in love with consistency & taking action.
Rebecca Bustamante
No. of Followers: 25078
Position: President & CEO at Asia CEO Events
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women are making a difference as leaders, mentors, role models, and game-changers in their respective fields thereon contributing to our nation building.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Continue to dream and take action to achieve their goal.
Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
No. of Followers: 2820
Position: President and Co-Founder at Rags2Riches, Inc.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
We are compassionate, empathic, multi-disciplinary, multi-tasking, long-term thinking, and collaborative leaders. Our brand of leadership is making the country better especially during this difficult time when empathy and clear, compassionate communication are even more important. Without the leadership of Filipino Women, our country will be less safe and more fearful. Filipino Women are the mothers who protect with compassion and they are also the leaders who serve with care.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Lift up other women. The way for us to achieve success is to achieve it together. For as long as there are parts of our culture that suppress and oppress other women, all of us will always be at a disadvantage and we would have to work twice as hard for half the recognition. Let’s take every opportunity to empower women and support the systems and culture that lift us all up.
Rhonadale Florentino
No. of Followers: 6794
Position: President & CEO at UpRush Social Geekers
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
The Filipino Woman has time and again broken the glass ceiling. We have made a lot of significant contributions from the time Princess Urduja took up arms in order to defend our land from foreign invaders. That said, I would say that our most significant contribution is showing to all Filipinos and to the whole world that we are able to do as much as our menfolk, that we are resilient in the face adversity, brave in the face of the foe, and compassionate in the face of people who are in need.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
There was never a box. We are capable of doing more than what we think we can achieve.
Roch Vilo
No. of Followers: 1925
Position: Founder at Little Rock Experiences
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Unstoppable perseverance. Filipinas rise to any challenge, face adversities head-on, and then empower others to do the same. Filipinas propel people, teams, and organizations into meaningful action and are the movers and shakers that influence meaningful change in the world.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Live with the intention of helping others become a better version of themselves every day and then top that off with doing things that make you feel alive so that you lead a meaningful life that inspires others.
Rose Fres Fausto
No. of Followers: 672
Position: Founder/FQMom.com; President/IFE Management Advisers, Inc.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Female leadership characterized by a nurturing quality is our most significant contribution not just to the Philippine society but to the global society. The Philippines ranks high among countries worldwide when it comes to gender equality.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Harness your female characteristics and use them to your advantage in fulfilling your dreams and contributing to society. Remember that you don’t need to be empowered. You already have the power.
Rosella Jane T. Vargas
No. of Followers: 1616
Position: Direct response copywriter
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
I think it’s how Filipino women always break the ceiling and challenge the stereotypes. We see Filipino women as CEOs, military leaders, non-profit organization heads, entrepreneurs, business owners, and we even had 2 female presidents which other countries like USA has yet to have. We are shifting to the era wherein strong and courageous Filipino women are becoming a norm rather than an exception.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Spread your wings and fly towards your dream. It’s better to have your heart broken over failures and rejection than live a life full of regrets because you didn’t give it a try. The universe falls in love with a stubborn soul so don’t give up until you reach your dreams.
Roselle Munsayac
No. of Followers: 18377
Position: Vice President – Banking
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
By being themselves.. being true to their identity and character. I summarized it all in a simple poem:
I am a female
and I will use it
to let others know
what a female can do,
how she is special and beautiful
How capable and powerful
how love can abound
With her presence
and how the world is better
With her in it.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
To always use their power of presence: to know that we can turn our lives around by managing our thoughts; by choosing those we allow to enter our being and converting negatives to positive ones. I have shared in one of my posts the ways to counter negative thoughts to positive, only those that will serve our purpose to integrate such into our emotions, actions and see how it changes our mood, our day and ultimately our lives.
When we use this power, we will not think or react negatively but with compassion and understanding of everything and everyone. Our presence will enable us to feel the love and share, first love of self, others and also enemies, and this will all glorify Him and make Him feel our love for Him. This is the reason I am always happy and grateful.
Ruth Yu-Owen
No. of Followers: 752
Position: Co-Founder at Connected Women; President at Upgrade Energy Philippines
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino Women are strong pillars of the Philippines, successfully running Companies and institutions. We have two women Presidents that were installed in office thru two People Power Revolutions.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Follow your passion. Give everything you got. When you come across difficulties, which you will, assess and proceed. Know that with determination and hard work, you will get there.
Serely Alcaraz
No. of Followers: 8003
Position: Executive Director at ITD World
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
The most significant contribution Filipino women make to the country is leadership. The Philippines is often described as a “nation of strong women, who directly and indirectly run the family unit, businesses and government agencies.” I am truly proud that Filipino women leaders are making their mark in various fields and leaving a legacy.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Go for your dreams and breakthrough goals, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Find an accountability partner or support group to gain inspiration and ensure you keep on track. Celebrate small wins and milestones … you got this, girl!
Sharon Manlangit
No. of Followers: 29,940
Position: Certified Public Accountant, Accounting Manager, College Professor
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
For me, I think living a life that models Jesus Christ is the most significant contribution a person can make. By modelling and reflecting Christ in our daily walk [how we engage with other people in our personal and professional lives] makes a huge impact on the lives of others. Thus, making this world a better place than when we found it.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
The best advice I could give is this: That we love the LORD our GOD with all our passion, and mind, and intelligence and energy. Giving Him first place in our lives. Because if we make our priorities right, then everything else will fall in its proper place.
Sheena Yap Chan
No. of Followers: 18,413
Position: Keynote speaker, coach, consultant, author, podcaster
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women can contribute by speaking up and building more women leaders. Have more Filipino women in leadership and CEO roles can make a positive impact in the country.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Be your authentic self and know that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. There are other Filipinas rooting for you! Life can be tough but we’re tougher! Keep moving forward.
Tina Khoe Ang
No. of Followers: 551
Position: General Manager and Blogger
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
When a Pinay opens a business and hires fellow Filipinos, then that’s a businessman’s greatest contribution to their country.
Why?
Because you don’t just give a man fish, but teach a man to fish. Through his work, your workers can earn self confidence and self respect. He can feed his family and raise good children.
A business can help the government by paying Filipino taxes. Create Filipino goods, and help the Filipino economy.
So if you want to make a significant contribution, open a business. Big or small it does not matter. Because a business is a living being, and a Filipina manager can bring a lot of heart and pulidoness in making things happen, ensuring that the business will survive and thrive, more than originally thought possible.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Never let your gender limit your capabilities. Instead, use everything you got to succeed. Give more and do more than what is expected, and always earn the trust and respect of your counterparts and competitors in such that they will never forget you. You do this by going to a battle well prepared, and never really accepting “no” for a final answer.
Always do things in good faith and make a terrific impression. Do not submit subpar work and overdeliver. And when you make mistakes, dust yourself up and never forget the lesson.
Remember, you make your own success. But to be successful, you also need to help others find success. Because success is not done by just the individual, but rather motivating the entire team to be more than what they think they can do. In short, if you want to be successful, work hard for it and earn that success step by step until it snowballs.
Tonichi Achurra-Parekh
No. of Followers: 2,668
Position: Country Manager and APAC Regional Vice President at Nearsol.
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Our voice makes a difference. Being heard makes a difference. If it inspires one it inspires enough. I think the most significant contribution that a Filipino Woman can make is to ensure that her voice is heard. This is not only for herself but the others whom she unknowingly and knowingly represent.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Use any platform available to you and you are most comfortable with to reach as many people as possible. Identify what is true and meaningful to you and go with it. Believe that you can have everything BUT not all at the same time.
Veronica Bauzon
No. of Followers: 1624
Position: L&D Manager at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women, whether in the Philippines or overseas are resilient, inclusive, courageous yet nurturing. We are either behind the scene or in the front line in major transformations in the family, in the community, and in the society.
We play an integral role in planting the seeds, transforming it through its nurturing ways, to ensure that the tree or the plant (the individual) comes out stronger, better, and more resilient, no matter the storms or the blows.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
For success to come your way, it is important for you to know your purpose. You do not go around looking for it, you create it. You stick to it, navigate through it, and marry it with your passion. Once purpose and passion become inseparable, you mix it with heaps of gratitude, grit, resiliency, and fun. Blending all of this together will make you move towards your goals seamlessly, opportunities present themselves, and you create more milestones in life, beyond what you expected.
Veronica Estrella
No. of Followers: 966
Position: Talent (HR) Country Leader
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino women bring inspiration globally–the courage and determination to be the best version of themselves, in their own right. The Filipino women act both as an anchor and a lighthouse – the strength that builds stability and guidance emanates from them. We have seen this in many Filipino women who play their roles in their families, in the community, society, business.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Continue to “be”. Allow yourself to “be”.
Victoria Herrera
No. of Followers: 1449
Position: VP of Marketing at Kumu
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
The strength of the Filipina women to hold space for others compassionately. To be a leader and think of what’s the best decision I can make for our people, our team, our purpose. To be able to hold empathy and nurture everyone’s progress.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Learn to balance giving to others and nurturing yourself. There’s a quote that says, “You can’t give from an empty cup.” Fill yourself up with so much self-love and self-care so you have energy to overflow into everything else, and you are always grounded and aligned to your truth.
Wandalyn Tan Calupig
No. of Followers: 2003
Position: Founder at Working Moms Academy
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Women have the power to positively impact generations down like how my mom have raised me to become a big dreamer and goal achiever.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Success is personal and unique to every individual. Stop conforming to society’s or your parents or friends’ definition of success. You need to define success in your own terms and conditions so you can convince and call yourself successful.
Success is all about success in all areas of your life – physical, intellectual, emotional, mental wellbeing, character, spirituality, relationships, parenting, social, financial and contribution to community.
Yona Signo
No. of Followers: 939
Position: Founder at Kaya Services & Empowered Virtual Services
What do you think is the most significant contribution Filipino Women make to the country?
Filipino Women are heart-centred and family-oriented. Their heart, mind and soul, with their families at the core of their life, perpetuates positivity in the cause they strongly believe in; enabling them to live with integrity in their pursuit to make a great impact in all their endeavours.
What’s your best advice for Filipino women to achieve success?
Live with integrity. Know your purpose, know your why; and allow this to motivate and orient you. Learn what you need to and more importantly, unlearn what you need to. Consistency and sustainability is key. Allow yourself to celebrate your wins, big and small, and celebrate those around you also. Self-care is not selfish – you need to be your best self in order to be of service to others, including your family. Finally, back yourself.
The Methodology
To find and recognize 100 most influential Filipino women on LinkedIn, Gina and I asked our LinkedIn network to nominate Filipino women that they looked up to and that they followed on LinkedIn, as well. We then reached out to those who made it to the criteria, which are:
Has at least 500 followers
Must be a Filipino woman
Currently located in the Philippines or outside of the country
Should be active on LinkedIn in the last 90 days
We have received 124 nominees; 107 were shortlisted based on the criteria above. After removing myself and Gina – we were both nominated – from the list, we had 105 qualified Filipino women.
We reached out to all 105 and fortunately, 100 of them submitted their responses to the questionnaires we sent them. The top 15 ranking was selected based on the number of nominations.
Acknowledgment
Again, I’d like to thank Gina Romero for this meaningful collaboration.
To everyone who helps with this project, including Kristine Cecilia and Charles Andrew Bautista of VB Consulting and Joana Ericka Simon, thanks so much! And of course, to everyone who submitted their nominations to make this curated list possible, thanks so much! Congratulations to all the women in the list!
By Virginia Bautista in collaboration with Gina Romero.
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A note from Gina Romero
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