We celebrate women – Women’s month is a time to reflect, acknowledge and honor their contributions and achievements in the past, as well as in the present; Women who continue to spread awareness in promoting gender equality and empowerment.
We look up to these women – whose wisdom, teachings, passion, sacrifices and perseverance; molded and influenced us to be the woman we are today, paved the way to give us a chance to do better, and to continue the legacy on which they started.
Young women of today are turning their dreams into action. Leading with confidence, and making a mark in their own respective fields. They may be young, but they have already proven themselves to be someone to watch out for.
They are the Women of the Future – Bold, brave, and brilliant beyond their years.
A Firefighter : FO1 Abigael Elyssa L Lozande – Fearless , Strong , Funny , Enthusiastic, and Adventurous; have definitely broken the stigma and pursued a strong man-dominated profession to fulfill a lifelong promise to her grandmother.
A Doctor : Ma. Celina Legaspi Guillermo, MD-MBA – an Advocate, Bookworm, Painter, Volunteer, and Health-professional; whose passion and dedication for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, went to practice medicine in the UK with the hope of becoming a paediatric doctor, and eventually bring back her knowledge and experiences to the Philippines.
A Lawyer : Hannah Grace M. Villaronte, Attorney-at-Law – Confident, Resilient, Persevering, Joyful and a God-fearing woman; lives and breathes to resolve her clients’ conflicts, disputes, and their rights.
A Travel Agent : Abigail Sofia Ymaz Sze – Adventurous, Tenacious, Positive, Forward-Looking and a Risk Taker; a woman with a daring mindset, a strong will-power to always choose and prioritize her clients above herself, and the courage to break the stigma of entering a business dominated by seniority.
Her Story, Our Future. See how young women of today are shaping tomorrow.
FO1 ABIGAEL ELYSSA L. LOZANDE | Fire Officer Bureau of Fire Protection
In her line of work in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), FO1 Abigael Elyssa L Lozande, and her fellow firefighters have to make sure that they prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate its causes, enforce fire code and other related laws, respond to man-made and natural disasters and other emergencies.
As a uniformed personnel, Abigael has dedicated her life to the country, but still believes that there is balance in everything – between her career, passion and family.
“They say that if you choose a job you love, you’d never have to work a day in your life; I am enjoying what I do right now which is serving the public. This also allows me to gain more knowledge and ideas about the field that I’m in. During the days that I am off duty, I make sure to make the most out of it by spending time with my loved ones and doing the usual things that I love to do such as running, reading a book, playing the bass, and doing long rides.”
Abigael applied five (5) times before being able to be a part of the BFP. “It’s a mind battle,” she said, as self doubt has slowly creeped in her mind. “I kept asking myself if I was really qualified. I worked hard and trained my mind and body to be physically and mentally ready for the interviews, agility tests, and medical check-ups. I was on the verge of giving up. I had very low morale during the times that I failed. But it’s a matter of not giving up. I prayed, trusted God’s word and I kept trying until I was able to get in.” And yes she did, and aced it!
There is a huge development in gender equality and job security for women in BFP. A lot of women are now entering this male-dominated field which breaks a lot of barriers and stigma.
“Babae ka, hindi babae lang”, as Abigael put it. “We were in training for more than two (2) months with no family contact, which is tough as it is similar to a military training. We have to go through tough physical, mental and emotional training and there’s no exemption if you’re a woman. Regardless of gender, the training serves as a preparation for us once we respond to fire, disasters and emergencies.”
On women empowerment : “I strongly believe that whatever a man can do, a woman can definitely do it. It’s about breaking down the cultural, legal, and societal barriers that hold us back and enabling us to live freely and pursue our goals with equal opportunities as anyone else.
When we are empowered, we contribute meaningfully to our communities, and break free from societal constraints that limit our potential. Lastly, we become role models for future generations, creating a ripple effect that can change entire societies for the better. “
Her advice : “For young women entering the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) or any other traditionally male-dominated field, do not be afraid. Change is scary but taking risks means you’re strong enough to challenge your abilities and not letting anyone’s expectations limit you. The field of firefighting is constantly evolving with new technologies, techniques, and approaches to safety. Stay committed to lifelong learning. Be prepared for tough moments when you might face skepticism or gender-based challenges.
Stand firm in your values, and use any setbacks as fuel to work even harder. This profession can take a toll on both your body and mind. Ensure you’re prioritizing self-care, whether through exercise, stress management techniques, or seeking mental health support when needed.
As you gain experience, you’ll be in a position to advocate for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Let’s use our voice to make the field even more accessible and welcoming for future generations of women. Lastly, be a role model of professionalism, dedication, and compassion, showing that women are just as capable in firefighting as anyone else.”
MA. CELINA LEGASPI GUILLERMO, MD-MBA | Neonatal Medicine in Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, United Kingdom
Ma. Celina Legaspi Guillermo, MD-MBA, also known as Celine amongst here peers, is a Clinical Fellow in Neonatal Medicine in Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, United Kingdom; an incoming Junior Clinical Fellow in Paediatric Cardiology at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London; and a Volunteer at Tinatangi Project (a project dedicated to marginalized Filipinos with intellectual and developmental disabilities).
Figuring out the right balance between her career, passion, and personal life is tough; but she was able to learn to embrace the “imbalances” and find joy in small, meaningful moments.
“While we often strive for perfect balance, I’ve realized that life doesn’t have to be evenly distributed to be fulfilling. Instead, it is about finding beauty in the imperfect rhythm of it all. And through it, I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who remind me why I do what I do—those who encourage, ground, and inspire me to keep going.”
What keeps Celine grounded is her advocacy for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “It reminds me that there is still so much to be done—that every child deserves to be seen, heard, cared for, loved (tinatangi), and supported.”
Celine’s job also had its fair share and challenges towards women. Though the majority of the team members in her profession is composed of women, there are times when she has to defend her leadership style—especially when working with male colleagues; where she was once told to be “too soft” or should be “more rigid” in her approach. We, as women, have encountered such situations in our lives, but it is how we respond to these people that matters.
“Leadership comes in many forms. We often think of strength in leadership as being about power, assertiveness, or rigidness, but in truth, it’s even moreso about empathy, collaboration, compassion, and building trust. It’s about being true to who you are and allowing others to feel heard and valued.” Celine added, “In my case, it’s about embracing my natural approach to leadership, which is grounded in care and understanding, while still driving meaningful progress and development.”
On women empowerment : As a volunteer in the Special Needs Education (SNED) community, Celine have seen that most of the stakeholders and advocates are, in fact, women—mothers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders—who are passionately advocating for the rights of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working closely with mothers who go beyond traditional roles and take it upon themselves to educate, support, and lead initiatives for their children and others in the community.
These mothers, and women in general, truly bring a unique blend of compassion, determination, and resilience that is essential in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with special needs. As per Celine, “Advocating for women’s empowerment isn’t just about equality—it’s for fostering the betterment and development of families and societies as a whole. The empowerment of women in every sector creates ripple effects that benefit not only the women themselves but entire communities and future generations.”
Her Advice : “Do not underestimate the incredible power of kindness, compassion, and the immense value in leadership. Healthcare is not just about medical knowledge and management; it’s also about caring for people in their most vulnerable moments. And as women, we have the unique ability to lead with empathy and understanding, which are just as vital as any other medical skill or competency.
Too often, kindness and compassion are overlooked as mere “soft skills,” but they are incredibly powerful. It means being resilient, being patient, and being able to connect with those around you in a way that builds trust, fosters teamwork, and helps you navigate challenges.
As you embark on your career, know that being kind, compassionate, and passionate doesn’t make you any less capable or less strong. In fact, these qualities will make you a better doctor, a better leader, and a better advocate for the people you serve. Never forget that your voice and your perspective as a woman matter, and embrace your unique leadership style, not only because it’s needed in this profession, but also because the world needs more women who lead with heart.”
HANNAH GRACE M. VILLARONTE – Attorney-at-Law | Villaronte Law Office
As a lawyer, Hannah Grace M. Villaronte usually finds herself resolving clients’ conflicts and disputes, defending their rights and bearing the weight of high-stakes mandates imposed to her as a legal counsel. This puts a lot of pressure on her as to how her profession can make an impact on her clients’ lives and cases.
“Living in a constant high-pressure environment is inevitable for a lawyer. However, this is the exact reason why I keep on loving the legal profession. This path of calling gives me the opportunity to serve God by serving people in the profession I truly love and treasure.” cited Hannah
At times, work demands encroachment with her personal time which often leads to burn out, stress and anxiety. But one thing that she holds on to, is this “ I am a woman of purpose who is chosen to fulfill God-given roles. Understanding my calling led me to have the right perspective in order to thrive in constant change in life.”
She thrives, not by balancing her time, but aiming to have a Christ-centered life. “I set my identity in Christ whether as a lawyer, a woman or any of my God-given roles. As Christ has commanded us to always strive in diligence in all our God-given roles, Christ has also reminded us the importance of our body and living life abundantly for we are precious in His sight.
In such a way, I was able to fully enjoy the life that God has given me through my profession, my passion, family and friends. Work-life balance is an intentional perspective and a process; It can be attained by continuous effort of developing habits and being mindful of living purposefully.”
In the midst of a busy and stressful life: Pause, Meditate and Pray for wisdom and strength.
Hannah’s experience in her journey of becoming a lawyer, is like stepping into an uncharted land, as there are people who did not believe in her when she was starting out; As she tried to walk towards an unconventional pursuit of ambitions despite the cultural definition of a woman. There was a point that she believed these shortcoming herself, to live in mediocrity and inhibited her to grow.
But she outgrew them and became better, “I resolved to remind myself that I am a woman called for a purpose and crafted by God to fulfill the dreams He placed in my heart. To place my confidence is Christ and not on the volatile standard of men. To have faith and believe that the God whom I serve is the same God who has given me strength, considered me trustworthy and appointed me to His service whatever the circumstances may be. From that day on, I resolved to be strong, live purposefully on how God amazingly designed me.”
Through the years, Hannah has witnessed that there has been an increase in the number of women in the legal profession and strides towards gender-equality as well. This then paved the way to widen the landscape of the legal profession by fostering mentorship and collaboration of men and women in the legal profession which challenges gender stereotypes.
On women empowerment : “We often think about how womanhood is defined and how one should conduct herself. As a result, insecurity, losing her identity or comparison with men may creep in. A woman should not be defined by a yardstick of strength nor independence from men instead on how a woman clothe herself in purity, integrity and how she is wonderfully crafted by her Master.
Women are ought to live by God’s design and purpose. Women empowerment is not defined by strength but can be seen by living in faith to nurture others and make a positive impact on one’s life through her God-given talents and to fulfill her calling.”
Her Advice : “Studying law is a great equalizer. Pursue your passion, fulfill your ambition for you are called for purpose. Press on and live in a manner worthy of a calling. Have grit and trust God always. For Proverbs 31:30 says, “charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised”.
ABIGAIL SOFIA YMAZ SZE – Travel Agent | Goldlink Travel and Tours
Abigail Sofia Ymaz Sze, is a young travel agent who bravely took over her parent’s legacy in the industry, leading Goldlink Travel and Tours in the Philippines that has been in operation for more than two decades; A company that has been bridging good-will from the Philippines to global destinations.
Abigail would say that she is more than what you would typically call a “travel agent”, but rather would be associated as a “travel experience provider”; as she is focused on giving her clients lifelong experiences through traveling and discovery.
You might look at her job as purely leisure, but as per Abigail, there has always been a fine line between work and play. She travels the world, not to relax or unwind like the most of us, but to find the next destination for her clients. Sometimes, she even has to fly in and out of a country within the same day, deprived of a decent sleep, working on holidays and be available 24/7 for her clients; which she admitted – something she truly enjoys.
Despite her busy and overwhelming schedule, she enjoys the simple things in life, spending slow days at home, be able to sleep in her own bed or just sit down and have a meal or two with friends and loved ones, “My self-care might seem so boring but it’s sometimes the biggest win I can give myself after being in and out of the country for so long.” cited Abigail
“Find time to pause. I think our job always requires us to be on our toes, catching the next flight and sticking to a fixed schedule. It’s most difficult to find time to simply stop and enjoy what our eyes see, especially when we are leading our groups abroad. It’s very likely to miss out the scenery and just be in the moment on something alongside your clients.”
The travel industry has been dominated by seniority and filled with older players in the industry. It was hard to break the stigma of being inexperienced in the beginning because Abigail was young when she started working and be involved in the industry.
“It was a consistent struggle of proving myself and being beyond the success my parents have established. I wouldn’t say I have completely overcome it, but more of I am continuously working towards being better.
In my mom’s words, ‘Life is like a bicycle, you have to keep pedaling towards your goals, once you stop, you will stagnate.’ It’s been a continuous work in progress and actually seeing my small wins always helped me choose what I do! What can I say, love is a choice! There is always a choice to keep moving.”
On women empowerment : “Women have to be more empowered in the workplace!” Abigail’s company is part of the Philippines Travel Agents Association (PTAA) wherein women have been more inclusively accepted to take on vital positions into promoting the industry all over the world.
“I do feel that if they are already empowered now, the new generation can even do more as they set an example. Our mothers who have worked in this industry have long-proved that gender is never a barrier to get things done and women can soar higher literally and figuratively!”
Her Advice : “Don’t be too afraid to take that unconventional leap! Everything would seem scary most especially since it’s not the typical route for the new generation, but always choose what you would love and enjoy doing—because in love, you can always make the impossible possible, always!
Women can soar great heights and this profession is a living proof that there are no limits to places we can go and experiences we get to feel in this vast world. Being young is part of the challenge, but it’s greater pride to achieve something out of our younger age.
As I traverse the industry, I do hope that the new generation can pave the way to a better perception of the travel agency business—not as a dying industry as the digital age have become widespread and a great competition—but as a thriving and essential platform that curate experiences with a human touch to which digitalization cannot ever replace.”
Last year, Goldlink Travel received a partner’s appreciation from the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) and this year, they have reached another milestone of receiving a Top Dealer award among hundreds of agents in the Philippines for the China market.