To celebrate Women’s month, we have gathered some of the extraordinary and exceptional women that have brave through storms, define the norms, and fought thru battles; with mere dedication, perseverance, faith and the love that surrounds them.
The life, passion and stories of these women serves as an inspiration to those who know them, and hope to the people whose lives they have touched along the way. No actions, be it great or small, should be left unnoticed. That is why we are taking our time to honor these women to serve as a reminder, that no matter where you are or what you do, you can make a difference.
Let their life story and advocacy bring light to these dark times and bring forth hope, that the future is bright, for the next generation of women.
You do not need to do big things to change the world. Be the change.
- Pamela Yap Lazo – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Aubrey Delmoro – Kuwait City, KSA
- Candy Pangilinan – Metro Manila, Philippines
- Ana Maria Ramos Banhaon – Bahrain
- Mavin Soliman Ablang – Quezon City, Philippines
- Meneline Wong, M.D. – Quezon City, Philippines
- Suzi Entrata Abrera – Philippines
- Jeanine Marasigan – Batangas, Philippines
Pamela Yap Lazo (Registered and published photographer; Mother of three) | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
“Surround yourself with like-minded and positive people”
Family has always been the number one priority for Pam but balancing them with work is hard especially when you are a single mom. But in spite of that, she always make sure that her boys are well taken care of, and to top it off, she has always been a strong advocate of prioritizing and taking care of oneself; not allowing herself to be overcome with work and overthink things that just stresses her out. She also kept on reminding herself and her friends that “the world revolves…and so should we.” That whatever issues or challenges she has to face in life, she deals with it one step at a time.
For Pam, gender discrimination is still very evident in this world. However, “giving women the same job as a man’s, is proof that gender equality is given a chance; women are given equal treatment as far as position and pay are concerned, for some companies that is.” So it is clear that we are still trying to break the barrier and the demand for equal pay as this is still not normally practiced in every company at this time.
Pam looks at photography as an extension of herself. “Seeing the world and things through my lens that other people don’t see is rewarding for me.”
On empowering women: Doing a man’s job in a man’s world is a significant barrier but you can overcome it by pushing yourself and educating yourself to be a better version of you. “Women has always been suppressed from the beginning of time. But the world is changing and we, as women, are on the rise. Always remind yourself that ‘I can do this, I am significant, I am enough and I am worth it!’”
One of her photos got published in a calendar; while some of her works have been shared/featured on national/local TV news/broadcasting companies in Canada.
CONNECT WITH PAM – IG : @pam.yap_photography
AUBREY DELMORO (Mother of two, Sous Executive Chef/Culinary Instructor /Dietitian) | Kuwait City, KSA
“No one will boost your confidence and morale but yourself.”
Chef Aubrey strongly believes that there is such a thing as balance between work, passion and personal life, “We need one in order to be successful in another” she cited. Managing one’s time and priorities is the key, and she added, “We should also listen to our body if we need to pause, relax and take a break. Doing everything with passion will never let you feel that you have ever worked a day in your life.”
Though Chef Aubrey has been working for 15 years in the food industry, a field mostly dominated by men, it was not difficult for her to pursue her passion and reach her goals. The only barrier and obstacle that she faced was herself. Chef Aubrey, who was known to be timid and shy, was encouraged by her mother to face her fears and to be confident. This push made her realize that no one will boost her confidence and morale but herself, and realizing this, opened a lot of doors and opportunities for Chef Aubrey and her career.
On empowering women: “I believe that women has a lot to offer. Women are versatile, creative, patient and innovative. In every organization where there are women, the organization grows and flourishes.” she then added, “Keep going and be confident. You, as a woman, have a lot of potential and talent to offer. Do not be afraid to explore, learn and even fail. If that happens, pick yourself up, and move forward.”
Chef Brey was one of the featured influential Filipino in Ulysses Espartero’s book ‘A River Of Tears in the Valley of Triumph”. She was also part of a group in Kuwait to organize a donation drive where they sent clothing to the typhoon Ulysses inflicted areas back in 2020.
CANDY PANGILINAN (Artist, Mother of One) | Metro Manila, Philippines
“We as women should learn to respect each other and believe in ourselves. We should empower women because we raise the children and mold the minds of the next generation.”
“Women are a master of multi-tasking” said Candy, being a working single mother herself, she tries to balance her life by making a schedule and try to fit everything in a day; though not everything is followed by a tee, but it seem that things just falls into place. “There are days that we have to sacrifice one for the other. There are many things one has to given up to make life simpler, easier to manage and balance. Tiring? Yes. Then Rest if you must.”
There is no job security in the entertainment industry and the competition is fierce. But the most significant barrier for Candy that she has to deal with and overcome is competing against herself. “I have learned to accept who I am. What I am, What I have become and the path where my God is taking me. I’ve come to realize that once I accept all my frailties my strengths will shine. I have come to embrace me and everyone and everything that surrounds me. There is so much power in humility. I learned that there is a God who loves me more than I love myself so I should stop worrying.”
Though the role of women in movies and series is slowly evolving, the Philippine entertainment industry still has a lot to work on with regards to how they represent women in general. “I believe that media changes and molds the minds of the people.” so it is important for women to be represented well in this platform.
On empowering women: Candy believes that everyone needs respect, and we as women should learn to respect each other and believe in ourselves as well. “We should empower women because we raise the children. We raise and mold the minds of the next generation. If we do not believe on ourselves, how can we teach our children, the future leaders to believe in themselves. Again, we cannot give what we do not have.“ Her advice, “Love the craft. Study the craft. The money will come if the passion and true love for the art is there. That goes for any industry.”
ADVOCACY: Inclusion for Neurodivergent/Special Children, Single Parent Act.
CONNECT WITH CANDY
For Inquiries: Viva Artist Agency Management
FB / IG / Twitter / Kumu / YouTube: @candypangilinan
Spotify: Wala pa naming Title
YouTube: Faith Watch: Sharing from the City
Business: Qbagsbycandy and Evident Event Planning and Production Services
ANA MARIA RAMOS BANHAON (School Registrar, Wife, Mother of Three) | Bahrain
“When women live a safe, contented, and productive lives, they are able to attain their full potential, contribute to the workforce, and raise happier, healthier children.”
“A woman may need a little more courage because most people want her to fail in order to support the notion that women cannot be excellent leaders.”
Working as an educator that takes up most of her day, Ana still sees this as a blessing where passion, sense of purpose and technical abilities are set into one wonderful package. “I am fortunate to have a professional position where my love of being with children is interwoven within my work.” But in spite of her busy schedule, she still make sure to spend quality time with her kids and husband during the week as an essential part of her life.
Ana keeps herself grounded by taking charge of her own thoughts and feelings and by exercising these three practices: Attitude of gratitude – By making the conscious habit of expressing appreciation on a regular basis; Magnify life’s simple pleasures – Like appreciating the warmth of that first sip of morning coffee; & Prioritizing her mental and emotional health – By living in the present and focusing on what is important.
Acceptance of people from all walks of life is an essential part of a child’s education. “Teachers are one of the most important resources for helping students in coping with gender prejudice; by being aware of gender bias, that can help children to deal with conflict and respond to intolerance in the real world.”
On Empowering Women : You should never think of being a woman as a disadvantage. You can always find enough powerful women to persuade you that you, too, can become a great leader. Rather of attempting to fit into someone else’ shoes, you should create your own style that reflects your own skills and vulnerabilities. Empowering women starts with you. “Tell the women in your life that you appreciate them. Show your support by making them feel significant and reminding them of their strength. Take a stand against derogatory remarks about women; Promote body positivity and combat negativity.”
Ana have spent 14 years of meritorious service in Philippine School (Bahrain); including 12 years as a Kindergarten teacher (2008-2020) and 5 years as Head of Kindergarten Department (2013-2018). She is currently holding the position of the School Registrar (from Kindergarten to Senior High School).
CONNECT WITH ANA
PHILIPPINE SCHOOL (BAHRAIN)
Website: www.psb.edu.bh
FB & IG: @realphilippineschoolbahrain
Twitter: @realphilschbh
MAVIN SOLIMAN ABLANG (Restaurateur, Mother of One) | Quezon City, Philippines
“Women are one of the most powerful investments the society can make in building a better future.”
‘What holds women back is the lack of confidence to act and take risks. “To become more confident, women need to stop thinking so much and just act.”
Living a balanced life is a dream for many. Juggling between managing a business, be a solo parent, and socializing with friends while you also take some quality ‘me’ time, is something that Mavin goes thru on a daily basis. But, to be able to live every moment, and managing a restaurant which she dearly loves, is a good enough reason to wake up every morning, look forward to the day with a purpose, and end the day with a sense of contentment.
“How you live your life outside your work adds up to your overall personality, mental state and growth. Plan your day well, prioritize your time, set your goals, and allocate the rest of your time for your happiness. Learn to say ‘NO’ to things which are insignificant and bothers your peaceful state of mind. Don’t wait for the right moment/opportunity; live today, love everyday!”
Mavin was in the peak of her career working as a hotelier when she became a single mother. Feeling overwhelmed and burnout, she became introspective and started to consider how she felt between her career and being a mom. That is when she realized that it will be best, for her and her baby, to quit her corporate job and put up her own business. “Prioritizing is always the key. Ask yourself, which is more important? Once you have your answer – DECIDE.”
Mavin said she was fortunate enough to be part of a company who promotes gender equality and celebrated women. However, as Mavin pointed out, women still needs to be informed and protected against sexual harassment in the workplace. Women should learn to speak up and not be afraid. She also mentioned that solo parents should be supported, protected and educated of their rights.
On Empowering Women: Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. When women are living a safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential that can benefit the workforce, and at the same time raise happier and healthier children.
Word of Advice: Practice resilience. Learn to overcome stress and adversity and to come back strong; Be humble; Focus on cultivating your strengths to build a solid career; Be of service to others; Take risks, never compare yourself to others; Always be kind and offer support not criticism. And lastly, take care of your well being.
Company Name: Indulge MNL | FB & IG : @indulgemnl
MENELINE WONG, M.D. (Obstetrician-Gynecologist/ Visual Artist) | Quezon City, Philippines
“We are not only women, but we are women of authority, strength and confidence. Women who have the ability to control our own lives in a more meaningful and fulfilling way.”
To be a doctor and a visual artist are two extremely different worlds, but for Meneline, “Always choose to do things that makes you feel alive. If you are passionate with the things that you do, you will always find time and everything just falls into place.” and as she always say, “Work hard and play hard” because balance is the key to a more focused and happier life. Meneline was always taught to live a life of contentment, to always be grateful and to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
The art scene has always been a male dominated field and is quite intimidating according to Meneline, but given the growing amount of talented and passionate women artists, they are now being given the same amount of exposure and accolades.
Being a doctor and an artist, Meneline uses her platform to help inspire women, to have self respect, to be independent, to love one’s self and to continue chasing their dreams. “We are not only women, but we are women of authority, strength and confidence. Women who have the ability to control our own lives in a more meaningful and fulfilling way.”
On Empowering Women: Always have passion and fire with everything you do. Always choose what makes you happy and fulfilled. To always live with integrity; and to always remember, Babae tayo at hindi babae lang. (We are Women, not just women)
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS: 2nd place, 2018 GSIS national art competition (non-representational category) –1st woman to ever win a major award
1st Place, 2018 Robinson’s national art competition (non-representational category)
SUZI ENTRATA ABRERA (Tv Host, Mother of three)
“Women deserve to be acknowledged and recognized for our strengths and capabilities. Imagine a world without women. Goodluck.”
There will always be days when the scale tips towards one aspect of life more than the others. “I say celebrate the little wins and don’t be too hard on yourself. When the day doesn’t turn out perfectly, you can always make up for it the next day.” cited Suzi, she then added, “Don’t underestimate the power of honesty. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to resolve issues when both parties explain the reason for their behavior.”
Suzi stay grounded by appreciating the struggles of others and not just her own. Inspired by the old adage “I was sorry for I had no shoes. Until i saw a man who had no feet.” citing, “We can either choose to wallow in sadness or we can try to still appreciate the blessings that we have.” Rise above the small irritants and discomforts with a happy heart.
Suzi is the kind of person that likes things just the way they are. (I think this goes for most of us, including myself). But with her kind of work, there always seems to be a need for some kind of change on the morning show that she does. It’s a struggle, but its a barrier for Suzi that she is thankful for. For with every challenge, there’s always something new to be learned, either from others or within herself.
Fortunately, women have always had a position of power in Suzi’s line of work. “I never felt any sort of gender inequality, if anything, we have more women anchors, employees and staff than men, I daresay.”
On Empowering Women : We have always had the unique power of doing a multitude of things… and doing them well. In the Philippines, although admittedly not in all sectors, women have been respected as leaders. Remember to always imagine a world without women and how tough that would be. That’s how important WE are!
ADVOCACIES:
Virlanie Foundation – An organization that has been supporting children since 1992. Their “efforts are focused on more sustainable programs for marginalized families to prevent the cycle of intergenerational poverty.” www.virlanie.org
IG : @wavesforwaterphilippines – Providing clean water filtration systems to remote areas in the Philippines
World Vision www.worldvision.org.ph – Focuses on “helping the most vulnerable children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places…”
JEANINE MARASIGAN (Entrepreneur) | Batangas City, Philippines
“Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from achieving your dreams. Instead focus on learning for continuous improvement, innovation and self-growth”
For this young entrepreneur, Jeanine was able to pursue a career where her passion and personal time works perfectly together. She sees her business as a dream come true. Crafting fashion accessories for Jeanine started out as a bonding activity and a hobby that she and her mom did since she was 9 years old, and in God’s perfect timing, it materialized into a business in 2018.
But not everything came as easy as it looks. As per Jeanine, there are fine lines in the business that are both fulfilling and challenging all at the same time. Challenging because there’s no such thing as “business hours”, where she dedicated all her time to the business, which eventually, became quite a lesson that she learned along the way.
“It may sound so ideal and perfect to do what you love and you’ll never get tired, but in reality, we also need rest to keep the creative juices and passion flowing because if not, it may lead to creative burnout.” cited Jeanine. Something that I bet all of us have been guilty of, one way or the other.
So last year, Jeanine decided to take a short break, and turned her attention to prioritize her well-being and tried to do things that makes her happy. And with a fresh perspective, she started to work on improving herself and her brand. “Since then, we learned how to balance our business and personal lives by proper time management, and be even more passionate in finding ways to be of service to our customers.” It turns out, entrepreneurship is also a journey to self-discovery and personal growth.
Running an online business requires a strong online presence and adapting to social media marketing is quite a challenge that Jeanine struggled with. But there’s only one thing that she realized is hindering her to excel in the business, her mindset. And the only way to break and overcome that barrier is to learn, equip and educate herself on the matter.
On Empowering Women : Entrepreneurship is definitely not easy, there may be times that you would doubt yourself and think of giving up. But, if it is really your passion, don’t let the fear of failure stop you from achieving your dreams instead focus on learning for continuous improvement, innovation and self-growth. Always remember your “whys” to keep you on track, be consistent, learn to manage time and prioritize self-care so you could thoughtfully serve more people. Most of all, always pray for guidance and believe in yourself.
Magindara Handcrafted Fashion Accessories
Catalogue: https://msha.ke/magindaraaccessories
FB | IG : @magindaraaccessories