7 Filipina executives named among Asia's most powerful women

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 8, 2024 08:01 PM

  

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Seven Filipina executives have been included in the Fortune Most Powerful Women Asia (MPW Asia) list for 2024, which highlights 100 extraordinary women who are not only driving growth and innovation but also reshaping the standards of business excellence.

 

Martha Sazon

Leading the Philippine representation is Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash, who secured the 38th rank. 

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Under her leadership, GCash has become a cornerstone of financial technology in the country, with over 94 million users benefiting from services ranging from remittances to savings accounts. 

Recently, the app's valuation soared to $5 billion following an investment from MUFG, Japan's largest lender, sparking discussions about a potential IPO.

 

Robina Gokongwei-Pe

Following Sazon is Robina Gokongwei-Pe, ranked 48th. As President and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Gokongwei-Pe oversees one of the country’s largest multi-format retailers, which encompasses supermarkets, drugstores, and pet supplies. 

With over 2,400 stores nationwide, she is set to transition to the role of chairman in January, with Stanley Co succeeding her as CEO.

 

Lorelie Quiambao Bautista

Lorelie Quiambao Bautista, the first female president and CEO of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, holds the 67th spot. With a background in finance, Bautista has steadily climbed the ranks and now leads the Philippines branch of the global energy giant.

 

Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista Dy

In the 73rd position is Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista Dy, who recently stepped into the role of President and CEO at Ayala Land, the country’s largest real-estate developer. 

Dy's leadership has been instrumental in driving a 22 percent increase in residential revenue to $1.39 billion in 2023, capitalizing on the country's flourishing urbanization.

 

Lynette V. Ortiz

Lynette V. Ortiz, President and CEO of the Land Bank of the Philippines, ranks 82nd. Since her appointment in May 2023, Ortiz has focused on providing important financial services to the country's small farmers and micro-enterprises.

 

Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso

Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, who has been with Megaworld since its inception in 1989, ranks 85th. As the company’s president, she continues to lead the largest office developer in the Philippines, having taken over the role from founder Andrew Tan earlier this year.

 

Rhoda A. Huang

Lastly, Rhoda A. Huang, who made history last year by becoming the first non-family member to lead Filinvest Development Corporation, is ranked 98th. 

Huang is spearheading the company's expansion into renewable energy, following a substantial profit growth in its power sector.

The 2024 MPW Asia list celebrates the achievements of women from 11 countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia. 

"We are thrilled to be celebrating the remarkable achievements of female leaders from diverse countries from the Asia Pacific region," Clay Chandler, Fortune Executive Editor, Asia said.

"The women honored on the 2024 Asia list now join the extraordinary legacy of Most Powerful Women, a franchise first created by Fortune over a quarter of a century ago in 1998," he added.

Seas of Stories

Sea of Stories by Bea Policarpio celebrates the fluid nature of identity and connection.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Oct 9, 2024 09:35 AM

  

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Seas of Stories

Bea Policarpio

September 7, 2024 – October 5, 2024

Sometimes we forget

that we are part

of a sublime whole.

We are—

clouds in the same sky

flowers in the same field

waves in the same ocean

Each of us contains

a sea of stories

that ebb and flow

into each other.

Isn’t it beautiful

how no two waves are the same,

yet they arise in the same ocean?

Sea of Stories by Bea Policarpio celebrates the fluid nature of identity and connection. The exhibition weaves together the artist’s milestone pieces, reflecting her personal evolution while engaging the viewer in a shared experience of wonder.

In this body of work, Policarpio examines the tension between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Her art acts as a mirror, inviting viewers to consider the many versions of "self" that exist within and beyond our own minds. Playful and spontaneous in nature, her works remind us that we always have the freedom to color and shape our inner world, despite life’s ever-changing seasons and landscapes. By starting within, we break through the ego’s illusion of separation and connect deeply with a limitless reality.

Sea of Stories is a visual and poetic celebration that honors the past while embracing the optimism of what lies ahead.

WTFu by MR. FU: The Juice Fairy of the Stars

BY MR. FU

Oct 9, 2024 08:14 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Many people discovered the healthy effects of her juices, including celebrities. (pay sila ha, hindi ex-deal!)

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Kristal Hierco 

Kristal Hierco was one of the many health advocates who introduced “juicing” to many health and fitness enthusiasts in the country years ago. She labeled her concoctions: Pure Juice. (parang ako lang purong puro walang bahid!)  It is a blended drink made from herbs, fruits, and other healthy ingredients that can substitute daily solid meals. (pampapayat at pampahealthy, hindi bato ni ding! Darna!)

“Bata palang ako, interesado nako sa healthy living. Kaya nung madiscover ko yan, Sabi ko aralin ko nga. Nagbasa ako ng mga libro, nagresearch ako. Narealize ko meron palang tamang combination at formula. Hindi lang sya yung pagsasamahin lahat ng ingredients at gawing juice. Kaya inaral ko talaga ano yung tama," Kristal explains. (minus 10 ang magkamali!)

Many people discovered the healthy effects of her juices, including celebrities. (pay sila ha, hindi ex-deal!) 

Mr Fu and Kristal Hierco 

“Nagsimula lang ako maglagay ng  Pure Juice sa isang fitness studio kung saan ako nagwoworkout. Konti lang ,12 bottles lang sa isang linggo pero sold out agad.  Tapos bilang maraming celebrities dun like LJ Reyes, Dingdong Dantes, sinasabi nila ayan si Kristal gumagawa ng juice. Nakilala ko mga talents ni Perry Lansigan, lahat sila kumuha. Si Paolo Contis isa rin sya kaya sya nakapagbawas ng weight," Kristal recalls. (gawa ka ng variant ko, tawagin nating Juice ko FU!)

Some showbiz personalities (actually marami sila!) would avail the juice days before a big showbiz event, a major film/teleserye or a special pictorial. (para sure na payat sila at fit sa kanilang ganap!) : They even called her the Juice Fairy of the Stars. “Kasi ako, pag sinabi kong pure yan, pure talaga yan, walang water.Hindi kasi kami false marketing. Wala kaming ganun kasi gusto ko lagi effective. Kasi pag dinaya ko yan, di yan eeffect. Ang sarap lang sa feeling na naaacknowledge nila yun na iba kapag si Kristal ang gumawa.”  (dinaig ang okay ka fairy ko!)

The success of this venture inspired her to develop more products that promote wellness. She introduced Nutripure. (pure pa rin ha, bawal ang may bahid dungis!)

“Bawat produkto, tinutukan ko kasama ng manufacturer, researchers at chemists. Sinasabi ko talaga ganito ang gusto kong effect, kapag hindi ako satisfied, ibabalik ko. Sinigurado ko talaga na yung bawat product ay effective ayon sa pag-aaral namin.” (taray nung mga chemists ha!)

It offers juices and coffee for healthy weight loss  (oo walang bangenge moments!) and a complete skin care package. (mula ulo hanggang paa!)

“Ang dami na agad bumili nung nilabas ko mga yan dahil sinasabi nila, gawa yan ni Kristal at sure sila na effective. Kaya naisip ko eto yung gusto ko gawin na hindi lang basta business, gusto ko yung maging healthy ang lifestyle nila," Kristal says. (ang ate mo na ang health diva!)

Kristal is committed to continuing her pure juice and promoting her new line from Nutripure with the help of her avid supporters and celebrity clients (in fairness, hindi sila paid endorsers ha!) who believe in her advocacy: “Elevate your Beauty and Wellness Journey” (ay join ako dyan sa journey na yan!)

“Masarap sa feeling na ito pala talaga ang purpose ko in life. May mga buhay akong natotouch in a way, kasi nababago yung health status nila. Hahanapin ka nila because of the quality of products na inoffer mo.  Marami sa kanila umalis, nagtry na ibang products, pero eto sila ulit sakin, bumalik," Kristal shares. (pwes, wag na sila umarte pang ulit!)

(Youtube/FB: WTFu. Twitter/IG/Tiktok: @mrfu_mayganon. FB: mr.fu tagabulabog ng buong universe. Patreon: www.patreon.com/wtfu website: www.channelfu.com )

In her first PH concert, Olivia Rodrigo fit right in

BY ALLAN POLICARPIO

OCTOBER 9, 2024

INSTAGRAM/@oliviarodrigo

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Was it the pancit, the lumpia or the beautifully messy boodle fight spread? The casual stroll and bicycle ride around Intramuros? Or perhaps it was the bowl of halo-halo she “secured” first thing upon arriving in Manila that won her over.

If she were in any other non-US city, Olivia Rodrigo would have introduced the song “So American”—midway through the set—with a spiel about finding it “hard to fit it” despite trying her best to experience the local culture. Because, “at the end of the day,” she typically says, she can’t help but “feel so American.”

Olivia Rodrigo rides a bike in Intramuros — FACEBOOK/Bambike Ecotours.

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Trends come and go, but authenticity is forever

Who’s on the list of Asia’s Most Stylish?

BY AA PATAWARAN

Oct 7, 2024 07:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Don’t be like the rest of them, darling. —Coco Chanel

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Tootsy Angara, James Reid, Trickie Lopa, Sarah Labati, Xandra Rocha Marcos, and Donny Pangilinan

In a dazzling confluence of culture, creativity, and charisma, Tatler Philippines mounted Tatler Asia’s grand reveal of Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 at The Gallery at Greenbelt 5, shining the spotlight on our very own stylesetters. 

 

The Filipinos on the list were headed by Heart Evangelista, who sadly could not make it on account of Milan Fashion Week. Nevertheless, like Christian Tantoco and Carl Jan Cruz, who were also unable to attend, she was warmly acknowledged among the nine from the Philippines who have been counted among the most stylish in the region this year.  

 

Let’s hear it for the six, whose presence at the grand reveal did make the evening sizzle with bold self-expression and creativity, a key criterion in the annual search.

Sam Thurman and Stephanie Zubiri

In a gown from Carl Jan Cruz’s “International Interbarangay 2023” collection, Trickie Lopa went up the stage at the recognition ceremony hosted by Stephanie Zubiri and Sam Thurman. Her eye for art, as co-founder of Art Fair Philippines, is reflected in the way she plays with her body as a canvas of expression.

Jessica Kienle Maxwell, Xandra Rocha Marcos, Shauna Jay Popple, and Isabel Francisco

Xandra Rocha wore “something fun, feminine, and flirty,” the keywords she used when she collaborated with Rajo Laurel on a dress custommade for the occasion.

 

Standing tall on towering Yves Saint Laurent stilettos and stunning in a Chynna Mamawal blazer and black lace bodysuit, Sarah Lahbati spoke of fashion as “a celebration of creativity and self-expression.”

 

Tootsy Angara wore joy, a pink cocktail dress adorned with bows and her heart on her sleeves. How to achieve her wearable optimism?  “I surround myself with people I love.”

James Reid and Donny Pangilinan

James Reid took the spotlight in Bagasáo, a brand on the rise representing his advocacy for Filipino designers. “Representing local fashion on the global stage is both an honor and a source of pride,” he said.

 

In tip-to-toe Louis Vuitton, Donny Pangilinan brought his sisters Hannah and Ella Pangilinan along because, as he shared lightheartedly, they have been their worst critics when it comes to personal expression.

Hannah Pangilinan, Sarah Lahbati, Donny Pangilinan, and Ella Pangilinan

“These are the style connoisseurs who are never afraid to push boundaries and show us what true style means,” said Tatler Philippines’ managing director Irene Martel Francisco in her opening speech, which was more a reminder that while trends might come and go, authenticity and bold expression would forever reign supreme.

Camille Villar and Allana Montelibano

 

Patrick Coard, Antonio Ressano, and Scott Woodward

 

Marga Nograles, Techie Hagedorn, Rocio Olbes, and Jet Acuzar Atienza

 

Ricky Toledo, Junie Peña, Natalia Peña, and Chito Vijandre

 

Hindy Weber, Macky Fah, and Julie Boschi

 

Isabel Francisco, Kifu Augousti, and Nikki Martel

 

Jia Estrella, Alexa Anandar, Alelee Anandar, Nikki Tang, Techie Hagedorn, and Allana Montelibano

GOSSIP GIRL: Bayang Barrios stages Bagong Umaga concert at Music Museum on Oct. 26

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Oct 8, 2024 07:28 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Bayang Barrios is one of the Philippines’ most iconic folk musicians. She is known for her commitment to preserving indigenous culture and giving a voice to the Lumad, a collective term for indigenous groups in Mindanao.

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Bayang Barrios

Ateneo de Davao University recently recognized singer Bayang Barrios as its 2024 recipient of the Fr. Theodore Daigler Award for Culture and Arts for her music and advocacies. 

Gossip Girl was able to talk to Bayang, a Manobo Triber from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, “It was a real surprise for me, and it’s an honor I’ll take with me forever. Mindanao Culture is in everything that I do. Our rights, particularly those of the indigenous tribespeople in the south, have always informed my craft.” 

Bayang Barrios is one of the Philippines’ most iconic folk musicians. She is known for her commitment to preserving indigenous culture and giving a voice to the Lumad, a collective term for indigenous groups in Mindanao. Her music, which blends modern folk with traditional Indigenous sounds, is a celebration of the country’s diverse cultural heritage and a call for justice and recognition for marginalized communities. Bayang grew up in a region where traditions were deeply rooted in the daily lives of her people; she was immersed in the rich oral and musical traditions of the Manobo tribe. These early influences and her exposure to mainstream Filipino music would shape her distinct sound as an artist. Her family’s experience as part of a marginalized indigenous group deeply affected her worldview, and it became a defining force behind her music. She sought to create music that entertained and educated people about indigenous Filipinos' struggles and contributions. From my interview with Bayang, I was particularly struck with these powerful words from the arad-winning singer, “I am so lucky to have these opportunities, as they allow me to share not just my music, but the music of our Indigenous Peoples, their cultures and their significance to our national fabric, through my songs. I fervently hope that a New Morning dawns on every one of us, regardless of how dire a situation we may find ourselves in. We need to realize that the sun rises every day, and it is a gift of renewal that should never be taken for granted.”

This major opportunity she is mentioning is not only her new award but also that she is back in the concert arena as she stages her second solo show, “Bagong Umaga,” at the Music Museum on Oct. 26. 

Bayang Barrios tells me that she is so blessed to be able to feature her brand of music in the 2024 concert scene, “World Music and especially Filipino music has its place in pop culture, and I am so happy to see many new bands and artists infuse their music with elements that are 'sariling atin'! I hope many of your readers of the Manila Bulletin will come to see the show. Mike and I are very proud of the music we have prepared for it, some re-imaginings of my songs, also of classic OPM, and new material  we wrote for a new album we’re releasing later this year.” Mike Villegas is the better half of Bayang Barrios. The Rizal Underground guitarist who popularized the songs 'Sabado Nights' and 'Bilanggo' has married Bayang Barrios for 22 years, “Mike and I have known each other for so long. We were boyfriend and girlfriend off and on for 11 years before tying the knot back in 2002. Bandmates, we wrote many songs together, such as 'Bagong Umaga,' which made it to the 1996 Metropop. Although it didn’t place, it has shone like a beacon all these years for us, with its many shared triumphs in chorale competitions worldwide. When we got married in 2002, it was the same year I won the 2002 Metropop with my entry, “Malayo Man Malapit Din”, while Mike placed 2nd with 'Pretend That I Don’t Love You!' We’ve co-produced many albums since, under my record label, which incidentally bears the name of our one and only child, our daughter Mayumi. She was diagnosed with mild autism, but she’s coping, and she was blessed with perfect pitch! She is a real blessing, a beautiful symbol of God’s love for Mike and myself.” 

Throughout her career, Bayang Barrios has used her platform to advocate for indigenous people's rights and raise awareness of their plight. The Lumad, in particular, have faced displacement and violence due to ongoing conflicts over land in Mindanao. Through her music, Bayang Barrios has highlighted their struggles, often singing in her native dialect to emphasize the importance of cultural preservation. Truly, Bayang Barrios is a champion of the indigenous rights of Mindanao tribes and environmental activism. 

Lakbay Magazine officially launched

 

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Lakbay Magazine, a premiere bi-monthly publication dedicated to the vibrant tourism and hospitality sectors of the country, and the world, was officially launched through an intimate ceremony at its office in Lucky Chinatown Hotel.

"We are thrilled to launch Lakbay, a publication that embodies the spirit of Philippine tourism and hospitality. Our goal is to showcase the beauty, culture, and unique experiences that our country offers; inspiring both local and international travelers to explore and appreciate the Philippine destinations more," enthused Enrico Sy, chairman of the magazine's board of directors.

Manila vice mayor Yul Servo, Taytay vice mayor Pia Cabral, and Department of Tourism's accreditation officer-in-charge Dmitriv Ivannovich were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

"The support we have received from the hotel industry and business sector is truly heartwarming. Today, we celebrate not just the launch of a magazine but also the continuous growth of our country's tourism industry," said Lualhati Fausto, executive editor and founder of Lakbay.

Lakbay Magazine aims to be the leading source of information and inspiration for travelers and industry professionals by offering insightful articles, captivating photography, and comprehensive guides to the best destinations, accommodations, and experiences in and around the Philippines' 7,147 islands.