In celebration of International Womens Month, MB Lifestyle is honored to

present the 15 women who empower, inspire, and make a difference.

GRACE POE
senator
You cant have that attitude Im a woman so give me special
treatment. If women want to be treated the same way, show
people you have what it takes. (Image by Noel Pabalate)
Why she rocks: She was the reluctant senatoriable (and can well be, if the
rumors are true, the reluctant presidentiable). Despite having little
experience as a legislator, Senator Grace has proven herself to be a
formidable force on the legislative floor. Her advocacy for inclusive growth
has given rise to legislations that prioritize the underprivileged like the
Sustansya sa Batang Pilipino Act and the Free Mobile Texts During
Disasters Act. She has also spearheaded the swift passing in the Senate of
the Freedom of Information bill, pushing for greater transparency and
accountability among government officials.
What makes you different from other senators?
My background. Having worked in the education (as a preschool teacher) and
private sector (product manager) has given me an edge and better point of
view because in public work, its essential to have a wider perspective. If you
know one thing, if you only come from one particular background, you know
more and more of less and less. The focus will be too narrow. I know where
people are coming from because I have been there.
How important is the voice of a woman in Senate?
Being policymakers, it is important to have the points of view of both men
and women, even the LGBT, if you want holistic development. There are
issues that women are more concerned about: womens health, children,
family. Having more women in Senate and Congress and in decision-making
bodies will present an entirely different and balanced view on what the public
needs are and what we can do about those needs.
What would you advise to women who also want to make a difference?
Prepare yourself. Study hard. Train well. Work hard. Persevere. And that goes
for both men and women. Because there really isnt much difference in what
you should do to succeed and make a difference.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------XANDRA RAMOS PADILLA

entrepreneur, reading advocate

Dont be defined by other peoples version of success or by limitations of a
situation. Always think about possibilities.
Why she rocks: Under Xandra Ramos Padillas guidance, National Book Store
has become more than just a chain of bookstores. Last year, along with other
partners in publishing, Xandra spearheaded the first literary festival in the
Philippines, inviting local and international authors to grace the event and
give talks for free. Xandras NBS Foundation is also in the process of building
libraries nationwide with projects like Project Aklat. With author Mitch Albom,
NBS Foundation is committed to helping Yolanda-hit schools rebuild and
restock their libraries.
What is your advocacy as a Filipina?
In my work, we promote reading by hosting author events. Through our
National Book Store Foundation, we also give kids access to reading. Our
plan is to build 100 libraries this year.
How do you think can Pinays better empower themselves?
Read more. Read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and Thrive by Arianna
Huffington. I always find a book that speaks to whatever issue I have.
How can the Filipina think global?
Constantly seek to learn more by reading, educating yourself, and even
traveling. Dont be defined by other peoples version of success or by
limitations of a situation but think about possibilities.
What one life lesson have you learned about navigating life that you want to
share to young Filipinas everywhere?
Try to strike a balance thats right for you among conflicting personalities.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LOU SABRINA ONGKIKO
teacher
Use your skills to make the world better.
Why she rocks: Last years Bato Balani and Diwa Learning awardee Lou
Ongkiko graduated with a BS Biology degree at Ateneo de Manila University,
with a masters degree at the University of Melbourne in Australia and a
postgraduate degree from the National Institute of Education in Singapore.
Despite the opportunities that came her way, Lou (Teacher Sab to her

students) decided to teach Grade 6 pupils at Culiat Elementary School, a

public school in Quezon City known for a huge, overpopulated student body.
What made you pursue education as a career?
Teaching is a noble job. I have learned the meaning of service from my father
who taught me the value of service. My passion and skill is teaching, so I
chose that service. I wanted to teach in a public school where teachers are
greatly needed. Its not that I am out to save the public school system. I
want to help the education system and whatever capacity I have and the skill
that I have to help is through teaching. You should use your skill to make the
world better.
What is the ideal Filipino teacher?
A good teacher should have two things, character and competence. Its not
only that the teacher should know the subject that he or she is teaching but
the teacher should also have the compassion. A teacher should not only
address the technical aspect but also the character of the students theyre
teaching. They should be the lesson. Who you are with your students is the
biggest lesson they can get from you.
What is the importance of teachers in nation building?
A teacher has power among his or her students. Whatever they say or do in
front of them will affect them. They have the power to influence generation
after generation and can affect the leaders of the future.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JACLYN ABERGAS
health advocate
Many women believe our emotions are the weakest part of us. I believe its
our strongest asset.
Why she rocks: Along with sister Jertie, Jac operates a food business that
create gluten-free and vegan food products, and also teach vegan cooking at
workshops to show people how easy and affordable veganism is. She has
also created recipe e-books, offers health coaching and consultation to
people who need customized meal plans to help them with their illnesses,
and has started a community online called Vegans of Manila
(www.facebook.com/VegansofManila) to help people know more about
veganism.
Why are you passionate about veganism?

Being vegan is not just about changing your diet. Its a whole new way of
living. We worry so much about different issues in this world and wonder how
we can make a difference. This is one way to do it. Did you know that when
you go meat-free for just a day, you save at least one animal, at least
100,000 liters of water, lessen your consumption of fossil fuels produced
than if you bike to work, and save at least 55 square feet of tropical rain
forest land? Imagine what would happen if you go meat-free for a year and
imagine what would happen if more than one person went meat-free for a
day or for a month. Imagine the impact youll make.
If you want to make a difference, this is one way you can do it.
Whats next for you?
I want to continue my vegan travels and meet other vegans around the
world. I also want to try different vegan restaurants in different cities and
countries and experience their culture through their food. Im also saving up
to attend plant-based conferences and vegan expos around the world and
further expand my education as a holistic, plant-based health coach and as a
more aware vegan.
Im also hoping and praying I will finally get to meet my idols, Dr. Joel
Fuhrman, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Neal Barnard, Kris
Carr, Talia Fuhrman, Victoria Moran, and Lindsay Nixon. I want it on paper
because who knows, it might just happen soon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SHAKIRA SISON
writer and LGBT advocate
You are as unusual as you should be. end in or go with the flow. A
path will be carved for you soon, just you wait. (Image by Roz
Espinosa)
Why she rocks: The New York-based, two-time Palanca winner has used the
power of her words not just to add to the rich literature of the country, but to
give a voice to the LGBT community. Shakira notably won the Hildegarde
Award for Women in Media and Communication for her essays on gender
advocacy and is one of the US Library of Congress list of 100 Filipina Poets.
What do you think is the most important message or thing about LGBT
acceptance that needs to be heard in the Philippines, that often falls through
the cracks?
That gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are your brothers,
sisters, parents, and children. They are in your churches, in your jobs, and

are your doctors, lawyers, and friends. Once we stop treating people who are
different from us as others, then we can accept that they are just like you,
they live like you, and they love like you. They also pay the same taxes and
should at least be entitled to the same rights you have.
What is your greatest advocacy as a Filipina?
Id like to think my contribution is to be an example of a Filipina who is not
constrained by societal expectations and norms. In my writing and in my
online presence, Id like to be an approachable mentor for young women on
how to be free and fearless, and how to take charge of their lives instead of
waiting for the cue of others.
How do you think can the modern Filipina empower herself better?
Education, most especially reproductive health education. Once a woman is
able to control her body, she will be able to view her life outside its
reproductive role and be able to focus on career, self-fulfillment, and being a
better mother who appreciates her womanhood and its role in raising strong
and independent children (especially daughters).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHRIS YAM DAEZ
entrepreneur, PR manager
The challenge is not being afraid to be different and staying true to
yourself. Think global, but stay local. (Image by Pinggot Zulueta)
Why she rocks: Apart from being the president of the Fully Booked
Foundation, whose aim is to empower local communities by providing
literacy programs, Chris Yam Daez has her hands full as a mom of two and as
public relations manager for the book chain. But its her latest venture as a
restaurateur that is setting the hearts of foodies racing: In mid 2015, Chris
will bring in the beloved, immensely popular The Halal Guys from New York,
which will be the first franchise the popular gyro cart is opening in the world.
What is your advocacy as a Filipina?
My advocacy is to fulfill the mission of the Fully Booked Foundation, which is
to collaborate with people and initiate projects for our local communities. We
would like to achieve this by creating literacy projects, thus reducing
poverty, promoting growth, and increasing opportunities for Filipino children.
Since we started the foundation, we have been focusing our efforts to
building mini-libraries and reading programs for young children in public
schools to promote literacy. It is every childs right to have access to a good
education.

How can Pinays better empower themselves?

We always have to be curious about our surroundings, so we can understand
ourselves and the environment better, to be able to adapt to the changing
times.
Whenever l am in doubt, I pray and trust my instincts. Its okay to make
mistakes because it is through them that Ive learned some of my most
valuable lessons.
How can the Filipina think global?
Traveling gives us a fresh perspective on things, opens our minds, and
pushes us to get out of our comfort zone, as well as setting the bar high to
work harder.
The challenge is not being afraid to be different and staying true to yourself.
Think global, but stay local.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------KOOKY TUASON
poet
Find your passion and rewrite your own stories.
Why she rocks: She is known as a spoken word artist, having released three
spoken word albums, Romancing Venus 1, Romancing Venus 2, and Bigkas
Pilipinas. But what sets her apart is her passion for education. She, along
with other creatives, recently launched a project called Thinking Mans
Classroom, a program that aims to change how we educate our children.
Also, last Thursday, she released her new book, Picket Lines: Dialogues
Between Eves, Among Eves, and for Eves.
What led you to poetry?
My contemplative self during my formative yearspain, natural high. And
the constant nagging of my words wanting to be written and spoken. I am
also inspired by Rumi, Saul Williams, Sylvia Plath, Anais Nin, Jim Morrison,
Morrissey, Henry Rollins, Sarah Kay, and I Was Born with Two Tongues.
Whats your creative process like?
Whenever I silence my mind, ideas flow in abundance. Where theres noise, I
find discipline.
Can you tell us about your new project, Thinking Mans Classroom?

Thinking Mans Classroom is an online channel which I initiated together with

my partner, director August Lyle Espino. Currently, we have four shows:
Principals of Principle, a philosophical talk show; Random Fandom, a show for
the geek in all of us; The Museum of Randomly Perfected Broken Bodies, a
dark storytelling show; and For Word and By Word, a spoken word program
that I personally host. It has always been my dream to build a school.
Thinking Mans Classroom is education repackaged to stir others to think and
reflect and react. Our website is www.thinkingmansclassroom.com. Well
have more shows in the second season.
What is it like to be a woman creative today?
We are our own center stage now. We are our own spotlight. The mic is in our
hands. If we speak up, well be heard.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LUCILLE SERING
executive director of Climate Change Commission
We were not victims because we did not consider ourselves victims. (Image
by Noel Pabalate)
Why she rocks: Whether in her law practice, academe, or government work,
Secretary Lucille Sering has always fought for the rights of Mother Nature.
She created Eco-Town, a project that teaches people to protect the
environment while earning from it; Green Legal Warriors, where volunteer
law students take on environmental cases; and the Peoples Survival Fund,
which will help LGUs get funding for climate change adaptation. Currently
the executive director of the Climate Change Commission, she is also the
youngest minister at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change.
Why did you choose environment as your advocacy?
I grew up in Surigao. So I know how it is to have fresh air, to live surrounded
by trees, to swim in clear waters. My father always tells me this: You dont
measure the success of a city on how tall its buildings are but on the quality
of life. If you take care of the environment, it takes care of you.
How crucial is it to take care of the environment?
Because of our actions in the past, there are things we can never change
now. The intensity of typhoons has increased. One area will suffer from
extreme dry spell while another from rains.

Of course, there is still hope. We cannot reverse the effects but we can adapt
to it. And thats what makes us survivorsour resiliency. Areas that were not
used to flooding had a hard time but did you hear anything from people from
areas that are often flooded? No, because they have already adapted. They
have emergency measures in place, warning systems. It only becomes a
disaster if, despite the warning, we choose to not do anything about it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NADINE TENGCO
nutritionist and weight loss specialist
Listen to your body.
Why she rocks: Long before South Beach Diet and other diet meal delivery
services became popular in the country, Nadine Tengco had been advocating
and providing her expertise in nutrition to like-minded business entities. At a
time when food intolerances (other than milk) were unheard of, she was
already importing products from her travels that would help clients with
individual nutritional needs. Now that awareness about health and nutrition
is at its all time high, Nadine is focusing all her efforts toward its
sustainability.
What drove you to pursue nutrition?
When it became more and more evident that information was necessary for
me to be able to do what I do better, I kept on studying, and one thing led to
another. I studied fitness nutrition, weight management, naturopathic
nutrition, then plant-based nutrition. In between those, I also took culinary
arts. Also, I come from an obese family.
What changes do you wish to see in Filipinos with regards to their attitude
toward food?
Food in restaurants is about taste, flavor, and affordability. Health is an
afterthought. What should happen is marry convenience and the art of
preparing food and the science of healthy nutrition.
How do you empower yourself?
The #WhiteShirtLove class is definitely about women empowerment,
especially when youre my age! As you get older, you lose that part that
makes you feel youre a woman. Its not really the sexuality but yung
pagkababae ng babae (the feeling of femininity.). Because it takes second
place to work, to kids, to taking care of your body. That even if you fix
yourself every day, you dont really feel it. With the dancing class, youll feel

it. It transforms you and it keeps you in touch with that side of your being a
woman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BEATRIX SYJUCO
artist
Embrace yourself in your entirety, and dont ever try to be a cheap imitation
of somebody else.(Image by Pinggot Zulueta)
Why she rocks: Coming from a family of enormously talented artists, Beatrix
has always been a passionate, feeling, and vulnerable individual. She is so
easily overwhelmed by everything that goes on around her that she vents
and releases it all in her works, be it in the form of art installation,
performance art, or abstraction. Beatrix was never formally trained so her art
is always a raw and organic process. Her first solo exhibition An Unfair
Vanity is currently on view at Galerie Astra.
You work with different kinds of art: What are the common themes in your
works?
People often look at me and assume my life is without struggle, but we all
have our share of inner conflict and ghosts. Whether I am working on an art
performance, installation. or painting, I draw inspiration from these places
where I have been broken.
Tell us more about An Unfair Vanity
An Unfair Vanity was my first solo exhibition of abstract paintings. I have
been immersed in art my whole life, but I was focused more on performance
art and installation until very recently. The incredibly kind and spirited Ed
Soler, who owns Galerie Astra in Makati City, saw one of my paintings at an
art fair some months ago and was not able to stop thinking of it. He
approached me shortly after and asked if I would like to mount a solo exhibit
of abstract paintings. I was, of course, eager to oblige. It is currently on view
in Galerie Astra till March 20.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------STEPHANIE TAN
environmentalist, chief of staff at Climate Change Commission
I urge you to be in relentless pursuit to discover your purpose.

Why she rocks: For 40 days, Stephanie, together with 12 other volunteers,
walked over a thousand miles from Rizal Park, Manila to Tacloban, Leyte to
raise awareness on climate change, secure commitments from LGUs to enact
laws on climate change adaptation, and commemorate the first anniversary
of Super Typhoon Yolanda as a powerful reminder on the reality of climate
change.
Tell us more about your work and advocacy at Climate Change Commission.
I am the chief of staff of the office of commissioner Naderev Yeb M. Sao. I
assist him in ensuring that we meaningfully contribute in carrying out the
commissions mandate. Recently, we co-organized Climate Walk.
Youve walked from Luneta to Tacloban to raise awareness on Climate
Change. To what extent are you willing to go to further your advocacy?
I am becoming more interested in policymaking because the success
indicator for any advocacy is if we are able to translate it into a law (that is
properly implemented). Climate change is quite a technical issue and most
climate policies have been discussed at high-level arenas, therefore, a big
challenge is to make it more understandable to regular folks. This has proven
to be extremely difficult, but it is vitally important.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ANA ABAD SANTOS
theater actress, director
Think out of the box. Live out of the box.
Why she rocks: Ana is a multifaceted actress and director with nods for her
performances and directions in theater, film, and TV. In 2012, Ana, together
with Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco, and Rem Zamora, created
Red Turnip Theater to bring plays and musicals back to the fore, not just in
the theater scene, but in the lifestyle of Filipinos. For Red Turnips second
season, Ana will be stepping on the stage again as Sara in Time Stands Still.
What are your greatest achievements as an actress and director?
I won Best Stage Actress at the ALIW Awards. For directing, it was when I
directed Closer for Red Turnip Theaters maiden production in 2013. Right
now though playing Sara in Time Stands Still is just a milestone in so many
ways. Sara is just an amazing woman. Time Stands Still is a beautiful play
and to star in it, as well as to produce it, is a pretty cool way to celebrate
being 40.
Why did you pursue a career in theater?

Theater chose me. And I couldnt say no. It is my most persuasive suitor.
How do you choose the roles you portray?
I dont really choose it, most of the time the role comes to me. But judging
from my track record I would say more strong and dominant roles.
Where is the Filipina's place in theater? Is she recognized?
I dont think about the recognition. Whats important is for the craft to be
respected and for the theater community to get stronger, not individually but
as a whole. Right now, were just fighting for the industry to stay alive.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ANTOINETTE JADAONE
screenwriter, director
I hope Filipinas will empower each other, not bring each other down.
Why she rocks: Antoinette Jadaone is the new queen of Pinoy romcoms. Not
because shes managed to pluck the crown from the reigning showbiz
queens head. But because, in just a year, she gave the romcom genre a full
360from cheesy to heartwarming, from cringe-inducing to upliftingwith
back-to-back award-winning, social-media-trending romcom blockbusters:
Relaks, its Just Pagibig; English Only, Please; and That Thing Called Tadhana.
What got you into writing and making films?
I graduated from UP Film Institute. In my earlier short films, I would act as
director, writer, cameraperson, production, designer, and editor, so I was
really immersed in filmmaking at school. What made me want to be a
romantic comedy film director was when I saw Joyce Bernals Dont Give Up
on Us. That was the movie that made me want to make movies.
The lead characters in your films are all women. As a writer and filmmaker,
what message do you want to convey to your female audience?
We are very lucky to be living in a country where there is no prejudice
against women. I hope that Filipinas though will empower each other, not
bring each other down. I personally dont like labels. We must do things not
because of gender perception.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------REESE FERNANDEZ-RUIZ

social entrepreneur

Believe in your ideas and keep working at them. If you believe in it then its
meant to be.
Why she rocks: Last January, Reese Fernandez-Ruiz was included in the
Forbes list 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs. The 29-year-old entrepreneur
has continued to change lives through her social enterprise Rags2Riches,
where they get the services of the women of Payatas to make fashion
accessories like bags and wallets. The company has 50 workers and has
trained more than 900 artisans, helping them improve their craft. In 2010
she received the Young Laureate from Rolex Awards.
How difficult is it to run a social enterprise?
I get stressed like everybody else! Its just a matter where you want to be
stressed in. The fulfillment I get is that Im doing what I believe in and love.
Having a business that exercises ethical practices is enough. Its not just
about building your own dreams, its also about building the dreams of
others
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PALOMA URQUIJO ZOBEL
co-founder and chief ideator of Ideayala
Believe in your ideas and keep working at them. If you believe in it then its
meant to be.
Why she rocks: Paloma sparked and energized the Ideayala (#YALA)
campaign, a competition that presents the youth with the challenge of
imagining innovative mall experiences and, in turn, nourishes young minds
through talks by guest mentors and youth innovators, where they share their
experiences on starting up a business, using social media to their advantage,
and getting their ideas to a wider audience.
What is Ideayala?
Two years ago, I met with the Ayala team and we started brainstorming
about ways in which we can create a platform to help the youth of the
Philippines to bring their ideas to life. And with over 17 million youth in this
country, the Philippines is just bubbling with talent and I think Ideayala is a
perfect way to start feeding this creativity.
Advice for the young

Believe in your ideas and keep working at them. We all know different stories
of all these great entrepreneurs that failed and failed and failed. But they
believed in their ideas, they persevered, and so they were able to become
big and supper successful in the end.
@yah