HERstory in the making
Margaret Thatcher was once quoted as saying, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
Of course the reverse may be said as well, but coming from Maggie Thatcher, those words carry weight, a lot of weight.
PeopleAsia magazine unveils in its latest issue 12 “Women of Style and Substance” who are doers. They walk their talk — whether on the corridors of power, the catwalk, the rice fields, or battle zones in Marawi. The list this year is headlined by Tourism Secretary
Berna Romulo-Puyat, who aims to do what once seemed unsustainable — sustainable and responsible tourism. Where the bucks don’t come at the expense of the erosion of the quality of our natural resources. “One good thing that came out in the closure of Boracay is that people have been educated further on what sustainable and responsible tourism is.”
On a personal note, she adds, “My being appointed as Secretary of Tourism is also a blessing for my father (former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo). I’m actually happy about this because my dad has been crying every day since my sister Lupe died last November. With this, there’s something to make him smile.”
A diplomat adds an international significance to the list. “As a diplomat, you work on solutions before a potential problem arises. I chose to become a diplomat because I love to resolve problems in a friendlier approach, as compared to the more rigid rules of the court.” says Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Kok Li Peng.
Statuesque Ginggay Hontiveros Malvar cuts a striking figure in the battlefields of Marawi where she mentors residents as part of the Go Negosyo advocacy, where she means business — literally.
“Because of peace and order issues, as well as armed conflicts, ARMM has many areas that develop very slowly. However, I don’t think slow progress is due to the fact that they’re Muslim and we’re Christian. Let us not be the one to say that they cannot do it, just because they praise Allah, and we praise God.” says Ginggay. Did you know that Miss Universe-Philippines 2018
Catriona Gray is a musician? “I feel that beauty contests aren’t the best representation of a person’s intelligence. For example, I think that Q&A only shows someone’s spontaneity in speaking and not necessarily her intelligence. That’s why I like sit-down interviews and stuff because at least people can see who a girl is. Sometimes the people don’t see that during the Q&A portion,” says Catriona, a music major.
Tootsy Angara is a model wife, mother and advocate — she grew up being true to her values and strives to be a medium for her own message in her work as a broadcast executive.
“It’s not selling shows like Ang Probinsyano. It’s selling strength of character and bravery. It’s supposed to inspire and motivate them to be better in their everyday work, and to help them know how they can make a difference in little ways,” Tootsy says.
Connie Haw grew her paper empire from scratch. “Work brings meaning to my life. We were brought up, especially by my father, to not bum around. I’m very serious when it comes to my business because it started from nothing,” Connie says.
The wife of Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, Marga has made Mindanao textile and accessories a form of wearable art.
“I appreciate them (lumads) and have great respect for what they do. The workmanship has always been beautiful. But the pieces they did were too familiar for me to notice in the beginning,” shares Marga.
BPI Foundation head Maricris San Diego empowers Filipinos sans dole outs.
“Through our work, we’re redefining ‘charity’ and empowerment. Before, the traditional notion of helping people was simply by doling out money. But we’ve seen, time and time again, that that won’t sustain them. Give them money and they will be happy for a day. For me, what we’re teaching them is how to survive and thrive, making that shift from donation centered mindset to empowerment. On a greater scale, we’re also encouraging empowerment of communities through symbiotic relationship. Share with the community, and the community shares with you,” believes Maricris.
Finance wiz Jessica Palmiano stresses that a person’s strength also lies in the way she handles money. “I think that the Filipino culture is not very open to talking about money. We don’t really think about it; there’s the idea that once you graduate from college, your first salary should be spent on something big — iinom ka, lalabas ka (drink, go out). But if you go to well-developed countries, it’s different. Early on, they’re taught that you need to save money and start a fund when you start working. That’s what we want to teach people: that as early as now, invest in your future so that if anything happens to you later on, you’re covered.”
“Beauty-preneur” Aiza Diuco emphasizes that, “Beauty is not just the physical. Beauty without brains and a good heart is nothing. Aside from buying beauty products to take care of our physical beauty, we should also invest in things and activities that will enhance our mental skills and build our capabilities. Lastly, beauty fades but the goodness of the heart will always remain.”
Broadcast journalist Zen Hernandez tells the stories of the everyman.
“A great journalist is dedicated to delivering not just what people want to know, but what people need to know. They take their responsibility to the people and the nation, and their role in society, to heart.”
*** These Women of Style and Substance were recently honored by prestigious watch and jewelry brand Charriol at a power lunch at the Grand Hyatt at Uptown Bonifacio in Taguig City. I’ve always believed and said that a woman of style and substance is like a Charriol — you know one when you see one.
And you never forget either one of them. (For more information on PeopleAsia’s latest issue, contact Bong at 892-1854 or 0922-8776556.) (You may e-mail me at joanneraeramirez@yahoo.com.)