A Celebration of Women Leadership in the Philippines: 3rd Women Lead Conference Draws Over 200 Women of Commerce

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI), in partnership with Connected Women and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA), successfully hosted the 3rd Women Lead Conference on March 12, 2025, at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel. This prestigious event, held in celebration of International Women’s Month, gathered over 200 leading women in commerce to foster women empowerment and collaboration.

The conference commenced with a warm welcome from ICCPI President Sergio Boero, Executive Director Lorens Ziller, and Claudia Batacchi Santoro, wife of the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines. This was followed by a special tribute to Margarita Fores, a celebrated name in the culinary industry, before an inspiring keynote address by Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque of the Department of Trade & Industry, setting the stage for an impactful day. 

The master of ceremonies for the special occasion was Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Director- Liza Diño and ICCPI Director of Media & Public Relations, Gabrielle Hahn Lopez.

Special dance performance from talented Filipina women of the Alice Reyes Dance School

The first session of the day focused on Women Leadership, with the keynote speech given by Rosemarie Rafael, President of Airspeed and Chairwoman of WomenBizPH, sharing insights on her leadership journey Rafael shared her transformative journey in business leadership, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her powerful message encouraged women to embrace their unique strengths and lead with confidence.

Keynote Speaker Rosemarie Rafael- President of Airspeed and Chairwoman of WomenBizPH

A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring prominent women in leadership:

• Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Editor-in-Chief of MEGA

• Nikki D. Tang, CEO of DMark Beauty and a strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment

• Ruth Yu-Owen, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines, who spoke on sustainability in leadership

• Ice Calderon, President of Bizzgator, who shared insights on leading in the digital era

(From left-right) Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Editor-in-Chief of MEGA, Nikki D. Tang, CEO of DMark Beauty, Ruth Yu-Owen, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Ice Calderon, President of Bizzgator and  Andria Bondad Nicolas, Chief Marketing Officer of Tag Media Group

The session was skillfully moderated by Andria Bondad Nicolas, Chief Marketing Officer of Tag Media Group, who guided the discussion toward practical strategies for fostering inclusive leadership. Attendees left the session with renewed determination to push for gender equality and innovation in their respective industries.

Men as Allies & Supporters

Dr. Wallace Panlilo II of Wisest Learners

Highlighting the role of men in supporting women’s leadership, Gio Ortiz-Luis (PYEA) and Dr. Wallace Panlilio II (Wisest Learners) delivered inspiring messages on the significance of allyship in professional and personal development.

Gio Ortiz Luis, President of the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA)

The second session focused on Women in Profession and Careers, with the keynote speech given by Kaye C. Tinga, President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, sharing insights on her journey in professional and career development, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her powerful message encouraged women to embrace their unique strengths and lead with confidence.

Kaye C. Tinga- President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

A panel discussion featuring prominent women in profession and careers followed. The panelists included:

• Abbie Casanova, President of SB Finance

• Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon, Vice President of Bellevue Hotel

• Judee Quiazon, North Luzon District Director & Executive Committee Member, BNI Philippines and Executive Director of BNI Taguig

• Charmaine N. Co, President of Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA)

(From left-right) Elvie Sanchez Quiazon, Vice-President at the Bellevue Hotel; Abbie Casanova, President of SB Finance; Judee Quiazon, North Luzon District Director & Executive Committee Member, BNI Philippines; Charmaine N. Co, President of Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA); and Jacques Castillo, President and CEO of Mabuhay Energy Corporation. 

The session was expertly facilitated by Jacques Castillo, President and CEO of Mabuhay Energy Corporation and Adjunct Professor at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. With her guidance, the discussion focused on actionable strategies for promoting inclusive leadership. Participants left the session inspired and motivated to advocate for gender equality and drive innovation within their field.

Miss Universe Segment

The next segment was called Miss Universe Questions in Health, Beauty, Fashion & Design. In this segment, representatives asked different thought provoking questions in a “miss universe style”. The speakers for this segment are:

• Liza Diño, Former Beauty Pageant Winner and CEO of Fire & Ice Media Productions

• Frances Lee , Scholar Graduate University of Trento Italy

• Aliah Rafael , Chief of Staff at Airspeed

• Janina Lorelei , Award Winning Opera Singer

• Martina Salimbangon, Director of Operations for Organique 

• Gel Święciński, Chief Sales Officer of Asia Food Expo

• Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO of Dear Face Beauty and New Moon

The host for this special segment was Gabrielle Hahn-Lopez, Director of Public & Media Relations at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines & GMA Sparkle Artist.

Anna Magkawas, CEO and Founder of Luxe Beauty

The third session was Beauty & Wellness: Nutrition & Mental Health. This panel highlighted women who are dedicated to promoting holistic well-being, advocating for self-care, and shaping industries that enhance both physical and mental health. 

Riza Shanti Lim, CEO of Orissa Garden of Wellness

 Keynote speakers were Anna Magkawas founder of Luxe Beauty & Wellness and Riza Lim, CEO of Orissa Garden of Wellness.

(From left-right) Martina Salimbangon- Director of Operations for Organique Inc. Mikaela Lagdameo , CEO of Beauty Restore, Model, Mompreneur, and Wellness Advocate, Ollay Aninion , Owner of Bikram Yoga Makati Dr. Leah Yolo, President and Medical Director of Kaiser International Health Group and Nikki D. Tang- CEO of Dmark Beauty

 A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring prominent women in Beauty & Wellness: Nutrition & Mental Health:

• Dr. Leah Yolo, President and Medical Director of Kaiser International Health Group 

• Mikaela Lagdameo , CEO of Beauty Restore, Model, Mompreneur, and Wellness Advocate

• Martina Salimbangon , Director of Operations for Organique Inc.

• Ollay Aninion , Owner of Bikram Yoga Makati

The session  was expertly moderated by Nikki D. Tang. She steered the discussion toward practical strategies for fostering inclusivity and empowerment in these industries. Participants left the session inspired, equipped with new insights, and motivated to advocate for innovation and gender equality in their respective fields.

(From left-right) Gabrielle Hahn Lopez, Miles Ballestar, Atty. Aileen D. Regio and Lorens Ziller

The  fourth session, focused on the special women who embody the essence of the Modern Woman. This panel highlightsd women who have successfully navigated careers, entrepreneurship, and innovation while embracing flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The session speaker for this panel  Atty. Aileen D. Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications. 

(From left-right): Grace Santiago, President at CosmoBridge, Inc., Rosanna Ocampo, President and Creative Director of Rosanna Ocampo, Inc.,Andrea Jugueta, Vice-President of Solaire Resorts, Ingrid Beroña, Chief Risk Officer at GCash and  Jacques Castillo, President and CEO of Mabuhay Energy Corporation

A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring prominent women:

• Ingrid Beroña, Chief Risk Officer at GCash

• Andrea Jugueta, Vice-President of Solaire Resorts

• Grace Santiago, President at CosmoBridge, Inc.

• Rosanna Ocampo, President and Creative Director of Rosanna Ocampo, Inc.

Once again, the moderator for this session was Jacques Castillo, President and CEO of Mabuhay Energy Corporation and Adjunct Professor at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

The fifth and last session for this event focused on Women Entrepreneurship. This panel highlighted women who have successfully built and led businesses, driven innovation, and made significant contributions to economic growth. Their ability to adapt to market changes, harness new opportunities, and inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs showcases the dynamic role of women in shaping the business landscape today.

 Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, the CEO of Executive Genesis.

The session speaker for this segment was Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, the CEO of Executive Genesis.

 A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring prominent women in Entrepreneurship:

• Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO of Dear Face Beauty and New Moon

• Miles Ballestar, Co-founder,owner & CEO of iONTEK Power Solutions Corporation

• Dr. Christine Daguno-Canoy,President and CEO of Neocolors Productions and Advertising Inc.

• Atty. Amanda Carpo, Co-founder & Chief Legal Counsel of KMC Solutions

  
  

(From left-right): Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO of Dear Face Beauty and New Moon

The session was expertly moderated by Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, President of Tag Media Group. She led the conversation toward effective approaches for promoting inclusivity and empowerment within these industries. Attendees walked away with fresh perspectives, valuable knowledge, and a renewed drive to champion innovation and gender equality in their respective fields.

The event concluded with a powerful message on the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in creating opportunities for women across industries.

The Women Lead Conference 2025 was made possible through the generous support of Terravision, Security Bank Corporation, Araneta City, Dusit Thani Manila, Eastern Communications, Dear Face, The Bellevue Manila, Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, Kaiser International Healthgroup Inc., KMC, DMark Beauty, Neocolors Productions and Advertising Inc., and many more.

For more inforrmation on the Women Lead Conference email info@iccpi.org.ph or message 0960-2837697

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Written by: Kristal David, ICCPI Intern, March 2025