-
Rooted in Her Story, Rising on Her Own Terms: Kathleen Besas’ Journey of Reckoning
She earned the degrees, climbed the ladder and reached the top; but it wasn’t until she reconnected with her roots that she truly found herself. To many of us, reaching the top is the ultimate feat, the greatest finish line. But for Kathleen Besas—a nurse of over 12 years and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—it felt like a question mark. “I was a type A student,” Kat admitted. “An overachiever, a perfectionist. Because I was the eldest daughter who had to figure everything out…
-
AWE PH Summit 2025: Real Stories of Women Who Dared to Dream
At the AWE Philippines Summit 2025, I witnessed what happens when 100 women refuse to let fear stand between them and their dreams. From mental health advocates to cheese pimiento entrepreneurs, these stories of resilience and innovation reminded me why every business deserves to be celebrated.
-
How We Almost Missed Our Wedding
Did you know that we almost didn’t get married 5 years ago? My husband and I still talk and laugh about this blooper to this day. Such happy and hilarious memories! But before I dive into that thrilling detail, let me share with you how I met Jan Ray (this is probably my version of How I Met Your Father 🤣). He Had Me at Hello We met through mutual friends: my close friend (PG) made a new friend (Munel) who happened to be a…
-
How Jean Found True Love on a Plane: 7 Lessons for a Happy Marriage
An unexpected seat swap turned into a life partner—Jean shares what really sustains love beyond the butterflies “It all started with ‘Hi and Hello.’” As soon as Jean Cabatingan-Moore began narrating her story, it felt like I was watching the plot unfold straight out of a romantic movie. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the movie, “Love at First Sight.” Jean was on her way back home for the holidays and the hour-long flight from Manila to Bohol was the last leg of the…
-
Sheryl Guir: An Embodiment of a Strong, Resilient Woman
From grief to grace, Sheryl chooses courage, community, and small daily wins to raise two daughters and rebuild a meaningful life When life gives you lemons, what do you do? The proverbial phrase tells us to make lemonade, but Sheryl Guir chooses to make Margaritas instead. This is how she transforms even the sourest and most bitter moments of her life into sources of strength, becoming the strong and resilient woman she is today. A Multifaceted Woman A single mom of two, Sheryl wears many…
-
5 Lessons I Learned When My Dad Was in the ICU
The past month was undoubtedly a roller coaster ride full of challenges and emotional distress for me and my family. My dad was rushed to the hospital with a critical condition, and after a week, his condition worsened. We decided to transfer to another facility since we could no longer afford the bills. We spent another week at a government hospital and tried to remain resilient and optimistic throughout this ordeal. However, the Lord had other plans. My dad joined the Creator on September 4,…
-
A Glimpse of Cebu’s Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark
Despite the strong, cold gusts of Super Typhoon Egay (Doksuri) ravaging the whole country, the cold weather didn’t stop vacationers from enjoying countless dips and dives at the Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. When we stepped into this luxury family destination, I was eager to see what this 5-star hotel and resort offered to what seemed like an unending drive of tourists (mostly Koreans). Thanks to the newly built CCLEX, the travel time from mainland Cebu to Mactan Island has been…
-
Seven Breastfeeding Tips For First-time Moms, As Told By A Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding is one obstacle many mothers find challenging to master, and I couldn’t agree more! As a first-time mom, I also had ups and downs trying to produce milk for my little one. The first month was a rollercoaster ride, but thanks to lactation consultant Janice Bustamante-Aton, I was able to sail through this new journey with ease. Every August, we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month. I had the privilege of speaking with Janice or “Ate Ja” about the challenges of breastfeeding, especially for first-time moms. While the…
-
From Dreamer to Aesthetic Doctor: How Rovi Found Her True Calling
From Oncology track to aesthetic practice, Rovi chose work–life balance and the freedom to help patients feel confident—on their own terms Sometimes, life’s most profound decisions arise from the unlikeliest circumstances. Such is the case for the talented and sophisticated Rovi Valerie Baguhin-Cayetuna, MD, whose steadfast dedication to saving lives took an unexpected turn. Her journey is a testament that life’s truest fulfillment lies in embracing the unforeseen. Rovi, an epitome of grace and intellect, stood out wherever she went. Our paths crossed during high school,…
