by | Mar 28, 2025 | Business
Texas, USA | In a world defined by rapid change and evolving social paradigms, the role of women in leadership has become a cornerstone of progress. “Her Legacy, Our Future” is more than a slogan—it’s a movement that underscores the transformative power of women leaders across industries, communities, and nations. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas (PACCTX) reminds us that the legacies forged by women today are shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Women’s ascent into leadership positions reflects decades of resilience and advocacy. From the suffragette movement to the present day, trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton laid the foundation for challenging gender norms and expectations. Today, women leaders symbolize modernity and future-oriented leadership, embodying qualities such as empathy, innovation, and perseverance.
Across industries, women are breaking barriers:
Corporate Leadership: Figures like Sheryl Sandberg at Facebook and Mary Barra at General Motors have shattered glass ceilings, proving that gender is no limitation to executive success.
Political Leadership: Leaders such as Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, and Kamala Harris have transformed policymaking by bringing diverse perspectives to governance.
Entrepreneurship: Visionaries like Oprah Winfrey and Sara Blakely have built empires while inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams.
These achievements are not isolated victories; they represent a collective shift toward inclusivity and empowerment.
PACCTX’s flagship event, Celebrating Women. Inspiring Change., showcases three extraordinary women whose stories epitomize leadership and legacy:
Atty. Regina May Cajucom-De Guzman
As head of the SEC Baguio Extension Office, Atty. Regina May Cajucom-De Guzman is a champion of financial integrity. Her work combats fraud and online scams while promoting ethical financial practices. Her journey demonstrates how law and advocacy can intersect to create safer economic landscapes for future generations.
Dr. Joyce Javier
Dr. Joyce Javier is rewriting narratives in pediatric health and mental wellness. As a researcher and pediatrician, she focuses on equity and inclusion for Filipino children, making her a beacon for families navigating mental health challenges.
Emily Rollins
Emily Rollins transitioned from corporate dominance as a Deloitte & Touche LLP partner to community-driven impact through board memberships with Dolby Laboratories and the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce. Her innovative approach to senior care through reminiscence therapy exemplifies leadership that prioritizes human connection over profit margins.
These women embody the essence of leadership—advocacy, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress.
The Ripple Effect of Legacy
True legacy isn’t measured in accolades but in the lives transformed by one’s actions. Women leaders create ripples that extend far beyond their immediate spheres:
Mentorship: Connecting young women with mentors helps them navigate challenges while building confidence and expanding networks. Mentorship programs have proven effective in empowering women to pursue leadership roles.
Advocacy: Leaders like Malala Yousafzai remind us that advocacy can ignite systemic change. Her fight for girls’ education has inspired millions worldwide.
Community Impact: Initiatives like Nigeria’s Feminist Coalition demonstrate how grassroots movements can address systemic issues such as economic empowerment and political participation.
These ripples build momentum, creating environments where future leaders can thrive.
Representation is one of the most powerful tools for inspiring young women to pursue leadership roles. When girls see figures like Atty. Regina May Cajucom-De Guzman or Angela Merkel excelling in their fields, it plants seeds of possibility. Representation tells them: You belong here.
For centuries, societal norms dictated that women should shrink themselves to make space for others. Today’s celebration is an unapologetic declaration that those days are over. Women are stepping forward—not only claiming their space but ensuring future generations never doubt their worth or potential.
PACCTX’s event transcends geographical boundaries by uniting women across five Texas regions—Dallas-Fort Worth, Greater Houston, Rio Grande Valley, Greater San Antonio, and Greater Austin—for a global live stream followed by regional gatherings. These gatherings foster networking opportunities, wellness sessions, and transformative conversations that reinforce sisterhood as a catalyst for progress.
Such initiatives echo global efforts to empower women through leadership development programs tailored specifically for them. Organizations like IMD offer training in decision-making, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence—skills essential for navigating top-tier roles. These programs equip women with tools to lead confidently while breaking down barriers in male-dominated spaces.
Challenges Faced by Women Leaders
Despite progress, challenges persist:
Underrepresentation: Women occupy only 28% of senior management roles globally; just 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women—a stark reminder of existing inequalities.
Systemic Barriers: Cultural norms often discourage women from pursuing leadership positions or assertively advocating for themselves.
Economic Disparities: Women disproportionately face economic challenges exacerbated by crises like COVID-19.
Addressing these issues requires collective action—policies promoting equity, mentorship programs fostering growth, and societal shifts challenging outdated norms.
The Future Is Female
As we look ahead, the promise of “Her Legacy, Our Future” becomes increasingly clear: The strength of today’s women will shape tomorrow’s leaders. This movement calls on us all—women and allies alike—to take action:
Support initiatives promoting gender equity in leadership roles.
Mentor young women navigating professional landscapes.
Advocate for policies addressing systemic barriers faced by female leaders.
Celebrate achievements while continuing to push boundaries for inclusivity.
Every voice matters; every action contributes to creating a world where every woman’s legacy is honored and every girl’s future is limitless.
“Her Legacy, Our Future” isn’t just about celebrating accomplishments—it’s about building systems that outlast individuals and movements that transcend borders. It’s about ensuring that no girl ever doubts her ability to lead or her right to dream big.
As PACCTX celebrates Women’s Month with this powerful initiative, we’re reminded that legacies aren’t crafted overnight—they’re forged through years of courage, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to something greater than oneself. The stories shared during this event serve as guideposts for young women daring to envision brighter futures—not just for themselves but for their communities and beyond.
This revolution is only beginning—and its impact will be felt for generations to come. Because “Her Legacy” isn’t just hers; it belongs to all of us who believe in change. It belongs to our shared future—a future built on strength, sisterhood, and boundless possibilities.
Let this celebration be your call to action: Dream big. Act boldly. And never underestimate the power one woman has to shape the world—and inspire countless others along the way.
The time has come not only to recognize women’s contributions but also to amplify their voices as architects of change—a reminder that every legacy built today paves the way for tomorrow’s unstoppable leaders.
Watch the livestream via PACCTX Facebook Page OR The New Channel Facebook Live – http://tiny.cc/CWIC2025OnFB and The New Channel YouTube Live – http://tiny.cc/CWIC2025OnYT
The same story also came out on www.thenewchannel.com/highlights. For more info about TNC, visit www.thenewchannel.com
#CWIC2025 #WomensMonth #HerLegacyOurFuture
by | Mar 28, 2025 | Business
With plans to distribute around 5000 titles across Asia by 2027, supporting the growing demands for diverse content in the region 
Ulight Entertainment Technology, a Singapore-based global media company, has entered into a strategic agreement with OUTtv, the leading Canadian LGBTQ+ TV channel and wedotv Movies, a Swiss global provider of free streaming content, to support their reach in Asia. The partnership marks a significant milestone in bringing diverse and inclusive programming to Asian audiences. Over the next three years, the collaboration aims to support the launch of these channels in pan Asia, leveraging Ulight’s expertise in content operation, scheduling, and market adaptation.
Expanding Diverse Programming Across Asia
This partnership comes at a time when demand for niche, high-quality entertainment is on the rise in Asia. Ulight’s experience in tailoring international content for local markets will ensure that both Outtv and wedotv Movies can deliver programmes that resonate with diverse Asian audiences. With its extensive expertise in platforms such as FAST, OTT, broadcast TV, and video-on-demand, Ulight will deliver 4,000–5,000 curated titles that meet the diverse content needs of Asia’s broadcasters and streaming services.
This partnership underscores our dedication to connecting global and local content,” said Lei Chi Chen, CEO and Founder of Ulight. “Working together allows us to bring meaningful, inclusive entertainment to millions in Asia while simplifying content operations for our partners.”
Known for its inclusive programming, OUTtv, expressed enthusiasm for entering the Asian market. “We are thrilled to work with Ulight in our efforts to expand our reach and share authentic daring and original stories with new audiences in Asia,” said Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv.
Bringing Global Content to Local Markets
Ulight serves as an operations hub for both OUTtv and wedotv Movies’s content, handling logistics, programming, and scheduling to align with Asian time zones and audience preferences. This collaboration will also give broadcasters access to carefully curated programming that reflects viewers’ distinct tastes and interests in the region.
Ulight’s support has helped facilitate partnerships with leading telecom providers, such as Chunghwa Telecom (MOD) in Taiwan, further expanding the accessibility of diverse content in Asia.
by Ferry Bayu | Mar 28, 2025 | Business
San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines – March 26, 2025 – P.A. Properties, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. (HHPC), and Anabuki Property Management Group have officially signed a strategic partnership to enhance property management services for the Idesia projects, which feature established Homeowners Associations (HoAs). This signing ceremony represents a significant step toward improving community living standards through quality property management, effective HoA management, and sustainable development.
Idesia is the premier residential brand of P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin Inc., a joint venture between P.A. Properties and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. of Osaka, Japan. The brand is designed to offer modern, well-planned housing communities across the Philippines. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and comfort, Idesia aims to redefine suburban living by providing residents with thoughtfully designed homes and comprehensive amenities.
Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, President and CEO of P.A. Properties, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing homeowner experiences: “This partnership strengthens our dedication to delivering not only quality homes but also effective property and homeowners’ association (HoA) management. Through this collaboration, we aim to create secure, well-maintained, and thriving communities where residents can enjoy a higher quality of life.”
Mr. Taisei Hayashi, representative of HHPC, highlighted the potential of the collaboration: “This is more than just a ceremonial agreement; it marks the beginning of a strong, forward-looking partnership. Together, we are combining our strengths: P.A. Properties’ insights, Hankyu Hanshin Properties’ expertise, and Anabuki Property Management’s contributions to further develop and enhance our projects.”
Mr. Ryuhei Onishi, President of Anabuki Property Management Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to bring our extensive experience in property and HoA management to ensure efficient operations, security, and overall homeowner satisfaction. Our focus is on fostering vibrant, well-maintained communities in which residents can truly take pride.”
This partnership will directly benefit current and future homeowners by enhancing property maintenance, security, and overall community management. Homeowners’ associations can expect improved facilities, responsive services, and a seamless living experience, reinforcing Idesia’s reputation as a trusted residential brand.
The event gathered executives from all three companies, celebrating a shared vision for enhanced property management. Moving forward, homeowners can expect an elevated standard of living supported by expert-driven community management.
by | Mar 28, 2025 | Business
Founder Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro established Lamoiyan in 1988, growing it from 20 employees to nearly 200 today, exporting over a dozen brands across APAC and MENA. A 100% Filipino family-run business, Joel Conrad Pedro steps into his father’s legacy of success in 2024.
Jovial, warm and direct, this 40-year-old Chief Executive is far from cut-and-paste. Joel went through the ranks paving his way to COO, then to CEO. An adventure glamper, car lover and concurrent CEO of Overland Kings, what can Joel bring to the table of a household and hygiene brand? Answer: A lot.
Says Joel, “You play with the cards that you’re dealing with. So Lamoiyan is a card I am dealt with because it’s a family business. Over the time we’ve been running this business, I’m blessed to have a good team with us without whom I cannot run my other business. That’s the nature of this work.”
The young CEO is stepping into leadership with solid business sense plus a reliable support system that allows freedom to explore other opportunities and interests. “Everybody needs passion here and there. I’m a businessman who likes the outdoors and cars, and I think everybody can agree that you need something to take your mind off things so you can do your main job excellently. My Overland Kings business is an outlet for me to be able to creatively give input on what else I do,” he adds.
Lamoiyan operates with core values of integrity, equality, and inclusion. Their brand is praised for prioritizing hearing-impaired individuals providing meaningful employment opportunities, and recognizing their community. Under its new CEO, the company reinforces these efforts through CSR initiatives like the creation of Silent Sanctuary, a self-sustaining school for the hearing-impaired that also serves as a glamping site.
As an outdoor enthusiast, Joel encourages clients to visit the site, with all proceeds supporting the school’s operations. “Silent Sanctuary is self-sustaining. It serves a clientele, and it’s easier to tell people to go camping than just always asking donation money for them. If they enjoy nature, if they enjoy the facility, maybe they give a bigger tip. It is win-win. That’s how we’re able to sustain it.”
Win-win mentality and spotting opportunity from crisis are Lamoiyan traits. During the lockdown, Lamoiyan produced isopropyl and ethyl alcohol brands that helped stabilize business and avoided layoffs.
“I think it’s a matter of being excellent in what you have. I always believe in being a good steward of what you’re given. At the end of the day, our mission and vision still goes back to helping the Filipinos, give them a product of quality, and affordable, that gives Filipinos products they can use. It’s also important to do it excellently. Have an excellent team.”
by | Mar 28, 2025 | Business
For years, the energy industry has mostly been a man’s world. But at Alsons Power, things are changing — and women are redefining the field.
At the heart of this transformation are three remarkable women from the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) power plant in Maasim, Sarangani. Meet our power buddies Fritz Asuero, Kimberly Gaturian, and Charmaine Joyce Maningo — engineers, leaders, and role models. They’re not just breaking stereotypes; they’re helping to build a future where skill, heart, and determination matter more than gender.
For years, the energy industry has mostly been a man’s world. But at Alsons Power, things are changing — and women are redefining the field.
At the heart of this transformation are three remarkable women from the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) power plant in Maasim, Sarangani. Meet our power buddies Fritz Asuero, Kimberly Gaturian, and Charmaine Joyce Maningo — engineers, leaders, and role models. They’re not just breaking stereotypes; they’re helping to build a future where skill, heart, and determination matter more than gender.
Breaking barriers, embracing innovation, and empowering future generations—Alsons Power’s female Power Buddies Fritz Asuero, Kimberly Gaturian, and Charmaine Joyce Maningo are reshaping the role of women in the energy sector.
Defying Stereotypes
Knowing how tough it can be for women in the energy sector, Kimberly Gaturian, a Distributed Control System (DCS) Engineer at SEC, shows that women can definitely make their mark and succeed in the power industry.
“I don’t have to compete with anyone in this male-dominated field; I just have to compete with myself and be the best version of me,” she affirms.
As an engineer, Kimberly helps ensure the smooth operation of the plant through advanced technology and smart systems. One of her proudest achievements is the wall seal blower changeover process, which has significantly improved plant safety and even influenced the design of SEC Unit 2.
Engineer Fritz Asuero, in charge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC), knows what it’s like to be underestimated. People often assume women take longer to master engineering. But for Fritz, that only lights a fire within. “It’s not about being a man or a woman. It’s about passion and hard work.” Rather than letting this bias hold her back, she uses it as fuel to prove her skills, problem-solving abilities, and fresh perspectives in the workplace.
Currently, Fritz plays a key role in implementing Energy Management System, optimizing electricity use, and advancing sustainability efforts to further enhance the plant’s operational efficiency.
Then there’s Engineer Charmaine Joyce Maningo, a proud Maguindanaon who began her journey as a Project Control Engineer in 2014. Over the years, she took on bigger responsibilities — from managing warranties and saving the company significant costs, to overseeing the final acceptance of the plant’s Unit 1 and handling the warranty process for Unit 2 until 2021. She has since become a Juris Doctor and now serves as Regulatory Compliance Supervisor. Her combination of engineering and legal expertise is rare — and powerful.
“Alsons Power has a strong work culture that values expertise and fosters an inclusive space for women. Your success in the company is not defined by gender but by competence and determination,” Charmaine shared.
A Culture That Empowers, Not Just Employs
At Alsons Power, women are not just making their mark; they are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. Through equal opportunities, mentorship, and a culture that values talent over gender, the company fosters a supportive workplace where women can thrive and contribute to shaping the future of energy.
“The plant may still be male-dominated, but the women here are among the best in their fields because we are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to excel,” said Fritz.
Kimberly believes that Alsons Power enables women to leverage their unique strengths in engineering, particularly in driving innovation and advancing sustainability. “We may not be the ones physically hauling motors from the field to the workshop, but we have been trusted to develop an effective maintenance plan to prevent the need for removal in the first place. We can design automated controls to drive valves, reducing the need for manual labor,” she explains.
Women bring unique strengths to the industry — attention to detail, empathy, multi-tasking, and strategic thinking. And Alsons Power gives them space to shine.
Powering A More Inclusive Future
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the role of women becomes increasingly vital. Alsons Power celebrates their contributions through a culture rooted in care, inclusion, and equal opportunity—true to the Group’s brand promise: We Power with Care.
The Group is committed to building an environment where women can lead, thrive, and flourish—because at Alsons Power, the future isn’t just powered by energy, it’s powered by people.
by | Mar 27, 2025 | Business
URSEL Murillo-Laureno has been the co-founder and CEO of EdFolio and SkoolTek, taking solutions in education technology (EdTech) to the next level.
With a background in
educational leadership, she previously served as the principal of Bethany
Baptist Academy in Iligan City, Philippines, where she introduced a tablet-based
digital learning program in 2015, setting the stage for her passion for
innovation in education.
Driven by the
challenges schools faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ursel launched EdFolio,
a marketplace for e-books and educational supplementary materials.
She later developed
SkoolTek, a comprehensive school management system. The platform integrated
enrollment, billing, learning management, artificial intelligence facial
recognition, blockchain-based transcript management, a career-predictive-profiling
system, and other upcoming features, offering a seamless digital ecosystem for
schools.
Under her leadership,
EdFolio and SkoolTek have surpassed growth targets and are on track to double their
respective revenues.
This year, the two
companies continued to expand in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
region.
Just recently, the
companies got into an investment-linked program run by an EdTech accelerator, based in Singapore.
Laureno also founded
the National Educational & Technology Conference or EdTek Con 2025, a
premiere event that brought together educators as well as industry and
government leaders to discuss the future of education in the Philippines.
A Christian
entrepreneur, Laureno credited her success to God’s
faithfulness.
Having witnessed
firsthand how God’s provision sustained her business through critical moments,
she has made it her mission to bridge technology and education to ensure that
institutions — regardless of size — could thrive in the digital era.
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