She Talks Asia Summit 2024

Two months ago, I was invited by my friend and She Talks Asia co-founder Iza Calzado – Wintle to attend the She Talks Asia Summit. She Talks Asia is a non-profit organization that celebrates, inspire, and support women. Along with Iza, the organization is made up of similarly powerful women: Lynn Pinugu, Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, Sarah Meier, and Vicky Herrera. This year’s summit was held at the Globe Tower in BGC.

When I arrived at the venue, She Talks Asia’s Lynn, Bianca, and Iza were on stage welcoming the packed venue and all-seated audience. As I surveyed the scene, I was surrounded by people eager to be enlightened and inspired by the women who will speak on Breaking Stereotypes, the theme of this year’s summit. It’s time for women to break away from gender stereotypes and write their own narratives in order to pursue their dreams and attain their full potential. I’m delighted that such an organization recognizes the importance of this initiative and host such gatherings to motivate women and anybody else interested in becoming more empowered.

Karen Davila, the STA women’s co-chairwoman and journalist, was the first guest they invited on stage. Ms. Karen discussed the awful truth that while women dislike being judged, women judge other women. To avoid this, she advised the attendees to check themselves and their biases, which she herself continuously does.

Former Vice President Atty. Leni Robredo took the stage next. I’m sure it’s not just me who feels this but she really has that aura of peace when you see her. I even shed a tear or two because I remembered how everyone, including myself, wanted her to lead this country so bad during the previous national election. She (un)intentionally started a revolution, the good and non-violent kind. Anyway, she was interviewed by Lynn who obviously was giddy and admittedly appointed herself to interview Atty. Leni. The former VP shared a few things regarding her experience and job at the government. How “calmness” was her super power every time she’d receive derogatory remarks during her time as VP and the campaign period. Atty. Leni also answered questions from the audience and left everyone with a memorable and uplifting interview regarding empathy and the importance of believing in yourself.

Webby Award winner, content creator Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez and photographer Shaira Luna were interviewed by TV presenter and journalist Lia Cruz. Both Abi and Shaira discussed how they took a different path in their careers compared to what they studied and what others anticipated of them. I’ve known Shaira since she first started taking pictures for events (while I was still working for a music magazine, we were one of those that assigned her to cover events) until she became the sought-after photographer she is today. I enjoy watching Abi’s content because she attempts to put everything in a lumpia wrapper with her hilarious and occasionally “hugot” side comments. Abi stressed how she learned not to tie her looks to her worth, to ignore the noise, and to simply focus on what she was doing. Shaira, on the other hand, has long been associated with being a “gifted child” due to her actual status as one of the stars of that legendary milk commercial, but the brilliant photographer feels that people hire her because she shows up and gets the job done. I can attest to this, having worked with her multiple times. The women are celebrating their freedom to choose their own path, and as a result, they are now enjoying the benefits of their achievement and really happy.

Following the interview, a lunch break was announced, and the program resumed after one hour. Uniqlo sponsored a segment, which Jas Curtis-Smith hosted. Everyone was divided into different teams. GCash’s Cathlyn Pavia and Gilda Maquilan then took the stage. They discussed finances and how vital it is for everyone, particularly women, to have their own money and savings. They provided advice on managing spending and budgeting. This was followed by a presentation from one of the most courageous people I’ve ever seen, Larra Lasam. Larra was 11 years old when she was trapped inside a flaming bathroom and sustained third-degree burns. An incident like that might shatter your spirit, but Larra chose the opposite path and continues to urge that such adversity should not derail you from living your life. She continues to recount her story and the process by which she liberated herself from the “victim mindset” and ultimately realized her own empowerment.

Unfortunately, I had to leave from the event and was unable to listen in in the experiences and achievements shared by some of the afternoon participants, such as the women from Titas of BTS, Eugene Domingo, and Denise Ong. Hearing and taking in the wisdom of my female colleagues was an enriching experience. She Talks Asia executed this summit with great success. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from an afternoon spent with empowered women, and I would be delighted to encourage everyone to attend their future summit.