Purpose-driven power: Filipina leaders on shaping success today
Women belong in the rooms where decisions are made. More than ever, they are claiming that space with clarity, purpose, and power.
On March 14, four accomplished Filipina leaders took part in the panel discussion “Women in Business Today,” held at Robinsons Galleria.
In celebration of National Women’s Month, Philstar Media Group, in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation, brought together voices shaping today’s business landscape.
The session coincided with the ninth leg of the NakakaLocal Year 4 Tatak Pinay Bazaar, adding depth to a weekend that championed Filipina entrepreneurship and creativity.
The panel featured Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, chief executive officer of the Philippine SME Business Expo and Network (PHILSME); Dani Barretto-Panlilio, founder and CEO of Wellness Whispers; Liz Villanueva, marketing communications and engagement lead at EastWest Ageas; and Apple Esplana-Manansala, co-owner and vice president of PuzzleBox BPO Inc., and president and CEO of The New Channel Media Corp.
Spaces for women
“I think Filipinos have already reached a point where women are given more opportunities,” said Esplana-Manansala.
Barretto-Panlilio echoed this, noting that women today are increasingly given the space to thrive beyond traditional gender expectations.
“What a time to be alive—women are now the main characters,” she said.
With greater trust placed in them, women continue to rise to the occasion, proving their capability to lead and succeed.
Recipe for success
Villanueva emphasized that building a business begins with taking care of one’s health and energy.
“That will be your biggest asset when you build an empire,” she said.
Starting a business comes with risks and uncertainty, Villanueva added, making it essential to have both a strong support system and a clear vision.
Esguerra-Abrenilla pointed out that success is not defined solely by founding a business.
“You don’t really have to be the founder—what’s important is how you sustain and grow it,” she said.
When purpose and vision align, they become a powerful foundation for long-term success.
Thinking ahead
Esplana-Manansala encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to think long term.
“Get yourself into something that you think, in the long term, will make sense in your life,” she said.
She added that businesses should evolve into purpose-driven ventures—ones that go beyond profit and address real-world needs through their products or services.
Sharing her company’s guiding philosophy, Villanueva said, “We have this philosophy called 'Purple: Purpose in People'.”
She emphasized that keeping both purpose and people at the core allows a business to grow with intention while creating meaningful impact.
Owning the space
“Find your ikigai because that’s your main purpose. I’ve always believed that when you do what you’re best at doing, money will follow,” said Esguerra-Abrenilla.
Barretto-Panlilio shared a belief she lives by: “You are not just the roles you play for others. You are a force on your own.”
Together, their insights served as a reminder for women to define success on their own terms—and to fully embrace the power they hold.
