ANGELIQUE VILLARONTE

How Women Can Find Their Power

“Prove them wrong.” Angel believes that most Filipinas are too conservative to try new things. She says that most of them are stuck in that culture, where one should get married in their late 20s and be in the o ce. “Most Filipinas are scared to try and explore new things and risk things that may look di erent to the eyes of society.” To address this she exhorts women to prove that what men can do, they can also do. She believes that, whether in corporate or as public servants, females can also do what males can do.

How Jci Empowers Women

“JCI nurtured me to become the best version of myself, of what I can be. I saw myself growing in the organization taking on various roles and positions. It has taught me to become better, as a leader, as a woman, as an individual, human being. In JCI, I became confident with myself and became friends with other chapters in other areas and provinces.” She notes that, every March, JCI has Pinay Power programs to support women empowerment. In JCI, there are also many chapters consisting of all-female members. JCI makes projects that can benefit our communities while, at the same time, fosters members to become female leaders not just in our organization but for their community as well.

Finding Her Power

“I really believe that life is like driving a car. It needs the driver to hit that gas and to stir the wheel on the direction it wants to go. We control our own lives. And as we drive, we learn things that would help us grow and understand our surroundings more.”

Gabrielle is a Beauty Queen and Professional Model. She represents brands that are in line with her values and vision. She has already represented the Philippines twice in international competitions. What she likes most about what she’s doing is that she is able to amplify her influence and be given a chance to be heard. She uses her public platform to share her personal advocacies and touch other people’s lives. As a woman, Gabrielle believes that compassion for others and nurturing people that are close to her are her best qualities. Her mom is her role-model.

“She didn't only teach me how to walk and talk but also to be strong. Life will not always be perfect. There will be ups and downs but whats important is that you never run away from challenges. Its okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from it.” A simple smile brightens up her day. She dreams of becoming a successful business woman and someone who continues to inspire others and uplift their morale to achieve their ambitions in life.

How Women Can Find Their Power

“A girl becomes a woman when she has come to a stage where she can decide on her own, and be accountable to it. When she knows what she wants and making ways how to achieve them.”

Gabrielle belives that modern women today know how to be independent and stand on their own. They are open minded but still not compromising their values. And these are what they should also aspire to be. But, In her view, some Filipina women are still stuck within their comfort zones, thus giving them smaller opportunities for personal advancement. “We have to realise that we are now capable of doing anything and achieving everything we set our minds into. We just have to be brave and not afraid to go out there and give it a shot.” Being in the pageant industry for a long time, Gabrielle she feels bad to see individuals who have experienced discrimination. She says that violence against women is still prevalent in the Philippines. She observes that many crimes are still rampant of how women are being abused because of the stereotype that women are weak. To address this, she exhoerts that there should be more programs on self defense so more women know how to defend themselves.

How Jci Empowers Women

“I have learned a lot of things for the past year through JCI seminars and aside from that I notice that I am more comfort able talking to other people now compared to last year. JCI also helped me build genuine friendships that turned into family.” Gabrielle believes that JCI brings the opportunity of meeting di erent people and building women through socio-civic projects.

Finding Her Power

“I’m an outgoing, passionate and goal-driven person in constant pursuit of self-growth, life balance and creating meaningful impact in the lives of people.” A medical doctor by profession, Gisela’s strengths are a collection of the credentials, knowledge, skills, beliefs and experiences I have acquired through my education, work, leadership and organization life. Through the years, I have become more learned and wiser holistically. She admits that her weakness is her desire and attempt to accomplish everything by herself. But she has discarded her tendency for micromanagement by learning how to delegate.

She play sports like volleyball, table tennis and have recently been fond of golf. She loves traveling and basking in nature: beach, rivers, plains and mountains. She writes whenever she can, either for self-expression or for professionally such as medical work and research.

How Jci Empowers Women

“Before I joined, my cousin is an active BOD member in our LO. I have seen how impactful and high-yield JCI projects are and that grew the desire in me to be a part of it. I was invited some time back but I had too much on my plate then. I wanted to give and contribute to the organization wholeheartedly so when I became ready, I decided to be on board.” Gisela believes that JCI has a great structure and solid foundation that allows women to grow personally, professionally and be better individuals. She thinks that women will find value in our trainings and projects.

“I feel like I am maximizing and realizing my potential being in JCI.” She says that her local organization, JCI Legazpi Dawani, is among the many all-female organizations of JCI. True to their core, they have organized leadership development activities for young people, especially ladies that empower them as they lead the many roles they have as women and Filipinas of our society.