Because Business is No Longer Just a Man’s World

Not too long ago, a woman’s place is in the house – running the household and taking care of the needs of the children and her husband.  Then as times changed, she slowly began to learn and enjoy her rights and work for the accomplishment of her dreams.  Presently, although women are still struggling to “break the glass ceiling,” whether in corporate or in business, a big number have been recognized for their exemplary efforts in growing their own businesses.

The SGV Foundation and the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP) jointly published a book that celebrates and honors the achievements of the Philippines’ top women entrepreneurs.  Launch recently, the book titled Aspirations & Inspirations: Filipino Women Entrepreneurs by Jessica Zafra features the 42 women winners and finalists of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Philippines.

Reading the book will make you realize that the featured Filipina entrepreneurs are just like any other mother, daughter or sister who cared for their loved ones and did their duties and obligations to the family.  At the same time, the book will inspire you to attain your professional and personal achievements just as the women entrepreneurs did.  Their stories ranged from starting the business at home, continuing the legacy started by their parents, being pioneers of the industry, being married their business partners, switching careers, and to starting a social enterprise. 

Some of the featured women in the book are Lolita O. Hizon of Pampanga’s Best, Julita P. Urbina of Café Laguna, Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin of Multiple Intelligence International School, Socorro C. Ramos of National Book Store, Amelia D. Manas of Bruno’s Barbers, Gemma N. Bulos of A Single Drop for Safe Water, and Marianne G. Quebral for Venture for Fund Raising, among others.  Their businesses survived trials and grew to have great impact to the economy and to the society, touching many lives in the process.

WBCP President Chit Juan, author Jessica Zafra and WBCP Chair Boots Garcia

The book launch is one of the activities in celebration of the 10^th year anniversary of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines program, where The Woman Entrepreneur Of The Year award has been a vital part of.  With the belief that women entrepreneurs have a special gift, EOY Program Director Atty. Antonette Tionko has this to say,” Aside from having innate business sense, these women also show the power of compassion.  They have the ability to understand people and work within the dynamics of family, business and society.  The abilities of these women entrepreneurs are beyond question; but it may be their capacity for caring that makes them even better at what they do.”

On the other hand, the Women’s Business Council or WomenBizPH, headed by its Chair Ma. Aurora D. Geotina-Garcia and President Pacita U. Juan, will bring the books to the international conferences its members regularly attend or are invited to for speaking engagements.  Many WomenBizPH members are also Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines winners and finalists and they are also featured in the book.


This article was also published in HerWord.com 
http://www.herword.com/unwind/main.php?id=aspirations_and_inspirations

Jeep Ni Juan

"Beep beep beep beep. Sabi ng tsuper ng jeep. Beep beep beep beep. Tabi kayo’t baka kayo’y maipit," goes one of the famous songs of 70s rock legend Juan dela Cruz about the colorful public transportation that has since been a Filipino trademark. Another Juan is sending us a message of pride for the Filipino jeepney and passion as an entrepreneur.

Jeep ni Juan -- a history of the jeep in the Philippines

"Jeep ni Juan" is a book written by Bienvenido and Pacita Juan with Gerard and Tina Dumlao based on Dr. Maximino D. Juan's entrepreneural journey from being a dentist into establishing MD Juan Enterprises in the late 1960s to become a supplier of jeep replacement parts business. The story also highlights the history of transportation in the Philippines, as Juan’s company assembled and later mass-produced what came to be known as the jeep as inspired by the World War II military vehicle used by the American soldiers. It was said that Dr. Juan ventured into the jeep replacement parts business when he learned that some enterprising Filipinos were refurbishing jeeps that were abandoned by the Americans.

Ms. Pacita "Chit" Juan signing a book

“Jeep ni Juan” is filled with photos and historical accounts of a variety of jeepneys, accompanied by anecdotes from friends, family and business associates that attest to how brilliant Dr. Juan was as a entrepreneur and a family man, raising eight children -- all of whom are successful in their own right -- among them are Bienvenido “Sonny” U. Juan, chair of MD Juan Enterprise, and Pacita Juan, social entrepreneur and owner of ECHOstore and Le Bistro Vert.

"Jeep ni Juan" is published by Anvil Publishing and is available in leading bookstores nationwide.

Me with Ms. Chit Juan at the book launch