Birthday Reflections:
4 Lessons I’ve Learned (A Shoutout to My Fellow Pinays)
Click above for a special greeting from me!
As I celebrate another year, I want to take a moment to give back and share a few life lessons that have shaped me. These insights come from my own experiences, especially as a Pinay navigating paths where few mentors look like me or share my background. I’m grateful for all the birthday love, and in return, I hope these reflections resonate with you—especially for my fellow Pinays out there.
Whether you're reevaluating your life, questioning what’s next, or just in need of a little inspiration, here are the lessons that have guided me and might help you on your journey.
1. Challenge the beliefs and values that are inherited
We’re raised in a culture that emphasizes respect for family, tradition, and the beliefs passed down to us. While these values are important, it’s essential to ask yourself if they align with who you truly are and who you want to become. As a Pinay, I’ve had to confront the expectations placed on me by family and society, particularly the notion that success only looks a certain way — like pursuing a “safe” career or following a specific life path. For me, it was stepping out of the norm to build restaurants, advocate for the Filipino community, and now move into venture-backed businesses. But first, I had to question: Were these beliefs empowering me or holding me back?
To those of you who feel pressure to conform, I encourage you to dig deep and assess whether the values you hold are inherited or authentically yours. This questioning is a necessary part of growth. Don’t be afraid to push back and redefine what success, family, and purpose mean for you. What are the values that assist you in navigating life’s ups-and-downs and how does that shape your experience with others?
2. Find a source of self-worth that has nothing to do with your looks or your achievements
It’s easy, especially for Pinays, to internalize the idea that our worth comes from how we look or what we accomplish. Whether it’s societal beauty standards or the pressure to excel in our careers, we’re conditioned to tie our value to external markers. As someone who has spent time in both the beauty industry and the public eye, I know this firsthand.
But I’m here to tell you: true self-worth comes from something much deeper. Sure, I care what I look like, but I know it’s really only skin deep. I’ve gotten to really know who I am when no one’s looking, when the accolades fade, or when the mirror isn’t involved. It’s about the relationships you nurture, the love and care you show yourself, and the impact you make that has nothing to do with your appearance or achievements. Don’t let your looks or accomplishments define you. Dig deeper and connect with your worth from within.
3. Take a gap year
For many of us, the idea of taking a gap year — or even just taking a step back — feels indulgent or even irresponsible. But what if that pause is exactly what you need to gain clarity on your next step?
I’ve found that some of my biggest breakthroughs came when I allowed myself space to breathe, to reflect, and to reassess where I was going. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to press pause. Whether it’s a physical break, like traveling, or simply stepping back from a project or career path, use that time to reconnect with your purpose. As a Pinay, the pressure to constantly keep going can feel immense, but remember: rest and reflection are part of the journey, too.
4. Multiply by Division
This concept is one of the hardest to grasp but perhaps the most important. Multiplying by division means that sometimes, you have to let go of certain things —and even certain people — in order to grow. Whether it’s an outdated version of yourself, a limiting belief, or even a relationship that’s no longer serving you, don’t be afraid to let it go.
In my own journey, I’ve had to make difficult decisions about where to invest my energy, what ventures to pursue, and who I allow into my space. It’s hard, especially when you feel loyal to the past, but dividing your attention between too many things that don’t serve your growth will only dilute your potential. By cutting back on what doesn’t align with your vision, you create room to multiply the things that truly matter. This can be freeing, even if it feels like a loss at first. Trust that every division is paving the way for your multiplication.
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I hope these reflections resonate with you. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’ve been at it for years, remember: life isn’t linear. It’s full of twists, pauses, and moments of reinvention. And that’s the beauty of it.
Wishing you all the strength and clarity in your journey, mga Pinay! Keep pushing, questioning, and growing.
MANILA
Gastronomiya!
Calling all Mañilenos.
Join me and Manila’s premier restaurant owners, operators, and hospitality leaders to discuss the future of the Philippines as a top destination for **culinary tourism**. This is your chance to be part of the movement to **market Filipino cuisine** and **focus on hospitality competitiveness** 🌍 🍽
Join us September 18! We are kicking off the planning with a symposium that gathers the city’s premier restaurateurs and hospitality leaders. Together, we’ll dive into how we can push Manila’s dining scene as a global destination and — dare I say it — prepare for the moment when Michelin finally turns its gaze our way. The Philippines is on the verge of an economic leap in 2030, and with its young, dynamic population, the food scene is about to explode. I, for one, can’t wait to be part of that culinary revolution.
If you’re intrigued (and you should be), or if you or your brand want to join this exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Manila’s culinary and hospitality industries for 2030 and beyond, I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a "Mabuhay!"! And if you’re in Manila 9/18, please join me at the symposium. It’s bound to be an unforgettable start to something extraordinary!
MANHATTAN
Join us at ACE NextGen’s Annual Unity Conference in NYC (October 3-5)
Ready to push boundaries and accelerate your growth? Join the ACE NextGen Unity Conference this October 3-5 in NYC!
This event is more than a conference; it's a celebration of the AAPI entrepreneurial community. This year’s theme, "Unity," reflects our commitment to bringing together AAPI entrepreneurs from all walks of life.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of our STACKED event! Register today and connect with over 300 attendees, 25 speakers, 7 panels, and 12 workshops across diverse industries.
MIAMI
Celebrate Filipino culture and cuisine at the 2nd Annual Banana Catchup Filipino Block Party at 1-800-Lucky, Miami's first Asian food hall, on October 19th.
Hosted by Nicole Ponseca of Jeepney, Darren Mendoza of Lutong Pinoy, and Cheryl Tiu of Cross Cultures in partnership with the Filipino Food Movement and ACE NextGen Miami, this vibrant celebration honors Filipino heritage and cuisine.
Enjoy a Filipino marketplace featuring local vendors, including Graze & Gobble and Ives & Bees. Delicious dishes will be served by hosts Nicole Ponseca and Darren Mendoza, as well as a lineup of esteemed South Florida chefs curated by Cheryl Tiu.
Collaborative culinary concepts will feature creations from Leicel Ros and Nancy Dominguez of Sili Miami, Reiji Yoshizawa and Jason Acoba, and Filipino-Cuban mashups by Masa Craft.
The event will also include live entertainment, with a DJ set by Kuya Trey, traditional dance performances, and a karaoke competition, making it a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Filipino culture and community.
Admission is free to the public, but space is limited so reserve your spot!
BAY AREA
PHTime is Now
Join us at CITRIS and the Banatao Institute in California to meet global Filipino Trailblazers. 40 seats remaining.
RECIPE SPOTLIGHT
Pancit Hab Hab
Photography: Chef Kuya Lord
No birthday is complete without pancit (noodles!)
Here’s a fun recipe to try–Pancit Hab Hab (aka Pancit Lucban).
Someone once told me that the name Hab Hab was named after the sound piggies make when eating…a snorting sound like “habbaahabhab”, and it’s best devoured off banana leaves.
Check out this version from “YouChube”.
