To address the evolving landscape of women-led businesses, SPARK! Philippines, the Quezon City Government, and Robinsons Department Store hosted #Women2025: WomEntrepreneurs in the Digital Era at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas. This event fostered dialogue among women leaders in business and governance, examining the critical roles of digitalization, financial empowerment, and sustainability in entrepreneurial success.
Denice Sy on digitalization and staying competitive in beauty
Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. chief sales and marketing officer Denice Sy, discussed how digitalization has been instrumental in keeping Ever Bilena relevant for 42 years in the beauty industry. She emphasized that staying competitive in a fast-moving market requires leveraging digital tools, particularly CGI technology and social media, to create compelling brand narratives. With the support of a team of Gen Z and millennial marketers, Ever Bilena continuously adapts to emerging trends and engages with consumers more effectively.
Denice also shared how data-driven insights enable her team to monitor ad spend, engagement, and campaign performance in real time, ensuring that marketing strategies are refined for maximum impact. She highlighted the importance of brands remaining agile and open to experimentation while replicating successful strategies for sustained growth.
On sustainability, she reaffirmed Ever Bilena’s commitment to corporate responsibility, referencing partnerships with Plastic Bank (2023) and Republic Cement’s EcoLoop to reduce plastic waste. Looking ahead, she expressed her hope for Ever Bilena to become a net-zero company within the next decade, ensuring that consumers can support a brand actively working to offset its environmental impact.
During the open forum, she advised small business owners to focus on authentic branding, purpose-driven messaging, and affordability to stand out in a competitive market. When asked how women can excel in business, she stressed the importance of self-confidence and trusting one’s own decisions, as personal belief is the foundation of success.
Mayor Joy Belmonte on financial independence and women’s economic empowerment
Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte delivered the closing remarks for the morning session, focusing on violence against women and the role of financial independence in breaking cycles of abuse. She emphasized that economic empowerment gives women the ability to make independent choices, support their families, and build a secure future.
She highlighted the significant rise in women-led businesses in Quezon City, with over 4,000 new enterprises since 2021, now comprising 40% of the city’s 70,000 businesses. The city’s initiatives, such as Pangkabuhayang QC and Tindahan ni Ate Joy, have helped women launch and sustain their own businesses, providing them with financial security and opportunities for growth.
Mayor Belmonte encouraged attendees to recognize the progress made by women in business and governance while continuing to push for gender equality.
“Malayo na, pero malayo pa,” she remarked, emphasizing that while women have come far, there is still much work to be done in creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
Women leading the way
#Women2025 highlighted how digitalization, sustainability, and financial empowerment are shaping the future of women-led enterprises.
Aside from Denice Sy and Mayor Joy Belmonte, the event also featured Melanie Magboo, CEO of Binibini Marikit; Janine Codizal, marketing manager of ECORA PH; Mona Celine Yap, department head of the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office; Corrs Valenton, owner of Corrsy’s Kitchen; Everly Aguilar, owner of Simo’t Sarap Chicken Wings; Kate Jennifer Enrile, wealth solutions officer at GCash; and Rachel Jennel Halfon, licensing officer I at the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office.
These women, each making strides in their respective industries, showcased the power of innovation, resilience, and community-driven leadership in shaping a more inclusive and empowered future for women entrepreneurs. Their insights reinforced the importance of innovation, adaptability, and self-confidence in navigating the evolving business landscape.
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