Power Women

The Freeman joins Cebu and the Philippines in celebrating National Women's Month through its Power Women series. In this year's installment of the series, we draw the spotlight on three accomplished Cebuanas who consistently dare to defy the predictable. We asked them what empowerment means to them, and why a good work-life balance is necessary to take on the challenges of contemporary life and living. Here's what they have to say.

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VENUS MANIGSACA

Chairman, AppleOne Group

An empowered woman is a multitasking queen maka-business, maka-family, makaself-care, ug usahay makapahuway ug magmarathon ug K-drama sa Netflix without interruptions.

She knows her worth, grabs opportunities and is not afraid to say "No budget na, next time nalang!" to her kids.

Above all, she uplifts others, dili lang kay para sa iyang kaugalingong success but also para pud sa community of strong women.

Pero pinakaimportante, empowered woman is not afraid to decide for the good of her family, business, and community.

Kay kung dili siya mo-decide, kinsa pa? Sa akong case, Ray (my husband) fully supports my decisions, but I take full responsibility for them.

It's about teamwork, trust and knowing who to rely on. Empowered women also stand firm in their decisions.

Dili mahadlok motake risks, pero kabalo sad mo-accept og failures kay maoy pinaka-dako nga teacher sa kinabuhi.

On maintaining a good work-life balance... Honestly? Dili sayon!

Pero akong secret: delegate, delegate, delegate! Dili tanan trabaho imo. Kung puwede ipasa, ipasa! I've learned nga para ma-balance, kinahanglan kabalo ka mupili sa imong battles.