March has given us a handful of reasons to celebrate the important women in our lives. Though National Women’s Month is almost over, we still have the entire rest of the year (and beyond that) to honor everything they’ve sacrificed, accomplished, and spoken up for with utmost love.
Every Filipina’s story—big and small, across all walks of life—has a place in this world that’s here to stay. Amid pressing struggles, injustices, and societal norms, the women of our country still persevere for a brighter future and a more fulfilling life. Moreover, we’ve witnessed women thrive boundlessly as daughters, sisters, mothers, leaders, and outstanding individuals across every field, whose voices and contributions to society have created legacies that will remain powerful for generations to come.
Photo: Therese Aseoche, Sky Gavin, Gizelle Caoile
As March comes to an end, we’re shining the spotlight on women who can get the job done wherever they go. No matter what life throws at them, they can make things happen, especially for themselves and the people they love.
The strong women of WhenInManila.com (WIM) know a thing or two about telling stories that leave a lasting impression. For over a decade (and counting), they’ve dutifully helped the platform and community evolve into the “heartbeat of the Philippines” with awe-inspiring narratives that have sparked meaningful conversations globally. Thanks to their dedication, talent, and sharp eyes for click-worthy content, these incredible women have also inspired a new wave of readers and followers to make a difference in the world through their own ideas and actions.
In light of National Women’s Month, we reached out to the writers, editors, content creators, and administrators of WIM for their words of wisdom to their younger selves. If you need a boost of inspiration to “keep on going with your silly dream,” as Laufey sings in “Letter to My 13-year-old Self,” let this be your sign to do exactly that.
Letters to Our Younger Selves
The women of WIM have gone on numerous adventures, “side quests,” and healing journeys dedicated to their younger selves. Similarly, the achievements they’ve earned are for the little girls they once were, who’ve inspired them to keep moving forward even after years of hardships and sacrifices.
Here’s what the women of the team would tell their younger selves today:
Photo: Sky Gavin
You don’t have to shrink yourself to fit the mold of where you are. – Sky Gavin, Chief Operations Officer
Photo: Therese Aseoche
Keep blooming calmly. – Therese Aseoche, Associate Editor
Photo: Gizelle Caoile
Never doubt yourself, or anything you know and love. You were right all along; you are worth more than what you were led to believe. You endured, and I’m so proud of you. I won’t spoil the best parts, but trust that we’re okay now, thanks to your resilience. – Gizelle Caoile, Content Creation Manager
To my younger self—don’t give up so easily. The challenges you’re facing are meant to shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. Always choose to do what is right and kind, even when it’s not the easiest path. And thank you for your generosity, your loyalty, and your big heart. Those are the things that will carry you through life and help you build meaningful relationships along the way. – Jo Tan, Business Development Associate
Photo: Nikki Viola
Hi, Nikki! Thank you for not giving up and always trying to keep an open mind. – Nikki Viola, Content Creator
Photo: Crizelle de Guzman
To my younger self, Crizia—which is actually my nickname at home—step out of your comfort zone! That’s exactly how I got to where I am today. Stop pressuring yourself. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. Just keep doing what you love, because that’s where you’ll find success. Super mahiyain talaga ako until now, still an introvert, but I’m slowly finding my voice. It’s okay to be quiet as long as I’m consistent with what I love doing. Progress is progress, no matter how small. You’ll face struggles, but don’t be afraid to conquer them. Every mistake is just a lesson that makes you a better version of yourself. And of course, I have to thank my family, especially my mom. She’s my role model, and I’m so grateful for the person she’s helped me become. – Crizelle de Guzman, Content Creator
Photo: Jia Bote
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d thank her for never giving up. There were times I thought I couldn’t endure, and moments when I complained about the little things, thinking they would be too difficult to handle. But good things take time, and even when they’re not happening yet, time will pass anyway. – Jia Bote, Junior Desk Editor
Photo: Andrea Surnit
Thank you for not giving up on yourself. You’re going to go through difficult times, but as they say, “this too shall pass.” – Andrea Surnit, Desk Writer/Editor
Photo: Andrea Posadas
You’re going to need glasses in high school. Badly. And by college, you’ll think of dyeing your hair the same color as your favorite Korean pop (K-pop) idols to fit in. Your heart beats for writing, but you’ll want to pursue singing and dancing on impulse just to know what it’s like to have a “showy talent.” You’ll struggle to “find your tribe.” It’ll take you years of socializing and constantly wondering if you’ll ever belong somewhere. But as American author Elizabeth Lowell said in Remember Summer, “Some of us aren’t meant to belong. Some of us have to turn the world upside down and shake the hell out of it until we make our own place in it.” So go shake up the world, and write your own if you must. – Andrea Posadas, Features Writer
ALSO READ: Celebrate National Women’s Month With These 10 P-pop Girl Power Anthems
Happy Women’s Month! How do you honor the incredible women in your life? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
