Cosmopolitan Philippines' Women of Influence 2023 All Have at Least One Thing in Common

With platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook going under scrutiny for their supposed role in spreading disinformation and content that causes emotional distress, it’s heartening to know that there are also content creators who are using their influence to make the world a better place. Cosmopolitan Philippines recently honored fun, fearless, and forward Filipinas who have made their mark in their respective careers and platforms.

On the third instalment of the Women of Influence Awards, Cosmo shone the spotlight on nine celebrities and personalities who are using their platforms to spread messages of encouragement and empowerment, helping other Filipinas shine through and be the best that they can be. Here are the 2023 honorees:

ALSO READ

The Esquire Trailblazers List: 50+ Startup Movers and Shakers in 2023

Esquire Philippines Celebrates 8 Extraordinary Filipinos at the 2022 Man at His Best Awards

1| Nadine Lustre or President Nadine, as her followers call her, embodies the modern Filipina who goes after what she wants and is appreciated for her refreshing authenticity and her honest take on issues that affect Philippine society. Her YouTube channel, freshly launched last February, gives a deeper look on her life thus far. In an interview, she tells Cosmo, “I don’t only plan on showing the good side of things; I also want to share my struggles with my mental health and adult life because those are things people don’t really see from celebrities. At the end of the day, we’re all real people and we also go through real things that everyone goes through. I want to show that to everyone, and hopefully, I get to inspire people and help them in any way [I can].”

Mela Habijan

Photo by Cosmo PH.

2| Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan has been a powerful voice in the LGBTQIA+ community and she uses her platform to reach out to trans kids.  Her moving acceptance speech won the hearts of the audience. “Thank you for including a person like me. Every day, we have to defend ourselves from different types of violence and prejudice and it is heartbreaking. Now I am here, I guess I am given an important platform to tell their voices, suffering, and future. It is important for every transwoman like to be given that same space. I hope it reaches everyone in the Philippines and beyond, that we are women, persons, human beings. It is not difficult really to understand who we are as people.” 

Rain Matienzo

Photo by Cosmo PH.

3| Rain Matienzo first broke out on the scene with her videos portraying life as a trophy wife. Since then, she has gotten her big break on mainstream media through her role as Salome in the popular GMA soap Maria Clara at Ibarra. The UP Broadcast Communications cum laude graudate and now Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent brings morena beauty to light. Upon receiving the award, she posted, “Privilege is the largest barrier for most young Filipinas in their pursuit of turning those dreams into a reality, particularly in the creative field. Hopefully that glass ceiling of privilege would eventually be broken, but for young Filipinas like me who dare to dream—we’re slowly starting to crack the barrier.” 

Frances Cabatuando

Photo by Cosmo PH.

4| Frances Cabatuando is better known as the ‘Mayora’ of the Home Buddies Facebook community that emerged during the height of the pandemic. She is proud to have created the hugely inspiring safe space where out of 3.1 million members, 80 percent are women. She says, “We women know how to make spaces inspiring and safe. Influence is rooted in creating value. I always ask myself what problems need to be solved and what dreams am I nurturing. Nothing makes me happier than to be a woman for others.”

Samantha Lee

Photo by Cosmo PH.

5| Samantha Lee is a writer and director who is known for featuring women who don’t fit the mold. She identifies as queer and, through her work, hopes to amplify the voices in the periphery of the feminist movement. “When we talk about empowerment, we have to acknowledge that women come in all forms—different bodies, class backgrounds, abilities, and so much more, and we must take into account all these differences towards true inclusion. The truth is no one is really free, until we are all free.”

Antoinette Jadaone

Photo by Cosmo PH.

6| Antoinette Jadaone is a director whose body of work has always featured women who are passionate and hold strong opinions. “When I am asked why my female characters are so strong, I think to myself, ‘Is this a trick question?’ The women who have surrounded my life, among family, friends, and colleagues are naturally strong and naturally opinionated. Katulad sa aking mga pelikula, totoong walang weak women.” She and fellow filmmaker JP Habac host Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast, a humorous show where she and JP talk about filmmaking and anything under the sun.

Ava Daza

Photo by Cosmo PH.

7| Isabelle and Ava Daza are sisters advocating for women’s understanding of their own body and sexuality through their The Sexytime Podcast. Ava, who was present at the event without her sister (who was due to deliver her baby) describes it as a space where they also talk about sexual health, reproductive health and values like consent, respect, and communication in a relationship. She tells Cosmo, “For us, it's important we talk about this and be more open so that we know where we stand on these matters, what we need to watch out for, and how to make more informed decisions about our bodies and our relationships. The more we know, the more empowered we are.”

Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao

Photo by Cosmo PH.

8| Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao was honored with event co-presenter Globe Business’s “The Innovator” Award, in recognition of her entrepreneurship and skill in growing her business through technological innovations. “Shoppertainment Live! means amplifying our skills through the use of technology to meet the growing and changing demands of the market. My experience in innovation is triggered by challenges and solving problems, and what we do is always challenged with something. As a pioneer host of Home TV shopping in the Philippines, you can always hear me say, ‘But wait there’s more!’”  

This year’s batch of awardees join Cosmopolitan’s Women of Influence 2019 honorees Angel Locsin, Heart Evangelista, Bianca Gonzalez, Kevin Balot, Solenn Heussaff, Mich Dulce, Kylie Verzosa, and Alyssa Valdez; and 2020 honorees Bela Padilla, Angel Locsin, Frankie Pangilinan, Catriona Gray, Ria Atayde, and Maine Mendoza.