Gretchen Ho, Krie Lopez, and Dumaliang Sisters: Modern Filipina Beacons, Builders and Champions

When women put their heads (and connections) together—magic happens. This is what we saw in PLDT Home's series, #SheConencts, featuring Gretchen Ho, Krie Lopez, Ann and Billie Dumaliang—who are all successful young Filipinas from the media, business, and environmental fields.

The three may have different backgrounds but they have one thing in common that make them all winners in their own right—the power of women connections. As to how they overcome the odds and inspire other women to do the same? The answer is in the title PLDT Home's Women's Month Campaign: #SheConnects.

The #SheConnects campaign seeks to connect women from all walks of life to help inspire, elevate, and educate one another. The #SheConnects campaign puts the spotlight on the unique journeys of Gretchen, Krie and the Dumaliang sisters, all of which have become successful Filipina champions, beacons, and builders of today’s generation. 

Gretchen Ho is no stranger to the spotlight. Ever since her college days as a champion athlete, Gretchen is seen as a role model of the youth. Since then, she has excelled in other arenas such as media, with her work as a  TV personality and reporter. This Woman in Action (also the title of her blog) continues to inspire people to be brave in speaking up and taking action for what they believe in. She aims to shed light on real issues, to be brave enough to tell the truth by telling real stories, and encourage others to do the same.

For Billie and Ann Dumaliang, the lure of success would have taken them down a much different path. But deep in the sisters’ heart was a commitment to environmental sustainability and cultivating that passion in others, as well. The struggle to protect the Masungi Georeserve was difficult and dangerous, to say the least, but the sisters believe that one has to be brave in pursuing their purpose. They are now champions in their own story and hope to inspire others to connect to nature and protect it. The sisters have established one of the most successful efforts in environmental protection and preservation in the country today.

Like many other CEOs, Krie Reyes-Lopez, on the other hand, could have focused on reaping the fruits of profit and income. She instead focused on social welfare and women inclusivity and has received widespread acclaim for her efforts. She has evolved the ‘Messy Bessy’ brand from a successful cleaning and personal care product line into a full-fledged development program that provides training, counseling, and education for women. She is a prime example of a master builder and many lives are now better for it.