Stepping into its ninth year, the She Talks Asia Summit, themed “Brave over Perfect,” challenged the myth that perfection defines one’s worth on March 15 at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City.
Proceeds from the summit’s ticket sales go toward the scholarship fund of Mano Amiga Philippines.
The program began with She Talks Asia co-founders Lynn Pinugu, Iza Calzado, and Bianca Gonzalez welcoming attendees and introducing this year’s co-chair, Pia Wurtzbach, who was thrilled to be part of the event.
Talking about the power of showing up, Wurtzbach shared that after spending time reflecting on her life, she realized, “It’s never gonna be perfect, and I’m so done with trying to chase that.”
“I no longer want to be a poster girl for perfection. I wanted to be the type of person of people know it wasn’t easy. Things weren’t easy for a long time and things still aren’t easy, but she’s showing up anyway,” she added.
She admitted that she doesn’t have the perfect formula for success, but what seems to work for her is simply showing up. “It’s just deciding that, ‘you know what, I’m not ready. I’m actually scared, but I’ll go anyway. Maybe something will happen.’”
Pivoting from the power of showing up to another topic that is very much prominent with women, panelists Anca Griffiths, Belle Rodolfo, and Hidilyn Diaz, with moderator Iza Calzado discussed overcoming the fear of an expiration date.
This panel is an eye-opener as it is evident that women sometimes set unrealistic standards or expectations within themselves.
For Hidilyn, there have been a lot of barriers in the form of people doubting in her ability to enter the weightlifting scene just because she’s a woman. “At the end of the day, hindi yun nagmamatter kung anong sinasabi nila. Nagmamatter kung anong gusto mong gawin at anong kaya mong gawin [It doesn’t matter what they say. What matters is what you want to do and what you’re capable of].”
Regarding beauty and how it shapes people’s perceptions of aging and fear, Belle Rodolfo noted that for the longest time, treatments and products have been marketed by targeting insecurities.
“Impossible standards. That’s what we’re always held against,” Anca Griffiths stated when asked about health and wellness playing a vital role and benefiting from this negative narrative. “It’s great when you feel good about yourself but if the goal is to only do that, then you’re missing opportunities to take care of your bones, to take care of your heart, to take care of your brain, because so much of the disease is preventable.”
Stephanie Zubiri ignited the attendees’ inner light by giving several exercises to remove one’s negative energies within them.
Vice President and Head of the Sustainability Office of BDO Marla Garin-Alvarez gave lessons on leadership and financial empowerment.
In terms of investing, she advised everyone to “get a financial education.” What she meant by that is to “really get to know how you can handle your finances better.”
Anna Oposa reminded everyone that communities and nature follow their own timeline, and living your truth is the bravest thing you can do in life.
The panel on redefining what it means to be a queen encouraged attendees to embrace who they are as women. While challenges may arise, it emphasized that validation shouldn’t come from others and that it’s okay to take a break when things become overwhelming.
The “Brave, Graceful, & Unstoppable” panel opened up conversations that are often considered “taboo,” showing that more people are willing to discuss them, regardless of where they are in life.
Overall, the She Talks Asia Summit was an insightful event that encouraged attendees to reevaluate their lives and actively pursue positive change—not just for themselves but also for other women facing similar challenges.
