A Celebration of Global Sisterhood: International Women’s Month with Women from Different Parts of the World

International Women’s Month continues to serve as a powerful reminder that the progress of society is closely linked to the empowerment of women. Across continents, women are shaping industries, influencing policies, nurturing communities, and leading innovations that transform the world. From government leaders and diplomats to entrepreneurs and advocates, women today stand united by a shared vision of equality, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

One inspiring example of this global sisterhood was the celebration hosted by Leading Women Magazine through THE LIST 2026, led by Publisher, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas. Held at the Chairman’s Lounge of Okada Manila last March 26, 2026, the gathering brought together women leaders from different parts of the world, highlighting the universal value of collaboration and the importance of amplifying women’s voices across cultures.

The celebration reflected how International Women’s Month is not limited to one nation or sector. It is a global movement that honors women who champion change, promote inclusion, and inspire future generations. The presence of diplomats, public servants, entrepreneurs, and humanitarian leaders symbolized the growing influence of women in shaping international dialogue and cooperation.

A significant highlight of the evening was the keynote message delivered by Grace Poe, who emphasized that leadership must always focus on improving lives, particularly for women and children. She underscored the importance of policies that promote healthcare, education, and nutrition, recognizing that empowered mothers create stronger families and more resilient communities. Her message echoed the global understanding that progress begins by ensuring the well-being of future generations.

The celebration also featured the launch of Beyond Protocol, an initiative led by Irene Wicklein, which fosters connections among spouses of ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community. The initiative highlights the meaningful contributions of women in diplomacy, emphasizing that international relations are strengthened not only through formal agreements but also through cultural exchange, humanitarian initiatives, and shared advocacies. Irene’s guests were the spouses of the Ambassadors from Egypt, Austria, Switzerland and Vietnam among others. 

Women from different countries continue to demonstrate how leadership transcends borders. Diplomats and ambassadors contribute to strengthening ties between nations, while entrepreneurs create economic opportunities that empower communities. Advocates and educators promote social progress, while media leaders help shape narratives that encourage inclusion and equality.

Among those recognized during THE LIST 2026 were distinguished leaders from diverse backgrounds, including ambassadors representing Finland, Hungary, Israel, and Indonesia, as well as leaders from the public and private sectors. Their achievements reflect how women continue to shape governance, diplomacy, business, and humanitarian work. Each story serves as a testament to resilience, innovation, and dedication to service.

Grace Bondad Nicolas highlighted the role of media in amplifying these stories of courage and transformation. Through platforms such as Leading Women Magazine, narratives of perseverance and achievement reach wider audiences, inspiring young women to believe in their capacity to lead and contribute meaningfully to society.

International Women’s Month celebrations around the world emphasize unity in diversity. Whether in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, or the Americas, women continue to advocate for equal opportunities, inclusive policies, and stronger support systems that allow future leaders to thrive.

The global gathering at THE LIST 2026 illustrated how women’s leadership extends beyond titles and positions. It is reflected in actions that promote compassion, collaboration, and progress. The shared vision among women leaders from different parts of the world reinforces the belief that empowering women strengthens societies and creates opportunities for sustainable development.

International Women’s Month reminds us that every woman’s story contributes to a larger narrative of empowerment. As women continue to lead with purpose and integrity, they help build a future where equality, opportunity, and respect remain guiding principles for generations to come.

An inspiring celebration of unity, diversity, and leadership, women shaping the world with purpose, presence, and power.

Brilliant Skin’s Glenda Dela Cruz and BIR Commissioner Charlie Mendoza: Back-to-Back April Covers of Rising Tigers Magazine

The April 2026 issue of Rising Tigers Magazine features two influential personalities whose impact reflects the synergy between enterprise and public service. On one cover is Glenda Dela Cruz, Founder of Brilliant Skin Essentials, Inc., whose inspiring entrepreneurial journey has made her one of the country’s most prominent young business leaders. On the other cover is Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), whose leadership highlights transparency, reform, and strengthened tax compliance in the Philippines.

Glenda Dela Cruz continues to demonstrate that true business success goes beyond profitability, it includes responsible corporate citizenship. For 2025, she was recognized in Morong, Rizal as one of the municipality’s top contributors to economic development. Through Brilliant Skin Essentials, Inc., she earned distinction as Top 1 Employer, Top 3 Outstanding Business Taxpayer, and Top 4 Real Property Taxpayer. Her other company, Pink Ladder Construction, also ranked among the Top 14 taxpayers in the municipality. Altogether, her enterprises contributed an impressive ₱111 million in taxes, reinforcing the essential role of entrepreneurs in supporting national growth and public services.

Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, as head of the BIR, continues to promote efficiency, fairness, and integrity within the country’s tax system. Discussed in his 100 days in the agency, his leadership reflects a strong commitment to encouraging voluntary compliance and building trust between the government and the business sector. The recognition of compliant taxpayers like Glenda Dela Cruz highlights how responsible entrepreneurship directly contributes to nation-building and economic stability.

These back-to-back covers of Rising Tigers Magazine symbolize the connection between visionary leadership in business and principled leadership in government. Together, they represent accountability, progress, and the shared responsibility of shaping a stronger economy. The April issue serves as a reminder that sustainable success is built not only on innovation and ambition but also on integrity, discipline, and meaningful contribution to society.

The Billionaire Beauty Boss Making History at 29

A remarkable milestone in publishing and entrepreneurship unfolds as Glenda Dela Cruz, Founder and CEO of Brilliant Skin Essentials, achieves an extraordinary feat—appearing on three print magazine covers simultaneously under Tag Media Group 2026 with Editor-In-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas. Featured in Rising Tigers Magazine, Leading Women Magazine, and TopNewsAsia, Glenda’s inspiring journey reflects the power of vision, discipline, and determination in shaping a billion-peso beauty empire at a young age. 

From entrepreneur to industry leader, her story represents more than financial success, it embodies courage, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through Brilliant Skin Essentials, Glenda has empowered countless individuals to feel confident and embrace their own unique beauty, while inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to dream bigger and aim higher. 

This historic triple-cover release is available in National Bookstores, Fully Booked, Shell, Total, and Caltex, marking a defining moment in print media and a celebration of modern leadership. Tag Media Group 2026 proudly presents a new generation of success; bold, visionary, and unstoppable.

Leading Women Magazine Presents THE LIST 2026

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Leading Women Magazine, under the leadership of Publisher, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas, gathered an inspiring community of distinguished leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and advocates for THE LIST 2026 at the Chairman’s Lounge of Okada Manila.

The elegant evening was more than an awards ceremony, it was a celebration of influence, responsibility, and the growing impact of women across industries and nations. The event also marked the launch of Beyond Protocol, an initiative by Irene Wicklein that strengthens connections among members of the diplomatic community, particularly the spouses of ambassadors who play meaningful roles in cultural diplomacy, social initiatives, and international cooperation.

Together, the celebration reflected the true essence of International Women’s Month, recognizing women whose presence and purpose shape societies beyond borders.

Leadership in Focus: Senator Grace Poe as Keynote Speaker

At the heart of the evening was keynote speaker, presenter, and honoree Grace Poe, whose message highlighted the critical role of governance in empowering women, protecting children, and strengthening families.

Senator Poe emphasized that leadership is not measured by title alone but by the policies and programs that improve lives. Her speech underscored the importance of legislation that addresses fundamental needs such as healthcare, nutrition, and education—areas that directly affect women and future generations.

Among the laws she highlighted was the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, institutionalizing a national feeding program that supports children’s health and academic performance. She also spoke about the First 1,000 Days Act, which provides vital healthcare and nutrition programs for mothers and infants, recognizing that early childhood development significantly influences long-term national growth.

According to Poe, empowering mothers means strengthening families, and strengthening families contributes to nation-building. Her keynote message reinforced that public service must always be guided by compassion, inclusivity, and foresight.

She also reflected on the influence of her mother, Susan Roces, whose discipline and grace shaped her values of responsibility and integrity. Her personal narrative illustrated how leadership often begins at home, rooted in lessons of humility, perseverance, and service.

During the program, Senator Poe also acknowledged the contributions of Grace Bondad Nicolas and her mother Remy Bondad, emphasizing the importance of family support systems in shaping confident and purpose-driven leaders.

Launch of Beyond Protocol: Diplomacy with Heart

A significant highlight of the evening was the launch of Beyond Protocol, led by Irene Wicklein, which gathered spouses of ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community. The initiative recognizes that diplomacy extends beyond formal meetings, it also thrives through cultural understanding, humanitarian collaboration, and shared advocacies.

The presence of diplomatic spouses from various embassies demonstrated how international partnerships can contribute to meaningful causes, including education, social welfare, arts, and cultural exchange. Beyond Protocol aims to provide a platform for collaboration among women who play influential yet often understated roles in strengthening international relations.

Their presence added a global dimension to the celebration, reinforcing how women contribute not only to national progress but also to international dialogue and cooperation.

Grace Bondad Nicolas: Media as a Platform for Influence

In her welcome remarks, Grace Bondad Nicolas highlighted the responsibility of media in amplifying stories that inspire change. As Editor-in-Chief of Leading Women Magazine, she emphasized that storytelling plays a crucial role in shaping perspectives and encouraging future leaders.

According to Nicolas, media is more than a platform, it is a bridge that connects voices to audiences, ideas to action, and leadership to impact.

She underscored that THE LIST was created not only to recognize achievement but to provide visibility to women whose journeys can inspire the next generation. Each story featured by the magazine represents dedication, discipline, and purpose, values that contribute to a culture of integrity and collaboration.

Her speech emphasized that leadership today is defined not only by position but by contribution. Women continue to shape industries, challenge norms, and create opportunities that benefit communities.

Grace Bondad Nicolas also highlighted that International Women’s Month serves as a reminder that every story of courage and perseverance contributes to a broader narrative of empowerment.