In the world of girlhood, having a big sister figure is often a gift. These women become our living cheat sheets for all things girlhood, love, and life. In Filipino culture, we call them ate—a title that carries warmth, wisdom, and an unspoken bond.
But as we grow older, the questions we ask ourselves begin to shift. The familiar guidance of an ate may no longer be enough, and suddenly, we find ourselves searching for answers on our own, especially in our careers and businesses. Do I have what it takes to lead? Can I balance it all? What can I bring to the table that a man can’t? These thoughts and questions can feel overwhelming, but they are also a natural part of the journey.
Thankfully, the culture of womanhood has evolved into a space where women of all ages and backgrounds come together to uplift one another. Locally, this spirit is stronger than ever, thanks to three inspiring women who have brought their vision to life—a vision where leadership is grounded in compassion and community.
To celebrate Women’s Month, The Beauty Edit sat down with three remarkable women leaders: Cat Ilacad, Founder and CEO of Posh Nails; Rache Tan-Stern, entrepreneur and CEO of AlphabetSoup Inc.; and Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, former actress and lifestyle influencer. Together, they are the force behind Leading Ladies—a community-focused platform dedicated to empowering female leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. In our conversation, they shared how their trio came together and what it truly means for women to lead today.
The Beauty Edit: How did ‘Leading Ladies’ start?
Rache Stern: Basically, the idea started in 2020, and one night, Cat and I were talking. We would always talk about business but at the time, we asked ourselves, “Why don’t we just do something to help others as well?” I mean sobra siyang (it’s super) ironic because we were thinking of how we can earn [as businesswomen] but at the end of the day, [we realized that] if we’re struggling, some other people are also struggling.
Cat Ilacad: And when we were talking, sabi ko, pag namatay tayo ngayon (I said if we die today), what are we going to leave behind? So that’s the reason why we wanted to start something that will impact a lot of people.
How did Rica become part of the equation?
Cat: It’s about having the same vision. She [Rica] likes to serve. She likes to use her influence for the greater good. And when I told her, “Since the community took a pause, Rach and I want to start it again, but I think we need you to be the loudest voice.”
She has the greatest influence among us all and we know we need one another.
Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio: When she told me about it, I said, “I like where it’s going. It’s for women and it’s for their leadership.” Which I feel is simultaneous with my season in life.
So when she told me all about leading things, sabi ko (I said), “You know, it’s like I’ve been doing that in an alternate universe. But now you’re asking me, sige (okay), I’ll join you.” Because we want to do something and when you’re alone, it’s hard to do it by yourself.
How do you think female leadership evolved? How was it different back then and how is it now?
Cat: I think women are very lucky now because we have a lot of platforms to express our creativity. You just post and then you get to influence people. Now, it’s easier, but it’s a bigger responsibility.
Rache: Now, we would always say, “Alam mo kapag woman ang leader (you know if a woman is the leader), it may be different because the men are very intellectual, but for the women, there’s the emotional maturity—the thoughtfulness.”
We are also mothers, we are all of the other things as well.
How does it feel to witness the rise of women in leadership, especially after experiencing a time when it was predominantly male-driven?
Rache: I’m empowered. Honestly, when I started, it was the men and I was always comparing myself, “How can I be like that?” Because there are things that I cannot be. Eventually, I had to find where I could be significant in the company. “What can’t he do that I can do?”
That changed how I led.
What role do your age and wisdom play in how you lead within Leading Ladies?
Cat: If we did this like 10 years ago, it wouldn’t be successful because we’re banking on our experiences and the wisdom that goes with them. [Now we have] the lessons that we’ve learned from all our failures, and we’re not ashamed of how we failed before and how we were [back then].
I think it’s also very nice that we get to talk to all ages in this community. We get to learn from the younger people. Because one of the things that I value is that I want to learn—we all want to learn every day—we don’t know everything.
Having that humility that you don’t know everything makes a lot of difference, not only for us but for the community.
Rica: I also think age gives you empathy because when you’re younger, it’s so hard to empathize with someone kasi hindi mo pa pinagdaanan (because you didn’t go through it). Versus, when you experience it, it’s like, “gets ko na [I get] how to handle if it’s a failed business.”
Kahit na minsan yun lang na maibigay namin sa kanila na [even if this is the only thing we can give to them], “Yes, we understand that.” It’s a huge thing because they don’t feel alone.
What’s something you’ve learned from the younger generation through Leading Ladies?
Cat: I think the younger ones taught me and everybody else here how to be spontaneous and that’s something that every brand or community needs.
Rache: Maybe for me, it’s [what I learned] attitude-wise because I think with the young ones that I’ve worked with, they know what they want. So it’s their “I know what I want, I’m gonna get it, and it will come” attitude.
Rica: I love the younger generation now for their work-life balance. Kasi kami [because us], our generation doesn’t have that—work defines you.
But now, I am so proud of those who feel like, “This is not right for me,” and can leave their jobs. Na ganon lang, diba? Kasi tayo dati, parang mamamatay na tayo (Just like that, right? Because for us before, it’s like we’re going to die already).
Like, “You know what? I can stand up for myself. I can take a lot of rest. I can say no to something that’s already too much for me.” So, that teaches me a lot.
What is one piece of advice each of you would like to give to young women today?
Rache: Ang lagi kong sinasabi (what I always say), “It’s okay not to know everything and if you don’t know, you can ask. You can always ask.”
Before I was always scared to be judged because I knew when I’m put in this position, even as a CEO, you always have this thing that you should know everything. But I realized that it’s better to be surrounded by people who are like you and who are willing to learn.
I don’t have to be the wisest and the smartest, but you have to be surrounded by these people so that you uplift each other.
Cat: My advice is not just for business but for any goal: Just take the first step. It’s not always about perfection, but it’s about the progress that you can make. So just taking that first step is very brave.
Rica: For me, if you’re hesitant about leading—which I feel like a lot of women are because it’s been the stereotype that men lead—I guess you just have to deconstruct that. There is a certain leadership that men can bring to the table, but you also have your leadership qualities.
Otherwise, the world will not survive if we don’t have the heart of a woman, and you can always lead with the heart of a woman. That’s very different from the heart of a man.
What is leadership? That’s just service. You’re just serving them. It’s not even the title or the position. You’re serving them something that they need and if you can give that, then you’re leading.
She Shines Summit—Where Women Get Real About Leadership
Hearing from leaders like Ilacad, Stern, and Peralejo on women taking the lead is truly inspiring, but it’s a whole different experience to sit down with those who share the same vision. If that’s what you’ve been looking for, Leading Ladies is bringing together women from various industries to discuss leadership, while also making the day enjoyable with workshops and pampering sessions. Don’t miss the She Shines Summit on March 29, from 9 AM to 7 PM at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, Quezon City. Learn more about this empowering event here.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELLE DINGLASA. CREATIVE DIRECTION BY CARYLL CABUHAT. ASSISTED BY DANNAH VALDEZCO & JUSTINE GAERLAN. SITTINGS EDITOR: ELAINE NATIVIDAD REYES.
