List of Famous Female Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

When we hear the words “top entrepreneurs” and “business personalities” in the country, the names of Henry Sy, Lucio Tan, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, John Gokongwei, Manny Pangilinan, and the rest of Filipino business icons immediately come into our minds. If you notice, most of them are males. But if we will look further, we will discover that our country is also blessed with several successful, outstanding and inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs. These brilliant Filipinas have turned their business, ideas, and cause into success in action. They are the reasons why their businesses and companies prosper, whether they have founded or inherited them. These women consist of business and social entrepreneurs. They have contributed economic growth in our country and social development in the community.

There are actually thousands, and even more than that, of successful women entrepreneurs in the country. There are also many inspiring success stories of them, which are still being kept secret right now. But some of them earned fame because their companies or their masterworks have earned it for them. Some of them were given awards and recognitions for being an outstanding entrepreneur. Others have gotten the spotlight of magazines, newspapers, books, TV and radio shows, and online publications in websites, blogs and social media. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, especially if you’re a woman, you can check this list of famous female entrepreneurs and businesswomen in the Philippines.

1. Anna Meloto-Wilk – Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. (Human Heart Nature)

2. Antuza Refalda – Kalinga Brew

3. Beatrice Campos – Unilab

4. Betty Ang – President of Monde Nissin

5. Betty Go-Belmonte – Founder of The Philippine Star

6. Bing Sibal-Limjoco – Francorp Philippines

7. Chiqui Escareal-Go – Mansmith and Fielders Inc. and Waters Philippines

8. Corazon Dayro Ong – CDO-Foodsphere Inc.

9. Cory Quirino – World of Wellness

10. Cynthia Aguilar Villar – Villar Foundation

11. Delby Bragais – Fashion Designer

12. Desiree Duran – Basuit Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative

13. Doyee Tactacan-Tumpalan – FQ Marketing Corp./First Vita Plus

14. Edita Aguinaldo Dacuycuy  (known as the Dragon Fruit Lady) – REFMAD Farms

15. Elizabeth H. Lee Former COO of Universal Motors Corp.

16. Elena Lim –  Chairman Emeritus of Solid Group (Sony Philippines)

17. Elma Arboleras – Intelligent Bus Utility System (iBus)

18. Emilina Pulido Talaue – Praise Realty Marketing Corp.

19. Flor Tarriela – Chairman of Philippine National Bank (PNB)

20. Florisa Estandia-Mariano – F Salon and Body Spa

21. Gina Lopez Alexander – Gina Alexander Inc.

22. Heny Sison – Heny Sison Culinary School

23. Julia “Julie” Ramon Gandionco – Julie’s Bakeshop

24. Laura Verallo de Bertotto – VMV Hypoallergenics

25. Leonarda “Narda” Capuyan – Narda’s Trading Corporation

26. Lourdes Montinola of Far Eastern University

27. Lolita O. Hizon – Pampanga’s BEST

28. Ma. Lourdes Ragas – Carolina’s Lace Shoppe

29. Margarita “Gaita” Araneta Fores – Cibo Inc.

30. Marife Zamora – Philippine General Manager of Convergys

31. Maritel Nievera – Cabalen Corporation

32. Marixi Rufino-Prieto of Philippine Daily Inquirer

33. Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin – Multiple Intelligence International School

34. Michelle Dula Asence – ZenZest Asia Corp.

35. Milagros Yee and Clarita Go – Goldilocks

36. Mother Lily Monteverde – Regal Entertainment, Inc.

37. Monique Lhuillier – Fashion Designer

38. Myrna Castro Bituin – Betis Crafts, Inc.

39. Myla Villanueva – MDI Group of Holdings (IT Workforce Solutions)

40. Myrna Tang Yao – Richewell Trading Corporation

41. Mylene Abiva – FELTA Multi-Media Inc.

42. Olivia Limpe-Aw – Destileria Limtuaco

43. Pacita ‘Chit’ Juan – Figaro Coffe Company

44. Patis Tesoro – Patis Tesoro Shop

45. Penk Ching – The Pastry Bin

46. Putlih Kumalah Sug-Elardo – Sulu Royal Coffee

47. Rosalinda Ang – Home Beauty Exclusives (HBC)

48. Rubby Sy-Coyiuto – Forever Flawless Face & Body Center

49. Ruth Callanta- Center for Community Transformation (CCT)

50. Sari Yap – MEGA Publishing Group

51. Soccoro Ramos – founder of National Bookstore

52. Susana Guerrero – Cravings Group of Companies

53. Tess Ngan Tian – Lots ‘A Pizza

54. Teresita Sy-Coson – Vice Chairman of SM Investment Corp.

55. Victoria “Vicki” G. Belo – Belo Medical Group

56. Vivian Que Azcona – President of Mercury Group (Mercury Drug Stores)

57. Vivian Sarabia – Vivian Sarabia Optical

58. Vivienne Tan – Entrepreneurs School of Asia (ESA)

59. Yolanda Pajaro – Via Venetto

60. Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco – President of Rustan’s Commercial Corporation

This list is in alphabetical order. We have compiled the Pinay entrepreneurs and businesswomen, who are getting mentions in the Internet and social media, including the already famous personalities that are usually featured in the magazines, newspapers, and TV/radio news and shows. There are maybe other famous and successful female entrepreneurs that should be included in the list. I hope our country will have more successful entrepreneurs, both men and women, tomorrow and in the future. Have you been inspired by a story of a woman entrepreneur? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.