The success of Golden Haven, developer of the country’s beautiful memorial parks, is largely powered by its roster of women leaders, who have helped make the company one of the most trusted names in the integrated deathcare industry
As a culmination to the Women’s Month celebration, Golden Haven paid tribute to seven women from the executive suite, who continue to make inroads in their careers with their leadership, self-confidence, and remarkable foresight.
In a statement, the Villar-owned company cited their women leaders – Chief Financial Officer Estrellita Tan, Division Head for Visayas and Mindanao Emelia Lustado, IT Department Chief Maria Renee Regala, CNC and Admin Head of Golden Haven Kate Cator, HR Head Joan Rimando, and Chief Accountant Miles Teretit.
CFO Tan climbed the corporate ladder as a certified public accountant by trade stating as an auditor. Tan managed to balance a productive work life with the fulfilling role of being a mother to four children.
Whenever unpopular decisions had to be made, Tan found a way to remain objective—and listened to her gut when a leap of faith was necessary.
“Be outstanding. Despite the many challenges we encounter in our journey, we have the power to do incredible and great things,” says Tan.
Emelia Lustado, Golden Haven Division Head for Visayas and Mindanao, has been with the Villar company for 28 years now. She counts this as one of her greatest accomplishments, especially having spent the last four years with Golden Haven. An industrial engineer by trade, Lustado is also a mother of two who “appreciates people who have a positive outlook in life.”
To Lustado, success is defined as not giving up. “Even if it takes years to reach your goal,” she says, “persistence is key if you want success.”
Lustado acknowledges women’s immense capacity to make things happen. “Where there is a woman,” she affirms “there is magic.”
Analyn Anero, the Division Head for Luzon, has been with Golden Haven for decades now. Her stint with the company has taken her all over the country, having been assigned to Las Pinas, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Bulacan, just to name a few.
For Anero, being a leader proved to be one of the most significant challenges in her career path. “You need to show you can do it and has accomplished something even if you need to stay quiet at times,” says Anero. She speaks about how passion and drive must fuel every woman’s life. “Don't be afraid to do what you want; keep fighting for your dreams.”
As head of Golden Haven’s Information Technology Department, Maria Renee Regala is a goal-oriented person, She is responsible for the company’s continued innovation in digital spaces. For Regala, flexibility and balance have become the key to a successful career as she works to manage all her different roles in life.
“Success for me is when you maximize your potential,” says Regala. “Know yourself and know your worth. Do not let others look down on you.”
Kate Cator, the CNC and Admin Head of Golden Haven, is an accountant by profession—and a dog mom and plantita at home. When she is not investing her energy in helping run Golden Haven, Cator can be found baking or curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee.
For Cator, success is something that never comes easy. “Success for me requires a certain degree of sacrifice. That sacrifice is rewarded with what is worthy and valuable,” says Cator.
Cator’s approach to leadership is one that is rooted in a sense of giving and nurturing. “My advice for women who lead or aspire to lead: love your flock. Leadership is not about the title and position; leadership is about influence.”
HR specialist Joan Rimando credits her sense of discipline to being raised by a military father. Reminiscing on her childhood, Rimando proudly asserts that she and her siblings learned the value of hard work and determination early on. These principles drove her to build her career around research consultancy, while simultaneously teaching at a top university.
Only when she pushed herself out of her comfort zone was she able to pursue new roles and diversify her experience. Small wonder, then, that for Rimando, success is about being happy. “Success is not something you chase; it is a state from within you,” she muses.
Rimando cautions other women not to limit themselves. “Don’t let anyone define who you are and what you can do,” she says. “Many people will have opinions about what you should do and when, but only you can define what is right for you. Follow your path.”
Miles Teretit, chief accountant at Golden Haven Memorial Parks, has been with the Villar group for eight years now.
A woman who knows how to work hard and play hard, she loves sports, plants, and travelling. To her success is the opportunity to do what you love and inspire others.
“Be yourself and do what makes you happy,” she reminds others. “Pray and be thankful.”