In my media career, now spanning 23 years, I have been fortunate enough to be mentored by some of the brightest editors and leaders in the industry. Looking back, I realize that my professional life was never short of strong women guiding the way. In fact, much of who I am today—as a writer, editor, storyteller—was shaped by working under women who led with passion and quiet strength.

My interest in media and journalism began in a publishing class at Ateneo de Manila University. The course was taught by Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng and Myrza Sison, two women who embodied both editorial sharpness, business acumen, and a deep love for storytelling. That class planted the first seeds of curiosity about the publishing world.

At the end of the semester, our class was offered internship opportunities at Summit Media. Many of my classmates were assigned to editorial desks of well-known titles like Cosmopolitan and Preview. I, however, was placed in the administration department, an assignment where I worked closely with then publisher Aurora Mangubat-Suarez.

After college, my professional career truly began at ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., under the leadership of Thelma Sioson San Juan. I joined the team of Metro Magazine, one of the country’s most influential lifestyle magazines. My years in the Lopez-led company were formative. They opened my eyes to the real world of media—the discipline, the pressure, and the craft behind every page.

In the editorial department, I had the privilege of learning from editors who shaped my understanding of storytelling. Romina Urra-Gonzales, Melanie Cuevas, and Alya Honasan were among the women who trained me with both rigor and patience. They taught good storytelling was not just about words but about clarity of thought, curiosity, and integrity. Alongside them were respected editors I admire like James Ong and Carlo Tadiar.

A few years later, I continued my journey at The Manila Bulletin. I initially worked under lifestyle and features beats with editors such as Joyce Fernandez, AA Patawaran, Isabel de Leon, and Pinky Colmenares, each bringing their own editorial voice and leadership style to the publication.

When I think about these women today, I see a common thread among them. They led with intelligence, decisiveness, and a belief in the value of storytelling. They demanded excellence, but they also nurtured growth. They showed that leadership was not about dominance but about stewardship, guiding others toward their potential.

This realization feels particularly meaningful during this Women’s Month. It is a moment that invites reflection not only on women’s achievements but also on the quiet networks of mentorship that shape careers and lives.

This year, the Philippine Commission on Women adopted the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas.” The phrase is both powerful and historically resonant. In pre-colonial Philippine society, the babaylan were women leaders whose authority was rooted in wisdom, empathy, and spiritual guidance.

In many ways, the women who mentored me embody these same qualities. They were decisive yet compassionate, disciplined yet generous with their knowledge. They created spaces where younger journalists could learn, make mistakes, and grow.

The longer I stay in this industry, the more I recognize that leadership often leaves its deepest mark not through titles, but through influence. And, in my case, that influence came from women who quietly showed me that leadership comes with purpose and heart.

(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Lifestyle section.)