By Bryle B. Suralta
In celebration of Barbie’s 60th anniversary last March 9, Barbie Philippines recognized nine inspiring Filipino women in the Philippines for their work and contributions to their respective fields. Held at The Block Atrium, SM North EDSA in Quezon City, the event emphasized the campaign “You can be anything,” which focuses on empowering and encouraging young girls to aim high.
“Barbie is an icon that represents little girls who would like to become somebody, someday. It’s a timeless women’s dream,” says Myrna Yao, president of Richwell Trading Corporation, the company that distributes Barbie dolls in the country. “This is the only doll that represents the lifestyle of the woman.”
Among the honorees is PeopleAsia‘s editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez. “A doctor Barbie, a journalist Barbie, an engineer Barbie, and yes, even a beauty queen Barbie! The choice is yours. The stage is wide open, if you just put your hearts and minds to it,” she says.
The other inspiring women recognized at the event held by Richprime Global Inc., Mattel South East Asia and SM City North EDSA were Sta. Elena Construction president and CEO Alice Eduardo (Most Inspiring Entrepreneur), ABS-CBN chief content officer Charo Santos-Concio (Most Inspiring Actress, CEO and Producer), Belo Medical Group medical director Dr. Victoria Gonzales Belo-Kho (Most Inspiring Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon), Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Lopez Cayetano (Most Inspiring Mayor), Sen. Cynthia Aguilar Villar (Most Inspiring Senator), Chef Jessie Restaurants president and CEO Chef Josefina Sincioco (Most Inspiring Chef), Nine Media Corp. president and CNN Philippines owner Armie Jarin-Bennett (Most Inspiring Journalist), and Philippine Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade Carina Doyondon (Most Inspiring Adventurer: First Filipina to Complete Seven Summits).
“I used to play with her (Barbie). I think she’s been going with the times. [She teaches] women that they can be anything they want. Before, when I was young, puro glam lang. Ngayon, [you have a] firefighter, veterinarian, engineer. It makes them dream,” adds Dr. Vicki Belo-Kho. “Of all the awards I’ve ever received, this is the most nakakakilig!”
Barbie Philippines also held a fashion show with young models. They each walked down the runway in different costumes depicting women in various professions.
The iconic fashion doll, which was manufactured in 1959, has served as an inspiration to young women around the world, including girls from the Philippines. Barbie was first introduced in the Philippines in 1982, and has been one of the most loved dolls in the country ever since.
As for Myrna Yao’s message to young girls, she stated: “Be yourself, trust in God, work hard and be creative.”
