When you think of a trailblazer, you think of someone who is on the cutting edge of change, progress, innovation. Darlene Marie Berberabe is the trailblazer for Filipino women. Wanting to learn more about how she became such an icon for Pinays. I interviewed my phenomenal Auntie Lelen.

As a little girl, she graduated valedictorian of her elementary and high school classes. At the University of the Philippines, Auntie Lelen was one of four summa cum laude undergraduate students and was the only female summa cum laude. Because she studied philosophy and earned highest honors, she was appointed as UP’s philosophy professor and retained this prestigious position for 10 years. During that time, UP was known for not hiring women because only males taught philosophy. However, this changed because Auntie Lelen made history by becoming the first female philosophy instructor in the Philippines.

While she was teaching philosophy in the morning, she studied law at night. At the same time, she was Uncle Samboy’s wife and was raising a daughter. Auntie Lelen graduated from the University of the Philippines Law School as salutatorian. When she passed the bar, she practiced labor law and spent five years in a law firm.

Then, Auntie Lelen became a law partner for Procter & Gamble. In 2010, she was getting ready to relocate to Singapore when the Filipino Vice President, Jejomar Binay asked her to become a CEO of Pag-IBIG Fund. Aunt Lelen knew nothing about what this corporation was, but Auntie Lelen decided to take the opportunity.

As CEO of Pag-IBIG Fund, Auntie Lelen would be involved with housing, politics (Public sector and deals with a lot of government), and finance. Pag-IBIG is a collaboration of the four sectors: workers, executives, government officials, and the private sector. Auntie Lelen thrived in this position because she has diligence.

Excellence, being the best, integrity, honesty and doing the right thing even when nobody is looking, guided her leadership and work ethic. Not only are those two components vital, but communication (internal and external) is very important also. Priorities in Auntie Lelen’s leadership are: Being in touch and engaged with each other; making sure each feels that they are part of the organization. Her philosophy is, “You don't have to be academically bright, just try to be the best. Hard work will get you a long way. In life, try to excel at what you do best."

Climbing up the ladder of success was difficult for my aunt, but her gender was not a problem thanks to the spectacular gender equality in the Philippines. Gender equality is very high in the Philippines (In fact, it is one of the best places in the world for it). As Auntie Lelen said, “In the Philippines, we are proud that we have gained a lot of headway for leadership roles for women. There have been two women Filipino presidents. Society looks up to the mother as a central figure in the family. Philippines respects women. For example, the rate of rape incidents is low. In this kind of environment, I could not say it was a very big challenge to hurdle to starting a career as a woman.”

“It was a different story in high school. I was considered for the top rank of the citizen's army rank. Even if I was qualified for the top rank, I could not take it because it was considered a male's role. There are challenges, but they can be hurdled. Gender was not a baggage because I was trying to be good at what I can do. When doing that, I found myself hurdling the challenges. This environment is good for women because the strides of the society does in promoting their women. This makes it easier to develop a career as a woman."

Auntie Lelen is a very wise and smart woman, so I asked her for guidance. Her best piece of advice is: “Be grateful. It will make you happier in your life. If you are suffering, you will be lifted up. If you're victorious, you will be humbled. For example, if you are complaining that your food is horrible and are yelling at the waiter, remember that there are people who do not have food or cannot eat. If you are complaining that your shoes are ugly, remember that some people do not have shoes or feet.”

Auntie’s advice for young women who want to be ambitious and successful is to be challenged by the status quo. “For young women, people would tell you to not do it because it's dominated by men. Be challenged and go into it. Don't allow anyone to set your own limits for you. Always be open. Just go for it, especially if you want it so much.”

Not only is Auntie Lelen successful, but she is also kind-hearted. I want to thank Auntie Lelen for taking care of Uncle Samboy. Uncle Samboy and Auntie Lelen were married for many years. Avelino Lim Jr. was, “The Michael Jordan of the Philippines,” and an inductee of the PBA Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, he collapsed due to a cardiac arrest on November 28^th, 2014. Because he had hypoxia, lack of oxygen, to the brain for 23 minutes, he was comatose for 40 days.

When Uncle Sam woke up, he could not see, eat, move, breathe, or do anything on his own. It has been an uphill battle, but he is slowly improving. Thank you, Auntie Lelen, are your unwavering devotion to Uncle Sam. You were the one who was always checking up and getting the best medical attention for him. I greatly appreciate your help.

Maraming salamat po (This is Filipino for thank you very much).

Finally, family is love! Thank you for an absolutely wonderful time, Auntie Lelen. I had tons of fun in the Philippines! You are a remarkable woman, and you raised an amazingly beautiful daughter. Ate Jamie is not only smart, loving, and beautiful but also an accomplished athlete: Asian Karate Champion! Thank you so much again for taking care of Uncle Samboy. Hanggang sa muli (Filipino for see you soon)!