Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Scales the “Babaylan” Spirit with Successful Filipina Women Entrepreneurs 2.0 Forum

(Photo Above) A group photo during the celebration of National Women’s Month entitled, “Filipina Women Entrepreneurs 2.0: Scaling the Spirit of Leadership” on 25 March 2026 at the Consular Lobby (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

26 March 2026, Vancouver, B.C. - In a vibrant celebration of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver successfully hosted “FILIPINA WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS 2.0: Scaling the Spirit of Leadership” on 25 March 2026 at the Consular Lobby of the Consulate General. The event brought together nearly 90 guests, including aspiring entrepreneurs, community leaders, and distinguished dignitaries, to honor the modern-day Babaylan—the visionary Filipina leader.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin opened the forum by drawing a powerful connection between ancestral heritage and modern commerce. “To our entrepreneurs: Your success is the Philippines’ success,” the Consul General remarked. “You are the modern-day Babaylans, proving that the Filipino spirit is not just resilient—it is expansive, strategic, and world-class.”

The Honorable Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, graced the event and shared her own journey of breaking barriers. “The leadership we see in this room today is a testament to the strength of our community,” said MLA Elmore. “When Filipinas lead, whether in the halls of government or the helm of a business, they bring a unique spirit of service that uplifts everyone around them.”

The heart of the afternoon featured a panel of trailblazing business owners: Ms. Maj Yee (President and Managing Director, Goldilocks Bakeshop Canada), Ms. Lynne Gonzaga (Director for Marketing, A Laque Wine), and Ms. Jamia Pestano (Founder, CEO, and Lead Coffee Roaster, Whisker Beans Coffee Co.), and moderated by Ms. Sammie Jo Rumbaua (Co-owner, Power of Three Events). The discussion offered a holistic view of the entrepreneurial journey—touching on the personal resilience needed to start, the professional discipline required to scale, and the practical strategies for navigating the Canadian market.

(Photo Above) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin addresses the guests in her opening remarks. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Adding a global dimension to the event, the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), led by Atty. Roela “Barbie” R. Dela Peña, Division Chief III, delivered a presentation on the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV). Atty. Dela Peña invited the community to visit the PRA booth at the 15th Gerotechnology Conference from 27 to 28 March at the Simon Fraser Vancouver Campus to learn more about retirement opportunities in the Motherland.

Guests were treated to a showcase of Filipino-Canadian excellence through refreshments provided by local businesses, including Goldilocks’ signature ube cake and polvoron, alongside specialty coffee blends from Whisker Beans Coffee and homemade empanadas.

The event was covered by Ms. Rowena Papasin of Patrol Abroad.

The evening concluded with a historic moment as the Consulate personnel, guest speakers and other attendees gathered at the Canada Place waterfront for a group photo against the iconic Sails of Light at Canada Place, which were illuminated in vibrant purple in commemoration of International Women’s Month. The skyline tribute served as a glowing reminder of the impact and solidarity of Filipina women in British Columbia. END.

(Photos Above) MLA Mable Elmore delivers her message at the start of the event. Resource persons (Ms. Lynne Gonzaga of A LaQUE, Ms. Mia Pestano of Whisker Beans Coffee Co.and Ms. Maj Yee of Goldilocks Bakeshop Canada) share their inspiring presentations to the audience. (Photos by Vancouver PCG) .

(Photos Above) Consul André Peter C. Estanislao hosts the event and Ms. Sammie Jo Rumbaua moderates the panel discussion and open forum. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Photos Above) Atty. Roela R. Dela Peña of Philippine Retirement Authority briefs the audience of the retirement opportunities in the Philippines (Photos by Vancouver PCG).

(Photos Above) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin joins the group for a photo opportunity marking a memorable moment before the event concludes. (Photos by Vancouver PCG).

(Photos Above) The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General join the guests as the iconic sails of light were illuminated in purple at the Canada Place, Vancouver in commemoration of National Women’s Month (Photos by Vancouver PCG)