Cover The three nominees for the Well-being Award category of Tatler Philippines’ Front and Female Awards 2025
The three nominees for the Well-being Award category of Tatler Philippines’ Front and Female Awards 2025
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Meet the inspiring nominees helping to inspire, elevate and advance women in the fields of medicine and entrepreneurship
Acclaimed poet and activist Maya Angelou famously once said: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
Over the years, Tatler has had the privilege of sharing the unique journeys of incredible women who have excelled in their chosen industries, while paving the way for future generations of women in their field. While some women have shared insights into their struggles and successes, many still toil behind the scenes.
With the Front & Female Awards in its second year in the Philippines, the team is committed to championing the women whose work is inspiring progress for women and girls, breaking barriers for women’s rights through their work and lives.
In April 2025, we opened public nominations for the awards to seek out individuals who fit this criteria, whether it be advocating for women’s rights or equity, closing gender gaps, driving the female agenda or breaking barriers for others to follow.
The Front & Female Awards ceremony will take place on July 30 in Manila, where we will announce the six winners from these inspiring nominees, identified with the help of our expert voting committee comprising some of the most influential names in finance, sports, healthcare, arts, technology and more in the Philippines.
Three nominees were shortlisted for this year’s Well-being category, given to an individual helping to inspire, elevate and advance women in medicine, fashion or professional fields.
We spoke to these inspiring ladies ahead of the awards to find out what motivates them and the most rewarding aspects of their work.
In case you missed it: In Pictures: Moments we loved at the Front & Female Awards 2025 in Malaysia
Dr Catherine Teh
Above Dr Catherine Teh, a hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon and a Well-being nominee for the 2025 Tatler Front & Female Awards in the Philippines
Dr Catherine Teh, a hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon and a Well-being nominee for the 2025 Tatler Front & Female Awards in the Philippines
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Dr. Catherine Sia Cheng Teh is a trailblazing hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon whose work is transforming cancer care in the Philippines and beyond. Known for her expertise in complex liver, pancreas, and biliary surgeries — including liver transplantation — Dr. Teh combines surgical precision, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to equity in healthcare.
She made history as the first woman to chair the Department of Surgery at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and has led HPB surgery at Makati Medical Center, where she also served as Director of the Liver Care Center. But her influence extends far beyond the operating room.
Dr. Teh is a founder of the Philippine Association of HPB Surgeons, the only woman among the founding members of the International Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Society, and President of the ASEAN Laparoscopic HPB Council — helping put Filipino surgical leadership firmly on the global map. She is also the first and only Asian woman accepted into the elite Society of Surgeons Les Compagnons Hepato-Biliaires, a recognition of her stature and contribution to the field. Driven by purpose, she established the Samahang Magmamahal sa Atay Foundation to increase access to care for indigent patients and support the training of young HPB surgeons — a reflection of her belief that healthcare should be both excellent and accessible.
Her commitment to systemic change extends to national policy. Dr. Teh played a key role in shaping the landmark National Integrated Cancer Control Act (RA11215) — a law that redefined cancer care in the Philippines by promoting early detection, equitable access, and multidisciplinary coordinated care across all levels of the health system.
Today, as Chair of the Board of the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission, and through her leadership in various national and international cancer care and surgical quality bodies, Dr. Teh continues to advocate for systems that are high-quality, inclusive, and future-ready. She is not only reshaping cancer care in the Philippines — she is mentoring the next generation of surgeons and widening the path for women, both in and beyond the operating theatre, around the world.
What is your greatest strength?
I would say it’s my systems thinking and clarity under pressure. I make hard decisions in high-stakes moments, always grounded in purpose and principle, to create thoughtful, lasting solutions.
What impact do you want to make in the next five years?
I want to elevate our healthcare system by building high-performing surgical teams, mentoring and developing surgeon-leaders and driving disruptive innovations that close the care gap in HPB and cancer care. My goal is to help shift cancer care from reactive to proactive—and to empower more women to lead in medicine, research and policy.
Erika Aquino
Above Erika Aquino, a start-up strategist, angel investor, entrepreneur, speaker and a Well-being nominee for the 2025 Tatler Front & Female Awards in the Philippines
Erika Aquino, a start-up strategist, angel investor, entrepreneur, speaker and a Well-being nominee for the 2025 Tatler Front & Female Awards in the Philippines
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Erika Aquino is a start-up strategist, angel investor, entrepreneur and speaker committed to shaping a better future by supporting innovative founders, especially women and minority entrepreneurs. Her investment portfolio spans cities like Manila, Miami, Singapore, Australia, Germany, Los Angeles and Austin, reflecting her commitment to backing high-growth, culturally diverse ventures in sectors like wellness, education, the future of work and agriculture.
As a speaker, Erika leverages over 20 years of executive leadership experience, a Master’s in Communication and an MBA to deliver energetic, humorous and insightful talks on angel investing, marketing, start-up strategy and female entrepreneurship.
In addition to investing and speaking, Erika is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders. Through her grounded approach to mentorship, she helps start-up founders navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Erika’s work has left a significant impact, with colleagues praising her creativity, strategic communication skills and ability to build strong stakeholder relationships. Her current ventures include co-owning a craft beer company, creating educational travel experiences for first-generation college students and promoting educational access for Filipino students.
Who inspires you, and why?
My father inspires me. Aside from his business skills, he has taught me to come back from setbacks, to be compassionate towards others and to make consistent deposits in the “bank of the universe” of kindness, compassion and generosity.
What advice would you share with the next generation of women and girls?
Don’t wait for permission. Build your table, speak your truth and choose progress over perfection every time. And if you are invited to a room, it’s because you belong there. Know your worth.
More from Tatler: Meet Carla Mae Leonor, whose fusion of business and design is elevating Filipino creative industries
Cleo Loque
Above Cleo Loque, founder of Hiraya Pilipina and a Well-being nominee for the 2025 Tatler Front & Female Awards in the Philippines (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
Cleo Loque, founder of Hiraya Pilipina and a Well-being nominee for the 2025 Tatler Front & Female Awards in the Philippines (Photo: Wesley Villarica)
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Cleo Loque is a young Filipino entrepreneur and founder of Hiraya Pilipina, a lifestyle and advocacy brand focused on women’s empowerment, comfort and Filipino identity. She started the brand at age 15 with a modest loan from her parents and initially sold empowering statement t-shirts.
Over time, she pivoted the brand to specialise in innovative innerwear and solutionwear products, such as silicone bras and pasties, which became bestsellers and helped the brand grow significantly, especially through social media platforms like TikTok.
Loque is a student of Entrepreneurship at Enderun Colleges and balances her role as CEO with content creation and active social media engagement, which has been key to her brand’s success. She emphasises inclusivity and empowerment in her products, aiming to make women feel confident and included, including offering larger sizes for bigger-chested women. She has built Hiraya Pilipina from her living room into a well-known brand with a strong community of customers and followers. The brand has garnered attention for its advocacy and innovative approach to women’s intimate care in the Philippines.
Why is it important to you to support and inspire women in the Philippines?
I believe women can change the narrative around business. For the longest time, we’ve believed that leaders and bosses are men in suits. But now it’s important to empower women’s unique characteristics: our intuition and empathy. We have a very intuitive leadership style that doesn’t demand; instead, we command. It’s empowering for me to be part of the women shifting the narrative around business and leadership, as not just a man in a suit. Effective leadership looks different for everyone.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
When you’re scaling a business, costs are going to be involved. But as long as the impact of that leap of faith is measurable, it’s worth taking that step.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
