The call for radical change within our existing systems is a timeless concern, something that goes beyond International Women’s Month every March. When teaching the importance of celebrating women role models, we can go back to the basics — through literature.
Fearless Filipinas II is the follow-up to Fearless Filipinas: 12 Women Who Dared to Be Different, compiling the short biographies of twelve women spanning different fields and industries, from renowned scientists to actresses, to entrepreneurs and so much more. Vice President Leni Robredo even contributed to the first Fearless Filipinas book, writing a foreword that reminds women are all capable of unprecedented greatness.
This latest book seeks to expand on the previous volume’s earlier intention of spotlighting women of various competencies, likewise highlighting their individual moments of fearlessness in their respective fields.
The subjects of Fearless Filipinas II were selected not only for their achievements but for the grit, resilience, and determination they have displayed and continue to embody in their careers. In this volume, subjects include Jia Tolentino, the New York Times best-selling author of Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion, Macy Lee, activist, mental health advocate, and founder of the NGO Talang Dalisay, Cam Rodriguez, Philippine women’s national football team player who recently qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Megan Young, the first Filipina to win Miss World, among many others.
Documenting these subjects’ achievements and failures in Fearless Filipinas II was a way of keeping up with the tradition of writing and recording women’s history. Books are a point of reference, and by focusing on women, we give future generations valuable sources of inspiration and hope that they could break biases and achieve whatever they set their minds to despite whatever hurdles may come their way.
“When putting together Fearless Filipinas II, we were spoiled by choice in women to feature. There are countless women with stories to tell, which is why we intend on making Fearless Filipinas a series. There is no shortage of subjects to cover,” according to Katya Lichauco, co-author and managing editor of the book.
“Upon seeing the success of the first Fearless Filipinas book, it was only natural for us to create another edition, featuring many other remarkable Filipinas in the fields of business, art, journalism, and more. I feel honored to get to know these amazing women and put their inspirational stories into print. I hope with Fearless Filipinas II, other Filipinas, especially young girls, would be inspired to be more confident about themselves and be determined to achieve their dreams as well,” said co-author Monica Padillo.
The book celebrates the success of these 24 Fearless Filipinas who dared to dream:
- Alex Eala – Tennis player
- Anoinette Jadaone – Filmmaker
- Cam Rodriguez – Footballer
- Cathy Garcia-Molina – TV and Film Director
- Ces Drilon – Journalist
- Dr. Fe Del Mundo – Pediatrician
- Hershey Hilado – Entrepreneur
- Jia Tolentino – Journalist
- Josie Trinidad – Disney animator
- Justine Cordero – Founder of Color Manila
- Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala – Founder of ICanServe Foundation
- Kim King – Owner of Kim King’s Kitchen
- Macy Lee – Talang Dalisay founder
- Megan Young – Miss World 2013
- Michele Bumgarner – Racecar driver
- Pia Ranada – Journalist
- Regina Manzana-Sawhney – Co-founder of Filipino Googler Network
- Rian Gonzales – Artist
- Rowena Romulo – Owner of Romulo Café
- Ruby Ibarra – Rapper
- Tasha Tanjutco – Co-founder of Kids For Kids Philippines
- Vicky Morales-Reyno – Broadcast journalist
- Yasmin Busran-Lao – Women’s rights advocate
- Zara Carbonell – Miss Tourism Worldwide 2018
“I am truly honored to be part of this project and acknowledged to be a Fearless Filipina. I genuinely believe that all Filipinas are naturally strong and courageous. I’m hoping that this book will inspire more women to go after their dreams and change the world. Because after all, we’ve all got that innate fire in us that’s waiting to be unleashed, we just have to light that fire and put it into action,” said PN 1-Certified Gut, Fasting, & Skin Nutrition Specialist Kim King, who is featured in the book.
The book was written by Katya Lichauco, Monica Padillo, and Pancho Dizon, with founding editor Mica Magsanoc, contributor Veno Centeno, and copy editors Gabbie Ruiz and Miguel Fianza. Mio Borromeo served as the editor-in-chief and Kyle Nate as the deputy editorial director. The team was happy to collaborate again on a second volume, pushing for continuity in Filipina women’s history, with many more volumes to come.
Copies of Fearless Filipinas II: 24 Women Who Dared to Dream can be purchased online here.