Celebration of Vancouver's Filipinas

By Melissa Guillergan,
Special to The Post

The Philippines is a country that has embraced strong, independent, powerful women such as Corazon Aquino.
Through their actions and convictions, the legacies of these women have blazed a trail for Filipinas that exists not just in The Philippines; it has extended geographically and generationally to young Filipinas who have immigrated or were born in Canada.
To celebrate Philippine Independence Day, we will take a look at some of Vancouver's own Filipinas who embody courage and grace and are making a significant difference in the community and, in their own words, what makes them proud to be a powerful Filipina. 

Lorie Corcuera, Aileen de la Torre and Michelle Amaba
Co-Founders and Leaders 
SPARK Creations

Lorie Corcuera and Aileen de la Torre are the co-founders of SPARK Creations, a company dedicated to igniting and enriching culture, leadership and teambuilding. Lorie is a strong female leader in the Filipino community and has received a Maharlika Award from the Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage Society in recognition of her outstanding contributions to not only Filipinos but to many women throughout the Lower Mainland. Aileen has over 20 years of experience specializing in aligning strategic goals with business processes by integrating project management, people potential techniques, and resource optimization. She is also a Business Strategy Coach to women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. As a key leader in the company, Michelle Amaba has the title of Creative Inspiration Originator at SPARK Creations and manages leadership training programs and weekend workshops to help women find their inner spark. 

“My mother’s essence and the essence of Filipinas are undeniably full of love and compassion. At our core, we will do whatever it takes to give the people we love and ourselves a fulfilling life. It is simply living our life purpose and our core values completely.” – Lorie Corcuera

“When I think of powerful Filipinas I recall a conversation I had with my cousin. She immigrated to Canada only to find she was forced to reinvent herself and start her career over again. She started taking odd jobs to help pay the bills, jobs that were physically challenging, mentally draining, hours unsteady and the pay less than desirable. To me, she is courageous to believe in her dreams, trust in her faith and risk leaving the life she had in the Philippines to pursue a greater future for herself and her family.  Even when the road was difficult, she persevered. This story rings true for the many women in the Filipino Community.” – Aileen de la Torre

“I feel blessed that all my life I’ve been surrounded by strong powerful Filipino women.  My mom is the strongest person I know; she taught me how to be a compassionate leader and to always be positive in life. The females in my family, from my lolas to titas, have all made me the woman that I am today and for that I am grateful.” – Michelle Amaba

Christina Florencio
Marketing and Sponsorship Manager
Dress for Success Vancouver

Christina Florencio is a free-spirited West Coaster with a zest for life, love and giving. She's a food lover, fashion admirer and an aspiring world traveler. She is the Marketing and Sponsorship Manager at Dress for Success Vancouver, a registered charity committed to empowering women into the workforce.
“I'm proud of my Filipino heritage, the people and what we stand behind. We are a culture that is a true melting pot, embracing the many differences behind our people and celebrating the beauty of our land. I celebrate being a Filipina through Filipino cultural dance as I perform as a senior dancer for Kababayang Pilipino dance group. When I perform on stage, I feel a sense of pride as I share the beauty of the dances and the meanings behind the moves. The Filipino culture is a very nurturing, family oriented and happy-go-lucky. The people are full of passion, love and pride. I'm grateful for my culture and I stand proud behind the Filipino people.”

Valerie Braacx
Founder of Veespoke

Valerie Braacx is the mom of a energetic young son and the founder of Veespoke, a company that makes unique infinity scarves for men, women and children.
“One of the factors that have contributed to success in my endeavors was modeled to me by my parents and is a distinguishing trait of the Filipino Community: We work hard. In every capacity we serve; caring for children, nursing the sick in hospitals, or taking charge in the boardroom, a strong work ethic is a present among Filipinos, and makes me proud to be one of them.”

Elizabeth Manuntag
Lifestyle Blogger

Elizabeth Manutag is a Marketing and Office Administrator for a real estate and brokerage firm in Yaletown. She also has a style blog, thestylesaver.ca, where she shows how to be fashionable on a budget and promotes a sustainable lifestyle by shopping at warehouse, sample, and consignment sales, in addition to thrifting and secondhand shopping.
“I've always admired how hard-working Filipinos are, no matter what kind of circumstances they've come from. As a Filipina, it makes me proud to come from a heritage that is incredibly resilient, resourceful, and dedicated to building better lives not only for themselves, but for their families and communities as well.”