Success is subjective. It isn’t linear and neither does it fit one definition. But while each of us takes on a different path towards success and fulfillment, our unique experiences and outlook shape the way we reach our goals.
From advertising to politics, digital marketing to financial literacy, and career coaching to personal development, let’s hear how six Filipino authors achieved success despite roadblocks and challenges threatening to snatch away their ambitions:
Chairmom by Merlee Jayme
As the first female Chairmom of an advertising agency in the Philippines, Merlee Jayme encountered a lot of obstacles, from gender discrimination to balancing work and family. But through hard work, perseverance, and her ability to innovate, she rose to the top. In her book, she shares how she navigated the corporate world and how her experiences shaped her as a leader.
Her advertising agency, Dentsu Jayme Syfu, has won numerous awards both locally and internationally, including Cannes Lions, the most prestigious advertising award in the world.
Fearless Filipinas 2 by Monica Padillo, Pancho Dizon, Mica Magsanoc
24 Filipinas, 24 different stories towards success. This powerful anthology celebrates the inspiring stories of 24 extraordinary Filipinas who have defied the odds, challenged the status quo, and made a significant impact in their respective fields.
From activists to artists, entrepreneurs to educators, and scientists to social workers, these women have shattered stereotypes, overcome adversity, and carved out their own paths to success. Hear the stories of Cathy Garcia-Molina, Alex Eala, Megan Young, Ces Drilon, and other powerful women as they share their stories as testaments to the resilience, creativity, and strength of Filipina women, and a source of inspiration to all who aspire to make a difference in the world.
CEO at 22 by Sean Si
Sean Si is the founder and CEO of SEO Hacker, a digital marketing agency in the Philippines. In his book, he shares how he started his company at the young age of 22 and how he overcame challenges such as financial struggles, lack of experience, and competition. He also emphasizes the importance of values, such as integrity and hard work, in running a successful business.
Sean Si’s company, SEO Hacker, has become one of the most successful digital marketing agencies in the Philippines, with a growing client base both locally and internationally. He has also become a sought-after speaker and trainer on digital marketing.
How to Prosper: Learn a Simple 5-Point System to Change Your Financial Life Forever! by Bo Sanchez
Bo Sanchez is a bestselling author and a financial literacy advocate in the Philippines. In his book, he shares a simple 5-point system to achieve financial prosperity, emphasizing the importance of saving, investing, and having the right mindset towards money.
Bo Sanchez’s advocacy for financial literacy has helped many Filipinos achieve financial freedom, through his books, seminars, and online courses. He has also established several organizations, such as the Truly Rich Club, to provide financial education and guidance to his followers.
Career Shift: Follow your Passion by Penny Bongato
Penny Bongato is a career coach and a corporate trainer in the Philippines. In her book, she shares how she shifted from a corporate job to a career in coaching and training, and how she helps others do the same. She emphasizes the importance of finding one’s passion and purpose, and how it can lead to a fulfilling career and a happy life.
Penny Bongato’s career coaching and training programs have helped many Filipinos find their passion and purpose, and make a successful career shift. She has also become a sought-after speaker and trainer in the corporate world.
Single, Taken, or Building My Empire by Jonathan Yabut
Jonathan Yabut’s success story is a testament to his philosophy of “think big, start small, act fast”. Despite starting from humble beginnings, he was able to build a successful career in the corporate world, and ultimately, win a reality TV show that gave him international recognition. He has since become a sought-after speaker and trainer on leadership and career development, and has helped many young professionals achieve their own career goals.
In the book, he emphasizes the importance of having a vision and a plan, and how to stay focused and disciplined in achieving one’s goals. He also shares practical tips on networking, personal branding, and building a successful career.
In a world where success can seem out of reach and the journey daunting, these six books by Filipino authors offer hope, inspiration, and practical advice on how to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s goals. Through their stories, we see that success comes in different forms, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving it.
Facing our fair share of roadblocks and challenges is normal, but what’s important is our perseverance and willingness to learn. By sharing these books, we can at least have a blueprint on what actionable steps these authors took and inspire readers to dream big, work hard, and never give up on their goals. So, let these books be your guide on the path to success, and remember that with determination and resilience, anything is possible!
Bookshelf PH is an online bookstore and book publisher in the Philippines. The organization’s goal is to promote a richer Filipino literature that will contribute to individual empowerment, and in the aggregate, nation-building. At the core of these aspirations is the belief that the surest and simplest path to personal and professional growth is through reading, whether through physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks. Bookshelf PH thus welcomes collaboration with all book lovers in the country, including everyone from freelance writers and interns to local booksellers, self-published authors, and brands that aim to publish a book.
