The iconic Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” This sentiment resonates deeply in the Philippines, a nation where the presidency has been held twice by women and female leaders are far from uncommon.
The country continues to be shaped by dynamic, intelligent, and high-achieving women who inspire, lead, and break barriers. Among them are remarkable figures in various fields: journalist Mel Tiangco, actress Maja Salvador, and Rein producers Maryruth “Beng” Maximo and Charmaine “Charm” Guzman.
A revered news personality and ambassador for the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), Mel Tiangco’s dedication to public service is unparalleled. Recently, she earned two recognitions for her commitment to uplifting communities. She was honored with the Community Impact Award at the inaugural Babae Awards by the Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH). In her acceptance speech, she shared, “I am deeply grateful that I am part of the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the GMA Network, for it is there where my professional journey brought me face-to-face and hand-in-hand with our people from all walks of life, especially the women.”
Last International Women’s Day, Tiangco received another accolade, this time from the YWCA Founder’s Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (FFPI). She was cited for her outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment through inclusive broadcast journalism. As the anchor of “24 Oras,” she has used her platform to amplify voices that often go unheard, proving that media can be a powerful tool for social change.
Meanwhile, “Her MAJAsty” Maja Salvador, a scion of the famous Salvador clan in showbiz, has proven her mettle as an actress, singer, dancer, and entrepreneur. In 2021, she formed her own management company, Crown Artist Management Inc., with her husband, Rambo Nuñez. After giving birth to her daughter, Maria, in June 2024, she seamlessly transitioned back into her roles as a mother, performer and businesswoman. She recently renewed her partnership with MQuest Ventures. At a contract signing event attended by MVP Group of Companies and MediaQuest Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Maja solidified her collaboration with MediaQuest Cignal and MQuest Ventures. This partnership promises a slate of exciting projects, including the fifth season of the beloved guessing game show “Emojination,” the revenge drama “Athena,” and the dynamic dance competition “Isayaw Mo”.
Jane Jimenez-Basas, president and CEO of MediaQuest and MQuest Ventures, praised Maja, saying, “She is more than just a phenomenal talent — Maja is family to us at MediaQuest. Her passion, versatility, and unwavering commitment to her craft have made a lasting impact, not just on our network but on the audiences who continue to embrace her.”
Beyond television, Maja’s collaboration with MQuest Ventures extends to film, with several projects already in the pipeline.
While Mel Tiangco and Maja Salvador shine in the public eye, Charm Guzman and Beng Maximo have been making waves behind the scenes. As managing producer and junior producer, respectively, at Rein — a boutique creative house and production company founded by directors Shugo Praico, Philip King, and Lino Cayetano — they have been instrumental in the company’s steady rise. Charm chose a path different from her family of lawyers and military personnel, venturing into the creative world of film and television. Beng, meanwhile, chose to stay with Rein after serving as an SK leader and then councilor in Taguig. Both began their journeys as interns under Direk Lino Cayetano. Over the years, Charm and Beng have honed their skills under the steady guidance of Rein’s directors and by attending various conferences here and abroad.
“What’s good with Rein is they really allow you to grow,” Charm shared at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), where Rein shared the stage with over 80 delegates from the Philippines. “You are encouraged and supported to learn and to discover the different aspects of the business.”
Charm is proud of how Rein has grown since its humble start in 2017. “From the very start, we’ve been deeply grateful for the trust and opportunities our industry partners have extended to us, which allowed us to grow, establish our own brand and IP, and create stories that reflect the narratives we’re truly passionate about,” she reflected.
“Today, Rein is honored to be recognized not only locally but also on the international stage, with accolades such as the Asian Academy Creative Awards for ‘Bagman’, ‘Nanahimik ang Gabi’, and ‘BetCin’,” she said, adding that these awards show the team’s commitment to Filipino storytelling and talent.
With Direk Lino Cayetano entering the congressional race in the first district of Taguig, Beng has shifted her focus to his campaign, while Charm has taken on even greater responsibilities at Rein. Their smarts and dedication — whether navigating the complexities of a campaign or a production — have made them indispensable parts of the team.
Mel Tiangco, Maja Salvador, Beng Maximo and Charmaine Guzman represent the diverse ways women can lead and inspire. Whether through public service, entertainment, or creative production, these women have broken barriers, defied expectations, and are paving the way for others.
