Year after year, millions of Filipinos make the difficult decision to leave their families or loved ones behind for a chance of earning more and provide them with a better life. Mothers and fathers lose the opportunity to watch their children grow, while young adults or single Filipinos are thrust into the role of becoming breadwinners.

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from April to September 2023 was estimated at 2.16 million, an increase of 9.8% compared to the 1.96 million estimate in 2022.

Miguel, who has been abroad for close to eight years, narrated that he was able to move to the US with the help of a relative who was already a green card holder. “Hindi madali ang magsimula sa ibang bansa. Kinailangan ko tumanggap ng dalawa o tatlong trabaho para may sapat na maipadala kay mama at mga kapatid ko na nag-aaral pa (Starting my life here in the US was not easy. I needed to do two to three jobs at a time so I can earn enough money to send back home to my mother and siblings who were still studying).”

After years of living the so-called “American dream,” Miguel realized that he had his own dreams to fulfill. He started looking for a more stable job and opened a savings account for his personal goals.

This is a common tale among several Filipinos working abroad: family comes first, while personal goals get second priority.

He shared, “Hindi masamang tumulong sa pamilya, pero kailangan din natin isipin ang sarili natin at yung mga gusto natin ma-experience o ma-achieve, ‘di ba? Kaya ipon-ipon din (There’s nothing wrong with helping your family, but we also need to think of ourselves and the things we wish to experience or achieve, right? So, we also need to save money whenever we can).”

Google Trends data showed that in 2024, the search term “savings account” generated an average of 79 searches per week in the Philippines, or up by 6% compared to the 74 weekly searches on average in 2023. Related queries included interest rates, requirements, and maintaining balance. The data suggests that more Filipinos may have considered opening a savings account in 2024 than the year before it.

Saving in banks for future goals is a smart and wise way to ensure that money is kept safe, especially with the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) around. The PDIC is a government instrumentality with a unique function of safeguarding the interest of the depositing public by providing insurance coverage on all insured deposits.

The increased maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) of P1 million took effect on March 15, 2025. This increase in the MDIC is seen to help Miguel and several other Filipinos even more in building trust in the banks and in encouraging them to save more in banks.

Whether it is saving for an immediate need or a future dream, depositors can have the peace of mind that their money is now better protected if they choose to save it in banks.

“Ang maganda pag sa bangko nag-iipon ay less yung worry na baka manakaw ang pera. At masarap din sa pakiramdam na nakikita mong unti-unting lumalaki ang pera sa bangko at yung thought na malapit ko na ma-reach ang target ko (The good thing about saving money in banks is that you don’t need to worry about your money being stolen. Aside from that, it also feels good to see your savings grow and know that you are close to reaching your target),” Miguel concluded, highlighting that saving in banks not only protects our money, but also our personal goals.

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Waking up to a home flooded up to hip level or reporting for work only to find out you have been let go by the company are scenarios one would wish were just a bad dream. For Karla and Paulo, however, this was their reality when Typhoon Ondoy and the global pandemic happened, respectively. Faced with the sudden dilemma, they found themselves asking: How do I begin again?

Emergency situations such as natural calamities and virus outbreaks strike without warning. Having a savings account — or better yet an emergency fund, can spell the difference between feeling helpless and having peace of mind.

Karla and her family lost almost of their belongings, but thankfully the money she tucked in the bank was left unharmed. “Buti na lang may savings ako. Maliit man o malaki na sakuna, importante na ready ka, na may savings ka sa bangko para may mahuhugot ka. Hindi mo need maghintay ng tulong sa iba dahil kaya mong tulungan ang sarili mo at ang pamilya mo (It was a good thing I had my savings in a bank. Whether it is a small or big calamity, it is important that you are ready, that you have savings in the bank that you can use. That way, you won’t need to wait on others for help because you are capable of helping yourself and your family),” Karla recalled with a sense of relief.

This sense of security in the banking system is exactly what the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) aims when fulfilling its twin public policy objectives of protecting depositors and promoting financial stability. As the state deposit insurer, the PDIC provides a financial safety net through deposit insurance to depositors of banks up to the maximum coverage amount set by law.

In Paulo’s case, his unforeseen emergency was brought about by COVID-19. The pandemic not only taught him that nothing is permanent but also stressed the importance of saving money in banks. As the family’s breadwinner, he immediately needed to find another way to earn a living after being laid off. That was when he tried delivery work.

“Dati wala akong effort para mag-ipon sa bangko. Lahat ng sinasahod ko napupunta agad sa mga bilihin at mga bayarin. Nung nawalan ako bigla ng trabaho, dun ko na realize na ang hirap pala pag wala kang naitabi. Kaya ngayon, kahit pa P10 o P20 lang na extra, kapag pinagsama-sama malaking dagdag na rin para sa emergency fund (I used to not make an effort to save in banks. What I earn went straight to buying the necessities and paying the bills. When I suddenly lost my job, that was the only time I realized just how hard it is when you have nothing saved. So now, I save even if it is just an extra P10 or P20 to add to the emergency fund),” he said.

According to a report by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as of September 2024, more than 450 cities and municipalities in the country remain unbanked. This means that many Filipinos may still be unaware of the benefits of saving in banks and having their hard-earned money protected by the PDIC.

To sustain the protection the PDIC provides to depositors, it continuously strengthens the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF), the funding source of deposit insurance built primarily through the collection of semi-annual assessments from banks.

Starting March 15, 2025, the DIF guarantees that deposits up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) of P1 million per depositor per bank are protected. This is double the previous MDIC of P500,000, which was last adjusted in 2009.

This increase in the MDIC not only demonstrates the stability of the DIF but also ensures more deposit accounts are insured, thus reinforcing public trust and confidence in the banking system. Hopefully, more individuals, like Karla and Paulo, can confidently choose to save in banks, knowing that the PDIC is their ally in safeguarding their savings and the welfare of their family during challenging times.

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A sari-sari store around the corner, eateries lining up on the side of a street, 24/7 community laundry shop, or a digital marketing start-up agency are just a few examples of MSMEs or micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that play a crucial role in providing employment and driving economic growth.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that for 2023, 99.63% of the total recorded business enterprises operating in the country are MSMEs.

Angela started her baking business both as a side-hustle and as an outlet for her love for desserts, initially offering her baked goods to family and colleagues. When the pandemic shifted how people do business that led to the rise of e-commerce, Angela also explored using social media to widen the reach of her business.

“Mahirap na umasa lang sa buwan-buwan na sahod. Kailangan maging madiskarte dahil sa pangangailangan ng pamilya, kaya sumubok ako sa pag-nenegosyo. Naisip ko dahil mahilig naman ako mag-bake, bakit ‘di ko subukan? Ino-offer ko lang nung umpisa sa mga kamag-anak, kakilala, at mga katrabaho, hanggang sa nagpo-post na rin ako sa social media. Ngayon ay nag-iisip ako na mapalago pa lalo ang negosyo (It’s hard to rely only on the monthly salary. You have to be resourceful because of the needs of the family, that’s why I decided to try starting a business. Since I love baking, I thought, why not give it a shot? At first, I offered my baked goods to family, friends, and co-workers. Then, I started posting about it on social media. Now, I’m thinking of growing the business even more),” Angela shared of her business journey, thus far.

For business owners like Angela, having a savings account is important if they want to grow their business. First, saving in banks provides business owners access to credit, which will come in handy if they want to apply for a loan to finance their business operations or plans for expansion. Second, it gives them access to bank products and tools that will make transactions with suppliers and customers easier. More importantly, it ensures business owners’ hard-earned profits are secured in banks.

Adding another layer of security and protection to bank deposits is deposit insurance provided by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC). The PDIC insures deposits in banks licensed to operate by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Many MSMEs and start-ups, including Angela, have gravitated towards digital transactions and even mobile apps, which have become increasingly popular in the country due to factors that make banking more convenient and rewarding.

“At the end of each month, sinisiguro ko na may naitatabi rin ako sa bangko. Ngayon ay meron akong dalawang savings account, isa sa traditional bank at isa sa digital bank. Unti-unti kong binubuo ang capital para sa pangarap na mapalaki pa ang aking baking business. Sa pag-iipon sa bangko, panatag ako na secured ang negosyo goals ko. (At the end of each month, I make sure to set aside some savings in the bank. Right now, I maintain two savings accounts, one in a traditional bank and another in a digital bank. Little by little, I’m saving up the capital I need to grow my baking business. Saving in the bank gives me peace of mind, knowing my business goals are secure),” Angela said with optimism.

The new maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) of P1 million took effect on March 15, 2025. This upward adjustment in the MDIC since it was last set to P500,000 in 2009, offers greater protection for bank deposits and grants individuals and business owners, like Angela, more peace of mind and confidence that their hard-earned deposits in banks are safe and secure.

To learn more about the new MDIC, you may visit www.pdic.gov.ph/MDIC.

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Cocolife Ambassador shares tips on making a dream-come-true wedding

Weddings mark the beginning of a whole new chapter for couples. The perfect dream-come-true wedding is worth planning, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime event that celebrates the start of their journey together.

Dream weddings are achievable, especially when done right. More than just preparing for a memorable celebration, proper wedding planning is an investment in a couple’s dreams and shared life.

Kiefer Ravena — Filipino professional basketball player of Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan’s B.League, former Gilas Pilipinas team captain, and Cocolife brand ambassador — recently got married to fiancée Diana Mackey and shares his tips for an efficient wedding planning.

Communicating effectively

First and foremost, effective communication is the cornerstone of successful wedding planning. For couples preparing for their big day, being on the same page is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. This means openly discussing and aligning each other’s visions, priorities, and expectations for the wedding.

Clear and honest dialogue helps avoid misunderstandings and prevents unnecessary stress. Transparency, active listening, and mutual respect create a strong foundation — not just for planning the event, but for the marriage itself. When differing opinions arise, approach them with understanding and a willingness to compromise. Finding the middle ground that satisfies both partners’ wishes strengthens teamwork and builds a shared sense of ownership over the celebration.

As with any lasting relationship, open and honest communication is not just helpful — it’s essential. It transforms wedding planning from a daunting task into a meaningful journey you navigate together.

Setting goals

Start with clear goals and a shared purpose in mind. Before diving into the details, couples should have an open conversation about their ideal wedding and identify what truly matters most to them. Defining the 4 W’s — what, why, where, and when — helps establish direction and clarity from the start.

Visualizing the celebration through inspiration boards, mood boards, or layout sketches can bring ideas to life and ensure both partners are aligned. Remember, investing in a wedding begins with a meaningful purpose. When guided by clear priorities, every decision becomes intentional — making the experience not only more personal but also financially worthwhile.

Smart financial planning

When planning a wedding, couples also need to consider their finances carefully. Discussing the wedding plan, setting a realistic budget, and defining financial goals are some of the essential steps in financial planning for the wedding. To manage finances efficiently, creating a budget is a must. It helps couples track their finances and make informed decisions throughout the process. Smart and realistic financial choices are a key to a successful wedding celebration.

The role of wedding coordinators

Every wedding is unique, and working with wedding coordinators who understand what a couple wants on their special day can make the planning process much more convenient. A wedding coordinator’s job is to manage the entire process — from planning to the wedding program and reception itself. Hiring a wedding coordinator reduces stress, saves time, and ensures that couples can enjoy their big day freely.

These tips can turn the wedding planning journey into a fun and enjoyable experience. Still, a wedding can become even more meaningful with a lasting gift couples can give themselves — something that goes beyond the celebration.

This is why Kiefer highly recommends Cocolife’s Flexi Investment Plan as an excellent option for couples who are already planning for their once-in-a-lifetime dream wedding together. It combines both investment and life insurance features, so you can start your new chapter feeling confident, protected, and financially prepared. Plus, it’s super flexible — you can customize it to match you and your partner’s lifestyle and future goals as a couple.

The Flexi Investment Plan comes with a range of helpful features designed to support couples at every stage. These include life protection, a mix of diversified investment options, flexible payment and withdrawal terms, opportunities for increased growth, and additional policy benefits. With payment periods from 5 to 20 years and coverage that lasts up to age 100, it’s a smart way to stay financially secure — so you can enjoy planning your wedding and looking forward to your future together with peace of mind.

“As Kiefer faces a new chapter of his life as a husband and father, Cocolife is proud to support his journey towards a secure, comfortable, and fulfilling family life,” said Atty. Martin A. Loon, President and CEO of Cocolife. “This is one of the reasons why we developed the Cocolife Flexi Series — to help couples turn their dreams of a joyful, financially secure married life into reality.”

As we wish Kiefer and Diana all the best in their marriage, Cocolife remains committed to helping couples build better futures together.

To know more about Cocolife’s Flexi Investment and other quality financial products, visit https://www.cocolife.com/products/individual-insurance/.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Cocolife Brand Ambassador Kiefer Ravena shares tips on smart spending and saving

For young adults just beginning to earn money, saving can often feel like sacrificing all the fun. In a consumer-driven world, spending on nights out and keeping up with pricey trends has become the norm for younger generations. But managing your finances doesn’t have to mean missing out on life.

By developing smart spending habits, young adults can find the sweet spot between enjoying the present and securing their future, proving that financial responsibility and personal well-being can go hand in hand.

Filipino basketball player for Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan’s B.League and Cocolife Brand Ambassador Kiefer Ravena shares tips on how to make budgeting both a fulfilling and enjoyable journey through smart spending.

Track your expenses and create a realistic budget

One of the biggest mistakes people make with money is not keeping track of where it goes.

Whether it’s through shopping sprees or spontaneous food trips, Filipinos often tend to spend their hard-earned cash on things they don’t really need. This lack of awareness can lead to overspending and financial stress, making it harder to save for bigger goals.

Using budgeting apps, spreadsheets, or even a simple notebook can provide clarity on where funds are going. Once you have a clearer picture, creating a realistic budget that covers essentials like rent, food, and transportation makes it easier to cut unnecessary expenses without completely giving up the things that bring joy.

Popularized by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren in her book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan, the 50/30/20 rule is a helpful way to maintain financial balance without feeling restricted. The rule suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

“I try to write down my expenses and chart them accordingly — from bills to business to extracurriculars. It may not be exact, but at least I have an estimate of how much I spend versus how much I earn,” shared Cocolife Brand Ambassador Kiefer C. Ravena.

Practice intentional spending

With the rise of e-commerce platforms, Filipinos now have easy access to make impulse purchases directly from their phones, which can quickly drain their finances. Double-digit sales, seasonal price drops, and payday discounts make it easier than ever to justify unplanned spending, often leading to unnecessary purchases that add up over time.

“I try not to enter stores where I know I’ll make an impulsive purchase. I just avoid so I don’t have a reason to buy,” Kiefer shared.

One method that has helped individuals like Kiefer improve his financial discipline is the 24-hour rule. This rule suggests waiting a full day before deciding on a purchase. If, after 24 hours, consumers still believe the purchase aligns with their financial priorities and long-term goals, then it may be reasonable to proceed. In many cases, however, people find that the desire to buy fades, saving them from unnecessary expenses.

Compare prices and maximize discounts

Even financially disciplined individuals spend some of their money on personal desires every once in a while. The key difference lies in how they approach it. Instead of giving in to impulse purchases, smart consumers take the time to compare prices and use discounts to ensure they get the most value for their money.

With many online and physical stores offering similar products, prices may vary based on quality, demand, and supply. Before making a purchase, it’s wise to explore different retailers, check price comparison websites, and monitor price trends. Additionally, try searching for additional savings through discounts, vouchers, or rewards programs.

However, smart spending also means exercising financial discipline, especially when using credit.

“First, don’t get a credit card if you have difficulty controlling your spending — that’s a common pitfall for many individuals.” Kiefer advised. “Second, set a spending limit on your credit card to ensure that essential expenses are prioritized and not overlooked.”

Avoid lifestyle inflation

Filipinos have become increasingly wary of inflation since the COVID-19 pandemic, as rising costs of goods and services have significantly impacted their daily expenses and spending habits. While prices have eased in some areas, a common pitfall that often goes unnoticed is lifestyle inflation — the tendency to increase spending as earnings rise.

The temptation to splurge on nicer clothes, newer cars, or the latest gadgets can feel like a well-deserved reward for hard work. However, when spending rises as quickly, or even faster than income, it can become difficult to save. What starts as an occasional indulgence can gradually become the norm, making it harder to scale back later on.

“I prioritize savings by having an end goal of what I want to achieve 10-15 years down the road. It’s always easy to spend when you have high cash flow, but as athletes, we know we can’t play forever,” Kiefer added.

Automate savings and investments

The easiest way to build wealth is to pay yourself first. However, relying on willpower alone to save a portion of one’s income can be challenging, as daily expenses and impulsive spending often take priority. Fortunately, digital banks and e-wallets now offer automatic savings and investment features on most platforms.

With this method, the urge to spend first and save later becomes an afterthought, since savings and investments are already set aside before any discretionary spending happens. Start small if needed. Even consistently setting aside 5%-10% of your income can make a significant difference over time.

“[My] financial goals have always been, ‘Let your money earn money.’ If I could invest and earn compared to my workload, that is the goal,” Kiefer concluded.

Beyond saving and budgeting, taking advantage of investment opportunities is the next step in growing wealth and securing financial stability. Cocolife’s Flexi Protection, part of the company’s Flexi Series, offers coverage that ensures financial support for loved ones in unexpected events.

This product offers a mix of different investment options based on how much risk you’re comfortable with. You can choose from funds like the Peso Guaranteed Fund, Fixed Income Fund, Equity Fund, and Bond Fund. You can switch between them anytime to fit your financial goals.

“Just as we support Kiefer, Cocolife shares your goal of living a secure, comfortable, and fulfilling life. That’s why we created the Cocolife Flexi Series — to give you the freedom to design your own investment and insurance plan based on your resources and unique needs, so you can enjoy life to the fullest with confidence in your financial future,” said Cocolife President and CEO Atty. Martin A. Loon.

Flexi Protection offers flexible payment options to match your budget and goals. You can choose to pay regularly or for a shorter time — 5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years. You can also add to or withdraw from your investment anytime without having to wait for your policy anniversary.

To further strengthen your protection, optional riders such as Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Waiver of Premium Upon Disability, and Critical Illness Benefit can be added to your policy.

To learn more about Cocolife’s Flexi Protection, visit https://www.cocolife.com/flexi-protection/.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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As a seasoned basketball player himself, Kiefer Ravena is no longer a stranger to discipline. As one of the top basketball players in the Philippines — and now a player of Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan’s B.League, his success on the court is built on more than just talent — it’s the result of relentless consistency and a well-balanced approach to fitness.

In an interview, Kiefer shared practical tips on how he maintains his health and performance, both on and off the court.

Stick to your diet

Maintaining peak physical condition takes more than just rigorous training. For Kiefer, a well-balanced diet is essential to staying fit.

“One thing I’ve learned from being overseas is the consistent discipline you need when it comes to your diet,” he shared. “One cheat day can lead to another. I try to avoid sweets as much as I can and make sure to eat on time and eat healthy.”

Kiefer understands how food choices directly impact overall fitness. By limiting sugar intake and following a structured meal schedule, he ensures his body receives the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.

In addition to dieting, hydration is a top priority. Kiefer makes a conscious effort to drink enough water each day, as proper hydration aids in muscle recovery, maintains energy levels, and supports optimal performance.

Strength training as a necessity

Strength training, according to Kiefer, is a non-negotiable part of his fitness regimen.

“Strength training is just as important as the games,” he said.

Competing at a high level demands that athletes push their bodies to the limit, and without proper conditioning, the physical toll of the season can be overwhelming.

Kiefer credits his endurance on the court to a strict and consistent training routine. He believes that beyond skills and strategy, physical preparedness is what enables athletes like him to maintain peak performance.

For those aiming to stay in top shape, Kiefer offers straightforward advice: stay consistent. Fitness, he emphasized, is a long-term commitment that requires dedication. It’s not just about short-term gains; it’s about building and sustaining a healthy, active lifestyle over time.

Prioritize rest

Peak performance is often associated with rigorous training and intense practice sessions. However, the star athlete emphasizes that rest and recovery are just as essential to maintaining a strong and healthy body.

Kiefer follows a structured recovery routine to ensure his body can withstand the demands of high-level competition.

“Recovery equipment, the right supplements, and natural rest,” he shared. “I’ve developed this routine, and it has helped a lot in allowing me to continue what I’m doing.”

While pushing physical limits is a key part of athletic growth, neglecting recovery can lead to fatigue, injuries, and a decline in overall performance.

Consistency in routine

Training requires discipline, and for many athletes, staying consistent is often the biggest challenge. But for Kiefer, the secret to staying fit and healthy lies in one word: routine.

“Routines and daily reminders of why I’m here playing overseas,” he shared.

From early morning workouts to scheduled recovery sessions, having a set plan minimizes distractions and keeps performance levels high. Sticking to a routine ensures that training remains a priority even when fatigue sets in or outside pressures arise.

Listen to your body

While regular exercise is essential, overtraining is a common pitfall among fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike.

Kiefer warns that pushing too hard can often do more harm than good. “You have to really listen to your body. I feel like that’s the only way,” he shared.

When the body is overworked, performance may decline instead of improve. Overtraining can also lead to fatigue and a higher risk of injury. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the need for rest and give the body time to recover.

Keep a strong mental game

Staying fit and healthy is often associated with regular exercise, but mental well-being is just as important. Kiefer emphasized that clearing the mind and trying new activities can make a significant difference in maintaining overall health.

“Clear your mind every now and then. Find something new to do — something that challenges your curiosity and competitiveness, and is different from what you regularly do,” he explained.

Choose the best health partner

For Kiefer, staying fit goes beyond the court — it’s also about making smart life choices. One of those choices is Cocolife’s ARUGA plan, which provides flexible and affordable insurance options.

Unlike traditional health insurance plans, Cocolife’s ARUGA offers comprehensive health coverage, including benefits for critical illnesses, serious medical problems, and intensive care unit (ICU) confinement.

ARUGA offers a P1,000,000 medical insurance benefit for serious health conditions for just P147 per day. Additionally, up to P200,000 is covered for serious illnesses in their early stages.

In the case of unforeseen events, ARUGA eases the financial burden on the family by ensuring financial security for the beneficiaries.

If the policyholder outlives the policy and no major health condition benefit has been paid, the ARUGA plan includes a “return of premium,” in which they will receive 100% of the entire basic premiums paid.

As a Filipino basketball player competing on the international scene, it’s important for Kiefer to feel confident and secure about his health — allowing him to stay focused on training and performing at his best. That’s why he chooses Cocolife ARUGA as his trusted health and financial partner. Cocolife offers comprehensive insurance products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of Filipinos in all walks of life.

“Cocolife is proud of Kiefer Ravena for showcasing the excellence of Filipino athletes abroad,” said Cocolife President and CEO Atty. Martin A. Loon. “We remain committed to supporting him — and other Filipino athletes like him — by offering top-quality health and financial products and services that empower them to stay focused on achieving their dreams.”

Learn more about Cocolife ARUGA plan by going to https://www.cocolife.com/products/individual-insurance/.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Before assuming the role of National Field President of McDonald’s USA, Myra Doria worked doubly hard to build a career that began in the 80s, with grit, passion, and perseverance.

Doria started her professional career at McDonald’s in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, in 1985, or known as “Store 005.” 40 years later, her story is an inspiration — a testament to how a young woman from a small town in the Philippines can earn a seat at the table of one of the world’s biggest and most loved brands in the US.

“Standing up here today reminds me of why I got into this business in the first place, and all the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I’ve always wanted to come back to the place where I started. It also reminds me of how far I’ve come and how grateful I am to those who have made my career possible,” she said during her recent visit to the Philippines to speak at an operations leadership summit organized by McDonald’s Philippines — which was also a homecoming a long time in the making.

Humble Beginnings

“I was born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga. Ako po ang pinaka matanda sa anim na magkakapatid (I was the eldest in a brood of six), and early in life my parents instilled in me the importance of being the role model for my siblings. It is a huge responsibility that I carry with me still today,” Doria shared.

Working in the palengke (public market) not only honed her business acumen; it also developed her passion for shoes.

“I’ve come to see my shoes as a sort of metaphor for how I’ve approached my life and career. When I look at my shoes, I remember my days working at the flea market and my first days at McDonald’s. It may have been 40 years ago, but I remember the day vividly. I had just graduated from college when my mom treated me to a meal at McDonald’s. Without me knowing about it, she asked for a job application and, surprisingly, I was interviewed on the spot that day,” she shared.

Eleven interviews later, she received a start date for her management training.

From PH to US

From management trainee in 1985, Doria worked very hard to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a successful restaurant manager, committed to the growth of her team and her restaurant–an empowered woman who also believed in empowering the people around her.

When she got married, her priorities evolved. Her husband was serving with the United States Navy stationed in Guam, and she was getting ready to embark on a new life. She said: “Moving to an entirely new country like the United States was the greatest change I had ever experienced. The culture was completely new and foreign to me. In the Philippines, I was called ‘Ma’am Myra.’ In the States, it was just ‘Myra — do this… Myra — do that!’ ”

In the US, she started building a career at McDonald’s, and although at first she didn’t see a lot of people who looked or talked like her, she grew as a professional and eventually as a leader. She said: “I learned to have the courage to be assertive and create my own seat at the table and bring my own voice — including my accent.” She steadily advanced through the ranks, taking on increasingly prominent roles. Starting as a business consultant, she progressed to field vice president, then zone president. In 2023, she was appointed National Field President of McDonald’s USA, playing a critical role in overseeing 14,000 restaurants all over the US and over $56 billion in annual sales, and empowering more than 1,800 franchisees and 500 company employees.

A Culture of Empowerment

McDonald’s takes pride in having a culture of empowering its people, particularly women. In the Philippines with a McDonald’s workforce of over 65,000, women comprise over 51% of key segments of the workforce, from crew members (50.6%) to store managers (57%), all the way up to the leadership team (53%). Among McDonald’s Developmental Licensee markets, the Philippines has the highest percentage of female sub-franchisees (53%), followed by Hungary (38%) and China (35%). It reinforces McDonald’s long-standing commitment of focusing on what their employees can do.

In Doria’s experience, while she learned to constantly show what she was capable of doing, she also acknowledged that she couldn’t have done it alone and is grateful for the people who believed and supported her on her journey to becoming US National Field President.

Doria is also grateful for the opportunity that McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang has given her, and how he opened the doors for a life-long career with the Golden Arches.

“George gave me my first opportunity as a manager trainee 40 years ago. If not for him, who knows where I’d be today,” she said.

When asked how he feels about hearing about Myra’s success, Yang simply said, “I am very proud of her.”

The empowering leadership Doria encountered throughout her career has motivated her to empower others as well. In fact, she is known for honing leaders at McDonald’s — people say, “You work for Myra, you will be supported, and you will develop into a better leader.”

Many of the people she trained excelled in their careers — rising through the ranks to become supervisors and even national and international leaders. In fact, Doria mentored talents who ended up becoming the Chief Restaurant Officer (CRO) in McDonald’s Australia and the CRO in the McDonald’s United Kingdom. The UK CRO is a woman — proof that McDonald’s recognizes the great power women hold, and how this power can accelerate action.

A Multifaceted Woman

Doria is a multifaceted woman. Aside from being a successful leader at McDonald’s, she is also committed to her family, the way her family has supported her throughout her career.

“Working at McDonald’s is just one of my jobs. I’m also a wife, a mother, and now a lola for the very first time. Cora (her granddaughter) is a year old and she’s the love of our lives. I can’t thank my family enough for their unconditional love and support. They also do a great job of grounding me,” Doria said.

She emphasized that remembering where you came from and what you value most in life should guide your future decisions, whether personal or at work.

“No matter how your career started, always remember where you came from. As I say, lead with empathy and don’t let your title or responsibilities get in the way,” she said.

“#IMPower”

Asked what other advice she could give to women who also want a seat at the table, Doria underlined the importance of taking risks.

“My advice to everyone is don’t be afraid. Take risks. Actually, the higher the risks, the more is the gain of that risk. Risk is so important in leadership. Progressive companies like McDonald’s always take risks,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of making an impact on people’s lives. In fact, she would like this to be her legacy. “The most fulfilling thing about my career is when I see people achieve their aspirations, [when] they get better and achieve their dreams,” she explained.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, McDonald’s emphasizes that it is an environment where women say “I M Power.” They are empowered to be their best selves, and they are empowered to bring out the best in others. As a woman, Doria was “#MPowered” to succeed as National Field President and a member of the McDonald’s US Senior Leadership Team.

And women have the opportunity to “#MPower,” be “#MPowered,” and be their best selves at McDonald’s, just like Doria. Learn more about the #MPowered women at McDonald’s (McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation): Overview | LinkedIn).

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