Proving Passion and Grit Lead to Success

Being a mom is a full-time job in itself, but these inspiring women show that you can add entrepreneurship to the mix and create something truly impactful! The Gawad Madiskarte 2024, organized by Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) and PLDT Home, celebrated mompreneurs who embody resilience, creativity, and a deep love for family—all while running successful businesses. This year’s event was held on October 19 at Seda Hotel in BGC, and I had the special joy of cheering on my friend, MK Bertulfo, founder of FH Moms, who won not one but two awards!

PLDT’s Chief Operating Officer, Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, celebrated the mompreneurs by acknowledging their unique roles. “You work wonders in three different worlds: the world of home, your own personal growth, and the world of business. You’re actually doing three times the work that men are doing,” he told the crowd. His words struck a chord with the audience of determined, passionate women who are balancing the demands of family life with the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The Power of “Madiskarte” Moms

“Madiskarte,” a word that’s hard to capture in English, is central to this community and means so much more than “resourceful.” As Philippine Commission on Women Chairwoman Ermelita V. Valdeavilla explained, “Madiskarte” is a blend of being strategic, wise, innovative, and proactive—all qualities these amazing moms bring to their ventures. She also emphasized that true women empowerment is lifting each other up, something MMPH does beautifully.

Celebrating Exceptional Mompreneurs

This year’s awards highlighted mompreneurs who are not only thriving in business but doing so with sustainability and heart. Here’s a quick look at some of these inspiring women and their amazing ventures:

• Diskarteng Angat: Stephanie Morales of Pixellab, a self-portrait studio, won in the Start-up category. Ricca Cruz del Rosario, founder of HTP Clothing, took the Scale-up award. HTP started as a small business selling her own clothes and has since grown to sell around 30,000 pieces of clothing every month!
• Diskarteng Eco-Friendly: Melissa Blanca Moscoso (Xavier & Xandrie Start-up) creates stylish bags from discarded katsa flour sacks, while Bianca Mateum of Isay Bags (Scale-up) makes bags and storage items from upcycled materials, proving that business can be both beautiful and eco-friendly.
• Diskarteng May-Puso: Avon Tuazon Obedoza, founder of Bahay Ugnayan Educational Services (Start-up), provides tutoring that allows working moms more family time. Alona Bazar Laylo of Jobiba Baby Diapers and Wipes (Scale-up) delivers affordable, quality diapers—a win for moms everywhere!

These six incredible women each received P100,000 in cash, Lalamove vouchers, and Tough Mama kitchen appliances to support their continued success.

Special Recognition for Resilience and Digital Innovation

One of the most inspiring winners of the night was MK Bertulfo, who received both the Diskarteng Digital and Diskarteng Homebiz awards for FH Moms. MK’s work in empowering moms to enter the digital economy, from e-commerce setups to social media skills, has transformed countless lives. Knowing MK personally, I can vouch for her passion and drive to help moms create a meaningful work-life balance.

Another special recognition went to Jenilyn P. Sicabalo of MP Nieva Flower Shop, who won the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Her venture grows the abaca she uses in bouquet wraps, which not only supports her business but also promotes eco-conscious practices.

Building a Community of Madiskarte Moms

The event was a reminder that the Madiskarte Moms community, now at 191,000 members, is a powerful support network. These women stand as proof that mompreneurs can balance it all, cheering each other on as they manage households and businesses. It’s a beautiful mix of camaraderie and shared ambition that keeps these moms resilient.

If you’re a mom thinking about starting your own business, the Gawad Madiskarte winners show it’s possible to make a difference, for your family and beyond. Visit the community on Facebook or check out madiskartemoms.ph to connect, learn, and get inspired!

Congratulations to all the winners—you truly embody what it means to be a “madiskarte” mom!