In the Philippines, women have made great strides in fields largely dominated by men.

The local real estate industry, for instance, has seen women leaders claiming their seats at the table, rightfully showcasing their expertise and capabilities alongside their male peers, and proving their mettle despite the rapid shifts, challenges and competitive landscape. 

In celebration of Women’s Month, the Philippine Daily Inquirer recognized on Tuesday some of the industry’s women leaders for being modern-day trailblazers and changemakers. These women of power proved that they possess the leadership skills, intelligence and passion to propel brands and nations forward and that they could very well thrive beyond the walls and ceilings built for them by society.

Matilde P.  Robles

Imagine a company occupying a single-room office and run by women in the mid-1990s, when discussions about females dabbling in business and many other fields were not as mature as they are now.

For Royale Homes Marketing Corp. (RHMC), one of the three female founders recalled enduring days “filled with tears, heartaches and frustrations.” Now, 28 years later, that company occupies a whole floor and those three women are still at the helm. It all began with Matilde Robles, the company’s president.

“Originally we started out as Royale Homes Realty. It was a venture I did with my husband (Exequiel Robles), who is also the president of Santa Lucia Land Inc.,” Robles recalled in an interview with the Inquirer. “I used to be a sales coordinator also, but then we decided that I should try and venture on my own… so that’s when we decided to establish a marketing group.”

Not only should she inspire women in business, she should also inspire women who shift careers—being a graduate of nursing. In 1994, she enlisted the help of her childhood friends Ma. Carmina A. Sotto and Ma. Melinda A. Bernardino to establish RHMC. Robles fondly recalled that among their first clients were wholesalers she and Sotto had as suppliers for products they’d sold back in the day. The three easily closed deals, impressing Sta. Lucia into making RHMC a partner. The growth never ceased since.

In its office, RHMC runs a training and development center. It also has various branches across Luzon. Aside from being a proud wife, mother and lola nowadays, Robles is also a proud businesswoman, leading one of the country’s strongest, longest-running marketing firms to become even bigger.

A pioneering player who built one of the longest running marketing firms today.

Written by Vaughn Alviar