By Nimfa Estrellado March 7, 2023 Maria Rochelle Hidalgo-Barbacena in Asia's Modern Hero Awards 2023 Poster TIAONG, Quezon - It is n...
March 7, 2023
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| Maria Rochelle Hidalgo-Barbacena in Asia's Modern Hero Awards 2023 Poster |
TIAONG, Quezon - It is not always easy for women, especially mothers, who need a creative outlet and want to pursue their dreams while trying to balance family and career.
But, for Maria Rochelle Hidalgo-Barbacena, 45, the most fulfilling moment of her career was not her career itself but having a family who was always there for her while she pursued her dreams.
Indeed, her journey demonstrates that nothing is impossible with the power of resilience and determination, an uplifting story about a strong and ambitious woman.
She was raised in Tiaong. As the eldest in her family, she had to fill in as the breadwinner, with a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to set a good example for her two younger sisters. No job was too difficult for her to bear, odd-and-ends work stints that included being a food handler for a burger chain, whatever it took to get food on the table and earn extra money to support her education.
From an early age, she showed a keen interest in academics and was always eager to learn. She excelled in her studies and was known for her dedication and hard work among her teachers and classmates. Her parents taught her the importance of education and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
It is true that you must be resilient or this world will take you whole, yet every challenge you face in life teaches you valuable lessons about how to develop and strengthen your character.
She yearns for business and dares to dream of achieving her heart's desire
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| Maria Rochelle Hidalgo-Barbacena Family |
After having her third child, she decided to give up her career and become a full-time mother because she understands that as a mother, she is responsible for shaping her children's future. She, on the other hand, has not given up on her dreams and continues to be inspired.
With a love of baking and a natural entrepreneurial spirit, she began experimenting with new recipes and ingredients, honing her skills selling her delightful baked goods to friends and family members. Her side hustle allowed her to express her creativity and passion for baking while supporting her family financially.
Although many of her job changes were due to unforeseen circumstances, her life took an exciting turn when she joined NRC Philippines in 2019 through Gregorio Adlao. NRC Philippines is a well-known Korean direct selling business that allows individuals to achieve their financial goals while building their own business.
She attended training sessions, networking events, and developed relationships with other members of the business. She was determined to succeed and thrilled at the prospect of starting her own business and achieving financial independence.
It was here that she discovered her talent for sales and marketing, quickly proving herself to be a valuable asset to the business, and was promoted to a leadership role within a few months. Her colleagues admired and respected her intelligence, work ethic, and positive attitude.
Her natural leadership ability drives her to go above and beyond what is expected of her. Her ability to connect with people and form long-lasting relationships has also contributed significantly to her success.
On her own
When the global pandemic in 2020 forced her business to close its doors, she was faced with another obstacles. Despite the nation's uncertainty and fear, she refused to give up.
Barbacena explains: “Your dreams are within reach, as long as you have the courage to pursue them and the perseverance to overcome any obstacles in your way."
Barbacena left the business, leaving her role in the Korean direct selling business, and began exploring the possibility of starting her own business by directly exporting products from NRCommunication Korea. She was able to start her own business just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread around the world. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances and think creatively enabled her to easily navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
Never mind that Rochelle graduated with honours from accounting and education. She was still the mother, wife, and light of the family, but she was up against a new challenge.
The passionate Rochelle Barbacena
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| Maria Rochelle Hidalgo-Barbacena |
She returned to herself, both passion and purpose still simmering within her. Passion and purpose found a pulpit and a podium in Barbacena. And she used that despite facing multiple rejections, dealing with many setbacks, disappointments along the way, and describing the time as the "toughest moment in her business journey," that she married both passion and purpose.
"Quitting is not the answer. You have already shown incredible courage and determination by starting your business, and you have the potential to achieve great things if you keep going. Remember why you started your business in the first place. What was your vision? What motivated you to take the first step? Reconnect with that sense of purpose and passion, and use it to fuel your drive and determination." she explained.
She is a driven and ambitious woman who has made a name for herself in the direct selling business. She had a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to achieve great things.
She has always been enthusiastic about finding new ways to grow and expand her business. She knew she wanted to be a part of the Online Sellers Association the moment she heard about it. Joining the Online Sellers Association changed her life. She was able to connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners who faced similar challenges and opportunities in the online marketplace as a member. She gained valuable resources, training, and support from the association, allowing her to take her business to the next level.
As a member of the Online Sellers Association, she has also had the opportunity to make a difference in the larger community. She has been able to participate in various outreach programs and initiatives that support small business owners and promote economic growth and development in the Philippines thanks to the association.
Despite her accomplishments, she remains humble
Barbacena was recently called to the stage to join people and organisations who have significantly contributed to humanitarian or community development work under trying times; she had no idea that her commitment to greatness and contributions to the business world would bring her to the status of an inspiration and role model for those around her.
"Receiving those awards has been a validation of the hard work and sacrifices that I've made, but it's also a reminder that there's always more to learn and achieve," she told Sentinel Times in an exclusive interview.
Her entrepreneurial journey took a remarkable turn on December 13, 2022. Her exceptional performance caught the attention of Q Asia Publication, Q Asia Magazine, National Council for Solo Parents, OFW Family Club, and Angat Pilipinas Transport Cooperative, who recognized her as the “Most Outstanding Young Entrepreneur in Quezon Province” at the Q Asia Quality Excellence Awards 2022 ceremony held at the Diamond Hotel, Manila. The Q Asia’s Quality Excellence Awards is an annual event that recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, and organisations for their exceptional contributions to business fields.
She is a business leader and entrepreneur whose outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades from different award-winning bodies. Her drive, innovative thinking, and commitment to excellence have propelled her to the forefront of the business world, making her a highly respected figure in her field.
Barbacena, who was recently honoured as one of Asia's Modern Heroes in Grand Okada, Manila, recalls the moment she realised, as clearly as the bright Manila sky, that life expected a lot from her.
Her leadership and innovation were recognized once more when she was named a "Heroes Innovative and Transformative Business Leader" at the Asia's Modern Hero Awards ceremony.
Despite her many accomplishments, she maintains a humble and grounded demeanour. She is deeply committed to giving back to her community and is involved in a number of charitable organisations. The Philippine Forests project was a cause near and dear to her heart.
She understood the value of preserving the country's natural beauty and worked tirelessly to raise funds for the reforestation effort. She was also an outspoken supporter of cancer patients. She was determined to provide support and resources for those battling cancer after witnessing the devastating effects of the disease on her friends. She helped families who were unable to pay their medical bills.
Her dedication to excellence and her contributions to the business world have made her a true inspiration to those around her. She has proven time and time again that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to innovate, anything is possible. As she continues to grow and expand her business ventures, it is clear that she will remain a driving force in the world of business for years to come.
Her business was not only about making money, but also about making a difference in people's lives.
Barbacena opened Afford N Café - Arabica in 2021 to show that businesses that invest in social good will be rewarded by the market.
"At first, I was focused on growing my business and increasing revenue, which is important, but I began to feel unfulfilled, so I took a step back and re-evaluated my priorities, realising that I wanted to create something that was not only profitable, but also had a meaningful purpose." she said.
Asia’s Modern Hero Awards, which honoured Rochelle with the Heroes Innovative and Transformative Business Leader award, recognizes leaders who have shown exceptional innovation, creativity, and transformation in their business endeavours.
The other high-profile personalities honored by the group in this year’s program included Coco Martin, MarÃa Rosario Navarro "Charo" Santos-Concio, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, Richard Gomez. Filipino actor turned Representative of the District Leyte Richard Gomez, and Dr. Persida V. Rueda-Acosta, the Chief Public Attorney of the Public Attorney's Office,
“I think the biggest realisation that I’ve had through this journey is the power of resilience and determination. When the pandemic hit, it was an extremely difficult time for me as a businesswoman, and I had to navigate a lot of uncertainty and challenges that I never could have anticipated. But I learned that it’s possible to overcome even the most difficult obstacles when you have a strong sense of purpose and a clear vision of what you want to achieve. I focused on finding creative solutions and adapting to the changing circumstances, and I never lost sight of my goals.” she said.
She also said receiving those awards has been a validation of the hard work and sacrifices that she’ve made, but it’s also a reminder that there’s always more to learn and achieve.
It takes a village for any endeavour to succeed. But it also takes a supportive spouse.
"It’s also important to seek support when you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can help lift you up and keep you motivated. Don’t be afraid to pivot or make changes to your business strategy if things aren’t working. Above all, be kind to yourself. Starting and running a business is hard work, and it’s natural to feel frustrated or discouraged at times. But remember that every successful entrepreneur has faced obstacles and setbacks. The difference is that they never give up."
For her a strong woman is someone who possesses a combination of inner strength, resilience, and compassion. She is someone who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and who is willing to take risks and push beyond her comfort zone to achieve her goals.
In addition, she said a strong woman is also someone who is able to bounce back from adversity and setbacks. She is someone who embraces challenges and sees them as opportunities for growth and self improvement.
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