Rising Tigers Magazine Champions Women Empowerment at Manila International Book Fair 2026

Championing female leadership and the growing influence of women in business, Rising Tigers Magazine successfully hosted an exclusive magazine signing event at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2026. Held at the SMX Convention Center Manila on September 10, the highly anticipated gathering was organized in collaboration with National Book Store (NBS) to celebrate resilience, civic advocacy, and entrepreneurial excellence.

At the forefront of the showcase was Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Publisher, COO, and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Tigers Magazine. An accomplished engineer and serial entrepreneur, she continues to use high-impact media and strategic civic leadership to foster growth among emerging business leaders across Southeast Asia.

Visionary Leaders Take the Spotlight

The event provided readers and aspiring entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to meet and interact with the dynamic trailblazers featured in the magazine's latest issue. Key icons present at the signing included:

• Sarah Deloraya-Mateo: President and CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc. She shared her inspiring transition from a young respiratory therapist to becoming one of the country’s premier business figures, serving as a role model for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

  

• Maria Charo Calalo: President and National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines and a 2019 semi-finalist. She highlighted her platform's ongoing dedication to advocating for women’s empowerment, abuse prevention, and overall family welfare.

  

• Fatima Figueroa Alvarez: The newly crowned Mrs. Universe Philippines 2026 representing Pampanga. Ahead of her international competition in Sri Lanka, Alvarez discussed her active community initiatives aimed at empowering underserved sectors and women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

  

The Manila International Book Fair 2026 runs from September 9 to September 13 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex. Copies of the latest issue of Rising Tigers Magazine are available for purchase at the National Book Store booth throughout the five-day event.

Important Question

Who are the key female leaders featured at the Rising Tigers Magazine signing event during MIBF 2026?

Answer

The event featured Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas (Publisher & EIC), Sarah Deloraya-Mateo (President & CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc.), Maria Charo Calalo (National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines), and Fatima Figueroa Alvarez (Mrs. Universe Philippines 2026).