IT is International Women’s day once again and it is the one day of the year where women are given extra special recognition for their overall contribution to mankind and society. 

But there’s no need to look any further. In the Philippines, countless women have been advocating for empowerment and have been serving as inspiration to fellow Filipinas. 

Here are a few outstanding Filipina celebrities who serve as role models for women. 

1. Angel Locsin

It’s no surprise why actress Angel Locsin has been called the real-life Darna. 

Besides being one of the biggest celebrities of her generation, Locsin is known for her extensive humanitarian work and has been at the forefront during many challenges the country has faced, especially in recent years. 

We all saw her distributing help during typhoons Ondoy and Yolanda, the Marawi siege, the 2019 Mindanao Earthquake, the Taal Volcano eruption, and many other events we may not know about. 

But it was in her efforts to help during the COVID 19 pandemic and her fight during ABS-CBN’s battle for franchise renewal that people had a full view of her efforts that made her a real-life heroine to many. 

2. Iza Calzado 

Apart from being an award-winning actress, Iza Calzado had always been very passionate in talking about the limitless potential of women to bring about change in society. Among the many things she feels deeply about are body positivity, self-love, and equality. 

3. Bianca Gonzales 

Bianca Gonzales isn’t just a great TV host and writer, she is also an advocate of women empowerment. She has been using her voice to amplify important issues that affect women. 

4. Anne Curtis 

Anne Curtis isn’t just the pretty face you see everyday on television. She, too, has been a staunch advocate of issues close to women’s hearts. 

In 2017, she launched the “Dream Machine,” where people can send their dreams and find others who can turn it to reality. 

She has also partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund to raise funds and help children who are victims of abuse. 

5. KC Concepcion 

For the most part of her career, singer-actress KC Concepcion had been lending her voice to various advocacies. 

She has been the United Nations World Food Programme Ambassador Against Hunger since 2008. One of her projects was called KC’s Closet, an online charity shop where the proceeds are used to provide meals to students in hard to reach areas in Mindanao. 

6. Marian Rivera

Her heart is as beautiful as her face. 

Marian Rivera has been a Smile Train Ambassador since 2014, and has been raising awareness about free cleft lip and palate repair surgery for children. 

7. Kathryn Bernardo 

Being one of this generation’s biggest celebrities, Kathryn Bernado makes sure to put her influence to good use. 

The Kapamilya talent has been an ambassador of Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation, a non-profit organization which sponsors comprehensive and craniofacial treatment for less-fortunate Filipinos.