VIA Times – March 2024 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Veronica Leighton
We salute all women out there on the annual International Women’s Day on March 8th, The celebration focuses on different aspects of women’s rights and empowerment, and honors the achievements of women throughout history and it continues the fight for gender equality in all aspects of life. Through the years, the day has been associated with anti-sexism day, anti-discrimination day, and civil awareness day.
Globally, quite a few number of incredible women have been recognized and honored for the works that they have done, and are still doing, for progress and equality. Gladly, here in our little world of the VT family, we can also present a distinctive lineup of our outstanding female family members, some are no longer with us but are still paving the way for success for many women followers, and some are still present and moving on with their amazing contributions for changes in the world.
We invite you to know and read about these selected women’s accomplishments, shining brightly, guiding others, and servings as inspirations, and idolized by many, and let us give salute to all of them.
Jenny Guzon Bae, former VT Columnist and CPRTV Newscaster, now a very popular and successful Yoga instructor, and book author of “The Yoga Within You”. Currently residing in Arizona, she is our featured cover girl this month.
Jenny says, “Some may not know, but when I was 15, I was a columnist and TV reporter for a Chicago Philippine news magazine (Via Times) and Chicago Philippine Reports TV (CPRTV) for nearly a decade. Twenty years later, I began writing again to create dharma talks for my yoga classes. Recently, I had an interview with my former boss, Veronica Leighton, in which we discussed my book and my full-circle moment. I am grateful to Veronica for providing numerous opportunities that helped shape me and my skills. Also, she introduced me to Don (my husband), and I am very thankful for that, too.”
Jovie Calma, former VT columnist and CPRTV Host, multi-talented personality, international performing artist, model, singer, and influencer.
She says, “On International Women’s Month, I’m proud to use my voice not only as a performing artist but more so as an empowered woman and most especially as a mother – a role that has profoundly shaped my perspective as a passionate advocate for gender equality and empowerment. Throughout the month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women all around the world. In line with this, I’m humbled to be the recipient of Outstanding Woman of the Year for International Performing Arts Lifetime Achievement at the Celebrity Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 9, 2024. As a media personality and former member of VIA Times/CPRTV, International Women’s Month holds special significance for me. I’ve had the privilege of engaging with audiences on a wide range of topics and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Through my role, I’ve been able to accomplish several significant milestones and make a positive impact in various ways: Informative and Engaging Content, Promoting Diversity and Inclusion, Advocacy and Social Impact, Inspiring and Empowering Others, Building Connections and Fostering Dialogue. I strive to use my platform to highlight the stories and experiences of everyone from all walks of life. Whether it’s through interviews, features, or special segments, I aim to amplify voices and showcase talents, accomplishments, and perspectives. Additionally, Women’s Month is an opportunity for me to advocate for gender equality and empowerment. I use my influence to raise awareness about the challenges that women still face, whether it’s gender discrimination, unequal opportunities, or societal expectations. I also advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender parity and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Overall, my accomplishments as a media personality extend beyond the screen and out of Chicago, as I’ve had the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals and communities, fostering understanding, empathy, and positive change through my work as Global Talent Acquisition Partner/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate and through several humanitarian advocacies. To Nangni Veronica and to all the phenomenal women who have created a meaningful impact in my life, it is with heartfelt gratitude for you all for encouraging me to make a difference in our community and for continuing to breakthrough those glass ceiling. Happy International Women’s Day and Month to all the incredible SHEroes out there!!!”
Kayla Tejero is a VT columnist for over five years now. Her monthly column on Young Asian Americans had produced a huge impact to the Filipino and Asian American communities in the US as it continues to provide a platform for young people to express their dreams and aspirations. As a phenomenal young woman of inspiration, Kayla is popularly known as community’s favorite singer and performer by various charitable organizations and helping them raise funds for their social causes. Kayla’s remarkable journey as a role model in the FilAm community had gained her numerous community awards and recognition. She currently enjoys a well-balanced life as a registered nurse, model, an artist, and a columnist!
She says, “I have contributed to Via Times for many years, whether it’s helping with production events like the hall of fame or writing for the column. I practically have grown up with Via Times in the last ten years. As a role model, it has impacted my life by showing me that no matter what I do where I go, I always have my Via Times family and of course the one and only Tita Veronica Leighton to lean on. It makes me feel empowered to have a community to belong to and proudly represent.”
Sarah Lee Turner, Multi-talented personality, VT Cooking Columnist and former CPRTV Cooking Host, entertainer/singer, massage therapist, cookbook author.
She says, “While most settle for “good enough” after getting a college degree, I did accomplish unimaginable laurels/jobs — top 17 CPA exam, Accounting professor at PWC, Solid 10 years Accounting Job in Exxon/Sabic in Saudi Arabia, Massage Therapy Class Valedictorian, Professional Cabaret Performer, and yes, Cookbook author and food writer/columnist at Via Times. My motto is “Doing the best I can with what I have” and I truly am grateful to God for this unending abundance flowing into my life. And it is encouraging to learn that my regular readers and dear friends are heeding my advice, “if I can do it, you can do it too! The welcoming Via Times family, headed by such loving “Mamita Veronica” made it so easy for me to express myself and inspire me more to keep excelling, sharing, and caring. Much of my outstanding and “outlandish” experiences with Via Times and CPRTV have enabled me to work towards being a strong woman and that is a direct outcome of being nurtured, guided and supported by the VT and CPRTV family, with special mention to Mamita Veronica Leighton. Special unscripted assignments, meeting deadlines, and always stay true to who I am..these and more make me a successful and happier strong woman.”
Maria Girlie Pascual is one of the most awarded, highly visible real estate professional in her industry. As destiny would have it, Girlie met Veronica in her early days in Chicago in 1986 when her only son Kristoffer was still an infant, and through her good friend and mentor Vero, she became the face of Chicago Philippine Reports TV, a resident writer of Via Times with her byline “G-Mail by Maria Girlie Pascual “ a well-known community commentator and frequent emcee when she decided to retire from singing.
Yanked from her studies at the University of the Philippines in 1978 because her mother felt she needed a change of environment from the temptations of being a Filipino young woman, Maria Theresa Olympus Lorenzo Pascual was left to fend for herself in the United States of America at the budding age of 18. Her father, Dr Arsenio Pascual Jr , was a well known and respected surgeon AND lawyer, one of only three “medico legal” in the whole Philippines in the 1980’s and a constant recurring guest advisor in Rosa Rosal’s noontime show “Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko”. Her mother, Teresita Leonor Lorenzo Pascual was also an heiress come businesswoman who built, developed, trained and managed her salt and fish farms in Bulacan, supplying salt to some of the biggest factories in Metro Manila. It was a highly unusual move coming from her privileged background, but after Girlie tasted independence in the United States, far removed from the pressure of being the only girl among five brothers (hence the nickname), she evolved from her unique start and became the woman she is today. From being a singer headliner, to a columnist with the byline aptly titled “Singer’s Notes” Girlie was a performer in some of the biggest Filipino concerts in Los Angeles, opening for Hajji Alejandro, Gary Bautista of the Society of Seven Band, the Reycards, to name a few. She also went on to become one of the most visible producers and marketers in LA. Girlie spearheaded a project for a group of investors like Goldilocks and the Hyatt Regency LA to be the major sponsors in the first ever all Filipino concert at be held at the iconic Shrine Auditorium in Hollywood from Manila called “Superstar Supershow” featuring Ms Nora Aunor, German Moreno and company. A series of other successful productions followed but as fate would have it, God pointed her towards the Midwest.
After her wedding to Wolfgang Wildoer, Executive Chef then Vice President for the Hyatt Hotels in 1985, she and Wolf moved to Chicago. She switched gears to become a real estate broker, and mom to her only son Kristoffer Wildoer, now 37 and a successful executive with the Hilton Hotel in Chicago. Girlie currently enjoys her downtime traveling, playing golf, and being grandma to 5 year old Kenzo Wildoer. Ever-evolving and not one to stand still, Girlie hopes to one day write a novel, a movie script, maybe be grandma “Vlogger” to share her joy in raising Kenzo until such time her son Kristoffer decides to remarry. Until then, she waits with praying hands, an open heart and mind to welcome her next life chapter. ”
Melody Dizon, current VT Columnist and CPRTV Health Matters Host, Entrepreneur, Founder of Vital Signs Wellness, a Case Management agency and Advanced Wound Care Management Service; President of Senior First Connection – a resource tool/education to Home Health Providers; M3 Health Holdings consultant for MSO (Medical Service Organization) DCE Direct Contracting Entity for Medicare achieving high-star ratings to providers. She was a Silver Medalist, Southeast Asian Games Women’s Archery in 1988, former Miss Teen Cebu Festival 1990; former VP of Association of Certified Home Health Agencies in Illinois, and a Skilled Registered Nurse for 30 years in the area of emergency nursing, critical care, Home Health and Case Management, and former owner Business Development of Supreme Home Health, Inc. More importantly, she is a mother to three adult children: Joshua, Jericho and Jassie and a wife to Dino.
She says, “For me, empowered women in 2024 defines success, as to the ability to create balance in personal, professional and social obligations, succeed in different endeavors while being happy, contented, and at peace with oneself. I’d like to think that through collaborative efforts with Via Times, the spreading of information to our beloved Kababayans, giving full awareness of current health trends, tips on health/current living, engaging the community to be active with their care. That, to me, is both a responsibility and a privilege. Thank you, Via Times!!!”
Pastor Nancy Abiera, VT Columnist of “On A Bright side”, describing herself as “Nancy, a woman, a wife, a mother, a minister, a writer, a grandma and now a great grandmother.
She writes, “A Different Woman… Making A Difference. Even as a young girl, I have always wanted to be different. I love breaking the status quo. I think differently. I speak differently. I do things differently. I heard someone said that “the greatest pleasure in life is doing things people think you cannot do.” What surprised me was the unexpected influence I had on others. My way of life challenged them to push beyond their own boundaries. However, most found my unconventionality strange and even bothersome. They desired conformity, which simply I cannot do. I thrive on challenges and find boredom in the ordinary. My mind thrives on matters that hold no limitations. Perhaps this stemmed from my father’s motto: “have a ‘can-do’ attitude and courageously face whatever life may bring.” My son Jeff’s favorite quote: “Be careful with what you think… it becomes your words… be careful with what you say… it becomes your actions … habits … lifestyle… destiny.” Living a life that embodies my father’s teachings – that is my greatest accomplishment. But most importantly, passing on these values to my children, grandchildren, and future generations is and will be my legacy.”
My association with Viatimes has expanded my platform as a WOMAN
W Woman /Writer which I was not
O Opportunity as an Awardee of the Hall of Fame
M. Marvelous & More exposures to the community to serve
A. Amazing people connections for
N. New endeavors
In other words….Knowing Veronica, Joe & other VT staff brightened, Spiced UP and expanded My sense of involvement with the community where I love to serve, especially with fellow Filipinos. ”
“On International Women’s Day, let’s honor the incredible women who pave the way for progress and equality. May your light shine brightly and guide others.” “Wishing you a day of joy, empowerment, and recognition on International Women’s Day. May you continue to break barriers and set new standards for excellence.”
It’s a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done.Mar 8, 2023
Your strength, courage, and grace inspire us every day. Being a woman is a superpower, and I still don’t know how you do it all with such grace. Happy Women’s Day to all the superheroes in my life! Happy Women’s Day to all the phenomenal women who continue to break barriers and defy stereotypes.
