Angelique “Angel” F. Villaronte is currently the 2023 president of JCI Manileña, an all-female umbrella arm under the Junior Chamber International, a non-profit international non-governmental organization of young professionals, which has members in about 124 countries. This former flight attendant is also a DJ, a makeup artist, and an entrepreneur. Amid the many hats she wears, responsibilities to take care of and the places she needs to be, there is always this 2005 Honda Civic FD she can rely on.
“It is very spacious, especially for my everyday use,” Angel shared as she talked about her daily grind while using her car. “It is very functional, just the way I like it.”
According to her, it has been her daily workhorse, especially when attending to the needs of countless JCI activities. “I find it useful when I have to attend different projects, not just around the metro, but when I need to go for long drives in different provinces, whether it be attending inductions or other events,” she continued.
For Angel, this Civic has been with her family since her college days. “It holds a sentimental value because we took good care of the car,” she divulged. “It holds so many memories.”
An ‘Angel’ leads the way
It has been a long time coming for Villaronte before she was deemed to lead her organization. She said that she was the only member who served for almost a decade in the chapter, attesting to her timeless passion and boundless dedication to her work. She then credits her successful journey to mentors and leaders, like Voltaire Mendoza and Aya Peñalosa.
“This led me to various executive positions in my chapter throughout the years; yet I never thought that one day, my dream would fly,” she said.
Villaronte, not only served under nine different presidents, but also attended nine national conventions, while participating and organizing over 300 projects, trainings and fund-raising events.
Now with turning over a new leaf, she is tasked to spearhead community projects and empower other young women.
“I need to set the tone for the chapter and be a good example. I have to lead with passion, dedication and enthusiasm,” said Angel.
“There are many young, strong and independent women out there and I want to be a good influence and role model to all of them that they, too, can become great leaders.”
Other than her personal goals and ambitions in life, she said that her family primarily motivates her to keep her going amid all the colossal obstacles along her way. Hence, with this, in whatever direction she wants to go, it’s good to know there is her ever-reliable steed that would drive, or perhaps, in this case, soar her to places.
