Meet Our Cosmopolitan Philippines Women Of Influence 2026 Awardees

To each her own.

It's common enough phrase that captures a loaded sentiment. To some, it may come off as sarcastic. But at Cosmo, it's a call for celebration.

It's a modern-day war cry—said softly, firmly, but always wholeheartedly—for women to embrace their uniqueness. In a world where women are often pitted against one another or forced to compare themselves, embracing "to each her own" becomes a mantra of empowerment.

It's encouraging your friend to pursue a new hobby or career, despite societal expectations. It's empowering mothers to build their careers, without making them feel guilty. It's helping others find the tools, space, and voice to share their stories in their own words. To sum it up, to each her own is a reminder to divest ourselves of the notion that we're not enough—because we are always so much more than how others perceive us.

This year, the Cosmopolitan Philippines editors chose nine amazing women who, through their work and advocacies, lead with intention and pursue success in ways that reflect who they truly are—embodying the spirit of To Each Her Own. Here's what it means for them:

Bela: To be able to say "To Each Her Own" is to be considerate. It's to allow people to find their full potential. We all have our own path, we all have our own journey—we all have something to say. But actually, not everyone gets the liberty of forming their own opinions. Not everyone is in the right financial status to be able to choose wherever they wanna go. So, when you say to each her own, it is to be considerate.

Hannah: "To each her own" can sometimes come across as sarcastic. Like we think, "Ugh, okay, to each her own," but we really don't mean that. But I think we can kinda flip the narrative on that and say, "No, to each her own." Let her explore herself, let her do what she wants to do, let her be her own unique self. I feel like we need to empower other people to be like, “Yeah, go girl. Do it!” Instead of letting her do that, but then also giving her a side-eye. You're still judging the person.

So for me, "to each her own" means allowing people to be fully themselves and embracing that—not shunning it, not judging it. Because that's the same energy we want for ourselves, too. That's what we want our fellow women to do; to look at us and just be like, "You go, girl, you are killing it. You're forging your own path, and I'm here to see it."

Kara: It comes from a place of open-mindedness. Kailangan bukas ang isip, bukas ang puso. Respect sa bawat tao based doon sa kanilang sariling mga panindigan, sa kanilang sariling mga karanasan. Each of us, meron tayong sariling mga pinagdaanan. I try to apply that in my job as a journalist.

Instead of framing people based on just stereotypes, kinikilala talaga namin. Bumababa talaga kami on the field, lalo na with I-Witness. Tapos pagdating ko sa community, kung pwede akong makipamuhay at mag-immerse sa kanila, gagawin ko talaga. Para ma-feel ko kahit papaano, to a certain extent, ano ba yung pinaghugutan ng buhay ng mga taong ito? Hindi mo kasi mararamdaman yung pain at yung hirap ng buhay ng isang tao kung hindi mo, to a certain extent, naranasan yung pinagdaanan niya.

Jessica: It's really about giving women the freedom to define success, health, and happiness on their own terms—without guilt or comparison. Ang benchmark mo dapat yung sarili mo. We’re all different, and it's super important to give yourself permission to listen to your body, kung anong season ka sa life mo, kung ano yung values and paano ka nag-evolve. Instead of following a template that wasn't designed for you, you create your own.

Ganun din yung approach ng Kindred—it's not transactional or one-size-fits-all. Just because someone else with PCOS or mental health concerns follows a certain path doesn't mean it's right for you. It's important na you build your own template. Iba yung needs mo na ngayon than from three or five years ago. Your approach should evolve with you."

Rachelle: Embracing your becoming because we all have different paths. The good and the bad are always gonna be part of your journey, and you just have to trust that you are being prepared for something greater.

One day, you will just realize that each path that you take and each season that you go through—good or bad—you gain something from it. You will see yourself standing in a place where you will be so proud of yourself.

Most importantly, never let the outside noise change who you are. We live in a time and world where there's a lot of distraction, especially on social media. We compete, we compare, but we're not all equally the same. Kasi we are all unique. So if we focus on nurturing our true gifts, that's gonna make you achieve so much more if you focus on building inward.

Rica: It means not letting anyone control you. To each her own means you don't allow anyone to control who you are, and that you get to practice agency to do what you want to do and be who you want to be. Yes, it may be based on how you see yourself in relation to other people, but it is your decision. You own your decision, you own who you are, and you don't let anyone patrol you.

Cha: It's about respecting diversity and each person's individuality. Nowadays, women often face stereotypes about how they "should" be, but each of us has our own minds, thoughts, and ways of being. Some women want to be mothers, some don’t—that’s their own choice. Some are bold and very "girl boss," while others, like me, are softer and more nurturing. That doesn't make anyone weak or less capable; it’s just part of who we are. We should actually be more proud of it.

I think that's what "To Each Her Own" means. I love being who I am and being authentically myself. Fully embracing your individuality is what shapes who you are, and seeing others do the same is beautiful—to see them be confidently and authentically themselves."

Syd: It's about embracing your own individuality and how you choose to show up in the world. And kung ano man yung success para sa'yo, push mo 'yan, [especially] kung wala ka namang inaapakang tao. Be yourself talaga.

And as a musician, it's about staying true to what you believe in, and kung ano yung gusto mong ipakita sa mga tao. "To Each Her Own" is a reminder to embrace your own feelings and your vulnerability. 'Wag magpa-sway sa mga trends and isipin na kailangan mo gawin yung mga ginagawa [ng ibang artists]. If it doesn't feel right, then don't do it. It's fine. You have your own path, and 'yun ang sundin mo. It will all make sense to other people in the end pag sinundan mo yung sarili mo.

Steph: "To Each Her Own" is really about paving your own path, which can be quite lonely sometimes because you're on your own, you're treading a path not many people take. Whether it's your timeline, being ambitious and driven, or embracing a softer and feminine side, it's about feeling free and not boxed in to certain ideals.

It's also about building something—whether a start-up, a career, or a family—and rebuilding yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically. That's a beautiful way women can embody that theme.

Executive Editor: Ida Aldana

Art Director: Ica Del Mundo, assisted by Rebekah Vigilancia

Final Art: Bea Malonzo (for Bela)

Photographer: Lem Atienza and Stephen Capuchino (for Bela)

Makeup Artist: Team Muriel Vega Perez, Florence Vergara (for Bela), and Anton Patdu (for Hannah)

Hairstylist: Team Muriel Vega Perez, Jury Soriano Panganiban (for Bela), and Boggy Diaz (for Hannah)

Stylist: Steph Aparici (for Bela) and Quayn Pedroso (for Hannah)

Story: Alyana Olivar

Producer: Alyana Olivar
Video: Cherrie Julian and Jino Del Mundo, assisted by Alfred Locsin & George Tuliao

Social Media: Aina Lizarondo, assisted by Margaux Bataclan