To Nina Aguas, Being Filipina Is an Advantage
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Nina D. Aguas, Executive Chairman of The Insular Life Assurance Company, was recently the only Filipina executive on Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswoman list.
At a tumultuous time when many Filipinas are undervalued, overworked, and unappreciated, this was a reassuring message from a female hero to all.
I emailed Nina and asked her to expand on this thought. To Filipinas, more so in these volatile times when anti-Asian American racism is at a center stage, Nina’s words were reassuring.
“The Filipina has a unique sensibility, a delicate ability to respond to complex emotional and various scenarios,” Nina explained.
“We are a people and a nation born out of four centuries of the Spanish convent, and a Hollywood in a sense. These European and American cultural influences, as well as ours, make us who we are.
“We have the ability to show empathy that enriches our decision-making capabilities. We not only have knowledge, but wisdom and judgment.
“Whether a Filipina or of another nationality, just remember we are all God’s beloved and in the end, it’s the only thing, and everything that matters.”
Under Aguas’ leadership since 2016, the century-old Philippine insurer saw its premium income rise in 2018 to 18 percent, according to Forbes Asia.
Nina D. Aguas recharges with family and friends, prayer, and reflection. “I deal with what I can, the rest I entrust to Him.”
Aguas was on “Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen” list recently, the only Filipina and insurance executive.
She has spent 30 years in senior management roles in major financial institutions in North America, Asia, and Australia, notably ANZ and Citi.
Her north star is her faith. Her anchor is her family. The pandemic changed the course for many of us. Nina’s family was no exception. As parents of five, and grandparents of 15, Nina and husband, Mar, have always cherished family Sunday lunches. Though slightly curtailed due to quarantines, the weekly gatherings remain: “We gather for family Sunday lunches with a lot of storytelling, updating, unfiltered conversations, random topics, laughter, and fun. We share the week’s highlights. “
Nina, whose family hails from Tarlac, proudly said, “Our Kapampangan roots make us big on food, something everyone looks forward to, given the seeming deprivation during the workweek.”
Food from the kitchen is enriched by her family’s food for the soul: “No coming together is without a prayer. We pray the rosary via Zoom. Praying binds us, despite the forced separation.”
Nina and Mar Aguas, proud parents of five children, and 15 grandchildren, come together weekly in prayer, food, and family time.
Much of her success in life and career is not accidental. Nina has always seen an opportunity in any situation, big or small, no matter how difficult. However, competing with others is not how she hopes to find solutions to problem areas.
“I never quite viewed life that way. I have always marched to the beat of my own drum, I knew what I was capable of, and had dreams far beyond our quiet town.”
In March 2018, Nina led the launch of the InLife Sheroes program. It was a partnership between Insular Life and the World Bank to educate and empower Philippine women on issues of financial literacy and health.
Nina stressed the importance of self-care, especially for Filipinas. Having been trained since childhood to look after others, Nina feels that self-care is the best way we can love our families.
“You can do more and are in a better position to help when you are financially independent and self-sufficient.”
“Taking care of others comes naturally to Filipinas. It is intrinsic in our culture and is a valuable trait. “
Nina works hard for a purpose. She is solutions-oriented, with a compassion for others. I asked if she’d consider mentoring younger Filipinas, and perhaps write a book.
“My experiences – innate, learned and acquired should be relatable and can be shared universally. I want to impart that ‘best’ is not necessarily being on top all the time.”
Nina sees challenges as an opportunity to deepen her relationship with God.
“My faith propelled and sustained me to live out a future I knew in my heart was for me. I followed my inner compass to be here today.”
As Filipinas, our strengths are the actions that make us feel energized and optimistic. We are always eager to please, to love, to work, and to live according to our faith.
The power to transform, to change, and to progress is within each Filipina. We only need to tap into that inner core, and Nina exemplifies that.
One of the most fundamental things about Filipinas, even at our most difficult or happy times, is that we have good instincts.
When you get to know Nina, you recognize she embodies what Filipinas are. Nina Aguas reminds us why being Filipina is an advantage. It is our superpower, after all.
Elizabeth Ann Quirino, based in New Jersey, is a journalist, food writer and member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). She blogs about Filipino home cooking and culinary travels to the Philippines on her site AsianInAmericamag.com.
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