Khristine Gabriel: Substance and light

MANILA, Philippines - Khristine Gabriel, business development manager and spokesperson for Ever Bilena Cosmetics, radiates positivity. This inner light — born from a lifetime of both difficulty and triumph — is felt not only in her personal relationships but also in her business.

Left to the care of her father and brother at the age of nine, Khristine had a simple, no-frills upbringing. As a student at the University of Santo Tomas, she depended on the generosity of her classmates. That she would one day spearhead the branding of one of the country’s most iconic local cosmetic companies and even begin an advocacy that provided other women in dire circumstances with opportunities was a distant dream. But the key was that she never stopped dreaming.

“I’ve realized that you don’t just get wisdom. You have to earn it,” she shares. “My wisdom comes from the experiences I went through. That’s why I never hesitate to share my story. I want them to know that nothing is impossible, as long as you believe.”

For the women who have benefited from Gandang Pinay, Ever Bilena’s foundation, that message is especially valuable. Targeted towards “battered women, widows, grandmothers abandoned by their family,” the foundation teaches women marketable skills such as basic makeup techniques, hair cutting, and manicure and pedicure application. These skills, coupled with Ever Bilena’s direct-selling business, enable these women to get back on their feet. “Where in the world can you start a business with P20 capital?” asks Khristine, alluding to the Ever Bilena 20-peso direct selling brochure. “It’s my joy to share my knowledge with them. Plus, if you teach them once, they’ll pick up the skill and ‘pay it forward.’ It’s a cycle of goodwill.”

There is no doubt that Khristine has come a long way. With her business savvy and feminine touch, she has received several accolades. Yet when asked what her biggest achievement is, she immediately mentions being a mom. “Nothing compares to the privilege of nurturing lives. Knowing that they depend on you and that you can make or break their future — that is a tremendous responsibility.” As a woman with three children of her own, plus four stepchildren, she is definitely familiar with motherhood. “I live by this verse in the Bible that says, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he grows old he will not depart from it.’ My responsibility is to rear these children into becoming good Christians. Secure, because of our finances, but at the same time, grounded,” she says.

Staying grounded is her personal philosophy. “Me? I never forget where I come from, no matter what I achieve,” says Khristine, who remains very close with the school friends who showed her so much kindness in the past. “When I face difficulties, I say, ‘Khristine, this is just a breeze. You’ve been through worse. You can do this.’ There’s nothing else that I can wish for. When I pray, I don’t ask. I just say, ‘Lord, I just want to make you happy today’,” she smiles.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol • Styling by Corine Alegre • Makeup by Pia Reyes for Lancome • Hairstyling by John Valle for Loreal Professionel • Top by Tyler at Adora, Greenbelt 5 • Jewelry by Miladay