Women Trailblazers

By Seema Manohar

Boracay’s thriving wellness and self-care scene has no shortage of establishments with a range of services offering the latest trends and technology. These unique, boutique-style businesses are run by fabulous female entrepreneurs and are definitely worth squeezing into your vacation itinerary. 

Janeth Meneses Dungo

Jandi Skincare Clinic is run by the enterprising Janeth Meneses Dungo, a.k.a. Jandi. 

Inspired by her passion for genuine self-care, Jandi wanted to create a space where her clients felt “truly seen, cared for and confident in their own skin, not pressured to look different but empowered to look and feel their best.” Jandi was also inspired by Boracay as a beautiful getaway destination that offers restoration and renewal. 

In 2020, she opened her clinic, intentionally designing the space and treatments to offer unhurried, luxurious and personalized experiences. 

Five years later, Jandi still personally handles all aspects of the business from treatment care, customer service, marketing and daily operations. Jandi shares that growing a business means learning to be resilient, adaptable and hands-on, especially in an industry deeply dependent on trust, consistency and reputation. 

As a woman, she believes she had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously while also facing the challenges most businesses grapple with in Boracay, such as access, logistical limitations and seasonal fluctuations of tourism. 

However, she is convinced these challenges pushed her to become resourceful and to build her confidence and leadership skills. Through this journey, she also discovered Boracay’s supportive community and diverse clients. As a multi-award winner, including the “World Class Global Award for Most Empowered Woman Entrepreneur” and “Asian Sterling Award for Most Outstanding Skincare Clinic,” Jandi continues to successfully demonstrate that women fueled by passion and discipline can independently build successful businesses anywhere.

Jandi stands by the motto, “My purpose is bigger than my fear,” and her advice to women wanting to start a business is: “Start with a clear purpose, not just profit. When your ‘why’ is strong, you’ll stay grounded through challenges. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready; growth comes from action, learning, and showing up consistently. Invest in your skills, protect your standards, and never be afraid to set boundaries. There will be moments of doubt, but don’t let fear or comparison stop you.”

Jandi Skincare Clinic, Station 1, Balabag Main Road (across from Pig Out Bistro)

Best-selling service: Deep Cleansing Facial (₱2,500-5,000)

Mobile: (0995) 867 8566

FB: Island Beauty by Jandi Skincare Boracay

IG: jandiskicare_boracay

Lorena Cerrudo

Successful entrepreneur, Lorena Cerrudo started Matrex Serenity Salon and Spa in 2024 as an addition to her thriving line of businesses. Lorena has been a businesswoman since her twenties and has always dreamt of owning a beauty salon and spa. 

A living example that dreams come true, Lorena now employs a dedicated team to run the spa while remaining fully involved and hands-on with all her businesses. Lorena’s motivation to become an entrepreneur is a deeply personal one that comes from a place of loss. Her father sadly passed away when she was only in the second grade, and experiencing her mother’s struggle in supporting her family reinforced Lorena’s strong sense of duty and determination to lift her family out of poverty. 

While Lorena does not think being a woman poses a challenge when running a business in Boracay, other external challenges in the recent past, such as the island closure followed soon after by the pandemic, had greatly affected tourism and impacted her businesses. Nevertheless, these setbacks did not deter her from pursuing her dream. 

Lorena has close to 30 men and women in her employ between Matrex and another her two beauty salons, Lors (Balabag) and Lorz (CityMall).

She lives by the motto, “Time is gold,” fearlessly seizing opportunities when she can. Lorena’s resilience is reflected in her advice to other women wishing to pursue the life of an entrepreneur: “Don’t be afraid to take risks, trust your abilities, work hard, and always keep faith through prayer.” 

Matrex Serenity Salon & Spa, Station 2, Balabag Main Road (between Jollibee and Jaspers)

Best-selling treatment: Japanese Head Spa: Basic (₱1,300), Wabi-Sabi (₱1,900), Kaizen (₱2,300)

Phone: (0918) 340 4016

FB: Matrex Serenity Salon