In an industry long dominated by men, a top executive at Tanduay is proving that women are not minor participants—but essential—to its future.
Myrna Delos Reyes, now senior vice president for quality and technical operations, has risen through the ranks over 36 years, from laboratory analyst to one of the company’s highest leaders—an achievement that underscores a broader shift in the spirits sector.
“When I started, women in technical roles were rare,” Delos Reyes said, recalling the early challenges of earning trust and respect in a male-dominated field. Instead of backing down, she relied on expertise and consistency, letting her work speak for itself.
Her rise was shaped in part by mentorship from master blender Faustino Munarriz, whose guidance helped define her career path.
Now leading a key division responsible for innovation and quality, Delos Reyes emphasized that women are driving meaningful change across the industry. From product development to branding, she said women bring new perspectives that lead to more inclusive, thoughtful, and competitive products.
She added that women at Tanduay have played a critical—if often understated—role in advancing quality and supporting the company’s push toward premiumization as it expands globally.
Delos Reyes urged more women to enter traditionally male-dominated industries, stressing that confidence and technical mastery are crucial to success.
“Know your craft inside and out,” she said. “Your knowledge is your power—and it’s something no one can take away.”
