MANILA, PHILIPPINES — At Mang Inasal, leadership is a dynamic force, and it’s powered by remarkable women driving innovation, fostering growth, and building community. Across the brand’s national footprint from store operations to digital engagement, these women are not just contributing but steering the ship.
In a fast-paced industry where resilience and agility are essential, the women of Mang Inasal are redefining leadership. They lead with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
Anneka Alba, Mang Inasal’s Learning and Development Officer, is on a mission to empower people. With her team’s shift to digitized training through the People Training System, store teams now access training materials faster and more efficiently, no matter where they are. Alba’s goal? To instill a culture of continuous learning, driven by innovation and adaptability.
A Spartan racer for the past several years and having just won First Place in the Spartan Women’s Obstacle Race in Bridgetowne Obstacle Park, Pasig City last March 29, 2025, Alba brings that same endurance to building capability within the organization. The recent partnership between Mang Inasal and Spartan Philippines feels especially meaningful to her, bridging a personal passion with a professional mission. By aligning personal growth with business goals, her programs cultivate both skills and confidence across all levels. She has championed the transition from conventional face-to-face training to scalable digital solutions, overcoming resistance during the early adoption phase and helping store leaders embrace technology as a tool for performance and empowerment.
“I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about guiding others. It’s about being resilient,” Alba emphasized. “Obstacle course racing is 60% physical and 40% mental, and that’s how I approach work. You train your body and mind, so you can overcome adversity, adapt to change, and keep driving your team forward.”
Marichelle Chan, Mang Inasal’s Restaurant System Head, knows that innovation begins with understanding real-world challenges. From enzyme-based cleaning systems to the pioneering Thawing Cabinet, Chan’s initiatives streamline store operations while upholding safety and sustainability. Under her guidance, Mang Inasal integrates eco-conscious practices that not only enhance performance but also protect the environment.
“It all starts with deep understanding of our store operations, our team’s workflow, and most importantly, our customers’ needs,” Chan explained. “We believe that when we empower our people with the right tools and processes, we create a restaurant experience that is fast, seamless, and truly enjoyable.”
Kelly Abedes, Regional Business Unit Head for North Luzon, is all about empowering franchisees. With a hands-on, personalized coaching style, she builds relationships grounded in trust and mutual growth. Whether it’s launching Mang Inasal’s first Drive-Thru store or hosting candid conversations over coffee, Abedes leads with authenticity, keeping franchisees engaged and motivated.
“For franchisees to truly understand and fully ‘buy in’ to our vision, it’s essential to help them see things from the franchisor’s perspective,” Abedes shared. “Building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships is key to success. Regular check-ins, support and coaching, open conversations…these are how we build strong partnerships that last.”
In the digital space, Rose Jabeguero-Rodillo, Mang Inasal’s Digital and Public Relations Director, is transforming how Mang Inasal engages its audience. Through initiatives like Mang Inasal Nation, a Facebook Group that serves as a hub for Mang Inasal’s most loyal fans, and the Mang Inasal Creators’ Circle, the country’s first-ever brand-managed influencer network, she has helped the brand foster two-way conversations that drive loyalty and advocacy.
“Digital transformation has allowed Mang Inasal to build a real-time, two-way relationship with our customers,” said Jabeguero-Rodillo. “Now, we’re no longer just talking to them—we’re talking with them. Digital has helped us turn our fans into active brand advocates, listening to their feedback, celebrating their stories, and co-creating content with them.”
The women leading Mang Inasal are driving more than performance—they’re shaping a future where inclusivity, innovation, and integrity define how success is built. Their leadership reflects the very essence of the brand: proudly Filipino, people-centered, and always evolving.
Aligned with the company’s “Tatak Mang Inasal” culture and Jollibee Foods Corporation’s “Choose Joy” positioning, these women embody values that go beyond business metrics. They lead with puso and malasakit, creating spaces where excellence is nurtured, people are empowered, and every initiative is guided by purpose.
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