THE REIGNING QUEEN OF SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL 2023, MARY JOYCE FABELLON CARDENAS

By: Philippine One
Read the Original Article HERE

What is your biggest strength and how has it helped you in life?
My biggest strength is my determination. Growing up as the eldest of seven children and the breadwinner for my family, I have faced numerous challenges. This determination has helped me to keep pushing forward, shoulder responsibilities, and chase my dreams, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself and why?
One thing I wish I could change about myself is my tendency to take on too many responsibilities at once. While my dedication is a strength, it can sometimes lead to burnout. Learning to delegate and trust others would help me manage my time better and reduce stress.

What has been your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
My biggest failure was not prioritizing my health during a period of intense work. I learned that no matter how driven you are, neglecting self-care can lead to setbacks. This experience taught me the importance of balancing work and personal well-being.

How do you manage stress and stay focused during challenging times?
I manage stress by focusing on my hobbies, such as collecting secondhand items for children in need, attending fashion events, creating fashion clothings. This gives me a sense of purpose and joy. Additionally, spending quality time with my partner and my children.
Also, practicing mindfulness helps me stay grounded and focused.

How do you define success and what are your goals to achieve it?
I define success as making a positive impact on others' lives. My goal is to continue supporting underprivileged children and empowering women through my advocacy work. I plan to achieve this by expanding my initiatives and collaborating with like-minded organizations.

What is your favorite quote and why does it resonate with you?
My favorite quote is "Be the change you wish to see in the world" by Mahatma Gandhi. It resonates with me because it emphasizes personal responsibility and the power of individual actions to make a difference.

What is one thing you have done that you are most proud of and why?
I am most proud of my work in collecting and distributing secondhand clothes, toys, and books to less fortunate children. This effort has brought joy and hope to many young lives, reflecting my commitment to compassion and community support. Additionally, I am incredibly proud that I managed to provide a dream house for my family a home we had long dreamed of. I deeply wish my mother were still alive to witness and experience it, as I still remember our house being ruined by typhoons many times and not having a concrete home. This achievement is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, with them, nothing is impossible. Finally, I am a proud mother of two beautiful children, who inspire me every day to keep striving for a better future.

What is your biggest fear and how do you overcome it?
My biggest fear is not being able to provide for my family. I overcome this fear by continually working hard, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a positive mindset. My experiences have taught me that perseverance can turn any situation around.

How do you maintain a healty work-life balance?
I maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing time with my family. Despite my busy schedule, I ensure that I spend quality time with my children and engage in activities that bring me joy and relaxation.

What is one thing you want to achieve in the next five years and how do you plan to make it happen?
In the next five years, I aim to establish my own foundation dedicated to supporting women and the younger generation. I plan to make this happen by leveraging my platform as Mrs. Summit International, partnering with like-minded organizatioin, and continuing my advocacy work with passion and dedication. by raising awareness, securing funding, and building a network of supporters, I believe we can create impactful programs and initiatives that empower and uplift those in need.

Go Back