Loida Nicolas Lewis, philanthropist-lawyer-author, who was the distinguished guest speaker at the 22nd edition of the Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala held recently at The Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, challenged all Filipinos here and abroad to “find your path and follow it. Each one of us has our own path. With God’s help, everything is possible.”
In our exclusive interview, the Asian Hall of Fame inductee of 2007 revealed, “Each one of us has their own path. I am a girl from the province of Sorsogon. To come to the United States, fall in love, and marry the right guy, and then, when he died, take over a one-billion-dollar company, that’s very unique. I call on all Filipinos in the United States and abroad, each one of us has our own path. And so, it’s up to you to find your path and follow it. With God’s help, everything is possible.”
During her Fireside Chat with host Suzie Suh of CBS LA, the outspoken businesswoman said,” The most important things that I have to give to my children, and my grandchildren are core values. Because material wealth is nothing. It can disappear. But if you have core values like core values of hard work, core values of determination, and core values of having a goal, they last forever.
“So, it is goal setting, obedience to a code of ethics, and determination. In short, GOD.
“God, because with God, everything is possible.”
The wife of the late Wall Street financier and the first Black billionaire dealmaker Reginald F. Lewis, Loida assumed leadership of TLC Beatrice International, a $2.2 billion multinational food company with operations across Europe from 1994-2007. Lewis, the first Asian woman to pass the New York bar exam, shared that her greatest achievement is her family.
She revealed, “It’s my two girls – Leslie and Christina. I am so proud of them. When Mr. Lewis died, I knew I would be mother and father to them. And so, both of them graduated from Harvard University with honors. That’s one.
“Secondly., after many years, they both graduated. And now my eldest daughter, Leslie, is teaching how to invest in the stock market among African Americans because Mr. Lewis was African American. And Leslie knows, especially after George Floyd, the disparity in economic status of the African American community and the white community. So, by teaching them how to invest in the stock market, she shares her idea that multi-generational wealth can be passed on from generation to generation.
“And Christina, my second daughter, is taking care of high-net-worth individuals, basically African Americans, people of color who have been working and working and created wealth. But once they sell the business, they have $100 million. They really don’t know. How do you keep your wealth? And so, I’m very proud of them. And of course, my five grandchildren.
To all the women in the room, the outspoken octogenarian emphasized, “When an opportunity comes along, don’t say no, because it may never come again. If you don’t know how to do the job, you will learn how to do the job. Don’t say ‘Oh, I am not ready.’ You’ll never be ready. That’s my lesson to the women in this room.”
Her memoir, “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun? An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood and Running A Billion Dollar Empire” was released in March 2023 and was #1 in Amazon’s new releases for eight weeks. In March 2024, the audio version of the book, narrated by herself, was released on Audible, Audiobooks.com and Kobo. In May of the same year, she launched The Loida Lewis Podcast, available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Aside from Lewis, we were also able to talk to community leader and Lewis’ best friend and former classmate, Rocio Nuyda, inductee and host of “Make Your Marc,” Marc Anthony Nicolas, and his guest Pixi ambassador Colleen Nicole Lota, K5 Hawaii News Now Annalisa Burgos and her mom Odie Burgos, and the Asian Hall of Fame president and CEO Maki Hsieh.
Loida Nicolas Lewis (Distinguished author keynote speaker)
What is the significance of being acknowledged by the Asian Hall of Fame?
Well especially it’s May, it’s Asian History Month. It’s wonderful that the Asian Hall of Fame has this big gala to recognize Asians who have made good here in the United States. So, it is important.
You are a philanthropist, a writer, a podcaster. What else do you dream of?
After my book, “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?”, my next book will be out in the fall. It is titled “Look Younger When You’re Older. No Botox, No Surgery.”
What do you think is the secret of your success?
Basically, it’s really what you feel, what you believe in. And since I am a Christian, I believe that everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end.
You were in the Philippines recently. How was that trip?
I boycotted the Philippines for seven years while the other guy was ruling the Philippines. I said, That’s my appreciation of what? The Philippines before him. And so, when I came during the time of President Bongbong Marcos, suddenly on the day, on the week that I was there, the previous president was arrested by Interpol because it’s God’s gift to me. I had nothing to do with it. But on the day that I was there, he was picked up.
What is your dream for the Philippines?
My dream for the Philippines is to finally have a president in 2028 who is capable, who is beyond reproach, who has conducted her life well, who has conducted her management as vice president and as mayor of Naga, with integrity, with capability, and with achievement. And so, I am for Leni (Robredo) in 2028.
You are the best friend of Loida Nicolas Lewis. So, can you talk about how your friendship started?
Oh, my goodness, it’s going to age us. But the friendship started way back when in elementary and high school years, which I’d say about, let’s just say 60 plus years ago. That’s not the correct number. That’s not the right number. But this was when our friendship started. Loida was a consistent class valedictorian. She was always at the top of the class. Nobody could beat her. But there’s one thing I’d like you to know. She could not beat me in elocution. She tried, but she didn’t. She did not overcome that.
What do you admire about her?
Her humility, her humanity. She’s very humane. You will never for a minute know that she’s a billionaire. But because of her humility, she’s able to adapt to every situation, every environment, to anyone, and that’s what I admire most about her. She’s a good friend, and she’s very religious, too. She’s very strong in her faith. She believes that that’s what keeps her going.
We know her as a philanthropist, as a lawyer, as a podcaster, as an author. How do you know her? Can you tell us a little secret about Loida?
She’s very easy to approach. Philanthropy is something that she can easily do. She’s very kind, and she’s very generous. So, people know that about her. I know that about her. And over the years, she’s known for that no matter where she is.
One thing that you can tell about her; she belongs to any environment that she associates with. Like, for example, during one of our reunions, we ran out of beds. We gave up our right to occupy a bed, and we slept on the floor because she wanted everyone else to be comfortable. So that shows you her character. She thinks of others before herself.
Have you guys ever disagreed with something?
I really do not recall, but I’m sure there must have been a time when we disagreed. But for the most part, we are sewn from the same fabric. So, we think the same. Our values are the same. Keep in mind, we were under Benedictine nuns for years, and so the values were formed at that time in our young years.
So, after elementary and high school, we were shaped, we were ready for college, and we were ready for life.
Is this your first time to attend the Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala?
Yes, it’s the first time she invited me as one of her two guests. Fortunately, she’s the guest speaker, so I will get to occupy a special seat with her.
How important is Asian representation?
Very, very important. I’d like to say not to sound braggadocio about it, but I’d like to say that, for the most part, Asians are generally educated. And by that, I mean college bred. It’s cultural. It’s a value that we inherited from our parents because our parents believed in education, good education. So, whatever a nation may be in any part of the world, because of that background and that education, we can assimilate in any culture that we are exposed to.
When was the last time you were in the Philippines?
Oh, my goodness, 2018. I was supposed to go, but then COVID hit and my children, my grandchildren, did not want me to leave. They did not want me to travel. That was the last time. But I’ll tell you a little secret. I might go this year.
What is your hope for the Philippines?
Good governance. Corruption must be eviscerated. There’s too much of that. It’s almost like. How shall I say it again? It’s cultural. Corruption is so. disgusting. It’s very disgusting because you never trust what has been lost. You can never trust anyone anymore because they say that once you are elected to the government, they say that that’s the best way to earn an income.
For all the Filipinas who dream of making it like Loida, what is your advice?
Stay grounded. Be yourself. No matter what success you earn in life, be yourself. Just be genuine. Be humble, being genuine and sincere shows.
How important or significant is this awards event?
The Asian Hall of Fame is very important. I was inducted in 2019. And it’s such an honor to be here with so many Asians. I feel it’s time for representation not only for the Filipinos, but also for Asians worldwide. As a Filipino, I try to be the voice of the voiceless. And that’s why I also created “Make Your Mark” on GMA Pinoy TV, where I interview Filipino trailblazers who have made an impact in their chosen careers.
It’s the third season for “Make Your Mark,” correct?
Yes, Janet. So, the first season was in LA, the second season was in Hawaii, and the third season was in the Philippines. I was born in the Philippines. And I came here when I was four years old, and I haven’t been there for so long. So, I was there with open eyes. I eat the street food, and I went to the beaches, and I interviewed Filipino trailblazers like Christian Bautista and also Miss Universe Philippines. So, it was an amazing experience, a moment I’ll never forget.
I know you started very rough in Hollywood, so tell us a little bit about that.
Oh my God. I started waiting tables in Olive Garden, and I knew that I was destined to be in the entertainment industry. So, I sent out my resumes everywhere. I even sent it to The Oprah Winfrey Show.
But every time it was denied because I didn’t have any background experience. So, my co-worker Lindsay who gave me my first shot. She’s like, I’m leaving. I’m going to be part of a reality show. Please think of me if you ever need a production assistant.
So, two weeks later, she called me, got my foot in the door, became a PA, and I worked my way up. And that is a lesson for me, because it only takes one person to believe in you. And that’s why I give everyone so many opportunities, and I help in whatever way I can to make their dreams come true in this world. Because I know it’s so hard, but it only takes that one special person to help you.
You’re an Emmy Award-winning producer as well. So, what else do you dream of for yourself?
Oh my God. Well, I’m going to tell you something right now. I just got the news. I just got hired to be a producer on “The Price is Right.”
So, I was researching, I’m the first Filipino producer there, and it’s been on for over 65 years. So, I have so many ideas for Filipino History Month, and maybe get some Filipino celebrities on there, too.
So basically, what I want to do in mainstream media is to have Filipinos and Asians more visible. And that’s why, in “The Talk,” I invited Dr. Tess Mauricio and Chef Valerie Castillo Archer. I do what I can as a producer behind the scenes to help raise awareness in the Filipino community, to help get Filipino guests on these mainstream shows.
What would you advise other Filipinos who want to follow in your footsteps?
My advice is dreams do not have expiration, so whether you’re 20, 40, 60, or 80 years old, the sky’s the limit. Do not ever give up because the only person who will ever believe in you is yourself. And also, be kind and help people along the way. And God and the universe will bestow so many blessings upon you.
You were in the Philippines recently. How many years before you went home?
Oh my God, 30 years. I was like, where am I? I was like, oh my God. I was like, wow, this is amazing. I mean, there are so many things to do and so many people to see.
Christian Bautista taught me Filipino words as well. Gutom ako. I’m hungry. And mahal kita. But the Filipino community over there is strongly bonded. They are legit and want to help you in any way possible. So, I’m just glad that I went there for two months. I was there for two months, and I got a lot of sunburn, and I met a lot of people, too.
If you had a chance to change something in the Philippines, what would it be?
I would love to change the poverty there. In my time, I want to help raise money and probably partner up or collaborate with a charity to help raise money for the less fortunate over there. Because in the Philippines, I did see some underprivileged kids. So, I want to be able to help in some way, shape or form by giving money or raising money for those in need.
How did your friendship with Mark start?
Oh, my friendship with Mark started with Chef Val. We met at Yamashiro restaurant when she was the executive chef there, and she connected us. And then we got reconnected with my high school friend, Ranella Ferrer, and she connected us further, which evolved our friendship even more.
What kind of friend is Mark?
Mark is my best friend, and he’s so supportive. He always checks up on you. He’ll always look out for your best interest, your career, and your goals, and he’s always there. If you need him. He’ll always pick up the call. He’ll always text you right away.
Have you guys ever disagreed?
I wouldn’t say we have yet. If we did, I know that it would be positive and it would be constructive and learning from our friendship, that we would just want to make sure that both of us are happy and both of our feelings aren’t hurt, and that we clear the air and move on.
Is this your first time here in the Asian Hall of Fame?
It is. And it’s such an honor to be amongst fellow Asians in the community.
Why do you think Asian representation is very important?
It’s very important so that we can continue to be seen and heard throughout the community and throughout the world.
And you are the ambassador for Pixi. Tell us more about that.
We started in 1999. We’re a brand that’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, and vegan. And all of our formulations are made with natural botanical ingredients. And we’re found all around the world.
Is this your first time here at the Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala?
It is. I actually helped launch the Asian Hall of Fame in Hawaii because we’re based in Hawaii. So, it’s such an honor to be invited to come for the LA Heritage Gala and spread the love of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
How challenging was it for you to break in as a newscaster?
A little bit challenging because as a Filipino, I didn’t have very many role models when I was growing up. Maybe Connie Chung, but she wasn’t Filipino, right? So, I think just being an Asian American in TV was a challenge.
But we have that word in Tagalog, masipag. So just keep working hard and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do otherwise. You always just work really hard. I owe a lot of my success to my mom, a single mom, and just taught me the values of working really hard and just dreaming big.
Did you grow up in Hawaii or in the Philippines?
No, I’m actually from LA, originally from here, and then I worked at ABS-CBN for maybe three years and just lived all over the world as a journalist.
What was your secret in breaking into Hollywood?
On TV here in the United States, just basically being authentic, being honest, and doing good work, like doing your research, working really hard. It doesn’t come easy. But if you do the hard work and you meet amazing people, mentorship, connections, and being part of the community, that helps you get along far because you can’t do it by yourself.
What was the best lesson your mother taught you?
Don’t believe the haters. People are always going to talk about you. Maybe they don’t believe in you or maybe discourage you from achieving your dreams, but don’t believe it if you believe in yourself and if you believe in what you can do and have support with you. Then you can do anything.
Have you been to the Philippines lately?
Oh my gosh, not in the last two years ago. It’s been a couple years, but because I have a lot of friends and family still there. But I’m sad to say that ABS-CBN has changed since I was there as an anchor. Hopefully, the stories of the Filipinos are still being told.
My goal as a Filipino journalist here was really to help uplift the diaspora, right? The Filipinos here and just sharing success stories just like you guys, Golden Globes members.
So, what is your dream for the Philippines?
Oh my gosh. Just to remain resilient, but not just exporting our labor, but having people come home because the big challenge of the Philippines is that so many people are leaving to take jobs elsewhere. But I think there’s so much talent that Filipinos have. If they can come home and give it back to their country and uplift the country.
I’m not from there. I was not born there. But I went back to help uplift and do my part in contributing and helping people be aware of the success that Filipinos are not just on pageants and boxing, but in everything else.
What would you advise Filipinos who want to follow your footsteps?
Believe in yourself and make connections. Build support because you can’t do it by yourself. You really have to have a support system to be strong and get through it. It’s hard, right? You can be discouraged. You can be depressed. Social media is so terrible now, right? So, you just have to have the belief and faith in yourself.
What can you say about your daughter?
I am so proud of her and her achievements. She is very successful.
What do you think was the best advice you gave to her?
Be yourself. I raised her as a single parent, and that is difficult, especially living here in the US. So, I am very happy and proud that all my sacrifices were worth it because she is very successful.
Mother’s Day is coming up. What are you looking forward to?
I am attending a senior citizens event so we’re celebrating it on that day. And today is also an early Mother’s Day celebration for me.
Can you talk about why the Asian Hall of Fame was created?
The Asian Hall of Fame was established in Seattle 22 years ago by a family that came from China. They’ve been in America for years. And even though they’re very successful, they created America’s first bank. There are lawyers. There are politicians. They didn’t think that Asians were of a very high level, high stature in America. So, they created another Seattle Hall of Fame to bring all Asian leaders together to make sure that we evangelize to the American society that all people, not only Asian people, are our compassion, our legacy to the community.
I saw it. I love Seattle headquarters. We’ve really grown to having an event every month. The Heritage Gala is so wonderful. So, we ask everyone to wear a heritage dress like your Filipino dress. And we’re asking everyone, even if you’re not from this culture, if you like to celebrate, we ask everyone to celebrate the tradition. So, we’re very honored here today to celebrate with everyone in our history.
Why is Asian representation important?
I believe Asian representation is the first step, but it is not the final step. It is not the answer. You can have 100 Asians in the room, but one person walks in, not Asian. Everyone thinks that’s the most important person. And why? It’s because we don’t have a strong Asian evaluation. It’s not representation that is answered.
You can flood the market with 1,000 Filipino stories, but nobody is listening. The value has to be here. So, we are committed as Asians, just like all the other things, like the Baseball Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, lots of things. We all do the same thing, which is to make sure legacy is honored, and then mainstream society recognizes their contributions.
(For more information on the Asian Hall of Fame (AHOF), go to www.asianhalloffame.org)
