Success doesn’t discriminate through gender. With Contempo Property Holdings reaching the P1 billion mark in gross sales after just a year of operations, Beverly Dayanan is an example of how hard work and attention to detail come together for a business that goes nowhere but up.

It’s a man’s world. It’s a saying heard time and time again by women actively taking charge of their own careers, whatever field they may be in. Not that this is surprising. Studies have shown that on average, women are paid 78% of what their male counterparts in the same position earn. It’s an upsetting statistic, to say the least—as women have made many strides to secure a place in the society where she can vote, work and be heard.

Gender equality, however, needs time to develop. After all, hundreds of years of disparity are hard to undo. Fortunately, some countries are proving to be more progressive in this area than others. The Global Gender Gap Report is an international index that ranks countries based on how well they divide resources and opportunities between their male and female population. It measures gender equality based on economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health and survival. Data gathered from more than 142 countries in a span of nine years shows that the Philippines ranks ninth this year—being the best performer in closing the gender gap in Asia. With an almost equal ratio between men and women in terms of economic participation and opportunities, Filipinas are among the most influential and hardworking women in the world.

Case in point: Beverly Dayanan of Contempo Property Holdings and Sunberry Homes Inc. The real estate development mogul believes that success is in no way determined by gender and is a matter of choice. “There’s simply no barrier for those who are focused on their goals and work hard for them,” she says. That firm determination has proven to be valuable in the career she has navigated for herself, showing her mettle in Contempo Property’s first development venture in Cebu—Bamboo Bay.

“It was born of my dream to offer better living options to mid-income homeowners,” she shares. “A lot of research and fact-finding went into the creation of Bamboo Bay, and it’s a result of inputs from prospective buyers and from my own experiences as a condo dweller for almost 15 years.”

“There’s simply no barrier for those who are focused on their goals and work hard for them” – Beverly Dayanan (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015: Photography by Robo Formacion/Hair and Makeup by Emi Ayag/Draped blouse by Oj Hofer)

With women having traditionally been in charge of the home, it seems only natural to have a female CEO at the helm of developing a residential community. “In real estate, you don’t just look at the macro side of the business. You have to look into the details, and women are good at that,” Beverly explains. She adds, “In condominium living, an inch of space really matters. You have to consider and figure everything out holistically, looking at the most minute details.” This insight allowed Beverly to create living areas that are space efficient. Minor design points that seem not all that important—a longer bathroom counter, exhaust pipes above the stove area, overhead countertops—are actually practical advantages for one’s daily routine in the long run.

The real estate project also benefits from Beverly’s understanding of basic human instinct, with Bamboo Bay fostering the sense of community that may be diminishing in this age of digital communication. The friendly neighborhood concept is shown in such facilities as their community store, prayer room, barbecue area and jogging paths, all of which are positioned to encourage interaction among homeowners. “We need to be reminded that we are social beings who need to bond to promote our social values. Establishing friendships and fellowship is an important thing in life,” she quips.

Understanding the importance of collaboration is also why Beverly makes sure to surround herself with an outstanding team of female consultants who offer advice on various aspects of the project. From Tess Javier for architecture and design, Tetta Baad for marketing and sales to Lilu Aliño for PR and advertising, her openness to guidance from those with the experience and skills allows her to learn and excel in the business even further. “Many of my ideas are formed from constant interaction with my stakeholders,” she explains. “When you touch base with your intermediaries, you gain insights and get to understand your business more from their point of view. I find their feedback very valuable, and it becomes my guide and parameter for improvement.”

Using this as a foundation for her hands-on approach to management, she makes certain that she is kept abreast on all operations of the business. “I like to get updates in real time,” she reveals. “Everyone is synchronized, that way, decision-making and deliveries become faster.” She discloses that this ensures that the organizational and operational chain is linked and functions cohesively at all times.

“I’d like to be a role model for women out there, to show that being a woman is never a hindrance for success.” – Beverly Dayanan (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015: Photography by Robo Formacion/Hair and Makeup by Emi Ayag/Long-sleeved dress by Jun Escario)

Her attention to detail in managing her team also comes with its share of challenges. Beverly concurs that people management is something to be worked on. “You see the need for coaching, but you also want to have faith in your people,” she says. Adding further, “You shouldn’t tolerate failure, but you understand that it’s a confidence booster when your employees are able to solve problems in their own way. Keeping them focused and mentoring them while gaining input is a very exciting challenge though.”

This spirit of empowerment finds its way into Beverly’s community undertakings as well. As a dedicated member of the Zonta Club of Cebu I, she embraces the organization’s global mission of advancing women’s status. Being in charge of service and advocacy, Beverly champions gender equality and ending violence against women. “You can’t close your eyes to the plight of your fellow women—especially those who are battered physically, psychologically or emotionally,” she says. Her work with Zonta Cebu I gives her the opportunity to do concrete things to help transform lives and deliver real change. Among the club’s noteworthy efforts is its partnership with the Vicente Gullas Memorial Hospital to put up a Crisis Intervention and Referral Center in Banilad. The center will be a place where women can go for help for psychological, legal, medical, economic, safety and security, and even spiritual concerns. The Cebu chapter is also working on a barangay and campus campaign to raise awareness of its violence against women advocacy.

The club’s cause is very close to her heart because it aligns with one of Beverly’s personal goals. “I’d like to be a role model for women out there, to show that being a woman is never a hindrance to success; and that women have the same privileges and opportunities as men in the eyes of God,” Beverly explains. Fuelled by her dynamism, she hopes to inspire other women to start their own businesses, and shares a few pieces of advice for those who are looking to go into their ventures. “Start with what you love doing. Put your hands and mind where your heart is. You have to be hands- on—don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and get firsthand experience of all the operations.”

“Start with what you love doing. Put your hands and mind where your heart is.” – Beverly Dayanan (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015: Photography by Robo Formacion/Hair and Makeup by Emi Ayag)

Truly, success does come to those who work hard for it—whether you wear the pants or the dress. Although Beverly admits that there’s yet so much work she has to do, it looks like an exciting year is up ahead for the lady entrepreneur. “Sunberry Homes Subdivision will be launched in the second quarter of next year, as a response to the pressing demand for socialized and economic housing.” This Mactan project is the company’s contribution to nation building, and will provide homes to lower-budget families. As for Bamboo Bay, the development will only continue to grow. “We are soon going to start construction on Bamboo Bay Tower 3, which will have more than the usual services that will continue to uphold the values we put in place.”

It’s women like Beverly who, by leveling the playing field, have contributed to the positive ranking the Philippines has gained in the world’s state of gender equality. At the rate she’s going, she’s heading no other way but up. For years, women have quietly guided the lives of men, and—contrary to what men may admit—have taken a place alongside them: from the mothers who rear them, to the wives that support them. It’s about time women have a voice, and through Beverly Dayanan’s example, it’s clear that this can definitely be done.

by Shari Quimbo creative director Melo Esguerra photography Robo Formacion hair and makeup Emi Ayag assistant Rhey Abella

Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015