Pia Cayetano reads books on banking and the Bible

Compañera Pia Cayetano is the youngest female senator in the history of the Philippines. Armed with a degree in law, which she obtained from the University of the Philippines, graduating seventh in her class, and a degree in economics, graduating cum laude, compañera Pia practiced as a lawyer and then became an entrepreneur. She likewise co-hosted the program Compañero y Compañera with her father, the late Senator Rene L. Cayetano, and gave free legal advice on both broadcast and print media. After her father’s demise, compañera Pia ran for and won a seat in the Philippine Senate, bagging the top sixth slot. She is currently the Senate assistant majority floor leader and chairperson of the committee on health and demography and the committee on environment and natural resources.

Apart from being a senator, compañera Pia, a mother of two, is also a successful entrepreneur. Her company, the Maxi Group, presently owns a chain of retail stores for babies and children. She is also very active in sports, particularly in running, cycling and duathlon events. She is the founder of Gabriel Symphony Foundation, which she established after the death of her son Gabriel who was diagnosed with multiple congenital anomalies. This foundation helps children with disabilities. She is also the founder of the Compañero Rene Cayetano Foundation, which helps the underprivileged in the areas of health, education and environment.

These are the Senator’s recommended reading:

BANKER TO THE POOR, MICRO LENDING AND THE BATTLE AGAINST WORLD POVERTY by Muhammad Yunus s – Providing women with the means to support their families has been one of my advocacies. This book is an inspiration on what can be done to help change lives.

50 FACTS THAT SHOULD CHANGE THE WORLD by Jessica Williams – Truly chilling facts. I’d recommend this book to anyone who cares to know and do something about the inequalities and injustices in the world.

FROM THIRD WORLD TO FIRST, THE SINGAPORE STORY: 1965-2000 MEMOIRS OF LEE KUAN YEW – This book makes me aspire for a better Philippines.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE by Lance Armstrong – This is the story of Lance Armstrong’s courageous battle against cancer. I read the book when my dad was battling his liver disease.

NINE AND COUNTING, THE WOMEN OF THE SENATE (US) by Catherine Whitney – One of the first books I read after I was elected last year. It gave me a glimpse of how women senators balance their family life and work. It also made me realize that a lot of women legislators share a common passion for improving basic services and family life.

A WOMAN’S WORLD, TRUE STORIES OF WORLD TRAVEL by Gretel Ehrlich, Helen Thayer, et. al. – Short stories by women adventurers. Their courage inspires me to go beyond my comfort zone to explore, learn and grow.

THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP by John C. Maxwell – An outline of leadership principles with interesting and thought- provoking anecdotes, make this an informative and entertaining read.

THE CHRISTMAS BOX by Richard Paul Evans – A heartwarming story about a mother who lost her child. This book was given to me shortly after I lost my son Gabriel.

AN ANGEL’S STORY by Max Lucado – A beautiful children’s book about the Angel Gabriel’s mission on earth to ensure that our Savior is born.

HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, STUDY BIBLE – My bedside companion, the study bible gives me a deeper understanding of the Bible and God’s Word.

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You can find these books at most branches of National Book Store or Powerbooks.

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The Reading Club recommends Oprah, The Magazine distributed by Emerald.

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For comments and suggestions, e-mail readclub@aol.com.