From Small-Town Dreams to Big-Brand Leadership: Meet Filipina Trailblazer Belle Amgao at PepsiCo

At Filipinos of Thailand, we love celebrating stories of kababayans who are making an impact beyond borders. Many of us come here with big dreams, and it is always inspiring to see Filipinos not only thrive but also lead in global companies. Today, we are proud to share the story of Belle, whose journey from Bataan to Bangkok has taken her to a leadership role at PepsiCo Indochina, proving once again that Filipino talent, faith, and resilience can shine on the world stage.

Growing Up in Bataan

Belle grew up in Dinalupihan, Bataan, in a simple but close-knit family. Her parents, both accountants, ran a small stuffed toy business to provide for their children’s studies in Manila. Life was not full of luxuries, but it was full of love, values, and second-hand books that her mother would read aloud.

“I am a finance person through and through,” she shares with a smile. Starting out as an auditor and finance analyst in the Philippines, she later worked in Singapore for three years before moving back home. Eventually, an opportunity at PepsiCo brought her to Thailand, proof that sometimes the doors we least expect open up when the timing is right.

Life at PepsiCo

In her current role, she leads integrated business planning, working across marketing, supply chain, commercial, and finance.. It is a role that requires not just technical skills but also the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.

“Opportunities come and go, but I believe they align only when both your skills and the right timing meet,” she reflects. For her, leadership is more than managing numbers, it is about empathy, listening, and understanding different perspectives.

Finding Balance in Bangkok

While Bangkok is famous for its energy and chaos, Belle chooses to live in a quiet corner of the city. An introvert at heart, she recharges through journaling, pilates, cooking, and reading. “These simple practices keep me grounded,” she says.

Staying Filipino, Staying Faithful

Despite the distance, she remains deeply connected to her Filipino roots. Regular calls with her family, the support of her partner Nathan, and the laughter of Pinoy friends in Bangkok make her feel at home. “Hearing laughter in Filipino always feels like music,” she adds.

Above all, her faith is what sustains her. She recalls the wisdom her parents passed on, that the world may disappoint but God’s word will never fail. Every decision she makes is guided by a simple prayer: “God, if this decision will lead me away from You, please do not let it be. But if it will bring You glory, who am I to disobey?”

Advice for Fellow Filipinos Abroad

When asked what advice she would give Filipinos aiming for careers beyond teaching in Thailand, she offers a practical checklist:

Right Skills – Equip yourself to be competitive.

Right Mindset – Be ready for challenges with resilience.

Right Motivation – Find your “North Star” that will guide your journey.

She remembers praying the Prayer of Jabez with her sister during college, a prayer asking God to expand their territory and lead their lives in full surrender. That prayer continues to be her anchor.

A Story Worth Celebrating

Belle’s journey is a reminder that success is not just about climbing the ladder. It is about staying grounded, knowing who you are, and leading with both skill and faith. From Bataan to Bangkok, she carries with her the excellence, resilience, and heart that make Filipinos shine wherever they go.