Some fine leaders are born women. And one of them is this feisty Lady Councilor from 
Mandaluyong. Make way to Honorable Charisse Marie A. Abalos!
This is her story.
The 23rd day of June, 1985, was a double celebration for the Abalos family. For 
Carmelita, the future First Lady of Mandaluyong, gave birth to lovely twins. While 
the destined Mayor, Benhur Abalos, was in very high spirits for his little bundles of 
joy. The proud parents gave the twins a common middle name, Marie, in reverence for 
the Virgin Mary. To distinguish the two, they named their eldest, Ciara, after the 
seventh-century venerated Irish figure, St. Ciara. While the younger one was 
Christianized as Charisse that got its origin from the Greek word, Charis, meaning 
“peace”. The latter would come of age and soon live up to her name which signifies: 
beauty, kindness, love, and grace. 
 
Charisse began her formal education at the Saint Pedro Poveda College, the same 
institution where remarkable alumnae as the Broadway Superstar, Lea Salonga, and the 
international pianist, Cecile Licad (to name a few), had cultivated their character. 
From this Catholic school, she acquired her essential knowledge and molded her 
generous spirit. Fruitful years passed by quickly and she completed her Primary and 
Secondary schooling. Yet before she advanced to college, she already aimed her 
interest in the academic discipline concerned with a particular aspect of human 
society. To attain higher learning, she decided to study at one of the top 
universities in the country. Hence, she took up a Social Science course at the Ateneo 
De Manila University.
From this prestigious academia where Presidents, Senators, and numerous prominent 
leaders were made, Charisse devoted her prolific collegiate years. Pursuing AB 
Management Economics, this chosen program provided her a balanced foundation in the 
fields of business and economics. While majoring in the discipline, this precocious 
student would affirm her academic competence, and further reveal her potential for 
leadership. As when she joined first as a member of the nonprofit student 
organization, she would later on become the Marketing Head of the Ateneo Management 
Economics Organization. After four years of determination and self-reliance, she 
finally earned her precious college degree in 2007.
Even before obtaining her diploma, Miss Abalos immediately utilized what she had 
learned. Exploring the private sector, she worked as the Operations Manager (and 
later, Managing Director) at All About Chicken, Inc. To another company, she carried 
on as the Branch Manager at Kitchenette, Inc. Later on, she ventured into television 
and film production as Content Supervisor at the Brains, Inc., and as Location 
Producer at the Philippine Film Studios. From the year she graduated, she has become 
the Director of Liberty House Insurance Agency, Inc.; the Manager of Abalos Aqua Farm 
and Hatchery, Inc.; and the Co-Founder of Coup De Love Apparel.
Aside from being business-minded, Charisse is civic-oriented as well. In fact, she 
has occupied high-ranking positions from various non-governmental organizations. To 
enumerate, she is the President of the SAMAKANA or Samahan sa Mandaluyong ng mga 
Kabataang Nagkakaisa; and the Vice Chairman of Program Committee of Girl Scouts of 
the Philippines, Mandaluyong. All this happened after the untimely demise of her twin 
sister in 2005. It was an unforgettable tragedy that she and her family will never 
forget. But seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Charisse thought of 
establishing a foundation dedicated to her beloved sibling. As the Co-founder and 
President of Ciara Marie Foundation, she leads this charity institution by extending 
assistance to the most vulnerable children in her hometown.
Though at this point Miss Abalos considers her achievements humble, it is worth 
mentioning that she already has a string of management credentials. In 2010, she was 
recognized by Max’s Restaurant as Managing Director of the Year. Three years after, 
the Philippine Franchise Association acknowledged her as the Regional Franchisee of 
the Year.
However significant her personal accomplishments were, they did not content her. Deep 
within her mind, there was this intense feeling for higher calling. And this yearning 
was to serve an altruistic purpose – to help out more people in her community. Thus 
in 2013, she sought for a local position in the city government. By the guidance of 
her family and the overwhelming support from Mandaleños, Charisse won a seat in the 
city legislative office. Presently, this 29-year-old bachelorette has been 
effectively working as the City Councilor in the First District of the Tiger City.
Though still blossoming to be a political frontrunner like her father, Charisse has 
proven her worth as a young leader. As a matter of fact, she is now the Committee 
Chairman on Trade, Commerce and Industry and Appropriations in the Mandaluyong 
Council. Moreover, she is the Secretary General of Philippine Councilor’s League – 
Mandaluyong Chapter, and the Board Member of National Movement of Young Legislators. 
She has authored ordinances including the landmark law a.k.a. Code of Parental 
Responsibility, and continues to create people-oriented and livelihood projects as 
Zumba Caravan and Kitchen Yummies which benefit the ordinary citizens. Indeed, this 
novice legislator has clearly manifested her capability to lead the common people.
Once in a while, the public finds a leader who exudes effervescent personality and 
vigorous drive, and more importantly, who inspires a bright future. Fortunately for 
thousands of Mandaleños, they already have one. In the coming years, they will look 
forward to her new brand of leadership, and they will expect great things from her. 
With her magnetic charm and benevolent heart, Charisse will most certainly lead the 
way.

Know more: http://charisseabalos.com/ the official website of councilor charisse 
abalos