95 INTERVIEW womanthismonth.com | JUNE 2026 For Ms. Gallaga, diplomacy, writing and fashion are connected by a single thread: communication. Each allows her to convey meaning, respect and identity with purpose, whether through words, presence or personal style. Her early career as Presidential Protocol Officer gave her a deep understanding of representation and detail. In diplomacy, every element matters, from the way a guest is received to the way a country is presented on the world stage. Writing has since become another way for Ms. Gallaga to communicate. As a regular columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, it allows her to reflect, observe and share ideas with readers. Fashion, meanwhile, offers a more immediate form of expression. “Fashion is visual diplomacy,” she says. “It communicates instantly who we are and how we honour the moment and the people around us.” Style and Identity Having worked in highly formal diplomatic environments, Ms. Gallaga sees personal style as something far deeper than appearance. It is a quiet form of confidence and a way to express identity while respecting the occasion. “Choosing what to wear is never frivolous; it is about respecting the occasion while subtly asserting Filipino identity and elegance, perhaps through a piece that blends traditional Philippine elements with modern tailoring,” she says. Over time, her relationship with style has become less about expectation and more about authenticity. “Today, it’s less about external expectations and more about feeling fully at home in my own skin,” she says. Fashion and writing also fulfil different parts of her creativity. Fashion, she explains, is instant storytelling. It allows her to celebrate colour, heritage and mood in a single glance, particularly in diplomatic and social settings where details are noticed. Writing, however, gives her space for deeper reflection. “Together they balance my creativity,” she says. One is the spark; the other is the sustained flame.” Authenticity Online Ms. Gallaga’s online presence feels both polished and personal, a balance she maintains by staying grounded in truth. Her years in diplomacy taught her discretion, while writing and social media have shown her the value of honest storytelling. “I share moments from life in Bahrain, cultural observations and personal reflections not to project perfection, but to show a journey, its grace and its challenges,” she says. For her, authenticity depends on consistency between public image and private self. “Whether it’s a thoughtful caption about cultural exchange or a fashion post celebrating creativity, everything stems from the same place: curiosity, adaptability and a desire to represent my country and our shared humanity as well,” she says. Since moving to Bahrain, Ms. Gallaga has found inspiration in the Kingdom’s warmth, diversity and cultural richness. “Bahrain’s warmth and its genuine embrace of diversity have touched me deeply,” she says. “The Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy, its deep Islamic heritage alongside a vibrant, cosmopolitan community has been incredibly inspiring.” Creatively, Bahrain’s light, souks, traditions and desert landscape have given her new stories and a fresh rhythm. Personally, the country has also encouraged her to explore new experiences, including pottery making and horse riding. “I find resonance in Bahrain’s commitment to progress while honouring its roots,” she says. Connection Across Cultures Living in Bahrain has strengthened Ms. Gallaga’s belief that genuine connection can transcend borders. In the Kingdom’s close-knit international community, she has seen friendships form across cultures, celebrations shared and mutual respect expressed in simple, meaningful ways. “Bahrain has taught me that the most meaningful exchanges often happen in spaces between official events, in the warmth of a welcome, the generosity of listening and the joy of discovering common ground and interests,” she says. Looking ahead, she feels drawn to stories about the quiet strength of women navigating public and creative lives. Bahrain continues to inspire new ideas around belonging, identity and exchange, while fashion remains an area she hopes to explore through collaboration. “I want to explore collaborative work that blends fashion with narrative, perhaps a series celebrating Filipino designers and Bahraini counterparts,” she says. For Ms. Gallaga, becoming comfortable in her own identity has been one of life’s most valuable lessons. It has taught her that authenticity is not at odds with professionalism or grace. Instead, it strengthens both. “Authenticity is the ultimate form of power,” she says. “Owning my voice, my style and my story does not diminish professionalism or grace, it amplifies them.” It is a lesson she wishes more women understood earlier. “Perfection is not the goal; alignment is,” she says. “Confidence grows when we stop performing and start integrating all parts of ourselves. You don’t have to shrink to be elegant or be loud to be strong.” Her message is one of self-acceptance shaped by experience, hardship, discovery and love: “Wear your scars, don’t hide it behind a polished mask.”
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