Filipina scientist and director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Dr. Pia Bagamasbad, believes that a morena is more than just a woman defined by her skin color—she is a symbol of confidence, resilience, and hard work. For Dr. Bagamasbad, the essence of being a morena lies not in physical appearance but in the strength and leadership that women, regardless of their skin tone, bring to their fields. “We shouldn’t be defined by our skin color,” she asserts, emphasizing that the focus should be on celebrating women’s power and leadership. She advocates for a shift in perspective, where the true measure of a morena is not her outward appearance, but rather her ability to rise, inspire, and make a meaningful impact in her field.

This is exemplified in how the scientist led the country’s first government-accredited RT-PCR testing and training of laboratory personnel, which led to the further development and expansion of the country’s testing capacity. This was done under her guidance as a leading scientist at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines. Most recently, she discovered the Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9), a gene responsible for stifling tumor growth. This joint discovery with her student Weand Ybañez has contributed to drawing the connection between the development of breast cancer and stress and sleeping habits. 

Jot Losa Denim and Lace Jacket. Photo: Artu Nepomuceno.

“Her accomplishments are a testament not only to her intellect, but also to her true grit as a Filipina.”

Dr. Bagamasbad’s journey in science has been shaped not only by her identity as a woman, but also as a morena. Trained abroad and with over a decade of experience in the life sciences, Dr. Bagamasbad encountered barriers that many women, especially Filipinas, often face in academia. In the U.S., she found herself a minority in a space that expected her to be quieter and more reserved. “There were some people that looked down on me,” she reflects, acknowledging the prejudice that often comes with being both a Filipina and a woman in a leadership role. But Dr. Bagamasbad didn’t let this deter her. Instead, she used it as fuel to prove what Filipinas are made of. “I just worked hard and showed them that Filipinas can be smart,” she says, emphasizing that her accomplishments were a testament not only to her intellect, but also to her true grit as a Filipina. Her unwavering determination to break down these barriers has helped pave the way for other women in science to follow suit, proving that no matter the obstacles, Filipinas have what it takes to lead and succeed.

And for Dr. Bagamasbad, part of that success comes from embracing what makes her unique, especially her morena skin. “I think that we [morenas] look good no matter what it is that we do,” she says confidently, acknowledging the beauty of being a morena in a culture that has often valued fair skin as the ideal. “Being morena is not very popular, especially among us Filipinos who think that being fair-skinned is the definition of beauty,” she adds. But she doesn’t let that dictate how she carries herself. For her, confidence is key. “As long as you exude confidence and you’re good at what you do, it’s easy to get the support of people.” Bagamasbad’s message is clear: stepping into your true power lies in self-assurance and competence, not in fitting into an external mold. And as a morena, there’s nothing that you can’t achieve.

Photographer: Artu Nepomuceno
Makeup: Eddie Mar Cabiltes
Hair: George Aliben
Stylist: Steven Coralde of Qurator, assisted by Jia Torrato, Charlotte Sombillo, and Jermainne Lagura

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