TLDR;
This video tells the story of Glenda Dela Cruz, a successful CEO who overcame immense poverty in her youth to build a beauty empire. It details her early struggles, her innovative use of social media for business, and the serious health challenges she faced in 2025, including pneumonia, a stroke, and a coma. Ultimately, it's a story of resilience, faith, and the importance of family and health.
- Glenda's early life was marked by poverty and abandonment, leading her to work from a young age.
- She found success through online selling, leveraging social media to connect with customers.
- A severe health crisis in 2025 nearly took her life, but she survived and gained a renewed appreciation for life.
Glenda's Early Life and Struggles [0:44]
Glenda Dela Cruz's journey began with significant hardship. Abandoned by her mother at the age of two after her father passed away, she and her sibling were raised by their grandmother. From a young age, Glenda worked hard, collecting and selling scrap metal to support her family. Despite their poverty, Glenda was determined to improve their lives through education, excelling in school and remaining competitive. She recalls walking to school with worn-out uniforms and foregoing celebrations like Christmas and New Year due to their financial constraints.
Rise of Social Media and Online Business [3:48]
Glenda capitalised on the rise of social media to transform her life. She became one of the first to use Facebook Live to promote her products, sharing her personal journey and connecting with her audience through storytelling. Glenda sold various items, including shoes, candles, and flowers, adapting to trends and appealing to the Filipino masses. Her authenticity and openness resonated with followers, leading to the success of her brand, Brilliant Skin Essentials. Glenda also became an ambassador for TikTok Philippines, recognised for her significant contributions to online selling.
Building a Beauty Empire and Helping Others [6:06]
Glenda's hard work and resourcefulness allowed her to grow her online business into a thriving company. She aimed to provide employment opportunities, expanding her business and employing many people. Glenda attributes her success to perseverance and smart financial management, reinvesting her earnings to grow her business. Despite her achievements, she acknowledges the constant challenges of running a business and the importance of learning to handle money wisely.
Health Crisis and Near-Death Experience [8:55]
In 2025, Glenda faced a severe health crisis, starting with a hysterectomy due to heavy bleeding, followed by a battle with pneumonia. She experienced a stroke that affected her speech and mobility, eventually leading to a coma. Glenda recalls feeling hopeless and even writing that she wanted to give up. During her coma, she had no visions or memories, but after waking up in St. Luke's Hospital, she experienced a moment where she saw her deceased father, who encouraged her to keep fighting for her children.
Second Chance and Newfound Priorities [12:45]
Glenda believes she survived her near-death experience because she still has a mission to fulfil and many people are waiting for her. She now prioritises family and health above all else. Glenda recalls struggling with basic cognitive functions after her stroke, but the first words she was able to form were "enjoy life." She emphasises that material wealth is meaningless without health. Glenda is determined to face 2026 with hope and love, drawing strength from her family and supporters.
