In a world that thrives on titles and checklists—“married by 28,” “mom of two by 30,” “company executive by 32”, it’s easy to feel like time is running out, especially if you’re a woman navigating your late twenties or early thirties without having ticked all the so-called life boxes. But at the recent Love, Bonito Trailblazers Summit held at Samsung Hall last March 15 (just in time for Women’s Month), that belief was unapologetically challenged. And guess what? It was liberating to hear them from women who are breaking societal norms in their own fields.

Manila Millennial was there to listen to the panel as they talk about their inspiring journeys and more importantly, to ask the big, uncomfortable question: “There are people who believe that ‘women expire at 30’. What can you say about this, especially for women who have not yet reached their goals?”

It’s a question many of us have either heard, felt, or feared. Worst case, it usually comes from older family members who would pressure you to build your own family while having a thriving career in your late 20s. But at the Summit, it was met with honesty, humor, and a refreshing reminder that life is not a race.

“Age is just a number. You know, I’m 33 and there are still some goals I haven’t achieved, and that’s fine,” said Belle Rodolfo, beauty journalist and host, with a shrug that felt like a hug to every woman in the audience. “I was so afraid, because I grew up in the publishing industry where there’s always ’30 under 30’ or ‘women under 25’ lists… and I’m like, oh my god, I’m 30. I’m not a billionaire. And when I finally got there… silence. It’s so peaceful. I feel like the world opened up to me.”

Her candidness resonated deeply. Because haven’t we all had that “Oh no, I’m 30 and I haven’t made it yet” moment? But Belle reframed it in the most comforting way: your 30s are when self-doubt starts to quiet down, when you gain more confidence in who you are and yes, when you have more “adult money” to enjoy life’s side quests.

“Number one, you have a lot less self-doubt in your 30s, you feel more comfortable in yourself. You know what you want. You kind of know your own personal style more, and you’re a little more unfazed, plus you have more adult money. So, you know, we love that, and you’re just more secure. And at this point, I’m just like fulfilling side quests here and there,” she adds. “If you want to talk about it biologically, you can always freeze your eggs.”

For Stephanie Naval, CEO and Founder of Empath, the pressure of turning 30 was something she realized wasn’t coming from within, but from society and social media: “The expiration date or the comparison to do things is really a self-imposed expectation. I was a lot happier when I just focused on what I wanted to do and what I was passionate about.” Her advice? Go back to your why. Not society’s expectations, not the algorithm, but your why in life.

Then there was Cam Rodriguez, professional football player and mental performance coach, who said that “Life is a never-ending experiment. You’re allowed to pivot. You’re allowed to dream a new dream if you want to” no matter what the age.

It was a refreshing take, especially for those of us who grew up thinking you only get one shot at a dream. But Cam reminded us: you’re not just allowed to wear many hats—you’re meant to.

And perhaps the most powerful reminder of all came from Rachel Lim, Co-founder of Love, Bonito, who closed the Summit with words that echoed long after the event ended: “You matter. Wherever you are in life, you are exactly where you need to be.”

So no, turning 30 isn’t a deadline. It’s not a failure if you’re still figuring things out. In fact, maybe 30 is just the beginning. The beginning of the real us — a little wiser, a little bolder, and a lot more in control of our own story. As the panelists mentioned, there’s no expiration date on dreams, self-discovery, or happiness.

And if you ever need a reminder, let it be this: You’re not late. You’re just getting started.

This is for our millennial readers who are facing the same dilemma. Don’t worry, we’ll get there!

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