By: Naiia Lajoie Cover Photo by Jeff Arevalo Cover Story Photos By Jeff Arevalo, Kristian Marquez, and Rommel Hermoso Hair and Make-up by Imelda Pechera It was in the 6-time Academy Award-winning film Forrest Gump that Tom Hanks’ character quoted his mother, saying, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Such was the case with Iship Logipack, Incorporated, CEO and President, IMELDA “Mhel” PECHERA. After inheriting a company that produced plastic corrugated sheet and boxes, she too was met with life’s uncertainty; consisting of moments of beauty, as well as bitter-sweetness. Ultimately, Mhel chose to persevere through life’s variety pack of good and bad times, and built something even greater from her proverbial chocolate box. A native of Bicol, Mhel was raised in a middle class family. Coming from what she describes as a “normal childhood”, she is the younger of 2 siblings. Her older brother is very supportive of her, despite what she calls his “conservative” nature. She graduated from one of the well-known universities in the Philippineswith a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mhel has kids of her own; a proud mother of 3 beautiful children, her eldest son Karl now assists her in running the company, as the VP of Marketing. Her second son, Meray is in college and has a passion for playing basketball. Her youngest and only daughter is Meiko, who is in her senior year of high school. In fact, she was just accepted into a prestigious school in Japan. Japan was the native land of her husband, Mr. Atsushi Yamada. “Was”, because he unfortunately passed away early, leaving Mhel widowed 15 years ago. It was at this time that Mhel had to become mother – and father – to their...... Read more on Full Issue!