We are proud to share that Melissa Remulla Briones, LL.M., CPHR, CIC.C, founder and principal of Northam Law Corporation, has been named one of the 2026 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World (Global FWN100) by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN). Melissa is recognized in the Founder & Pioneer: The Groundbreaker category, which honours entrepreneurs who have blazed new trails.

Melissa was nominated by artist Lenore R.S. Lim, herself a U.S. FWN100 2009 awardee — a fitting example of the way FWN awardees lift up the next generation of Filipina leaders.

She will receive her award at the Global FWN100 Awards Gala during the 22nd Filipina Leadership Global Summit, taking place November 15–19, 2026, at Le Méridien Monte Carlo in Monaco. This year’s theme is Power. Influence. Security.

A Cross-Border Practice Built in British Columbia

Melissa founded Northam Law Corporation and built it into a multi-service Vancouver firm serving clients in real estate conveyancing, family law, wills and estates, and corporate and commercial law. She is a member of the bars of British Columbia and the Philippines and a Foreign Law Consultant in Washington State. She also serves as in-house counsel to Organika Health Products Inc. and holds the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designations. In June 2026, she completed her Master of Laws (LL.M.) at the University of Washington School of Law, further strengthening the cross-border perspective she brings to clients in Canada, the United States and the Philippines.

“This recognition belongs to every client who trusted a growing firm with their most important matters, and to the team that makes Northam Law work every day,” said Melissa. “I am also grateful to Lenore R.S. Lim for the nomination. To be put forward by an artist and FWN100 awardee I admire so much is an honour in itself.”

A Working Award with a Global Reach

“These women didn’t rise because of quotas — they rose through strategic thinking and relentless execution,” said Marily Mondejar, FWN Founder and CEO.

The Global FWN100 is a working award. As part of the honour, Melissa commits to a two-year Global Pitch Project benefiting Filipina women and girls in her home community, and to mentoring an emerging Filipina leader. She joins a global sisterhood of more than 800 Global FWN100 awardees across 33+ countries.

Please join us in congratulating Melissa!

About FWN

Founded in San Francisco in 2001, the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) identifies the world’s most accomplished Filipina women leaders through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. The Global FWN100 award, launched in 2007, has honoured more than 800 awardees across 33+ countries. Learn more at www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org.

Media inquiries: admin@northam-law.com | (604) 630-2350

Related Links:

Vancouver Filipina lawyer Melissa Briones named among world’s most influential Filipina women – Philippine Canadian Inquirer Nationwide Filipino Newspaper

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Our founder and lawyer, Melissa Briones, along with her husband, Danvic Briones, a mixed media artist, were honoured to be among the distinguished guests invited to this memorable event. The reception was opened by Mr. Hendra Halim, the chairman of the ASEAN Consulate General of Vancouver (ACGV) and Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia. In attendance was Philippine Consul General Arlene Magno, reflecting the strong ties between the ASEAN member states.

The event featured a symbolic cutting of the ASEAN-themed cake, symbolizing the unity and solidarity of the ASEAN nations. Guests were treated to cultural performances that showcased the rich heritage and traditions of Southeast Asian countries, providing a colorful display of the region’s diversity.

During the event, Melissa and Danvic Briones were interviewed by OMNI TV, where they both highlighted the significant presence and contributions of Asians, not only in Vancouver but across the globe. Their words underscored the importance of celebrating ASEAN Day as a recognition of the cultural and economic impact that the ASEAN community continues to have worldwide.

This celebration of ASEAN Day serves as a reminder of the vital role that ASEAN plays in fostering cooperation, peace, and prosperity among its member states. It also reflects the importance of embracing our cultural heritage while contributing to the global community.

As we commemorate this special day, we at Northam Law are proud to be part of a community that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. We look forward to continuing our support for initiatives that strengthen these ties within our community and beyond.

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The event provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to navigate the complexities of estate planning and taxation. Melissa, alongside other esteemed experts from various fields, offered key perspectives and guidance, empowering participants to make informed decisions about their financial futures.

In addition to the presentations, the seminar featured an engaging Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to pose their burning questions to the panel of experts. Here are a few examples of questions that were addressed:

• What happens if I die without a Will?
• What are the pros and cons of adding or removing someone from title to my property? 
• Can you disinherit your spouse or children?

Melissa addressed these and many other inquiries, providing attendees with practical advice and insights tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. To delve deeper into these topics and explore frequently asked questions about wills and estates, we invite you to read our blog post titled “Frequently Asked Questions about Wills and Estates” here.

The collaborative nature of the seminar allowed for a diverse range of expertise to be shared, ensuring attendees received a comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed. From legal considerations to financial strategies, the seminar covered a breadth of crucial information, tailored to meet the needs of our community.

At Northam Law, we’re committed to supporting educational initiatives that empower our community members to make informed decisions about their legal and financial affairs. The seminar with Advisorly exemplified this commitment, providing attendees with the knowledge and resources necessary to plan for their futures confidently.

As we reflect on the success of this event, we’re excited about the prospect of future opportunities to engage with our community and continue providing valuable insights and support. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and educational opportunities—we look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment together!

Thank you once again to everyone who participated in making this seminar a success. Your engagement and enthusiasm are truly appreciated!

#NorthamLawSupports #AdvisorlyEvents #ExpertInsights #LegalAdvice #TaxTips #EstatePlanning #CommunityEmpowerment

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May 4, 2024 to May 5, 2024

Vancouver, BC – LiterASIAN returns with established and emerging literary voices coming together for a month of commemoration, celebration, and conversation showcasing the resilience and growth of Asian Canadian voices in CanLit. With this year’s theme of re(dress) 2024, the festival will include book readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, and an afternoon dimsum with the authors. Full events schedule available online at http://literasian.com

This year’s featured authors include trailblazing Canadian writer Joy Kogawa (From the Lost and Found Department); politician-turned-author Ujjal Dosanjh (The Past is Never Dead); bestselling author Lindsay Wong (Tell Me Pleasant Things about Immortality); community worker and mentor Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio (Reuniting with Strangers); author and artist Keiko Honda (Accidental Blooms); and scholar and community researcher Angie Wong (Laughing Back at Empire).

“As one of Canada’s longest-running writers’ festivals, LiterASIAN Festival continues to spotlight Pan-Asian literary voices that have enriched Canadian literary culture,” says Festival Director Allan Cho. “This year’s festival is dedicated to our Ada Con, a founding director of the Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop (ACWW), who devoted her life to the love of community, literature, and writing.”

LiterASIAN will take place in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown located on the unceded Coast Salish Territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil Waututh, and Squamish people. Events will be held at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall, Chinatown Storytelling Centre, Centre A International Art Gallery, and Floata Seafood Restaurant.

In collaboration with Word Vancouver Literary Festival, LiterASIAN will host a special fundraiser event, Wine and Words: Dimsum with the Authors, featuring an afternoon of food and festivities with all of the featured writers. This fundraiser will include dim sum, wine tastings, author readings, with live and silent auctions.

Tickets go on sale April 1, 2024, and are available for purchase online at http://literasian.com

About LiterASIAN Festival

LiterASIAN 2024 marks the 12th annual year the festival will bring Asian Canadian writing to the forefront. Launched in 2013 and the first of its kind within Canada, the festival was created from a desire to promote and celebrate Asian Canadian writing and engage the wider community through readings, workshop events, and panel discussions. The purpose of LiterASIAN is to expand the canon of Asian Canadian writing. But the festival has always been, and will always remain an inclusive event.

LiterASIAN is a community-building initiative of the Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop (ACWW), a not-for-profit organization founded in the late 1960s to foster a community of Pacific Rim Asian Canadian writers and to encourage and publish new works of literature. In 1994, ACWW launched Ricepaper magazine, a Vancouver-based publication that has showcased and distributed Asian Canadian literature, arts, and culture coast to coast. With chapters in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, ACWW has published several literary anthologies, mentored numerous emerging writers, created the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writer’s Award, as well as organized writing workshops, book clubs, and one-on-one manuscript development sessions.

For further press information, including interviews and photos, please email info@literasian.com

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Career Journey Unveiled

Melissa captivated the audience by tracing her career path, starting from her graduation at UP College of Mass Communication to her managerial role at ABS-CBN, overseeing actors and actresses. Despite the challenges, including pursuing law at the UP College of Law while working full-time, Melissa’s resilience shone through. Her eventual success in the competitive Canadian job market underscored the importance of networking, humility, and determination.

As the founder of Northam Law, Melissa shared her experiences and advised students not to overlook the potential influence of family backgrounds, encouraging them to recognize and leverage their inherent strengths.

Guidance in the Professional Landscape

Offering practical tips for interviews, Melissa recommended creating multiple resume versions tailored to different contexts. Stressing the significance of research, she highlighted the importance of aligning values with potential employers. Melissa also emphasized networking, sharing personal anecdotes of how casual coffee invitations played an important role in her career journey.

Keys to University Success

Melissa delved into strategies for academic success, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning. Drawing from personal experiences, she urged students to embrace challenges and highlighted the illimitable potential of self-employment. Melissa encouraged those with unique abilities or ideas to explore university support for idea incubation.

The UBC Kababayan Career Panel and Networking showcased Melissa’s insight and commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals. Joining her were five other panelists, each bringing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, providing a well-rounded view of the professional landscape.

For more information about Northam Law and Melissa’s legal contributions, please visit www.northam-law.com or contact (604) 630-2350.

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About OMNI Pacific:

OMNI Pacific is a renowned organization known for bringing together thought leaders and experts across various industries to drive meaningful conversations and collaborative initiatives. The mandate of the Advisory Councils is focused on the areas of programming, community outreach, and scholarship distribution. The Advisory Council comprises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in their respective fields.

A Well-Deserved Honour:

This invitation is testament to Melissa’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession. She has consistently exhibited unwavering dedication, legal acumen, and a commitment to excellence that has caught the attention of the OMNI Pacific team.

Meet Melissa:

Melissa Briones is a licensed attorney in British Columbia and the Philippines. With over a decade of experience in commercial, business, and contract law, she’s well-versed in serving diverse industries such as manufacturing, health, real estate, and broadcast communication. Currently heading Northam Law Corporation in Kitsilano, Vancouver, Melissa’s practice covers corporate and commercial law, contracts, real estate, family law, HR, and wills and estates.

Beyond her legal practice, Melissa has been actively involved in various roles, including serving as Club Secretary for the Rotary Club of Vancouver Mountainview, editor-in-chief for the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, and legal advisor for the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society. She is a dedicated member of organizations such as the Canadian Bar Association, Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Soroptimist International of Vancouver, and CPHR BC and Yukon.

Melissa’s leadership extends to her role as President of the UP Alumni Association in British Columbia and as a director for the Philippines Canada Trade Council, reflecting her commitment to fostering connections between her heritage and Canada. Her active participation in committees and advisory boards, including the RCMP’s Commanding Officer Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee and the Food Processing HR Council, showcases her deep dedication to both her profession and her community.

We take immense pride in having Melissa represent us on the OMNI Pacific Advisory Council. She embodies the values of excellence and leadership that define our legal practice. Join us in congratulating Melissa on this prestigious honor. Her contributions to the legal community and dedication to advancing important conversations align perfectly with the OMNI Pacific mission.

For more information about the OMNI Pacific Advisory Council, visit https://www.omnitv.ca/advisory-council/

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The event featured Melissa Briones of Northam Law Corporation, an immigrant and a foreign-trained lawyer, providing insights into the legal profession in Canada.

Briones opened the session by commending the fortitude of those brave enough to migrate and adapt to an unfamiliar country and legal system. “Change is a necessary part of this journey,” she stated. “It’s natural to feel lost initially, but the key is to find your bearings and not stay lost.”

Her honest admission of initial struggles with job searching resonated deeply with the participants, who found solace and inspiration in her narrative.

“Reinvention is key,” Briones shared, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and embracing unexpected opportunities. Her journey serves as a testament to the rewards of facing challenges head-on in a new legal environment.

In her earnest address, Briones highlighted the importance of learning from mistakes, stating, “Mistakes engrave lessons into your DNA and remind you that you’re still capable of learning. Don’t fear them, embrace them.”

Equally important, according to Briones, is proactivity. “Show up and take action,” she urged. “Sometimes, that’s all you need to set your trajectory in the right direction.”

A key focus of the session was the significance of continuing education in successfully integrating into the professional sphere in Canada. Briones underscored that understanding the value of advanced education early on can pave the way to success.

She concluded the session by reminding participants to always remember the reasons that brought them to Canada.

The event, part of the ISSofBC Career Paths Virtual Mentor Chat series, provided a supportive platform for immigrant professionals. The wisdom and guidance shared by Melissa Briones offered a beacon of light for international lawyers, better equipping them to navigate their professional journey in their new home.

Programs like these are testament to the invaluable work done by ISSofBC and Mosaic, who tirelessly assist immigrants and refugees in empowering themselves and creating a promising future in Canada.

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Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in collaboration with DMW-Vancouver and OWWA-Vancouver, the book launch was a momentous occasion for the Filipino community. The program featured a variety of engaging activities and speeches that captivated the attendees.

One notable highlight of the evening was the keynote remarks of Eleanor Laquian, the book’s author, delivered by Atty. Melissa Briones. In her keynote remarks, Laquian highlighted the significance of the book in documenting the history of Filipino immigration to Canada. She emphasized that the Filipino community has evolved from being solely temporary foreign workers to a dynamic and influential group. Today, Filipino Canadians are making remarkable strides in various fields, including politics, law, and public service. Laquian celebrated the achievements of Filipino women who have taken on prominent roles in Canada’s governing bodies, serving as senators, members of Parliament, justices, and elected officials at different levels of government. Their stories, featured in the book, serve as inspiration for future generations to dream big and pursue their aspirations.

The book itself showcases the journeys and successes of Filipino-Canadians from different generations. Many of these individuals were present at the event, including MLA Mable Elmore, and they were invited to join Atty. Melissa in front of the audience. This gathering exemplified the unity and pride felt by Canadian Filipinos, who were able to see their stories immortalized in the pages of “The Indomitable Canadian Filipinos.”

To express gratitude and recognize the support received, copies of the book were presented to Consul General Arlene T. Magno, Consul Analyn Ratonel, and Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria. The gestures symbolized the collaborative efforts between the author, the consulate, and other partners involved in the project.

The event also featured a delightful musical performance by Kimwell del Rosario, who played well-loved Filipino songs on his violin. His enchanting melodies added a touch of cultural richness to the evening, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

The book launch was not only a commemoration of the past but also an affirmation of the vibrant and thriving Filipino community in Canada. It served as a reminder of the resilience, determination, and accomplishments of Canadian Filipinos throughout history.

In closing, the team composed of Atty. Melissa, Carlito Pablo, Eleanor “Beng” Campbell, Prof. Nora Angeles and Emmy Bucat expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Eleanor Laquian, recognizing her selfless dedication to weaving these stories and capturing the essence of the Canadian Filipino experience. The book stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of the community’s journey, offering inspiration and pride to all Canadian Filipinos.

With the successful launch of “The Indomitable Canadian Filipinos,” the achievements and contributions of Canadian Filipinos are now celebrated and recognized, ensuring that their stories and legacies endure for generations to come.

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Since its launch on June 1, 2023, FCLN has hosted annual events to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month. This year was unique due to the event’s hybrid format, which comprised an in-person meeting in Vancouver along with a virtual engagement for those who could not travel.

Justice Aubrey Hilliard was the keynote speaker, sharing her reflections on her Filipino heritage, her professional journey, and the essential role of diversity and inclusion in the justice system. Alicia S. Natividad, B.A. L.L.B., founder and Past President of FCLN, moderated the enriching panel discussion that followed.

Each of the panelists illuminated the discussion with their personal journeys in the legal profession. They candidly addressed their experiences as Filipino Canadians in the law field, discussing the unique challenges they faced during their career trajectories.

Briones, Cabanos, Nicolas and Panadero unanimously echoed the importance of diversity and inclusion within the legal sphere, reflecting on their roles as articling students, associates, and later, partners or owners in their respective law firms. Their narratives underscored the importance of representation and equal opportunities within the justice system.

Each panelist also touched upon the influential role of lawyers as societal role models and expressed their interest in networking with other Filipino Canadian lawyers across Canada. They stressed the importance of such connections for personal and professional growth, as well as for the strengthening of the Filipino Canadian legal community.

In conclusion, the panelists offered invaluable advice to aspiring Filipino Canadian legal professionals. Their inspiring words provided a mix of practical advice and motivational encouragement, reminding the audience of the potential for success regardless of the hurdles they may encounter.

The FCLN’s Filipino Heritage Month celebration was a resounding success. This event stands as a testament to the vibrant Filipino Canadian legal community in Vancouver and across the nation, embodying FCLN’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement in the justice system.

(Photo from FCLN Facebook Page)

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Among the many high notes of the day was a performance by Filipino-Canadian lawyer, Melissa Briones, mortgage broker and realtor, Charen Cusi and executive coach, Buena Kilala-Chua. With the fair’s objective of celebrating Filipino culture and heritage in full swing, the trio from the UP Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC) entertained the audience with classics like Limang Dipang Tao, Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Sino and Baliw and Salamat, Salamat Musika.

A treat for the attendees was the special permission granted by renowned composer Claude-Michel Schönberg to perform the song, “I Still Believe” from the global sensation, “Miss Saigon”. This moving musical piece further amplified the festivities, resonating deeply with the attendees and paying homage to the worldwide impact and recognition of Filipino talent in the performing arts.

The resounding success of the 3rd Proudly Philippines Food & Travel Fair reaffirms the event’s role as a premier platform for showcasing Filipino culture, traditions, and talent to a broader audience. The day was indeed a testament to the vibrant and rich Filipino heritage, with each performance and activity adding a unique flavor to the overall cultural mosaic of the fair. As the Philippine Consulate General Vancouver looks forward to future events, it takes pride in the meaningful engagement and multicultural exchange that the Proudly Philippines Food & Travel Fair fosters. With the sustained support and participation of the community, we expect to see this annual event continue to flourish and keep the Filipino spirit burning brightly in the heart of Vancouver.

Photo courtesy of Charen Cusi.

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