Thelma P. Calabio has been the chair and chief executive officer of the Famegate Group of Companies for more than 15 years. During this time, she has served as the publisher and editor-in-chief for both Famegate Magazine and Famegate Global News. Ms. Calabio assigns credit for her professional success to the support of her friends as well as to her association with the Philippine Consulate General and the British Neurological Research Trust. Beginning her work for the British Neurological Research Trust in 1987, she spent more than two decades as the executive assistant to its founder, who was a philanthropist and patron of the arts. Ms. Calabio was involved in all the company’s activities, including overseeing philanthropic contributions and running its music center. The role afforded her tremendous exposure and experience, inspiring her to start her own business.
As the founder and president emeritus of the Filipino American Press Club of California since 2012, Ms. Calabio is also the founder and chairman emeritus of the Mamburao-USA Association, roles which she has held since 2002. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and certificates of appreciation, including a Prestige Award in 2024 and an honor from the City Club Los Angeles. As a former educator in the Philippines, Ms. Calabio gained experience as a faculty member with the San Beda College Grade School from 1967 to 1979. Later, from 1990 to 2009, she worked for the Lee Trust in Beverly Hills, California, as an office manager and finance comptroller. With a diverse, decades-spanning professional background, Ms. Calabio was the vice president for tourism with the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce.
Ms. Calabio believes her accomplishments are the result of her innate ability to get along with everyone she meets. She prepared for her career at Maryknoll College (now Miriam College), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in child studies before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Philippine Women’s University. She concluded her higher education at the University of Santo Tomas, graduating with a Master of Arts in education. Ms. Calabio draws her motivation from her desire to serve as a role model and inspiration to her granddaughter. Well-recognized and respected in her industry, she also cares for and is involved in her community.
