In an industry long associated with men, Myrna Delos Reyes has quietly built a career defined by science, discipline, and lasting impact. Now serving as Tanduay’s Senior Vice President for Quality and Technical Operations, she stands at the heart of the company’s drive for innovation, product excellence, and world-class standards.
Her story is one of steady ascent, forged not through fanfare but through decades of dedication to the craft. Delos Reyes began her journey at Tanduay as a laboratory analyst, immersing herself in the technical foundations behind every bottle the company produces. From those early days in the lab to her rise into one of the most senior positions in the company, her career has been shaped by curiosity, hard work, and a deep respect for the science of spirits-making.
“I began my journey at Tanduay as a laboratory analyst, a role that gave me a deep foundation in the science behind every bottle. Over the course of my career, I’ve grown into my current position as SVP. It’s been a path built on curiosity, hard work, and a genuine love for what we do,” Delos Reyes said.
After more than 36 years with the company, Delos Reyes has become a powerful example of how women can thrive and lead in industries where they were once rarely seen, especially in technical and executive roles. Her rise is all the more significant considering that when she first entered the field, women in such positions were few and far between.
Still, she never allowed that reality to become a barrier.
“But that never discouraged me. If anything, it strengthened my resolve. Today, I’m glad to see more women entering the field, and I hope my journey inspires even more to do so,” she said.
For Delos Reyes, one of the biggest challenges women face in male-dominated spaces is winning the trust and respect of those around them. Her response was never confrontation, but consistency.
“My approach has always been simple: let your work speak for itself. Demonstrating technical competence, staying prepared, and showing up consistently. That’s how you build credibility, regardless of gender,” she said.
Beyond the title and the long years of service, Delos Reyes speaks of Tanduay with deep affection, describing it not only as a workplace but as a second home. What has kept her rooted in the company for more than three decades, she said, is the sense of belonging she found within it.
“What truly makes it special is the family I’ve found here. The relationships I’ve built over 36 years, the shared struggles, the milestones, the laughter, are all irreplaceable. This company feels like home,” she shared.
A pivotal influence in her professional life was Tanduay’s revered Master Blender, Maestro Faustino Munarriz, whom she credits as a mentor who helped shape her career and confidence.
“He was my mentor and, in many ways, my guiding light. He believed in my potential at a time when I was still finding my footing, and his encouragement shaped the professional I became. I carry his lessons with me every single day,” she said.
Today, Delos Reyes sees women’s contributions to the rum industry as both transformative and essential. She believes women bring perspectives that deepen product development, sharpen quality control, and help brands connect with a broader and more diverse market.
“Women bring a different perspective to the table, one that values nuance, storytelling, and experience. In the rum industry, that translates to more thoughtful flavor profiles, more inclusive branding, and products that speak to a wider audience. Women aren’t just consumers; we are creators, innovators, and decision-makers shaping what rum means today,” she said.
That perspective has become increasingly valuable as Tanduay continues to pursue premiumization and expand its reach to new markets. According to Delos Reyes, women across the organization have played a meaningful role in strengthening the company’s commitment to quality and innovation, even if much of that work happens away from the spotlight.
“Women at Tanduay have been instrumental in driving quality and innovation, two pillars of premiumization. From product development to quality control to brand strategy, we bring precision, passion, and a commitment to excellence. As Tanduay reaches new markets and elevates its offerings, the contributions of women behind the scenes have been both quiet and profound,” she said.
For women hoping to carve out their own place in traditionally male-dominated industries, Delos Reyes offers advice grounded in mastery and self-belief.
“Come prepared, not just skilled, but confident in your expertise. Know your craft inside and out. When you walk into a room and demonstrate true technical competence, it becomes very hard for anyone to overlook you. Your knowledge is your power. Never underestimate it,” she said.
In many ways, Delos Reyes embodies the same qualities that have sustained Tanduay for generations: precision, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. Her journey proves that leadership in the spirits industry is no longer defined by tradition alone, but by talent, vision, and the courage to keep raising the bar.