Whole, Not Half: Redefining Fulfillment

There is a romantic notion that we are one half of a soul searching through existence for our other half. It is only when we find our true “other,” that will we be whole. But not for Rhea M. Mangubat, “I don’t agree with that,” she says firmly. “I don’t feel like a piece of me is missing, waiting for someone else to fill it.”

Rhea is a woman who stands tall in her achievements, happiness, and independence. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a lawyer, and the Co-Head of the Tax Practice Group in a leading law firm, she’s built a life of substance and success. But beyond the titles and accolades, she’s someone who knows exactly who she is and she’s unapologetically fulfilled on her own.

“I’m Self-Sufficient, Self-Reliant”

Rhea’s path started with quiet determination. A graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), where she finished Accountancy as cum laude, she passed the CPA licensure exam in 1998. But instead of stopping there, she pursued law at San Beda University, a path that wasn’t initially encouraged by her family.

“My parents thought being a lawyer wasn’t a woman’s job,” she shares. “They wanted me to follow my brother into medicine or take my master’s degree instead. But I wanted something different.”

She did just that. Passing the bar exam in 2009, she joined Isla Lipana & Co., a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, as a tax consultant. Later, she left the comfort of a global firm to explore other areas of law at GSE. “I was invited to apply at GSE by Vanec” (her longtime friend, Vanessa C. Raymundo-Uy, now also a partner at GSE). It’s at GSE where she has thrived for over a decade.

“I’m proud of being a professional,” Rhea says. “When people learn I’m a lawyer and a CPA, they’re impressed. Passing one is difficult, passing both is extremely difficult. That’s something I take pride in.”

“Being Single Is Not a Character Flaw”

Rhea’s life isn’t defined by societal expectations, especially when it comes to relationships. “When older people ask me why I’m not married and say, ‘Sayang,’ I just want them to chill,” she says with a laugh.

For Rhea, being single is not a void that needs to be filled. “It’s not a minus on my existence,” she declares. “It’s just a circumstance. My happiness and success don’t depend on my civil status. It doesn’t define me.”

That clarity extends to how she views relationships. “Personal relationships should not be something you need. You should want them, not need them. If you’re in a relationship because you need to be, I think there’s something wrong with that.”

Does that mean she’s closed off to the idea of love? Absolutely not. “If it happens, it happens,” she says. “If the moment and the person are right, then great. But if not, that’s okay too. I’m happy

where I am.” (As an aside, she says someone who matches her level of fitness, someone taller than her, and someone who is funny are things that she looks for).

“I’m Content with What I Have”

Outside of work, Rhea leads a full and active life. She exercises regularly, whether it’s boxing, tennis, or table tennis, and loves watching K-Dramas with strong female characters. “I’m not into damsels in distress,” she says, a sentiment that mirrors her own life.

She’s also deeply connected to her family. “I’m very close to my mom and my brothers. On weekends, I stay with my parents. My nephews and nieces think of me as the ‘fun aunt,’ more of a playmate than anything else,” she shares with a smile.

When asked if she ever gets lonely, Rhea’s response is as confident as it is inspiring. “To be honest, no. I’ve never really felt lonely. I have a very good support system of family and friends. A lot of people need validation from likes and hearts on social media, but that’s not something I crave. I’m content with what I have.”

“I Want Someone to Complement Me, Not Complete Me”

If there’s one thing Rhea wants people to understand, it’s that she doesn’t believe in the idea of being “completed” by someone else. “I’m already a complete person,” she says. “If someone comes into my life, they should complement me, not complete me. For me, a relationship is a bonus, not a necessity. It’s someone to share the picture with, not someone to fill in a missing piece.”

That perspective speaks volumes about the kind of person Rhea is: patient, observant, and deeply self-aware. “I’m a good listener, and I’m very honest. Some might think I’m too straightforward, but I believe in telling people what I really think,” she say

“My Happiness Is My Own”

“Being single isn’t something to be fixed,” she says. “It’s not a flaw or a void. My happiness is my own. I don’t need someone to validate it or define it.”

Rhea’s story is a celebration of independence and self-worth. She’s built a life she loves: a career that challenges her, relationships that enrich her, and a sense of contentment that’s unshakable.

That’s not to say Rhea isn’t open to new possibilities. “If the right person comes along, then great. If not, I’m still happy,” she says. And that’s the beauty of her story: she’s already whole. Rhea doesn’t need anyone to make her complete. She’s already a self-contained, self-actualized boss and proof that you can stand tall, happy, and fulfilled all on your own. Rhea is the picture of the modern woman and, if someone should come along to walk beside her, they’ll simply be adding to an already beautiful picture.(Interview and write-up by: Zeus Earl Roy D. Custodio Jr.)