Jasmin Vinculado: Triumphing Over The Dragon of Invisibility

As the co-founder of SecondSpring PH, Jasmin Vinculado shares how her journey in navigating perimenopause

Jasmin Vinculado’s life reads like quite the adventure novel. After nearly 30 years building multinational brands and leading teams across six countries—including a historic tenure as the highest-ranking Filipino executive at Coca-Cola—she knows the meaning of success. Her proudest moment was spearheading the iconic campaigns like Share a Coke, leaving her mark on a brand beloved worldwide.

But beyond titles and accolades, Jasmin’s most beloved roles are more intimate: wife, voracious reader, Lola to three grandchildren, and cancer survivor.

“So I sometimes say that there are 3Cs that have defined my life:  Coca-Cola, Carlos, and Cancer.  Not necessarily in that order,” she jokes.

The Spark Behind SecondSpring PH

Her journey into perimenopause advocacy began in Ireland, where she faced cervical cancer treatment. While doctors prepared her for the treatment’s side effects, no one warned her about the sudden onset of menopause. Brain fog, joint pain, and unexpected belly weight became daily challenges.

“I remember presenting during a critical meeting and struggling to find my words,” Jasmin recalls.

It wasn’t jet lag or treatment aftereffects. It was estrogen decline in action.

Seeking solutions, she discovered that in some Asian cultures, menopause is called Second Spring, a time of renewal rather than decline. With guidance from her OB-GYN, Jasmin embraced strength training and protein-rich nutrition to counteract muscle loss.

Yet, existing protein supplements felt designed for bodybuilders, not women navigating perimenopause. This gap sparked the creation of SecondSpring PH, a premium, women-focused protein solution designed for the “second spring” of life—strengthening mind, body, and spirit.

Breaking the Silence Around Perimenopause

For many women, perimenopause comes with a sense of invisibility or what she calls the Dragon of Invisibility. The dread made itself known during a meeting she had. Despite knowing the ideas were solid, Jasmin watched as the ideas she contributed glossed over people’s heads.

“Was it real or was I imagining it?” Jasmin recalls. “The uncertainty itself was destabilizing.”

Research shows that over half of women over 45 feel overlooked, often leading to self-doubt. Her antidote? Honest conversations with peers. “When you see yourself reflected in other women’s stories, you realize you’re not alone. That invisibility can become a superpower. It frees you to make your own rules.”

Early Signs and Shifting Perspectives

Cognitive changes—brain fog, memory lapses, concentration struggles—are often dismissed as “stress” or “aging.” But Jasmin warns they’re crucial signals. Emotional volatility, muscle loss, and shifts in body composition are often left out of the discussion.

For Filipino women, cultural norms of hiya and caregiving responsibilities amplify isolation, while health literacy around menopause remains limited. Recognizing these changes early, Jasmin emphasizes, empowers women to maintain vitality, independence, and overall well-being well into their later years.

Community and Connection

SecondSpring PH focuses on connection. Through the SecondSpring Collective, women can share experiences, celebrate wins, and learn from experts in menopause, nutrition, and fitness. Peer stories, expert Q&As, and safe, private spaces transform what could be a solitary journey into a shared one. Jasmin stresses that community support is essential.

“When another woman says, ‘I thought I was losing my mind too,’ everything shifts. You realize you’re normal and part of something larger.”

A New Frontier for Filipino Women

Looking ahead, Jasmin sees workplace policies and proactive health strategies as key frontiers. Menopause-friendly work environments and awareness around muscle and metabolic health can redefine how women experience midlife transitions.

Most importantly, she wants to reframe the narrative: perimenopause isn’t an ending—it’s a transformation. For mothers balancing careers and children, this phase offers a chance to model authenticity, resilience, and self-care.

“Your children see how you navigate change,” she says. “They learn whether women disappear after 40—or transform into more powerful, authentic versions of themselves.”

SecondSpring PH is more than a supplement; it’s a movement. Through education, nutrition, and community, Jasmin Vinculado empowers Filipino women to embrace their Second Spring with confidence, vitality, and the knowledge that they are not alone. Your children are watching—not with pressure, but with purpose.