Filipina Images

A Filipina’s complaint: Pressured to be beautiful and sexy

noemi — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:01:43 +0000

Original posted at the Philippine Online Chronicles: A Pinay’s complaint: Pressured to be beautiful and sexy by Jasmine B. Barrios

They haunt us everywhere. Commute to and from work and you see them along highways and major thoroughfares with their beautiful slender bodies flashed on giant billboards and big posters by the tail-end of big buses. Browse through the newspapers and similar images are splashed on the pages. Turn on the TV and the same looks glare back at you in shampoo, soap, canned goods and even detergent soap commercials. Watch the news and the broadcasters exude the same aura. One showbiz host just delivered a baby and a few months after, she was up and about with a flat tummy in no time at all. Worst, you see your husband dozing off by the bedside with a picture of a sex goddess splashed on the centerfold of a men’s magazine. And the Pinay’s plaint ensues.

The pressure to be gorgeously sexy gets so unbearable that we try to achieve the skinny look we constantly see around us. Unkown to us, while we painfully struggle for the perfect Coca-cola bottle (not can) shape, other people get a joyride. Manufacturers of diet pills earn big bucks. Remember how the Bangkok pills sold like hotcakes way back in the early 2000’s? The gym bursts to its seams especially right after fervent resolutions to stay healthy are dished out in the New Year. As all sorts of diet gain popularity- Atkin’s, South Beach, Cabbage Soup- the authors get richer. Everybody is happy except us poor women trying to scale down our weight. No matter what we do, the nasty built-in belt bag seems to get bigger even more.

For all it is worth, there is comfort in knowing that we have company in this misery. It is not just the Pinays who seem to lose the battle with the bulge. A study conducted by the North Carolina State University in 2005, found that only 8% of the 6000 women-subjects have the perfect 36-24-36 body stats. The rest are distributed to the more common shapes like “46% for the banana shape (rectangular), just over 20% pear, and just under 14% apple.”

Yet this truth is covered up by how the media project that thinness is the most common thing in the world. Skinny actresses come a dime-a-dozen making big bucks in the entertainment world even with the slightest hint of true talent- dancing with two left feet, singing out of tune and acting with the help of eye drops to shed buckets of tears.

It is not just the svelte shape that we contend with. There should be the matching long, black, soft and shiny hair that should go with the sultry image. Mind you, it should be tousle-and- tangle-free even if you ride in an open jeep or bus and the wind blows hard. Advertisements even claim you can land your dream job with the perfect tresses.

Not to forget the milky white complexion to match. The skin tone should be even from head to toe with the best glutathione and papaya soaps around. Of course, you have to have the porcelain teeth for a perfect smile.

The pressure to be beautiful and skinny sometimes gets so overwhelming that some women either go into crash diets, get addicted to plastic surgery or fall into eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Even royalty is not exempt. One of the dark secrets of the world’s darling Princess Diana was that she was a bulimic. Even the rich and famous are not spared. Geri Halliwell of the reknown Spice Girls, Canadian singer Alanis Morissett, “Ally McBeal” star Calista Flockhart and a lot more went through the same struggles.

This get-pretty-to-please plague is now affecting the MTV generation. Girls as young as 11 have to deal with the insecurities on flabs. There is a growing trend among the young generation called “thigh gaps.”

Licensed Eating Disorder Counselor Jacquelyn Ekern defines the thinspirational objective, “a person is said to have one if they put their knees together, but their hips do not touch.”

This look is so reminiscent of the image projected by Barbie the Fashion Doll which was invented by Ruth Handler in 1959. As Barbie gained fame in the 60’s, the thin-is-in era ushered in with a real model Twiggy personifying the slim look and long, slender limbs.

Many very young Pinays are not exempt in being blinded by the false branding of beauty. In fact, some teeners get into unhealthy eating habits just to catch up with the thigh gap craze. Rachelle Bado thrives on fried processed foods and chips while Angie Castillo opt for high protein viands and stay away from carbs. If these bad patterns are not curbed, this could spell trouble especially when women want to start having babies.

Dr. Richard Sherbahn of the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago reminds us that “being thin can lower the sex hormone oestrogen, making it harder to get pregnant.”

What is more disturbing is the early demise among teens who get hooked on this trend. Ekern further warns, “I think when they start seeing this topic trending they have a tendency to grasp that and become a little too obsessed with the thigh gap and develop eating disorder behavior that can really open the door to some very destructive eating and exercise patterns that could eventually lead to death.”

Cuypers and colleagues at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology enjoins parents, teachers and influential people to help teens “find healthy body role models. Most important though is acknowledging role models for their positive internal qualities such as kindness, sharing, courageous, forgiving etc.”

Luckily, more and more brave souls are coming out to counter the emaciated illusions of beauty. 22-year-old Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence who rose to fame as Katniss Everdeen in the blockbuster hit The Hunger Game in 2012 is not buying the thin lie. She does not care that much about being considered a “fat actress” in Hollywood. She bravely banners that she is “comfortable in her own skin.”

Probably one of the most influential fashion movers that may help contribute in veering away from the bony bunch is Lady Gaga who has been battling anorexia nervosa since she was 15. Getting back at the media attacks on her 25-pound gain, the singer posted her photos clad in revealing underwear on her website in the latter part of 2012 and dubbed her blog as, “ “A Body Revolution 2013.”

Kelly Tschopp of Shreveport hails the campaign “we as a society have put celebrities on a pedestal that when they come out and they share their struggles and they share their accomplishments with that struggle I think that really speaks loudly to us. They’re human and they have the same struggles that we do and they can be overcome.”

So the next time you peek out the bus window and see the ghastly skin-and-bones apparitions called “beauty,” better think twice. Exude with confidence in knowing that real beauty lies in strength of character and pureness of heart even if its trimmings are voluptuous bulges.

Photo: “who is she?” by kedoink kedondeng, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved

Take a stand: I will NOT forward any form of message, video or photograph that violates another person’s right to privacy #amalayer

noemi — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 01:44:07 +0000

There was a discussion on twitter on the viral #amalayer video. What lessons can be learned here? Citizen journalism is about being responsible. @cyberdean07 suggests “to act with justice, give everyone their due, observe honesty and good faith . Uploading may not comply with the requirement of acting with justice.” Let me share this useful advice via takebackthetech.net when confronted with a message, video or image that may lead to potential violence or humiliation.

There are many ways to bear witness. Seeing is a political act. When you see, you affect what is being seen, and it affects you. What we bring into the act of witnessing is the politics that we bring into situation.

How do you witness violence against women? Do you witness it as a spectator, interested only to be shocked, bored or entertained? Or do you witness it as a person engaged in creating a more just and equal world that is free from violence against women?

This is the key difference between documenting violence and forwarding violence. How we locate ourselves in the act of violence, and question our role in perpetuating or ending such violence. And the action we take after we witness.

Today we are repeating the call for you to take a stand, and make a commitment to stop the spread of images and content that continues to perpetuate violence.

In Canada a teenager was arrested for distributing photos and a video of a sexual assault of a 16-year old girl. In South Africa, a video that depicts the alleged rape of young girl by two boys in her school is being distributed via cellphone and through the internet. The video was recorded on a cellphones by someone who was watching. These are not isolated incidents.

In many countries the filming and distribution of images such as these is a criminal offence. It must be – those who are filming are not doing anything to prevent the violence. As ‘spectators’ they are implicated in the assault themselves. But what of those who receive and forward the images and videos, what is their role in the continuation and replication of the violence committed? How are they implicated in the violence? What does the sharing of this material mean for the victim who has to live with the knowledge that her violation and trauma, is being distributed, replicated and viewed by others?

How many times have you received forwarded message that contains photographs or a video of someone being violated or humiliated? What do you do with it? Do you reflect on your role and power to stop the violence? If you pass it on, will it perpetuate the harm? Can you stop its spread by pressing delete?

Many people think that it is ok to forward material like this. They argue that the damage is already done and that they are merely doing what everyone else has done already by sharing it. But every act of passing it on, and forwarding the message, is another act of violence.

You have the power to stop the spread. Take a stand. Don’t forward.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

The violence stops with you. Make a commitment and take the pledge by signing on here.
- I take the pledge of non-violence.
- I will NOT forward any form of message, video or photograph of someone being violated or humiliated.
- I will NOT forward any form of message, video or photograph that violates another person’s right to privacy.
- I WILL stand up against violence against women.
- I WILL stop the violence.
Don’t forward violence. Instead, disseminate action and calls to stop violence against women. Take a stand!

Protect our Filipina women.

Also posted at Blog Watch

What can you do to end violence against women? Take Back The Tech!

noemi — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:04:55 +0000

How does technology like the internet and mobile phones impact on violence against women? What can we do as users of technology to use it in activism? Take Back The Tech! is a collaborative campaign that promotes creative and strategic use of technology in the fight to end violence against women.

Take Back the Tech campaign calls on all ICT users – especially women and girls – to take control of technology and strategically use any ICT platform at hand (mobile phones, instant messengers, blogs, websites, digital cameras, email, podcasts and more) for activism against gender-based violence.

Join the campaign. Spread the word. Embed, share, comment, respond! Visit www.takebackthetech.net

Watch this video:

Myrna Lardizabal de Vera on August 31, 2012: Hello, Powerful Pinays!

lorna — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 20:31:20 +0000

For the YOUTUBE VIDEO of the actual speech, click here.

We have to change the image of “The Filipina!”

My sister, Councilmember Myrna Lardizabal de Vera, former Mayor of Hercules, California (June 2011-December 2011), future Vice-Mayor of Hercules, CA (2013), and future Mayor of Hercules, CA (2014), had written Marily Mondejar, President of the Filipina Women’s Network, about how the organization influenced her to pursue a life in public service.

Here is the unabridged version of her speech, which Myrna delivered during the Gala Event at the Stanford Court Hotel last August 31, 2012 to celebrate the 2012 Filipina Women’s Network’s 100 Most Influential Filipina Women of the US. Myrna is a 2009 awardee and I am a 2007 awardee.

Hello Powerful Pinays! I am Myrna de Vera, currently Council Member of the City of Hercules, former Mayor, 2011 and future Mayor, 2014.

Congratulations to all 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the USA 2012.

Like you, FWN called to me to change the world for the better. I wouldn’t be where where I am now without FWN’s support and inspiration.

My sister, Lorna Dietz, dragged me to the FWN Summit in 2006. I was a rookie planning commissioner then, ready to quit my exploration of the political world. I wanted to crawl back to my safe simple life as a homemaker, taking care of my three sons and my husband, instead of struggling with the conflicts that politics bring on.

But at that Summit, Marily Mondejar pointed out how we Filipina in mainstream visible positions should take the opportunity to change the image of Filipina women in the USA by moving on to more visible positions of policymaking bodies. I realized then that what I had been called upon to do was not all about me. I had to think of the bigger picture — that what I did as a commissioner in the city was important and could change the perception of Filipinas in a more positive light.

Instead of quitting, I moved on to be the Chairperson of the Hercules Planning Commissioner in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, I was the Vice-Chair of the Planning Commission and recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women, Policymakers and Visionaries. I was really inspired by the panel speakers during that Summit, and most of all, I met Mayor of Davis, Ruth Asmudsen and Mayor of Colma, Joanne Del Rosario. Meeting them allowed me to imagine, I can be mayor too one day.

It happened sooner than I thought. On November 2010, I won a seat in the Hercules City Council. By January, I moved up to Vice-Mayor because then Mayor Ed Balico suddenly resigned. By June, I became the Mayor of Hercules because the relatively new Mayor Joanne Ward was recalled. I served as mayor during one of the darkest times in the history of Hercules.

One thing that still has stayed with me from the Summit of 2006 was Marily’s statement that when one googles the word “Filipina”, the results were dating and marriage sites of Filipina women for Foreign men. Out of curiosity, I wanted to see if that has changed six years later, and so today I googled the word “Filipina” and here are the top ten results:

Web Results
· 1. Filipino people – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Also, adjectives that have to do with women (e.g. “Filipina beauty”) are modified
to use the feminine form. In legal documents such as bank accounts and …
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_people
· 2. Filipina Dating, Filipina Singles, Filipina Brides & Filipino Women at …
Find a loving Filipina girlfriend by using our online Filipina dating site. Join now
to view Filipina personals of beautiful Filipina women and men in search of …
www.filipinocupid.com/
· 3. Filipina Dating – Filipinas for Love, Marriage, Romance and friendship.
Filipina Dating – Filipinas – Features filipina ladies looking for love, romance, and
penpals. Women girls from Philippines for marriage, friendship, penpal, …
www.filipinamatch.com/
· 4. filipina – YouTube
Aug 25, 2006 … there’s nothing like filipina beauties.so sophisticated and innocent. kaya lang may mga filipina talaga na puta.. it’s no wonder why ang tingin ng …
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGz-fNpiWIU
· 5. Filipina
Feb 24, 2011 … Filipina is an online nonprofit organization for Filipinas who are spouse, fiancee or engaged to Non-Filipinos. Prospective members were …
filipinalist.org/
· 6. Pure Filipina: Dating Site with Chat
Pure Filipina is a dating and friendship site. Designed for Philippine women to
meet and chat with local and foreign men.
www.purefilipina.com/
· 7. Filipina Womens Network
Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) is the non-profit professional association for
women of Philippine ancestry living in the U.S..
filipinawomensnetwork.org/
· 8. A Filipina Girl For You
Meet some sweet Filipina girls from small Philippine towns on the peaceful, quiet
Island of Negros Oriental through letters and pictures.
www.findsomeromance.com/
· 9. Philippines dating, Filipina Dating, Filipina Singles, Filipina Brides …
Philippine chat and date beautiful Filipina women for Filipino love, Filipina dating
and Asian dating. Browse Filipina singles for Philippines dating and …
www.cebuanas.com/
· 10. Christian Filipina
Quality Filipina Dating Site. Meet Sincere, Marriage-Minded Women from Asia.
christian-filipina.com/

Notice that 8 out of the 10 top ten results are devoted to Filipina women in relation to marriage or dating. Only 2 sites are non-dating sites. Wikepedia is number 1 and Filipina Women’s Network Number 7. Note how the results describe Filipina women: beauty, girlfriend, ladies looking for love, romance and penpals, spouse, fiancé to Non-Filipinos, dating, friendship, sweet, sophisticated, innocent. Even Wikepedia states the word “beauty” next to the word Filipina.

The top ten results didn’t mention any of these words: strong, intelligent, ethical, creative, empowered, leader, dynamic, assertive, mentor, role model, inspiration, survivor, visionary.

As the only woman and Filipina in the City Council, I take on the challenge of changing the stereotyping of Filipina women every day. Some people, even the media, seem to want to perpetuate the image of Filipina women as passive, submissive, silent, and sweet, everything I am not. I am not afraid to speak out, ask the questions no one wants to ask, and vote with my conscience. But my actions defying the Filipina stereotype disturb and anger some people who write racial slurs on blogs and tell me to “keep my trap shut.” During public meetings, the current Mayor and the city manager speak rudely to me to the point of bullying, and they expect me to keep quiet and take it without comment. When I demand they treat me with respect, they are shocked and angry. Even the mainstream media recently depicted me as a petty, whiny woman in a tantrum over the current mayor getting the mayoral position, when the truth was I had reported a violation of the law. In the face of covert and oftentimes, blatant sexism, I have brief moments of giving up. But I remember the bigger picture that Marily had shown to me on the Summit of 2006.

Clearly, we Filipina women in the USA have much work ahead of us. We are all called upon for our purpose in life — whether we’re leaders or behind the scenes, in professions of medicine or law, business, in the arts, nonprofits, or in politics. We need to forge on, be the best we can be in our fields or endeavors, and change the perception of the world so that one day, not only will people appreciate us for our beauty. One day, when we google Filipina, we will be recognized as strong leaders, empowered women, role models and inspiration, intelligent and creative go-getters.

Thank you to Marily and Elena for their support and inspiration.

Myrna de Vera
Council Member, Mother, Wife, Sister

Next on the agenda: The Search for the Global Pinay 100!

Video: GABRIELA campaign to fight violence against women #manilascandal2

noemi — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 15:08:53 +0000

Gabriela’s latest efforts to curb the spread of electronic violence against women collaborated with award-winning advertising agency DM9JaymeSyf to produce an output “exactly like a sequel to a sex scandal video,” hoping to get the public’s attention especially those who like to watch sex scandal videos.

The video is called “Manila Scandal Part 2,” which shares a “victim’s personal tragedy” and to show the “personal as well as social costs to individual women as well as women collectively.” The video was shot, edited, uploaded, and labeled it exactly like a sequel to a sex scandal video.

MANILA_SCANDAL_PART2 by jimmyrojo

“All forms of violence against women should be stopped from domestic, street, intimate relations, electronic and the State,” Mae Fe Templa, program head of Assumption College of Davao’s Social Work Department.

Templa said Gabriela’s campaign is effective because “it is a new form of protest. It uses the material but with a twist to bring it closer to what really happened to women when their identities are exposed online for further humiliation and degradation. When their families disown them, they tend to end their lives.”

What their video actually shows is the story of a woman after her sex scandal video spread. How she was shamed, expelled, disowned, and contemplated suicide.

The message is that it’s what happens after, that is the real scandal.

Gabriela needs help in making sure as many people see this video as possible.

Please forward the following link to as many people as possible via email.

Then, if you have Facebook or Twitter, please share it, and repost it.

Just please make sure you post, in your status or tweet, as if it’s an actual scandal you’re reposting. So your intro will show shock, intrigue, etc.

Here are the instructions suggested by the National Secretariat of Gabriela:

For example, you can post:

” Good day, concerned lang ako sa kumakalat na scandal video na ito. Baka relative mo? Please watch and share if you are also concerned. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k3OAC91sTmPRkX38WnJ #manilascandal2

You may also add a hashtag when posted to twitter #manilascandal2

This is very, very, very important, because our target—people who like to watch and spread scandal videos—need to think it’s a scandal sequel. If they know it’s an advocacy message, they might not even bother to watch it.

If we get enough of our target to watch this, and see the real implications of their actions, it can definitely lessen their spreading of sex scandal videos.

Filipino food bloggers

noemi — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:12:41 +0000

Filipino food bloggers have become hugely popular over recent years, winning numerous awards in their field. But what does it take to be a food blogger, and why are Filipino ladies just so good at it? Here are a few ideas…

A large number of food bloggers in the Philippines write about the food which they enjoy making in their own homes. Many Filipinas take great pride in their cooking and will whip up a fresh and tasty treat no matter whether they are entertaining a large dinner party or simply looking for a snack to enjoy while playing FoxyBingo or watching TV. Our talented food bloggers are also meticulous about their presentation, meaning that all their culinary creations look stunning and delicious – perfect for creating eye-catching blog posts! For anyone looking to recreate amazing Filipino dishes, these food bloggers have proved to be more than willing to share their home recipes and top tips when it comes to traditional meals.

Many Filipinos have also taken to blogging about the food which they enjoy on a regular basis when eating out in the Philippines. Indeed, we are very lucky to have a huge selection of first class restaurants and eateries throughout the Philippines, offering an impressive array of cuisines and dishes. It is perhaps little surprise, then, than people from around the world are keen to take a peek at what this country has on offer in terms of restaurants and eateries. There has also been a rise in the number of food related festivals in places such as Manila – which also make for great blogging material.

These are just a few of the reasons why food blogs have become so popular in recent years, especially those which are located within the Philippines. Keep up the good work Filipinas!

Pinay and Proud: Celebrating the uniqueness of the Filipina woman

noemi — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:11:48 +0000

“The Filipina is always the life of the party; we’re always the ones singing, we’re always the ones getting people to go to the dance floor. I think it’s really in our culture to be very affectionate and very happy and very humorous.” – Anna Oposa, Ambassador of the Seas

Who is the Filipina?

Is she a world-renowned Prima Ballerina? Or a lawyer-turned-passionate-social entrepreneur? Or perhaps an internationally-acclaimed actress dominating the comedy scene? The answer is, she is all of these – and so much more. Filipinas are known globally – and have been for a while now – for their enviable traits and virtues. While they share many of these attributes with millions of other women around the world, there are still those that are undeniable and uniquely ours; uniquely Filipina.

Human Nature in partnership with Beauty Bar launched PINAY & PROUD to honor the uniqueness of the Filipina woman and the virtues that distinguish her from all others. Pinay and Proud celebrates 15 exemplary women who epitomize what it means to be “Pinay and Proud.” Our outstanding Filipinas are Cheche Lazaro, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Eugene Domingo, Maria Montelibano, Akiko Thomson-Guevara, Rachel Grant, Noreen Bautista, Rose Cabrera, Ditsi Carolino, Aliah Dimaporo, Bai Linda Eman, Anna Oposa, Isabel Cuevas-Santos, Xilca Alvarez-Protacio and Maricel Valderama.

Human Nature’s Pinay & Proud campaign is a tribute to the uniqueness of the Filipina woman. The Filipina is NURTURING and encourages others to reach the full potential of their God-given talents. She is COURAGEOUS, whose inner strength goes beyond selflessness and enables her to make sacrifices for her family and country. She is an INSPIRING role model by sharing her story so they, too, can achieve great things. Lastly, she is BEAUTIFUL both inside and out, and shines her light on everything and everyone around her.

Through this campaign, Human Nature recognizes 15 outstanding women who embody what it means to be a true Filipina. All women come from different backgrounds, have different skills and gifts, yet one thing remains; they are nurturing, courageous, inspiring and beautiful… and immensely proud of their Filipina heritage.

May this campaign serve as a reminder to every Filipina that amidst diversity in culture, religion or even dialect, she is special and unique. Gone are the days when she would shy away from her origins, for in this day and age she holds her head high with unspeakable joy, pride and dignity. She is Pinay, and she is Proud.

Human Nature aims to continue celebrating of the Filipina woman with everyone through the Pinay & Proud Exhibit which will take place in partner mall establishments from June 26 to August 5.

The Pinay & Proud Exhibit will take place at the following partner mall establishments:

Powerplant at Rockwell, June 26 – 30
Trinoma, July 2 – 8
Shangri-La Plaza, July 9 – 15
Greenbelt 5, July 16 – 22
Eastwood, July 23 – 29
Alabang Town Center, July 30 – August 5

Filipino Women of Substance on its 5th year

noemi — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:12:05 +0000

Lalaine Chu-Benitez gave me the heads up that that Illustrado’s Women of Substance project started 5 years ago to combat negative stereotypes against Filipinas in the region. So far, it has done its share of spreading good news not only about our women, but their community in general.

The call for Filipino women in the UAE to continue driving their positive standing in the community resonated at the 5th Women of Substance.

The annual affair started by Illustrado, a UAE-based Filipino magazine to uplift the image of Filipinas is more than pomp and glamour according to the organizers. They say they are empowering women in all sectors by recognizing the achievements of role models as well as sharing knowledge and friendship

Rachael Lampa: The Filipina American Christian Singer-Songwriter, Record Producer, and Actor

lorna — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:00:35 +0000

Sometimes, all it takes is an email from a stranger: “Did you know that Rachael Lampa is a Filipina?” No, I certainly didn’t realize that this young woman who continually inspires Christians worldwide with her beautiful voice (and music!) is a Filipina American. I started curating her youtube videos in late 2010 for GMA Pinoy TV as part of its social media community’s focus on “making and building community” with Filipinos worldwide.

Rachael Lampa, some day, we will meet!

According to Wikipedia:

Lampa was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Her father is Filipino and her mother is Hungarian & Irish; she is the second of four children, with an older brother, Ryan, who is her road manager. She has a younger sister, Colleen, and a younger brother, Nate. She has been singing since she was a toddler and learned to sing perfect harmony by the time she was 4.

Lampa has performed on The Jenny Jones Show Young Talent Search at age 12 and finished 2nd place at the World Championship of Entertainment. She has also performed many times at the Colorado Rockies baseball games. In August, 1999, she performed live on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock on the Road” in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Lampa was discovered while attending but not competing in the Music in the Rockies music conference in Colorado at 14 by Word Records producer Brent Bourgeois. She asked to sing at a cafe at the conference when the original performer did not make it. She then began recording soon after talks with the label and visits to Nashville.

The Filipina on Top: Deconstructing Maria Clara

noemi — Mon, 09 May 2011 09:33:02 +0000

A new mini documentary titled “The Filipina on Top: Deconstructing Maria Clara,” revolves around the empowerment of Filipinas to overcome concerns such as sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and unwanted pregnancies. The documentary is quite relevant in the light of the Reproductive Health Bill.

The New documentary puts Filipinas ‘on top’ indeed:

“The Filipina on Top” is a sequel to the mini documentary released last year, “The Empowered Filipina,” which also discusses Filipina sexual empowerment issues. Both films are directed by Kamil Roxas, winner of the Hayah Film Competition at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in 2008. The film premiered during Illustrado’s annual Women of Substance event held last month at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai.

“The Filipina on Top” touches on sensitive-yet-significant issues concerning Filipinas. It addresses questions such as “Is the modern Filipina well-informed enough not to fall into bad situations? Or are they unknowingly contributing to their own problems?” Furthermore, it hopes to “create awareness on the harsh realities Filipinas face and, at the same time, provide relevant information and worthwhile advice.”

Part 1

Part 2

Filipinas take a stand. A comment in the video says it all . “ONE Filipina woman taking a stand is a good start.. and then ANOTHER Filipina, and then ANOTHER. When all Filipinas use the power of this information & join this said movement, then? there is your guarantee that the society will finally realize that totality of THE Filipina: She is strong & serious when she commands respect..A definite fighter of her rights. This documentary is a tool to awaken all of us. It is every Filipino’s duty to spread the word.”