In a lot of countries, the word Filipina is synonymous with domestic helpers, nannies, mail-order brides and prostitutes. This we have to accept. I have nothing against people engaged in these trades, hey prostitution is the oldest profession in the world. I cannot argue with that. Obviously, it’s necessary for the existence of mankind.

With a risk of sounding like Malu Fernandez, I have to admit that in the beginning of my stay in Switzerland 4 years ago, I did not appreciate to be asked if I was a mail order bride or if my husband bought me (yup!) or if I take care of children. I was trying to be a scientist but all I got was judgmental stares as I walk along Zurich’s streets. I felt that I was being dismissed and belittled just because I was Filipino.

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To all Filipinos Everywhere:
by Bernadette Torres bjaytorres@yahoo. com

I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn’t true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?

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The house is silent. Ethan is watching TV. No one else is here except for the maids and I. It’s 3:35 pm and I have nothing else to do.

I have no errands to finish.

I have no one to fetch or take to school.

I am not googling any topic to help out my kids on their research paper.

I am not typing any term paper.

I am not on my way to the bookstore to buy illustration board, glitters, and poster-color for their art project.

I am not going to Divisoria to buy textile for their costumes.

I don’t have a Parent-Teacher Conference looming in the next few weeks.

I am not on my way to a swimming, golf, cheerdance or a volleyball competition.

My Saturdays are free of ballet classes.

I no longer have to bribe one of my daughters to take piano lessons.

click to HERE to continue

In line with the principle of honoring the diverse, beautiful, and powerful image of a Filipina, WikiPilipinas will launch a special portal, Encyclopedia of Philippine Women, inside the site which will compile and detail the achievements and triumphs of Filipinas everywhere. Its sister site, Filipiniana.net, will also have a Philippine Women Microsite containing documents discussing Filipino women, as well as selected texts from the oeuvres of Filipina writers. Through a combined effort for advocacy, WikiPilipinas partnered with Filipina Images to help promote a more empowering image of the Filipina. By having an online platform to showcase Filipina intelligence and talent, the goal of developing more empowered Filipinas becomes achievable.

Many participants, through this project, will discover that they can help bridge the digital divide and promote gender mainstreaming and gender equality.

To promulgate the advocacy, WikiPilipinas and Filipina Images websites will launch “Filipina Stories,” a writing contest with the mission of uplifting the image of the Filipina.

Check the prizes and mechanics of this contest.

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This was a blog I posted when Yahoo 360 was just beginning in 2006. I’m sure Filipino women out there could relate to my sentiment here.

In our culture, it is not easy being a Filipina, especially when coming from a very destitute background. I, for example, carry a heavy burden of having to live up to this expectation. This is a great inspiration and nonetheless honor bestowed on my humble soul. But in the same token, having to carry this burden makes personal growth and movement very slow.

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          In a country where men tend to feel superior, I feel that the modern Filipina has a take if not a huge role in molding a society of greatness and equality. This high regard solely comes from my perspective as a young woman, seeing others my age strive for personal growth and fulfillment. Through the years, we have seen the best and worst of times, dictating norms through which Filipino women either adapt or accept, and the best offered what this lifetime has for a woman who wants to stay true to herself…with the worst typifying the kind of abuse and torment a woman faces as cruelty takes place. Neither becomes a help nor resolution unless we see every Filipina and her worth- in its truest sense.

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Filipina celebrity Kristina Cassandra ‘KC’ Concepcion is the newest national ambassador of United Nations World Food Program (WFP). She is only the second ambassador against hunger from Southeast Asia after Indonesian television and film actor Luna Maya.

KC Concepcion is considered showbiz royalty in the Philippines, her parents being superstar Sharon Cuneta and 1980s matinee idol Gabby Concepcion, who have since separated and have their own families already.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

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There are two Filipinas in current US television shows — actually two of the biggest talent searches.

As Inquirer Entertainment reported a week before the official announcement on Feb. 14, Filipino-American Ramiele Malubay has made it to the Top 24 of the world-famous reality singing competition “American Idol,” airing on Fox in the United States.

On rival ABC, 19-year-old Mariel Jacoda is a finalist in “Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann,” a new tilt hosted by “Dancing with the Stars” judges and choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Inquirer learned of Malubay’s inclusion as AI finalist via blog/“spoiler” reports on the Internet.
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