Who is she?

Photo credit:estilodemadrid.com

From Night Celebrity

The 25-year-old swimsuit model joined the prince over the weekend as he jetsetted about. They even spent time aboard a massive multi-million dollar yacht that measures well over 150ft, only to end up in a luxury hotel with the likes of Janet Jackson and a few famous athletes.

But who is this woman, whom many believe to be Prince Andrew’s girlfriend?

For starters, she is a well-known socialite, who can be seen hitting up the party scenes in Madrid and Manila. Aside from bikini modeling, she has appeared in a commercial for hair products (see below), and has been invited to some of the most exclusive events in the UK. She is also a columnist for a Spanish website called ‘Estilo De Madrid.’

Her unique look can be traced back to her parent’s diverse background; her father is from Spain, while her mother is a native of the Phillipines, where she is often spotted at fashion events.

Cheryl Tiu, a wealthy Filipino magazine editor and close friend of the model, confirmed Miss Escat was the bikini-wearing woman snapped giggling as she allowed Prince Andrew to kiss her hand. Her friend wrote on Twitter ‘My friend Alex Escat was spotted yachting with Prince Andrew, Duke of York! Hello Magazine UK said she was the wife of another man. Hahahaha!’

Let’s relive this moment! This latest boxing match, dubbed “Laban ng Pinay: Julaton vs. Villalobos,” will air exclusively on GMA Pinoy TV on July 4 in the US, Canada and the Middle East. On July 11 it will air to Asia Pacific viewers of GMA Pinoy TV.

IN THE USA

12:05 pm PDT/Vancouver
1:05 pm MDT
1:05 pm CDT
3:05 pm EDT

From: Policarpio, Freida V.
Date: Sat, Jul 3, 2010 at 5:27 AM
Subject: WATCH ANA “THE HURRICANE” JULATON WINNING FIGHT FOR THE WBO SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BELT ON GMA PINOY TV, JULY 4
To: Lorna Lardizabal Dietz

Hi Lorna,

We know you share the same pride and honor we have that a proud Filipina continues to make an indelible mark in the world of female boxing! To all the countless Filipino-Americans and Filipino-Canadians who we know are excited to watch her winning fight, we would appreciate you spreading the word that GMA Pinoy TV will air it in the US and Canada on July 4. (Schedule is indicated below). Don’t miss it!

We would not want the rest of the world to miss the fight, too! It broadcasts only on GMA Pinoy TV on July 4 in the UAE at 6:05 p.m., Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at 5:05 pm and Italy at 4:05 p.m. In the Asia –Pacific region ( Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, etc) it airs on Sunday, July 11 at 11 a.m.

Fries S. Policarpio
GMA International
FSPolicarpio@gmanetwork.com

Pinay Hurricane is WBO Super Bantamweight Champ

Two-time world champion Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton grabbed the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) Super Bantamweight champ via split decision over Maria Elena Villalobos of Mexico last Sunday, June 30 (Monday, Manila time) at the Casino Rama, in Ontario, Canada.

Julaton and Villalobos displayed their mettle in a rousing display of women’s boxing. Villalobos appeared to dominate early in the bout with her punches, but Julaton, now under the tutelage of top-notch trainer Freddie Roach, employed fine jabs, footwork and agile body movements, to eventually rule the bout.

Two judges scored in favor of Julaton’s , 96-94, while the other favored Villalobos, 97-94.

The Fil-am Hurricane who proudly declares her Filipino roots, now has a record of seven wins, two losses and two draws. Just before she saw action in the ring she was quoted as saying, “I’m seeing my opponent as someone who’s prepared, someone who’s hungry to win, who’s come here to fight. I’m game.”

Her coach Freddie Roach, meanwhile, expressed delight in Julaton’s passion for the game. “Her workout is great. She comes to my gym everyday. She is very dedicated,” he said.

With this victory, Julaton redeemed herself after suffering from a unanimous decision loss at the hands of Lisa Brown last March 27, a fight shown on GMA Network and GMA Pinoy TV.

This latest boxing match, dubbed “Laban ng Pinay: Julaton vs. Villalobos” will air exclusively on GMA Pinoy TV on July 4 in the US, Canada and the Middle East. On July 11 it will air on Asia Pacific viewers of GMA Pinoy TV.

For particulars and other details, visit www.GMAPinoyTV.com.

I have been following the phenomenal progress of the Filipina women’s boxing champion, Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton, since 2006 when an excited friend, Jacquie Lingad-Ricci, showed me DVDs of her Golden Gloves championship bouts in the San Francisco Bay Area. While the Filipino American community was barely getting to know “The Hurricane,” Ana was already the favorite of sports aficionados in the local TV networks. I have personally witnessed her support of the Filipino community when we occasionally met during festivals or fundraisers. Some of “The Hurricane’s” amazing qualities are her graciousness, simplicity, and ability to build rapport with people from all walks of life. No wonder a lot of the Generation X, Generation Y or Millennials believe she is an admirable role model. In October 2009, the Filipina Women’s Network honored Ana Julaton as one of 2009’s “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US, Innovators & Thought Leaders Category.”

October 29, 2009 was also proclaimed as “Ana Julaton Day” in the City and County of San Francisco.

Ana’s advisor/agent at Team Julaton, Angelo Reyes, needs to be commended for his consistent updates via email and social media through the years. He knows we stay connected to “The Hurricane.” We grow with Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton as she grows!

The way Ana says it best: “Proud to be Kapuso! Proud to be Pinoy!”

Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton at the “Dance for a Cause with Cheryl Burke” on December 20, 2009.

Photo Credit: Anton Sheker of Blog Watch

I had the opportunity to hear Charice Pempengco sing the National Anthem , live during the Inaugural of the 15th President of rhe Republic of the Philippines. I was very impressed because her rendition is the original tempo. The National Historical Commission reportedly also gave a raving review to Pempengco’s rendition and for adhering to its lawful interpretation under the masterful guidance of Ryan Cayabyab.

“Okay ang pagkanta ni Charice ng Pambansang Awit,” added Ogie Alcasid, who co-wrote Noynoy’s inaugural song “Bagong Pilipinas” with progressive artist Noel Cabangon.

If you were not able to hear her sing, here is a youtube of her singing “Lupang Hinirang”

Former textbook agent Mary Ann T. Maslog, who tried bribing officials of the Department of Budget and Management in 1999 so that her firm could wangle a P200 million textbook contract, is now Mary Ann Smith and married to an American who allegedly became her partner in crime.

Court records in Orange County in Florida show that Maslog is wanted for theft and scheme to defraud. She is facing charges of grand theft amounting to more than $100,000 and scheme to defraud in the amount of $50,000 which are classified as criminal felonies punishable with imprisonment.

Maslog also has been charged with civil traffic infraction for improper backing.

A source who participated in the investigation, and who asked to be identified only as James Katarungan, told VERA Files that Maslog operates with her husband, Michael Lee Smith, who hails from Virginia.

Katarungan said Maslog has a bag of tricks and the more successful one is where she takes a job as a salesperson with a reputable company, normally in radio or print advertising.

After a few months, her husband gets an office in or near the building where she works, identifying himself as a sort of a career guidance counselor. The two then promise their victims jobs at the company where Maslog works, although she is in no position to do so.

Maslog would even show victims around her company’s office, explain how things work, and even introduce them to her co-workers who welcome these visitors thinking they were clients.

The couple would then require a deposit from their victims ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, supposedly to cover training in another city, either Houston or Washington, D.C., for six months. Once they get the money, they close shop and skip town.

“She’s done this scam in Virginia and in Florida,” Katarungan said.

Maslog was also into credit card fraud. “While working in sales, she took credit card numbers from paying customers and stole their identities. She defrauded one man in Orange County Florida for over $100,000 by having credit cards made in his name and sent to her. This particular victim owned a gas station and has since gone out of business and was forced into bankruptcy,” Katarungan said.

A number of people the Smiths had conned have gone to court. Maslog was charged with grant theft and scheme to defraud on Feb. 26, 2007 and was ordered arrested Dec. 18 that year.

Arraigned in open court while in jail on Jan. 8, 2008, Maslog posted a $5,000 bail bond for the grand theft charge and $1,500 for the scheme to defraud.

Court records showed she missed the hearing of her cases last Feb. 22 and that her lawyer, David Faulkner, had withdrawn his services.

Read more http://verafiles.org/main/focus/pinay-in-textbook-scam-wanted-in-the-us-for-swindling/

Over the years, Filipinas working overseas have been greatly stereotyped and put in a negative light. This documentary follows a collective group of global Filipinas who have been deeply affected by these issues and how they chose to respond by sharing the positivity, and the advocacy of a common mission — uplifting the morale of Filipinas everywhere.

Part 2 of 3
Family and the Filipina beauty

Over the years, Filipinas working overseas have been greatly stereotyped and put in a negative light. This documentary follows a collective group of global Filipinas who have been deeply affected by these issues and how they chose to respond by sharing the positivity, and the advocacy of a common mission — uplifting the morale of Filipinas everywhere.

Part 3 of 3
Beyond awareness – Filipino women empowerment

Over the years, Filipinas working overseas have been greatly stereotyped and put in a negative light. This documentary follows a collective group of global Filipinas who have been deeply affected by these issues and how they chose to respond by sharing the positivity, and the advocacy of a common mission — uplifting the morale of Filipinas everywhere.

This Sunday, on December 20, 2009, in San Francisco, California:

Cheryl Burke, the Philippine Disaster Relief Coalition, the Philippine Consulate General – San Francisco, Ayala Foundation USA, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, and other collaborating friends are coming together with the holiday spirit to “Dance for a Cause.” Please share this special invitation with our friends in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Here is the video invitation for your viewing pleasure.

You can download, print, embed, or share this flier with your friends.

Esmael Mangudadatu thought it was safe to let his wife file his Certificate of Candidacy (COCs). No men from the family went along since he believed that women would not be attacked by rivals. Journalists also came along with the convoy. Alas, Mangudadatu was wrong. The convoy was stopped by 100 armed men, who brought them away from the highway and then brutally shot them with M-16 rifles and machetes.

News Report on the brutality of the murder of the women in the Maguindanao Massacre. His account is just brutal beyond your wildest imagination.

“Esmael Mangudadatu said the body of his murdered wife had been horrifyingly mutilated and that his dead sister and aunt had both been pregnant.

‘We can’t call him an animal because I have pets and they are tame. No, he is a monster. They are monsters,’ Mangudadatu told reporters, referring to Ampatuan Jr. and his gunmen.

‘My wife’s private parts were slashed four times, after which they fired a bullet into it,’ he added.

In commemoration of the International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders, Rep. Liza Maza today led women from Karapatan and Gabriela in an all-women protest action in Mendiola, as they called for justice for the 22 women victims in the Maguindanao massacre.

“Women victims in the Maguindanao massacre were massacred twice over— their lives were brutally taken and they were sexually violated. I condemn in strongest terms these most reprehensible acts of violence,” Maza said, amid reports of the Department of Justice that the 22 women victims in the Maguindanao massacre were shot at their genitals.

Two women human rights defenders, Atty. Concepcion “Connie” Brizuela and Atty. Cynthia Oquendo, were among the 57 victims.

Atty. Brizuela has long been a passionate defender of women’s rights who worked tirelessly to end state violence against women in Mindanao region. She was also one of the lawyers of Gabriela Women’s Party during the past elections and handled women human rights cases. Atty. Oquendo was also known for her activism in health-related causes and in social justice movement. Maza said that Oquendo was a member of Gabriela during her student days.

“The killing of these two women human rights defenders shows the grave threats that loom before women during the election period and the violation of their human rights, particularly their right to participate in political processes,” she asserted.

To date, 62 bodies have been recovered.

Show your indignation and protest by signing an online petition on Strike against Impunity, Strike for Peace and Democracy

Today we say, “Enough.”

The massacre of 57 people in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao goes beyond a rido or clan war. The sheer scope of barbarity, the brazenness of the murders betrays the perpetrators’ belief in being beyond the reach of the law.

Women, lawyers and journalists – no one escaped the butchers’ wrath. Fifty-seven people killed in broad daylight. The murderers had planned the deed, down to the mass burial of victims. That is the mark of the untouchable.

I condemn the brutality of the Maguindanao Massacre. I will NOT let this pass. I want the whole the world to know, especially the Arroyo government that we will not stop until justice is delivered to the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre (otherwise known as Maguindanao Massacre) . I grieve for all the women, journalists and other innocent victims who suffered extreme violence and the brutal slaying.

I will make sure you did not die in vain.

We should not let allow this to happen again and we cannot allow this climate of impunity to reign.

San Francisco, CA, October 3, 2009 – The Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) has selected Myrna Lardizabal De Vera, Vice-Chair, City of Hercules Planning Commission, as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., “Policymakers & Visionaries” category.

The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. Award™ honors Filipina women who are changing the face of power in America and who have reached status for outstanding work in their respective fields and who are recognized for their leadership and achievements in the U.S. workplace and communities.

“The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. are dynamic leaders who are influential in their respective fields and local communities. These role models are powerful examples of women doing extraordinary work who will inspire our youth and future leaders,” said Lieutenant Colonel Shirley Saoit Raguindin of the Arizona National Guard and chair of the FWN 100 Nationwide Search and Selection Committee. “The awardees are asked to womentor a protégée so we can double the number of Filipina leaders by 2012. They were selected from nominations submitted from across the United States.”

“The selection process included personal interviews of the qualified nominees based on six categories and selection criteria conducted by a team of 2007 FWN 100 Awardees. In the spirit of collaboration, the scores were tabulated with the help of members of the Filipino American Association of Certified Public Accountants,” said Elena Mangahas, board chair of the Filipina Women’s Network.

The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. Awards™ is a working recognition award, a key initiative of Pinay Power 2012. Pinay Power 2012 is a dream with a meaningful purpose: double the number of Filipina women leaders by 2012.

“The awardees will participate in the Womentoring Pinay Circles, which will be launched at the 6th Filipina Leadership Summit in Berkeley, California,” said Marily Mondejar, president of the Filipina Women’s Network. “The Pinay Circles aim to provide professional and personal development of women leaders, exposing them to critical public and private sector issues affecting Filipina women and enhancing their competitive knowledge from state, national and global perspectives. It connects Filipina leaders from across the U.S. with each other and with decision-makers, thinkers and practitioners and promotes creativity and innovation through the sharing of ideas and best practices. The Pinay Circle members are empowered to contribute more fully to the communities and companies in which they live and work.”

Pinay Power 2012 began in 2006 with a dream to inspire, inform, and advance Filipina women leaders who would influence the Filipino American community’s future. It provides a critical pathway for successful women who care about advancement, achievement, and significance. These women are not only talking about change, but plan to be part of making it happen.

For additional details concerning Pinay Power 2012 and to attend the Filipina Leadership Summit, call (415) 278-9410 or go to www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org. For additional details concerning Myrna Lardizabal De Vera, contact Lorna Dietz at RadiantView@gmail.com or (415) 508-5326.

______

Filipina Women’s Network’s 6th Filipina Leadership Summit, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2009

About Filipina Women’s Network (FWN)
FWN is the non-profit association for women of Philippine ancestry based in the United States. FWN’s mission is to advance Filipina women in the U.S. workplace through programs and activities that enhance public perceptions of Filipina women’s capacities to lead, change biases against Filipina women’s leadership abilities, and build the Filipina community’s pipeline of qualified leaders, to increase the odds that some will rise to the president position in all sectors. More info: Call 415.278.9410 or email filipina@ffwn.org. http://www.filipinawomensnetwork.org

About the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. Awards™
The Filipina Women’s Network’s FWN 100 awards program is part of a larger game plan called “Pinay Power 2012″ – a dream with a meaningful purpose – to double the number of Filipina women leaders by 2012. The prestigious recognition is a working award – the winners are asked to womentor a protégée. Both leaders are invited to return to the Filipina Leadership Summit in 2012.

About the Filipina Leadership Summit
Filipina Women’s Network’s annual Filipina Leadership Summit is the leading national forum of its kind. Filipina professionals – decision makers in leading industries – gather to learn the latest developments for multicultural professionals in the U.S. workplace and make the connections that will advance their businesses and professional careers.

Now in its sixth year, FWN holds its annual Filipina Leadership Summit in October in observance of Filipino American History Month. The 2009 summit is held from October 30 to November 1, 2009 at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California. More info: www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org/summit09

The Filipina Summit is the definitive gathering of Filipina women to celebrate the advancement and contributions of Filipina Americans to U.S. society. It is a time of remembrance, reflection, and motivation to renew efforts towards research, examination, and promulgation of Filipina American history and culture. FWN provides the content, credibility and community to help women of Philippine ancestry succeed in their businesses and careers.

HOTLINE FOR ABUSED WOMEN is +632-922-5235 or +632-926-7744
Donations in cash and kind are welcome at the Women’s Crisis Center, 3F ER-Trauma Extension, Annex Building of the East Avenue Medical Center in Diliman , Quezon City

I think that violence at home, or between intimate partners, is as abhorrent as violence of any kind. It destroys not only the trust and love between partners, it also kills the human spirit. And while physical bruises may heal, the deeper scars and damage is inflicted to the psyche and to the soul. First of all, I think women who have been physically abused should realize that they are not powerless and that they can do something to get out of it. I think reclaiming one’s own power to change a situation, however hopeless it may seem, is the most important first step to take in rebuilding one’s self-esteem. Instead of blaming, or looking for excuses, facing the situation head on and deciding things are going to change is already a turning point and heading in the right direction.—Tippi Ocampo, fashion designer

A man is never justified in beating any woman. It is not just about his inability to control rage, although that may be a factor. More importantly, it is a symptom of a broader societal malaise that nurtures violence and accepts the subjugation of women to men. He is a product of a macho culture that accepts this behavior and even emulates it. It is a criminal behavior that should never be condoned by friends, relatives, and neighbors.

A battered woman should build a support group around her. She needs reassurance that there are people around her who love and care for her and that she can survive outside the abusive relationship. She should also seek professional counseling. Often, battered women are trapped in a cycle of violence where they often justify the behavior of their abusive partners and end up going back in their arms only to be abused again. She has to realize that any form of violence on her is never justified. —Ingrid Gorre, lawyer

Read more at What women say about domestic violence

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on August signed into law the measure prohibiting discrimination against women, and recognizing and promoting their rights.

Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, signed at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace, ensures women’s equitable participation and representation in government, political parties, international bodies, civil service and the private sector.

RA 9710 recognizes and protects women’s rights at home, at work and in all spheres of society toward developing all aspects of their well-being. Its most salient features include increasing the number of women personnel until they fill half of third-level positions in the government, setting up in every barangay (village) a “violence against women’s desk,” providing incentives to parties with women’s agenda and barring the derogatory portrayal of women in media and film.

The new law’s most “empowering provision” is its recognition that “women’s rights are human rights,” Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Leila de Lima told reporters after the 10 a.m. signing.

Section 8 of RA 9710 reads: “All rights in the Constitution and those rights recognized under international instruments duly signed and ratified by the Philippines, in consonance with Philippine law, shall be rights of women under this Act to be enjoyed without discrimination.”

According to the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), legislative debates on two bills—Magna Carta for Women and Magna Carta of Women in Rural Development—began in 2002 during the 12th Congress.

The two bills were merged in the 13th Congress, and came to be called Magna Carta of Women.

Said NCRFW Chair Myrna Yao in a statement: “The Magna Carta of Women seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting all human rights and fundamental freedoms of Filipino women, particularly those in the marginalized sector.”

According to Rep. Liza Maza, who was a member of the bicameral conference committee on the law and a co-author of the House version of the measure, the new law:

• Designates the Commission on Human Rights as the Gender and Development Ombud to ensure the promotion and protection of women’s human rights;

• Ensures mandatory training on human rights and gender sensitivity to all government personnel involved in the protection and defense of women against gender-based violence;

• Institutes affirmative action mechanisms so that “women can participate meaningfully in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies, plans, and programs for national, regional, and local development.”

The number of women in third level positions in government shall be increased to achieve a fifty-fifty (50-50) gender balance within the next five years while the composition of women in all levels of development planning and program implementation will be at least 40 percent;

• Ensures the equal treatment before the law by ensuring that the State shall take steps to review and when necessary, amend and/or repeal existing laws that are discriminatory to women within three years from the effectivity of the Magna Carta;

• Provides equal access and elimination of discrimination in education, scholarships, and training. Thus, “expulsion, non-readmission, prohibiting enrollment, and other related discrimination of women students and faculty due to pregnancy out of marriage shall be
outlawed.”

• Promotes the equal status given to men and women on the titling of the land and issuance of stewardship contracts and patents; and

• Encourages Local Government Units (LGUs) to develop and pass a Gender and Development (GAD) code based on the gender issues and concerns in their respective localities based on consultation with their women constituents.

Source: Inquirer and GMA news