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What makes a Filipina? -Breaking out of the entrenched stereotype

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.

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December 25, 2009: Here is an update about our experience with Cheryl Burke (the Filipina American professional dancer and celebrity), and her celebrity-colleague, Mark Ballas, in San Francisco. Enjoy the champion quality of these “Dancing with the Stars!” professionals when you watch a sample of the dancing they performed that Sunday. For updates about this event, go to http://bit.ly/6fyDUi.

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.

Source of Photo: Women light candles for the victims of abduction and killing in Maguindanao province southern Philippines during a rally marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Quezon City Metro Manila, November 24, 2009. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo
Taken here: macondaily.com

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.

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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.”
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