The essence of being a woman, according to 12 Binibinis
March is National Women's Month and what an appropriate moment to ask some of the 2017 Binibining Pilipinas candidates to answer one of the popular questions in the Miss Universe beauty pageant - "what is the essence of being a woman?"
A bit of hard news first.
In his first State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte directed “all agencies, oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta of Women."
This is to ensure that man and woman will be partners in the pursuit of the country’s economic, social, cultural and political developments.
This pursuit of development under the new administration is also anchored on the commitment of “Malasakit at Pagbabago” or True Compassion and Real Change.
Thus, the first National Women’s Month Celebration under the new leadership will focus on these key foundations: partnership for change and full implementation of the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710), captured through the theme: "WE Make Change Work for Women."
Here's what some of this year's Binibinis say about the essence of being a woman, during an interview at the Gateway Art Gallery:
Binibini No. 15 Mariel de Leon - "People always say that the essence of being a woman is giving birth and being a mother, but besides that, it's also her ability to juggle many things in life, her ability to balance work, love life, family, her ability to multi-task and still stay on top of her game."
Binibini No. 30 Mae Liezel Ramos - "The typical answer is about giving birth, but it's not. I think the essence of being a woman is living her life to the fullest."
Binibini No. 37 Sammie Anne Legaspi - "I think the essence of being a woman is just being you. It's not about having a new life but it's about being you and how God created you."
Bininbini No. 6 Ma. Bejieleen Nama - "Tutoo naman po na ang the essence of being a woman is carrying a baby in her womb. But I think the real essence is how to manage your man. How to manage your partner. You are with your partner for a long period and people make mistakes, and as a woman you should know how to manage that."
Binibini No. 2 Arienne Louise Calingo - "A woman for me is both a blessing and a gift to the world. And we've proven to be very strong even if there are many stereotypes about us, the challenges that we face, we still use our strengths and God's given talents to challenge what people say about us. So I think that we're very strong and that's our advantage to the world."
Binibini No. 14 Sarah Jireh Acido - "They say it's bearing a child but if you cannot have a child how can you become empowered? So it is how you nurture people, not just your children."
Binibini No. 11 Kimberly Pajares - "The essence of being a woman first by giving a birth and also by being a good wife and mother to her family."
Binibini No. 31 Katarina Rodriguez - "You can say a lot to that. I have to say empathy, curiosity, being resilient.I think that's the biggest thing I've learned at becoming a woman, how to be resilient, how to master that, how to keep resilient and how to keep composure. But most likely I have to say empathy because the older I get the more empathetic I become and of course the older I get, I'm getting closer to being a woman."
Binibini No. 13 Sirene Sutton - "She knows what she wants. She's a fighter, she's a strong woman who believes in herself and believes that she can achieve her dreams."
Binibini No. 1 Dane Felisse Marasigan - "The essence of being a woman is confidence. Self-confidence, self-believe and self-love, knowing yourself and loving yourself."
Binibini No. 22 Chanel Olive Thomas - "I believe the essence of being a woman is not only to stay beautiful and confident but having humility and being humble. Because if you are humble, you care about the people around you. If you don't care about being a blessing to others, you will never be fulfilled. So the essence of being a woman is not only being beautiful but being confident and humble."
By the way, our source said that there's going to be a major change during the parade of Binibining Pilipinas candidates this year.
"It's going to be even 'hotter' than the swimsuit competition," the source also said.
If that pushes through, change, indeed, has come.
The annual parade of Binibining Pilipinas candidates usually takes place at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City one week before the grand coronation night.
The finals will be staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on April 30.
Let's just wait for the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. to make this major, major announcement. - Robert R. Requintina
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