Rhian Ramos takes on women empowerment in advocacy film 'Miss Probinsyana'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• At the screening of her advocacy film "Miss Probinsyana" at the Metropolitan Theater on March6, Rhian believes that giving women the same opportunities as others is a big deal for her.

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Rhian Ramos (Facebook) 

Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos portrays a strong representation of capable women in modern society.

At the screening of her advocacy film "Miss Probinsyana" at the Metropolitan Theater on March 6, Rhian believes that giving women the same opportunities as others is a big deal for her.

"I feel that women need to fight for each other, create ways for each other. I feel that whenever you are in a position of power to help another person you should do it. I believe if I'm gonna rise, I wanna take everyone with me. If I achieve anything in this world, I want all of us to shine," Rhian said.

Inspired by the true story of Marjorie Aviso, who is also the producer of the film, "Miss Probinsyana" follows the story of Marge (Rhian) who embarks on a transformative path to create change in her province.

Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the film explores Marge’s pursuit of empowering her fellow Filipinos through the world of information and communication technology.

According to Marjorie, choosing Rhian to portray her role in the film was her personal choice.

"She took it to the next level. Iyong portrayal niya sa role, she embraced it. I was lucky to be watching the first few scenes and I was like, ‘OMG, this is me. Rhian exemplifies me very much. I think it’s very important. Iyong portrayal niya ng character that brings life and brings a lot of importance to the reality of the film," Marjorie said.

(She took it to the next level. Her portrayal of the role, she embraced it. I was lucky to be watching the first few scenes and I was like, 'OMG, this is me. Rhian exemplifies me very much. I think it's very important. Her portrayal of a character that brings life and brings a lot of importance to the reality of the film) 

Rhian Ramos (left) and Marjorie Aviso (Facebook) 

Rhian said preparing for the role was challenging for her since the film tackles the corporate world.

"There's a lot of professional speak that I'm not used to, professional terms in companies I'm not used to in saying or hearing of. I also educated myself a little on mental health. This also touches not only on the challenges of the professional world but also psychologically for people," she also said.

She added that prior to making the film, she wasn't aware that people from the province don't have the same opportunities in work and education.

"Before doing this movie, there were so many untold stories na hindi rin ako aware kung gaano ka-limited ang options outside of the main cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao. Hindi ako aware na para bang ito lang ang options mo for the future. It's also like you're not free to dream. I hope a lot of women watch this and fear not the freedom of whatever they dream of," Rhian added.

(Before doing this movie, there were so many untold stories that I wasn't even aware of how limited the options outside of the main cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao were. I'm not aware that these are your only options for the future. It's also like you're not free to dream. I hope a lot of women watch this and fear not the freedom of whatever they dream of)

Rhian Ramos in Miss Probinsyana 

Rhian also mentioned that portraying one's character makes her empowered as a woman.

"When I'm acting, it takes me to another place. I know when I'm in the zone and I know if I'm not. And when you get those magic moments, it really feels amazing and that's basically what I'm doing my whole life. When I get good feedbacks also from people in what do, I feel most empowered, too," Rhian said.

"Miss Probinsyana" is directed by Jenny Pearl Bautista-Ninalga, written by Eligio Ninalga Jr. and JP Ninalga and produced by Impact Media Convergence, Inc. 

Experience spirituality and tranquility at this farm in Iloilo

A resort that integrates agriculture, leisure, and pilgrimage all in one place

BY ANGELO SANCHEZ

  

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Holy Week is a time when many Filipinos seek solace and spiritual reflection. One perfect site for such contemplation is Garin Farm, located in San Joaquin, Iloilo.

Spanning 14 hectares, this multifaceted property operates from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing guests to immerse themselves in spiritual enrichment amid its natural beauty.

A highlight of Garin Farm is the pilgrimage hill. This 480-step staircase, also known as the "Stairway to Heaven," offers visitors a journey through biblical scenarios. From the birth and baptism of Christ to the resurrection and ascension, the staircase provides the perfect destination for Holy Week reflections.

'Stairway to Heaven' (Photo: Garin Farm/Instagram)

At the top of the staircase, guests are welcomed by an altar adorned with a towering cross and intricate sculptures, creating a tableau of heaven in pristine white.

Tableau of heaven (Photo: Garin Farm/Instagram)

In addition to its pilgrim features, Garin Farm offers various activities for those seeking a different kind of break. Thrill-seekers can zip line across the tranquil lagoon or enjoy activities such as buggy car driving, boat paddling, fishing, and swimming.

The lagoon (Photo: Garin Farm/Instagram)

For those who wish to extend their visit, the property also offers overnight stays, providing a longer retreat experience.

Pool area (Photo: Garin Farm/Instagram)

5 Books to read this long weekend

All are written by female authors

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Mar 28, 2024 05:19 PM

  

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The Holy Week's long weekend is officially here. If you're looking for books to read to catch up on that reading habit you set this year, we've listed five books written by women. After all, we're still celebrating International Women's Month, with genres encompassing historical fiction and the dystopian era.

Your Utopia 

From the brilliant author of “Cursed Bunny,” South Korean writer Bora Chung brings “Your Utopia,” a compilation of short stories that will allow readers to experience a variety of possible fates for us humans, from total demise because of a disease to an AI elevator that develops a one-sided love for an elderly person. 

The Memory Police

Written by award-winning Japanese author Yoko Ogawa, “The Police Memory” is an International Booker Prize finalist. The story takes place on an unnamed island where things disappear, along with the memories that come with them. This book masterfully tackles the trauma of loss in a suspenseful drama setting.  

The Fountains of Silence

“Inspired by the true postwar struggles of Spain,” this book follows the story of 18-year-old Daniel who travels in Madrid with his parents, hoping to know more about the country through his camera. But Daniel discovered more than he intended to do so, which endangered him and his loved ones. Written by Ruta Sepetys (“Between Shades of Gray,” “Salt of the Sea”), “The Fountains of Silence” is a must-read for everyone who loves stories inspired by real-life situations. 

Loving the Sky

One of the most-read books from Wattpad is now available in hardcopy through Precious Pages publication. Written by Inksteady, it reflects what love is like for a young adult and the sacrifices he/she’s ready to make for that love, even if it means loving someone from afar. 

Chasing in the Wild

With more than 129 million reads on Wattpad, Precious Pages publication yet again gives us a hard copy version of this widely read online book. Written by 4Reminct, it will bring back readers down memory lane about their campus love story and whether that story ended up with one happy ending or if life’s harsh reality drifted them apart. 

Marcos urges Filipinos on Holy Week: Spread kindness, selflessness

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Mar 24, 2024 07:19 AM

  

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President Marcos on Palm Sunday, March 24, enjoined Filipinos to “illuminate the path for others through acts kindness and selflessness” as the nation marks the start of the observance of the Holy Week.
 

Palm Fronds (Photo courtesy of Catholic Online)

 

Marcos said that the Holy Week is a time for the Catholic faithful to reflect about one’s self and spirituality with the impact of Jesus Christ in Christianity.
 

“In this solemn occasion, let us not only seek to unravel the mysteries of our faith, but also to illuminate the path for others through acts of kindness and selflessness,” he said in his Holy Week message.
 

“I pray that we may humbly accept our authentic selves as imperfect beings, for it is by becoming truly human that we can experience the divine. Let us always remember to seek the Lord in our desires and to desire Him in our seeking,” Marcos added.
 

The Chief Executive also said that Holy Week is a commemoration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the people must remember the essence of this occasion.

"This hallowed time of contemplative silence behooves us to ponder on the mysteries that elude our grasp, seek revelation in the face of the inexplicable, and acknowledge the interplay of joy and sorrow in life so that we may understand the path laid before us by Almighty God,” he said.

 

“May our inward reflections manifest in our outward actions as we strive to give hope in a world that is threatened by darkness. Let us be the light that shines through the shadows, the love that triumphs over despair, and the hope that radiates upon all humankind,” he added.
 

Marcos expressed hope that the Catholic faithful will remember not what they have reached, but for the light that have kindled in the hearts of everyone.
 

Catholic Christians observe Holy Week, or Semana Santa, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. They usher the Holy Week by attending Palm Sunday masses and other church activities.
 

Why we must invest in women

Lessons of empowerment from She Loves Tech co-founder Leanne Robers

BY POCH EULALIA

Mar 21, 2024 10:15 AM

  

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When one thinks about the tech industry, often the big names that pop  up are the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Sundar Pichai. Without a doubt, the world of IT has been painted as a male dominated industry. However, that hasn’t stopped women like She Loves Tech co-founder Leanne Robers from making an impact in the tech world.

Leanne hails from Singapore. Together with Virginia Tan and Rhea See, she co-founded She Loves Tech. She Loves Tech takes pride in being the world’s largest startup competition for women and technology. Through their collective efforts, She Loves Tech has paved the way in creating a network of women on a global scale, banding together world-class investors to close the gender funding gap. They also provide boot camps based on experiential learning, peer coaching, and mentorship for women worldwide. Hoping to encourage others about the importance of empowering women and letting the thrive in any industry, Leanne shared her story at SM’s International Women’s Day Celebration: Investing in Equality Toward Gender-Inclusive Prosperity in SM Aura. Here are some key takeaways from her talk.

Inclusivity is key 

Upon being asked about the inclusion of transwomen in women’s spaces, Robers highlighted how inclusivity and achieving a diverse workplace is key to running a successful business. By having people from all walks of life present, you are presented with different perspectives. This allows you to approach all possible angles and expand your reach in the market. Plus it ensures your workers feel safe and cared for in their workspace, in turn making them more effective in their work. According to Robers, the beauty of technology is that it doesn’t discriminate based on gender. This means anyone with the right drive and proper mindset can succeed in the tech industry. 

Curiosity is vital

Curious minds and a willingness to learn will always help push you forward. Robers openly admits how at first, she had little to no knowledge about technology, having taken psychology in college. She 
shares how it was her openness to learn and familiarize herself with the world of coding that led her to where she is today. Robers also warns of people falling victim to the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) mindset. These are the negative thoughts that play endlessly in anyone’s mind, discouraging them from trying harder in fear of failure. By submitting to these thoughts, many fail to achieve growth and learn from their experiences. To avoid falling victim to ANTs, Robers recommends being around others who can lead you to your fullest potential via guidance, support, and encouragement. Ensure  that these same people are never afraid to point out any mistakes 
you make along the way, providing constructive criticisms to help build up your character.

Robers also shares how a willingness to talk about one’s achievements can help propel them further in the business world. “Everything that makes us a woman, makes us powerful,” remarks Robers. Rather than being shy and hesitating to share them in fear of showing off, Robers encourages women to be proud of what they have done. 

Burnout is your worst enemy

As Robers points out, women tend to tackle many challenges in the professional setting due to them having to deal with other roles and responsibilities. She notes how women are often expected to be the nurturers, caregivers, and emotional support systems around family and loved ones all while being expected to strive in the professional world. As admirable as multitasking and resiliency are often painted in the work setting, this can also lead to burnout. “When we are burnt out, we are depleted. Empty. Unmotivated and unable to cope with the demands of our daily lives,” shares Robers. She notes that recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to prevent it is crucial. For her, this entails setting up boundaries and learning to say no when needed. She emphasizes that self-care is essential in achieving productivity.

Happiness: It’s not just an emotion, it’s a fundamental human goal

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 17, 2024 00:20 AM  

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” More than 2,000 years ago, Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote that, and it is true until today.  Who can argue against the “broad term that describes the experience of positive emotions such as joy, contentment and satisfaction.”

The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this “fundamental human goal” and calls for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”  On July 12, 2012, the UNGA in a resolution, proclaimed March 20 the International Day of Happiness, “recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.”

In a few days, it will release the UN World Happiness Report 2024 which tracks how happiness can become an “operational objective of governments.” 
The 2023 report which commemorated the 10th anniversary of the UN proclamation of International Day of Happiness, noted: “Since then, more and more people have come to believe that our success as countries should be judged by the happiness of our people. There is also a growing consensus about how happiness should be measured. This consensus means that national happiness can now become an operational objective for governments.”
The World Happiness Report also releases a list of the happiest countries. In the 2023 report, Finland maintained its No. 1 position for the sixth time in a row. Following it were Denmark, Iceland, Israel, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and New Zealand. The Philippines ranked No. 76. In 2022, the Philippines was recorded as the second happiest country in Southeast Asia, and ranked 60th out of 146 countries.

Governments have been working on the happiness factor of its peoples but have been calling the initiatives under other terms.  That comes under the many policies on good health, poverty alleviation, jobs and livelihood opportunities which will generate income to pay for the essential things in life, such as food.  Many studies have shown that good health is a big factor in happiness. 

In the 2023 World Happiness Report it was noted: “Having an effective government is also revealed to be a key factor in the happiness of the people, and this is measured by its ability to raise money, ability to deliver services, rule of law, and how it avoids civil war and repression.”

"Governments and international organizations should establish rights such as those in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They should also broaden the Sustainable Development Goals to consider well-being and environmental policy dimensions jointly in order to ensure the happiness of future generations," the report read. 

We can all learn from Bhutan, a country which recognized the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s. It had adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product. Bhutan had initiated the UN resolution that established International Day of Happiness.
Efficient  government leadership that duly recognizes emotional well being as a fundamental human right holds the key to the attainment of happiness by the entire citizenry.

 

Mount Sicapoo in Apayao opens for tourism, mountaineering in April

BY FREDDIE LAZARO

Mar 15, 2024 11:12 PM

  

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Mount Sicapoo, which straddles the provinces of Apayao and Ilocos Norte, will be opened for tourism and mountaineering activities in April.

A VIEW on top of Mount Sicapoo in Calanasan, Apayao. (Provincial Tourism Services Office Apayao FB)    

Apayao Provincial Tourism Officer Rebecca Mamba said that the local government unit (LGU) of Calanasan, Apayao is now organizing a program for the opening of Mount Sicapoo for mountaineering and tourism activities following the successful Apayao Trail Expedition of a group of mountaineers on March 5 to 9.

She assured the environmental integrity of Mount Sicapoo which is 2,354 meters above sea level.

Mamba said that mountaineers have discovered a cave with eight chambers in the mountainous area of Flora, Apayao.

Mount Sicapoo is located to the south of Mount Kilang, to the southeast of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, and to the east of the Padsan River.

The mountain, considered as the highest peak in Ilocos Norte, is heavily forested with pine trees and due to its steep cliffs, particularly approaching the summit, it is considered highly treacherous and exceptionally difficult to climb. 

The mountain was fully ascended by mountaineers in 2009. 

Mountaineers going up Mount Sicapoo begin their ascent at the Gasgas River in Solsona, Ilocos Norte which leads to the campsites in Saulay then the Bubuos and Pakpako Campsites.

MOVIEGOER: Women who inspire

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Mar 14, 2024 01:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Ina and Sunshine provide a fine example of how women can take care of themselves by looking good despite the advancing years. 

Ina Raymundo (Instagram)

In time for International Women’s Month, Ina Raymundo and Sunshine Cruz, 48 and 46 years old respectively, gamely showed off their still-lovely female form during a recent fashion event. The two actresses walked the ramp wearing what looked like beach wear reminding viewers that they still have got sex appeal even while they’re pushing 50.

Ina and Sunshine provide a fine example of how women can take care of themselves by looking good despite the advancing years. They achieve this by working hard on their bodies and personal discipline.

How they preserve their looks reminds me of those mature Korean actresses playing mother and auntie roles in their drama-novellas. You can never see an overweight actress, young or old, in them.

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Sunshine Cruz (Facebook)

Because of how they look with matching talent to boot, Ina and Sunshine continue to land roles in TV and movie projects. Ina, for one, has a substantial role in the current hit series Can’t Buy Me Love (ABS-CBN), where she plays the vengeful, comebacking mother of the lead actor Donny Pangilinan.

PASSERBY:

Former FDCP Chair Liza Diño makes history as the First Filipina French Knight in Cinema and the only Southeast Asian producer selected for EAVE Producers Workshop 2024.

Liza Diño at EAVE in Luxembourg

Such is another groundbreaking milestone in her  career as actress, producer, and government official. 

The EAVE Producers Workshop, in partnership with Film Fund Luxembourg and supported by Creative  Europe,  is  a  premier  training  lab  based  in  Europe  aimed  at  fostering  professional development and international collaboration for global producers in the film industry. The year-long   program   includes   a   series   of   three   week-long   intensive   workshops   focused   on   the development   of   fiction,   documentary,   and   TV   series   projects.

Mentored by top-notch industry leaders, the workshop offers participants a transformative training journey spanning over three residential workshops in Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden. Liza is currently in Luxembourg for the first leg of the workshop.

Good friend Jenny Peña, former PR director of Hotel Intercontinental, has written to suggest to local film authorities to organize a festival of award-winning Jaclyn Jose films, notably the Cannes Film Festival entry Ma Rosa that won her the festival's Best Actress award in 2016.

“I'm sure people, old and young alike, will be interested to watch her movies as she impressed many with her last role as Gen. Dolores Espinas in Batang Quiapo. Many aspiring movie and theater actors can learn a lot from her award-winning films. It'll also instill pride in well-made and well-acted Filipino movies among the general public.”

Dingdong Dantes

GMA murder mystery drama "Royal Blood” comes to Netflix in March, as in this month.

"Royal Blood'' is the story of Napoy (Dingdong), the illegitimate son of a business tycoon, played by Tirso Cruz III, who reunites with his long-lost father after years of neglect.

Things get complicated when his father is murdered, and he becomes the main suspect.

"Royal Blood" boasts a star-studded cast that includes Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos.