“Every time a woman defends herself, without knowing it, without claiming it, she defends all women.” —Maya Angelou
My love of Africa has taken me on unforgettable safaris for nearly two decades. On every African safari adventure I have experienced the incredible wonders of the African wilderness. The spirit of this beautiful continent has connected with me, and it still remains on my “to do list” as a destination.
In the wild, I saw the big cats – leopards, lions, and cheetahs – up close in broad daylight, allowing me to capture their essence and learn more about their behavior. I also witnessed the challenges of their continued survival.
While hunting a pride of lions, we watched the lionesses hunt wild boars. After several minutes of hunting, they failed and left to hunt another prey.
On another game drive we saw a pack of wild dogs chasing impalas. Here they were more successful because they banded together to corner their victim. And just like life (like a pack of wolves), when we stick together, we are stronger and can win the fight for women.
As we celebrate Women’s Month in March, we are focusing on empowering women. The empowerment of women is seen as one of the central concerns in the process of sustainable development for many nations.
We may be defining our purpose as women, but we are all part of collective change to make this world a better place for all women. When we set aside our judgments of indifference and bitterness towards our fellow human beings, we become a beautiful community of love.
Sometimes all a woman needs is a listening ear. Being there for a friend also means being there with an open mind to listen when they share or let off steam. Especially during this difficult phase of the pandemic, staying in touch with a girlfriend or someone in emotional crisis, and being there for them just to listen without judgement, is extremely helpful.
Pickleball campaign
I am happy to be part of a group of empowered women who are continually working to give back. We were classmates over 40 years ago.
In order to keep our Assumption HS ’81 Foundation alive, some of my classmates started a pickleball campaign to bring communities together. Classmates Stella Almeda-Lopez Lavy, a member of the New Jersey Pretty Picklers, and Maite Gonzales began collecting donations to launch the sport in remote communities.
The fastest growing sport in America is slowly making its way to other countries, including the Philippines. A combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, it is becoming popular because it is very easy to understand and learn for everyone from 8 to 80 years old. People who tried it for the first time find themselves playing the game in 30 minutes or less.
Since the game is played on a 20 foot wide and 40 foot long field, with paddles and a net, it can be easily played on the street and is a relatively inexpensive sport. Communities across the Philippines, in Pangasinan and other parts of Metro Manila, have found it a great activity for children and adults to play on the streets or in the barangay park of a community center, especially during the pandemic.
In Rosales, Pangasinan, many clubs have sprung up with tournaments which have been a great way to build community spirit and bring people together. Several pickleball organizations have also formed, such as the Philippine Pickleball Federation, to promote the sport in the Philippines.
Even groups in the United States have formed to promote it in the Philippines. A group of pickleball enthusiasts from the United States called Pickleball Without Borders, led by Rodel Chiu of Texas, has planned a mission trip to the Philippines in June to teach children how to play the sport. When the Filipino pickleball community in the United States learned of this, a pickleball club in New Jersey called the Pretty Picklers quickly wanted to support and promote the mission trip.
Stella and her childhood friend Maite collected paddles, balls, cash donations with the help of local pickleball clubs and friends in New Jersey and New York to support the many communities the mission trip plans to visit this summer.
“Women Entrepreneurs”
Throughout March, women are at the center of SM Supermalls. For inspiring us with their voice, their courage in everything they do, SM Supermalls salutes all “women of the world” by giving them what their heart desires the most.
Great finds are on sale at Womenpreneur Market, a gathering of small and medium-sized business pop-ups for women, by women. This market will continue until March 15.
The Home Edit Fair for Women opens up a world of hobbies that women love to indulge in. Interior decorating, gardening, baking, art and other ways to beautify the home have caught the attention of today’s women. The Home Edit Fair is open from March 16 to March 31.
Taking advantage of discounted pampering prices makes it even more irresistible. Throughout March, women can take advantage of great deals at SM Supermalls wellness salons, from face, hair and body treatments to nail treatments and massages. Women’s Welfare is open until March 31.
At the hybrid summit on March 8, women’s empowerment was at the center of attention. Hosted by Karen Davila, the event featured guest speakers like Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Antoinette Taus, Sam Tamayo and many more. The keynote speaker was Steven Tan.
74th branch
Wilcon Depot, the Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer, opened its 74th branch on Friday in Mayamot, Antipolo. The powerful women behind Wilcon Depot, President and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan and Wilcon Depot SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rizal’s third branch.
Wilcon Depot Mayamot is the company’s first branch to open this year. They aim to open a total of 10 branches by the end of the year. I’ve been proud to be an ambassador for Wilcon Depot for many years now.
Happy Women’s Month to all empowered women! Make a difference in your tribe! INQ
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