(Relatively) Free Filipina

The Regina Building at the Corner of Calle Escolta near Sta Cruz Church is one of the beautiful art-deco buildings in Manila. Yet, with its beauty, it went through several changes. The original three floored building is designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, and then, at a certain point,the owners decided on expanding the building to an entire block. The dome addition is designed by Architect Fernando Ocampo. This building made me realize how lucky we are, Filipina Women, to be living in Philippines, despite the RH bill debates and patriarchal society that our nation has grown accustomed to.

Some might argue with me and say “I’d probably just seeing the Metro Manila situation, but upon reading news articles like this and this one too, it makes you think that Pinays are relatively succeeding in fighting for their place in this modern Pinoy Times. It’s not just the RH bill that Pinays are actively saying something about their thoughts. It doesn’t matter if they’re pro or not, but at least we can speak our minds, unlike for the women in Yemen where women are considered as half witnesses. How absurd right?

We’re lucky that we can vote and not be afraid of being a woman. I daresay, we can wear what we want to wear, tailored-trendy or not. I don’t think I can wear my ruffled skirt and top, all from Kashieca, in countries where women aren’t part of their priorities. Only a few countries have had a woman as their president and Philippines already had 2 women presidents. Not only that, we have female senators. In the civil service, 74% of them are women at the technical level positions, but, still, 35% of men dominate the decision making positions. Still, with the patriarchal society, we are still left behind. There are still gender-based violence inflicted on women . According to UN, in the past 2 years, 70% of child abuse cases are done to young girls and most of them are sexually abused and exploited.

I am writing this post as to remind everyone that Millennium Development Goals’ deadline is due next year. Amidst all these political clamoring for justice from a certain list of corruptors, we should start reminding our leaders that we’re still not halfway through the pledge our country made with U.N. Just like the Regina Building, we’ve come a long way to fight for our place but it’s still not enough.

– MM

Outfit details: Top and ruffled accent pencil skirt all from Kashieca and ankle strapped shoes from CMG.

Photographed by Karlo Torio