Ayala celebrates Int’l Women’s Month

CEBU, Philippines - With their outstanding contributions to various fields, women have become movers and shakers of society, which Ayala Center Cebu recognized as they kicked off International Women’s Month last March 8. The celebration provided excellent opportunity to honor the different facets of womanhood as women advocate groups introduced their icons who best concretize each organization’s ideals.

A lady of sense and sensitivity, Dr. Suga Sotto – Yuvienco has stayed true to her name as she lit the paths of many individuals, associations, and institutions. Hailed as Cebu’s first woman surgeon, one could only imagine how many lives she has touched and inspired in the field of medicine. Zonta Club of Cebu I is indeed proud to have this Zontian for all seasons in their organization.

“Wildly daring but never reckless”, the world famous woman aviator Amelia Earhart is known for such courage. Zonta Club of Cebu II chose this first woman to fly an autogiro for inspiring women to transcend afar from what society dictates by exploring occupations and holding positions beyond those traditionally held by women. After her tragic and untimely disappearance in 1937, Zonta International established the Amelia Earhart Fellowship Award, which recognizes young women who want to pursue graduate degrees in aerospace-related sciences and engineering.

Speaking of non-traditional jobs for women, One Billion Rising takes pride in introducing their icon in the person of Nonita Palacio, the current president of the Women United in White Road (WUW-R) Inayawan. Being a widow with five children, she had to multitask as a mother, trisikad driver, and rice cake peddler. Despite her huge family obligations, she has managed to lead WUW-R for five years now and has organized women advocate groups in nearby barangays and sitios.

JCI Zugbuana chose Monique Lhuillier, world class fashion designer, as their icon for personifying the modern women – one who is independent and can expertly juggle a multitude of responsibilities through work-life balance. Rotary Club of Gloria Maris looks back on Mother Teresa’s charitable acts of mercy as displayed in their booth. The organization would like to have Mother Teresa remind us that, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” 

Quota International of Cebu had the fictional character Maria Clara as their role model of Filipino feminism. Her image as a well-educated, conservative, demure, obedient, self-effacing and compassionate woman has been a subject of countless articles and numerous debates. Jose Rizal’s depiction of this lady is a paragon of virtues that has gone by through the hands of time. Quota aims to relive these values which are slowly becoming faded images of the past.

ICanServe Foundation and Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente graced the event with their advocacies. A nationwide network of cancer survivors who lights the path for women with cancer, ICanServe provides hope and help towards total healing.

On the other hand, Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente’s A to E Fountain of Service was also exhibited. Anti-Rabie, Autism, Bloodletting, Breast Cancer, Dengue, Domestic Violence, Dental Care, Eye Care, Environment, Enterprise, and Education are the pressing issues this organization is trying to address.

“Boys, can you imagine [a world without women] that?” Bossa Nova Queen Sitti Navarro asked the assembly as she rendered soulful performances to top the kick-off celebration. “That’s why you gotta appreciate them more often and today is the best day for that,” she added. We only have this March to get to know the iconic women who have contributed to society but our appreciation for them should go beyond this International Women’s month. Visit Ayala Center Cebu and the multimedia presentations in Paseo Marina. Cheers to the women who make up to our society! (FREEMAN)