Legendary women with real stories of courage, creativity and hard work
MANILA, Philippines - “Filipina, Bravo!” is a heartfelt tribute to Filipino women through an exhibit of pictures and narratives, some of which will be shown publicly for the first time. It is an account of the country’s brave and enterprising women, who through their life, hardship, and work, continue to help shape the Filipino’s identity as a self-assured and productive citizen. She has proven herself exceptional in running a household, a business empire, a nation. She has left her mark in science and medicine, art and literature, government and politics.
The Filipinas Heritage Library, in consultation with sisters Bea Zobel Jr. and Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, has undertaken extensive and thorough research as they combed through archival materials to establish a list of Filipino women that are truly worth applauding.
The exhibit starts by narrating the story of the Filipina, beginning with the tale of the babaylan or katalonan (priestess). During this time, the Filipino woman generally enjoyed the same rights and privileges as men (i.e. choosing a spouse, owning a property).
The exhibit moves forward as it illustrates how the Filipina reclaimed her independence after being subjected to restrictions imposed by foreign rule and governments. One of the earliest accounts is that of Doña Maria Mutia, who in 1647, filed and won a legal-separation suit against her abusive husband. Henceforth, the Filipina’s fight to achieve independence and reclaim her rights were also recognized through the daring efforts of such brave women as Gabriela Silang, Gregoria de Jesus, Teresa Magbanua, Concepcion Felix, and many others.
Upon gaining ground and confidence, Filipinas then sought to actively participate in new arenas like education as shown by women like: Margarita Roxas de Ayala and Librada Avelino, who paved the way for Filipino women to have access to quality education. Women like Maria Carpena, Magdalena Jalandoni, and Paz Marquez also explored the various fields of the arts in their desire to express themselves.
The Filipina then continued to seek “new worlds” for herself and to strengthen her identity and contribution to society in the fields of politics, arts, and business. Corazon Aquino, Lualhati Bautista, and Gliceria Tantoco, were a few of the Filipino women who created new paths and challenges for future Filipinas.
The “Filipina, Bravo!” exhibit will be launched on April 23 in Greenbelt 5, and will travel to the other Ayala Malls nationwide: Glorietta 4 from May 7 to 20; Bonifacio High Street from May 21 to June 3; Market! Market! From June 4 to 17; Alabang Town Center from June 18 to July 1; TriNoma from July 2 to 15; Ayala Marquee Mall from July 16 to 29; and Ayala Center Cebu from August 7 to 21, 2010.
