Launched last June 29, 2022, at Manila House BGC, Taguig, about 50 guests from prominent backgrounds joined in at the fire-side chat presenting 2 live panel discussions with some of the featured women. Held inside the Avenue Bar’s intimate space, a custom snack menú welcomed the guests alongside complementary drinks.
The panel touched on topics such as feminism, prevalent discrimination against women in the workplace and different sectors of society, and what makes the modern Filipina fearless.
Katya Lichauco, one of Fearless Filipinas II writers, moderated the event’s first panel composed of veteran broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, OHMAGOSH CEO Hershey Hilado, Talang Dalisay founder Macy Lee, and beauty queen and author Zara Carbonell.
Regarding developments in feminism in the country, Macy Lee mentioned the intersectionality of the Filipina, particularly on sexuality and gender. She said, “It’s June. It’s Pride month and with Pride, we celebrate love and identity and the uniqueness of every single person.”
“...[A] prominent problem for teenagers nowadays is finding out ‘How do I open up about this to myself? How can I be honest to myself?’” Macy Lee continued, “...because we live in a conservative society. How can I be honest with who I truly am…without judgment?”
For the second round, Contributor Mica Magsanoc orchestrated the flow for the next panel composed of ICanServe Foundation founder Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Color Manila co-founder Justine Cordero, award-winning Rappler journalist Pia Ranada, comic book artist Rian Gonzales, and Kids for Kids Philippines founder Tasha Tanjutco.
Pia Ranada’s answer to if she had encountered barriers to success in her field because of her gender, “In journalism, it’s really not so much male-dominated but we cover a lot of people in power who tend to have outdated views about women empowerment. They would comment on our appearance when we ask questions during press conferences, which they wouldn’t do if it was a male reporter asking the question.”
When asked about how they continually find ways to improve themselves, Justine Cordero answered, “I got this from my guru, the late Eduardo Morato. He told us to make ourselves obsolete every day. Basically, making yourself a better version of yourself every day. I don’t want to commit the same mistakes because those mistakes, obstacles, [and] challenges are there for you to learn, to be better.”
The Fearless Filipinas featured in the book were also asked to answer a question that would capture the spirit of the event: “What makes a Fearless Filipina?”
“A Fearless Filipina is unafraid to forge her own path, not to be limited by what others have done before but to open new roads,” veteran broadcast journalist Ces Drilon answered.
For Tasha Tanjutco, it is someone “that leads with both head and heart, someone that has compassion but also fiery passion to continue forward with all the challenges that we face as women.”
The book also features relevant stories from tennis player Alex Eala, filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone, Philippine women’s national team footballer Cam Rodriguez, TV and film Director Cathy Garcia-Molina, pediatrician Dr. Fe Del Mundo, Trick Mirror author Jia Tolentino, Disney animator Josie Trinidad, Kim King’s Kitchen owner Kim King, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, racecar driver Michele Bumgarner, Filipino Googler Network co-founder Regina Manzana-Sawhney, Romulo Café owner Rowena Romulo, rapper Ruby Ibarra, veteran broadcast journalist Vicky Morales-Reyno, and women’s rights advocate Yasmin Busran-Lao.
In line with the event’s theme of empowerment, Bookshelf PH initiated a book drive program for one of its partner schools, Assumption Centers of Transformative Education, nurturing passion and interest for reading in the younger generation.
Along with Katya Lichauco and Mica Magsanoc, the book was written by the prolific Co-Authors Monica Padillo, and Pancho Dizon, with Contributor Veno Centeno, and Copyeditors Ma. Gabrielle A. Ruiz and Jose Miguel Fianza. Mio Borromeo served as the Editor-in-Chief and Kyle Nate as the Deputy Editorial Director. For the design team, John Dave Isono is this sequel’s Cover Artist, Layout Artist, and Art Director alongside Millan Astudillo as Illustrator and Chloe Gaw as Assistant Illustrator.
This follow-up to the Fearless Filipinas series from Bookshelf PH, a Philippine book publisher that helps self-published authors and brands reach more audiences, continues to amplify more voices into the scene. Chime in into the following discussions. Who knows, you might be the next Fearless Filipina.
Grab your copy of Fearless Filipinas II here: https://tinyurl.com/5byc5vwa
Written by Lance Jester Zafe
]]>From this statement which has now evolved into a shared encounter, consistent across most conversations women have had with others, managing editors Katya Lichauco and Yanna Garcia began to curate visual art and literary pieces that redefines the identity of the modern Filipina at the Big Deal Grand Launch held on June 26, 2022, at Manila House BGC, Taguig.
The archaic idea that femininity is equated to weakness, that being loud and opinionated is unbecoming, and that vulnerability must only be present in women, are just some of the themes that the anthology intends to challenge and dig deeper into. A large void exists in the writing community which has to be addressed due to the evident lack of recognition for literary works and art by women. What the contributors and the editors are now helping all women achieve is not just visibility, but also inclusion, truth, and passion materialized. Yes, big deal.
Big Deal: An Anthology of Filipino Women’s Stories and Art Volume I presents pieces and essays referring to anecdotes of women and their experiences with a patriarchal society. Why Big Deal? What was a small idea being discussed in the middle of the night later transformed into a women's project.
Back in 2020, Katya Lichauco and Yanna Garcia were already questioning the many factors running constant in society’s norms. With the book being added as a modern anthology with a collection of women’s stories combats the lack thereof of modern women empowerment in today’s literature.
About 70 guests from the industry, media, and prominent individuals savored a custom high tea set along with complimentary beverages at the elegant interior of Manila House’s Bonifacio Main Dining room.
A new book by a Philippine book publisher, Bookshelf PH helps self-published authors and brands reach more audiences. Big Deal is all about being big enough to be noticed and convincing to take action - with an upcoming special e-book edition including Risa Hontiveros’ foreword.
Although Big Deal is filled with first-hand accounts of women, it is not exclusive to the modern Filipina reader. Everyone is encouraged and invited to read the anthology regardless of sex, gender, and status in life. It presents different lives depicting anecdotes of women’s everyday struggles and dismantling stigmas.
3 contributors joined the evening: singer-songwriter Dani Zamora and her piece Impatient Vessel portrays the fragmented images of a woman’s specific body parts being plastic wrapped. Isabel Saludo and her piece, Magnolia, transcribes the experience of a woman “losing her petals.” The metaphor for a woman’s value represented by that of a wilting flower. It was written and wrought from the judgment women usually hear from traditional people: that as women go through experiences, especially sexual ones, they begin to lose their beauty, appeal, and luster. The last contributor, Keziah Acharon and her piece entitled: THE WOMAN’S BODY IS NOT HER OWN states the obvious but also reiterates the value of being seen and heard.
After the contributors shared their own stories, Laura Verallo de Bertotto and Luis de Terry from the Flipping the Narrative podcast stepped onstage. Quick-witted and good humored, they managed to touch on a plethora of topics related to womanhood and the courage all women inherently possess. Recognizing the bravery of all the people involved in the making of the anthology, Luis de Terry said: “Kudos to the bravery of telling stories.”
Offering a toast before the program proper, Katya Lichauco and Yanna Garcia expressed their gratitude and hopes for more safe spaces for women’s stories saying, “To all the women who came before us, whose stories paved the paths for our own. For the women in the present who are braving persistent opposition. For the women in the future who are still finding the words to express their own truths.”
The dynamic team who joined the editors were copyeditors Mio Borromeo, Monica Padillo, Leanne Tria, Veno Centeno, Kyle Nate, and Samantha Balinado, cover and layout artist Maxine Garcia and assistant cover and layout artist John Dave Isono.
Your copy of Big Deal can be purchased here: https://bookshelf.com.ph/pages/big-deal
Written by Aleia Anies, Marcelino Quiambao III, Lance Jester Zafe
]]>Ever thought about going to school overseas but don’t know where to start looking?
The good news is that Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for international students and Yes Study Education Group is here to help you get there!
On June 18, 2022, Saturday, in Makati Diamond Residences from 1:00-6:00 PM we’ll be hosting a workshop for everyone who is interested in learning about:
And our services such as:
With a heart that aims to help founded by a former international student, since 2016 we have been able to offer our services and bring our partner schools in an accessible manner to the market.
Just sign up for a reservation to attend! We hope to see you there!
]]>Get Inspired to Write Your Own Book from Self-Published Filipino Authors in BookSpine PH’s Second Virtual Event on December 8
Learn about self-publishing your own books from homegrown Filipino authors Miguel Ganzon and Jasmin Tan in the second #BookTalkPH event on December 8. Get inspired as they discuss their motivations and insights about publishing your very own book. Plus, get a chance to win amazing deals from BookSpine PH.
#BookTalkPH is BookSpine PH’s monthly virtual event, which is designed for bookworms and local Filipino authors to connect through online engagement and discussions where they can share their same love for books.
The second episode of this virtual event entitled “Inspiration Behind the Works of Self-Published Authors” will be live-streamed on December 8, 2021 at 6:00PM on BookSpine PH’s official Facebook page. Joining this event is free of charge and open to all.
The event will discuss the foundation of writing books in the Philippines, as well as the inspiration of guest speakers Miguel Ganzon and Jasmin Tan for writing their respective books. Ganzon is a young engineering student at Mapúa University, but has written poetry books on the side such as Sunshine and Moonchild and Reaching for the Stars; while Tan is a self-published author from Bulacan who has written the poetry book Fragile Interiors.
Interested participants may register through this link: bit.ly/bs-booktalk-registration. They can also get a chance to win voucher discounts when they participate and engage during the event.
BookSpine PH is an online marketplace for pre-loved books and supplies. The company aims to foster a more conscious society through reading - creating a haven where people can discuss, grow, discover, and get books all at the same time and place.
The mission of the company is to see to it that people discover the books that will change their life while ensuring sustainable circulation and providing income opportunities for local booksellers.
BookSpine PH’s Official FB Page: www.facebook.com/BookSpinePH
Want to promote your book and engage with your readers? Reach out to Bookshelf PH at support@bookshelf.com.ph for any of your event announcement needs.