Musings on Women--a photo exhibit

Zonta Club of Cebu II says NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!

A total of 25 entries for the Photo Competition have been chosen to be the finalist from more than a hundred photos submitted for the Musings On Women Photography Contest. Over a hundred artists from all over the country will also hold a selling exhibit featuring paintings that depict the roles of women in society today.

"Musings on Women," a project of Zonta Club of Cebu II, is intended to pay homage to women from all walks of life. The exhibit features works of Cebuano photographers and artists showcasing women in the various roles that they play in society.

 

Unveiling (L-R) Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmena, Arts Council of Cebu President Dr. Vivina Tiu, Mandaue City Councilor Cynthia Remedo, Zonta Area Director Stella Bernabe, Philippine Council of Women Chairwoman Dr. Rhodora Bucoy, Zonta Club of Cebu II President Marilou Canizares, Abay sa Kahayag Chairwoman Dr. Elsa Basubas and Ayala Center Cebu Marketing Officer Ms. Wilma Besin.

"From over a hundred entries, we have narrowed them to twenty five. It was a tough and difficult selection process by the Screening Committee. I am awed at how talented our photo enthusiasts are and we hope that through pictures, we can send a strong message on how essential the roles of women in society are and how equality among gender can enhance community building," says Archt. Filna Espina, Chairperson of the Musings on Women Photo Competition.

The 25 entries that will vie for the Top 3 spot and big cash prizes are: "Age & Contentment", "First Teacher," "Braving the odds", "Fighter," "It’s never about money, it’s all about passion”, "Pot of Gold", "Guitana, Student Athlete", "PAF 15 Strike Wing Belle", "Too High, Airforce Pilot on a mission," "Endure the Pain", "Rice Field, Tubohan Field," "Ang Tingsi ni Nanay among kalipay”, "Hiros", "Hablon Weaver," "Lanzones Vendor," "Fish Vendor," "Teacher," "Sports Team Work," "Sastre," and "Ivatan in Batanes."

Zontians (L-R): Elsa Basubas, Tetta Baad, Petite Garcia and Helen Yap

"Musings on Women" is one of the activities of Abay sa Kahayag's 18-Day of Activism against gender based violence. "Abay sa Kahayag" is a long term partnership with the City of Mandaue to advance the welfare of women and children against violence and abuse.

The painting exhibit is participated by premier artists from Aninaw Art Collective, Aroma Art Atilier, Bohol Artists Collective, Cebu Artists Inc, Mugna and Pintal.

The artworks on display will be for sale proceeds of which will be used to finance the various projects of Zonta II.

"I am calling on everyone to support our cause by buying a painting. We desperately need funding support to fulfill our mission," Zonta Club of Cebu II President Marilou Canizares.

"Musings on Women" will have an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on November 24 at the Ayala Activity Center.

It will stay there until November 26, and will move to the 2nd Level of the mall's New Wing (near Apple Store) on November 27 to December 2.

Zonta Club of Cebu II says NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!

People who view the exhibit shall be able to choose through ballots the best photo in the PEOPLE'S CHOICE, an adjunct category to the official judging criteria.

Winners of the photo contest shall be announced and awarded on Dec. 5 after the Symposium on "Redefining the Meaning of Gender" at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City.

A single mom, an advocate and a beauty- in a police uniform: PO1 Shiela Mae Opong's story

WRITERS' INTRO : I have seen Sheila twice.  She was the emcee during the "Street Children Got Talent Too" of the Cebu City Police Office November of 2014 and then as the emcee again of the Christmas party of Cebu Provincial Police Office.  

The first time she was as slim as how she is now and the second time she was happily dancing with a baby bulge.

She is a natural on stage...a quality which is needed for a police to be convincing in communicating its programs -- to bring the police closer to the community. 

Should you read this now, click on this link Support PO1 Sheila to be #GandaPulis2017  LIKE on her photo or comment and share with hashtags #GandaPulis2017 #MissPNP2017.  Like also the GandaPulis page. 

                                                                                                              FCC 

Click P01 Sheila Mae Opong's OFFICIAL PHOTO to support her 

“There is no such thing as no way out for women.  There are always choices and there is the PNP to help.”

This was the ready answer of 27 year old Police Officer 1 Sheila Mae Opong, of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) 7 when asked why she accepted a quite difficult task--- the task of representing Central Visayas in this year’s search for Miss PNP Ganda Pulis 2017.

“Even with all the modernity, information within reach from the internet and media, there are still a lot of women out there, who believed it is normal to be abused..helpless,” Opong said.

This is her advocacy to be a tool, an instrument as a woman in a male dominated profession, to be of help to other women and children, the most vulnerable of all abuses.

She said stories of Nanays, Ates, girlfriends who were boxed, choked, beaten, raped, forced to have sex are her daily dish as Women and Children Police Desk Officer (WCPDO)  in a police station in Cebu City.

According to her, something must be done, these women should know, the police can help them.

“They need to know about rights, who to run for immediate assistance and remedies of their situation, we are just here,” she said.

Opong said it is a difficult task for her not only because there was lesser time to prepare, but she might be out to go upfront the possible ridicule of some “close-minded” people.

“I am a single mother, I have a two year old baby boy who is my reason to wake up every day and be inspired all the more to serve women who thought their worlds are as small as their hands,” Opong said.

Almost every little thing in the police organization is news with media branding it as a source of “juicy stories”.

A lot of expectations are being put up with men in uniform, much more with women in uniform. 

“To me, I am even more credible to speak to women, as one like them, as a mother, that we do have choices, to stop any violence experienced and to make a difference, or even to become the person you want to be,” Opong said.

She said destiny had directed her to be in the information sector of the PNP.  Currently she is the Police Community Relations Officer of PPSC7.

She is a registered nurse prior to entering the Police Special Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) in 2012.   She graduated part of Alagdad class.

Opong is a native of Villaba Leyte but finished her college degree in Cebu City.

She was a member of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) immediately after college and served for three years.

Opong was also the crowned “Polis Fashionista 2014”.

On whether she’ll bring home the bacon as the “Gandang Police 2017”, she is quite hopeful.

Opong said she also needs the Cebuanos, Boholanos and Siquihodnons prayers: 

“I know my worth and I know what I can, this is for PRO7, this is for us women”.