Vicki Belo, Iza Calzado, other stars show what it takes to be an empowered modern woman
Dr. Vicki Belo at March Enrich Go’s ‘Synthesis’ exhibit at SM Aura. Image: Instagram/@victoria_belo
The arrival of International Women’s Day yesterday did not escape the movers and shakers of the entertainment industry, as they too joined in, in celebrating womanhood and feminism.
Cosmetic surgeon and businesswoman Dr. Vicki Belo greeted all her followers yesterday a happy International Women’s Day, as she sent her love and appreciation to all the women in the world. “Let’s not allow gender roles to define us. Let our passion, skill, intelligence, and contribution to the society speak for who we are,” reminded Dr. Belo. “We are strong. We are courageous. And we are not afraid to draw strength from one another and empower each other.
Dr. Belo was one of the speakers in the 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit organized by Go Negosyo, which was held Monday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Image: Instagram/@victoria_belo
Dr. Belo also called on everyone to work together for a society where men and women are equal, and strive for a meritocratic society that puts value in expertise and skills and not in gender identities or sexual orientations. “And while we are not there yet, let’s continue fixing each other’s crowns and be at peace knowing we are trying to help change the world.”
10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit in World Trade Center, Pasay City last March 5. Image: Instagram/@victoria_belo
Meanwhile, actress Iza Calzado welcomed International Women’s Day by praising no less than feminist activist-writer Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie and global superstar Beyoncé. In her post last night on Instagram, Calzado shared a clip of Beyonce’s “Flawless” single, which sampled Adichie’s speech on feminism.
“The words of feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as featured in @beyonce’s song Flawless started my International Women’s Day on a very enlightened and strong note,” shared Calzado. “I have never been more grateful to be a woman, a human. I have so many things to learn about feminism but I’m glad I am finally on the road to a more empowered version of myself. Mabuhay ang mga Kababaihan!”
Just last week, Calzado was presented the coveted “Ani ng Dangal” award by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for bagging an acting award in the Osaka Asian Film Festival last year—courtesy of her flawless performance in Jerrold Tarog’s psycho-thriller “Bliss.”
Actress Agot Isidro, on the other hand, kept her empowering message short as she shared today on Instagram lyrics from Grammy Award-winning artist Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman.”
“I am woman, hear me roar. Oh, yes, I am wise. But it’s wisdom born of pain. Yes, I’ve paid the price. But look how much I gained if I have to, I can do anything. I am strong. I am invincible. I am woman.”
Image: Instagram/@agotisidro
Anne Curtis-Smith, too, sent her greetings to her fellow women all the way from Tokyo, Japan, in an Instagram post yesterday.
“Happy International Women’s Day to women around the world who continue to inspire, who are strong, independent, and fearless,” wrote Curtis. “Women who dream big, stand up, empower other women, and spread love cross the universe. I stand up with all of you as we continue to rise up, fight for what we believe in and make our voices heard!”
Image: Instagram/@annecurtissmith
The tides have turned, and gone are the days when women were only cut out to a life of housewifery and popping babies. Today, the modern Filipina has the choice to go to school, marry, raise a family, pursue their careers—or all of the above. Nothing gets in the way of a determined woman. As it is still International Women’s Day on the other side of the world, hearty greetings are definitely in order to all the hardworking women out there who work and grind every single day.
Happy International Women’s Day! /ra
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