In honor of International Women's Day, SPOT.ph pays tribute to 10 Filipino women we love. Whether in politics, entertainment, or other fields of expertise, these women have shown that females can take the lead and succeed.
Hon. Esperanza Icasas-Cabral
DOH Secretary
Who is she? Sex is not taboo for Dr. Espie, as her patients call her. Being one of the country's top-ranked physicians and cardiologists, it was only natural that she'd be appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), a position she takes seriously as evidenced by her campaign to promote reproductive health. Although some of her initiatives have raised controversy, she hasn't let that stop her from doing her job.
Why we love her: Whether as DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) or DOH secretary, Dr. Cabral has shown that she is no pushover. She gets things done despite adversity, criticism, and scandal.
She says: "Of course, I am afraid of the Church. They are very powerful and they can sometimes be very vicious. I'm not exactly one who likes to live dangerously, but I'd rather live dangerously than do nothing."
Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel
Akbayan Partylist Representative
Who is she? She's the fearless Representative for the Akbayan Partylist who authored and co-authored several resolutions during her two-term run. Some of these include the Cheaper Medicines Law and an amendment to the Tax Code which increases tax exemptions for minimum wage owners. She was also an award-winning journalist, nabbing the KBP Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster in 1994.
Why we love her: She never beats around the bush when it comes to the issues. She's not afraid to speak her mind whether it's about LGBTI Empowerment or the controversial Reproductive Health Bill.
She says: "We should all break free from the closet of discrimination, stigma, and hatred that makes it possible for abuse against LGBTs to take place. One doesn't have to be gay or lesbian to realize that love is the most human of all feelings."
annabelle rama and daughter ruffa could learn a lesson or two from these notable women. hindi puro palengke, annabelle!
They really make me proud to be a woman. Go girls!
Charice, really?
Rhap, why not?
Yes Rhap, why not!?
love charice,lea and Pia cayetano
I love Risa Hontiveros! She pushed for those important bills mentioned while doing double duty as mother and father for her four children after her husband died. I hear she's active in the PTA pa.
Risa Hontiveros definitely deserves to be in the Senate! The country could do with more politicians like her (and less of politicians like.....) She's my number one senadora! (ang kaisa-isang babaeng kandidato sa listahan ko) :-)
Uy! Risa Hontiveros Baraquel! Iboboto ko yan 4 senator!
I am very happy to read that Risa made it to this list because she was a hardworking congresswoman and I'm sure, a very loving mother. I could love to meet my inspiration in person.
charise? nope.
Espie, yes. Solita, yes. Risa, YES! Pia, NO! The Cayetanos are opportunists. The cat is out of the bag. Halatang halata.
My respect for risa grows by the day. She has clear vision as she is focused. She doesnt mince her words.... a great communicator whose message comes from the heart. Having her in government rekindles our hope for this nation.
i love angel! :) go pinays! they deserve it!
Spot on! I love the selection. Perfect mix of generations and persuasions from politics to pop culture. This is what a Filipina is all about.
Charice?? seriously??
Why not Charice? She's making Pinoys proud all over the world. She got there through hard work and focus. She's still down-to-earth and is supporting her family. You may not respect her as an artist but you have to respect her as a person. She's just like Lea but not as sosyal.
My unsolicited advice to Charice: Stay in America or Europe and soar, soar, soar until you reach the top. In the pasosyal culture of Manila, there is no room at the inn. Live and breathe in America where the culture of meritocracy exists. Sing in America where you are loved more because of your talent and not because of your social background. Think Jennifer Hudson and Monique. When you are in New York or Hollywood, I am sorry to say that the small voices in Manila do not count whether they love you are not. They have no weight at all. With international fame and huge savings, that is the time to come home where your moolah will come a long long way. Let those locals who dislike you continue to dislike you while you sing all the way to the bank.
love risa! pia c not so much.
perfect choice :) i'm just not too sure about the ones in the last page :(