The Iconography of the Modern Filipina

In a country where men tend to feel superior, I feel that the modern Filipina has a take if not a huge role in molding a society of greatness and equality. This high regard solely comes from my perspective as a young woman, seeing others my age strive for personal growth and fulfillment. Through the years, we have seen the best and worst of times, dictating norms through which Filipino women either adapt or accept, and the best offered what this lifetime has for a woman who wants to stay true to herself…with the worst typifying the kind of abuse and torment a woman faces as cruelty takes place. Neither becomes a help nor resolution unless we see every Filipina and her worth- in its truest sense.

Who is the modern Filipina? Is she the kind who graces someone else’s home donning aprons alone? Or is she the ever seeking, ambitious career woman who prefers work over family and relationships? Does time has something to do with changes in her mind or is it the changes propelling time for women to take charge?

A modern Filipina is someone who regards time as her way of doing…achieving things. She makes use of them with patience and wit; knowing how every minute spells change. There are those whose toughness reveals them in power suits while others in terms of disciplining their kids. She makes every decision with utmost care, bearing that urgency needs not to be quick but wise instead. She makes time her compass, her medium for the world, facing what needs to be faced and doing what needs to be done- not only for herself but for others.

A modern Filipina makes every house a home. Her caressing hands equip oneself of caring for a family she loves; her thinking mind grants her the wisdom to make decisions beneficial to all and her gracious presence provides warmth to a household where children and spouses enjoy. A Filipina is a mother whose love is unconditional. She knows when and where to give compassion, healing wounds and bringing smiles. A mother is the ever nurturing soul…with ears which do not only listen but understands; with lips which do not only kisses but speaks in gentle sparks. At some point in our lives, we knew of our mothers as our savior, and Filipina mothers have always been like that- so ready to care and protect the ones they love…

A modern Filipina is a woman of society. She is well- mannered, and principles define her charm. We believe in the goodness of every man/woman, the capacity to effect change and be instrumental in the betterment of our country. We manage offices; take part in socio-civic affairs. We never just cook or launder clothes for we have our bodies, our minds working …rearing. Every Filipina assumes a role worth knowing as she knows where to go…for what purpose and never departs from challenges.

A modern Filipina is a woman of God. Her beliefs she practices with utmost conviction. Faith brings her to her knees, knowing that there is a greater source of strength beyond her own. She never ridicules someone else’s faith for respect she follows. She holds pride wisely learning that life is a road she cannot travel alone. She recognizes faces for their worth as she wants them to recognize hers along. She holds strongly the fire within, making her friends and family, feel that faith and religion is important for one’s enlightenment, proving how help comes in many ways and forms.

A Filipina is anyone who shares her being unselfishly. Be it at home, work, charity or politics or even religion, she knows where she stands and how she moves. Her beauty is not about color, race, age or body size, it is about her total person, the manner she carries herself to the eyes who may either like or dislike them. Her knowledge goes with experience; it spells brain with a softer brawl for knowing what is right or wrong for herself. She values her conscience and acts accordingly with it, utilizing her hunch and guts to prove it. She is one woman who will never allow anyone to harm her-physically or verbally. For she knows she is capable of self- protecting.

Yes. A modern Filipina is all these and she will always be. Achieve what you conceive and never let anyone utter your voice for you…speak it yourself.

This post is a submission for the WikiPilipinas Filipina Writing Contest. I am a 30-yr. old aspiring writer who feels that Filipinas are great images of substance and wealth, both in mind and heart. Support the Filipina Images campaign and help thrive women empowerment.