PHILIPPINES: Lucille Sering (Global FWN100™'13) Has Her Eye On The Surigao Congressional Seat

PHILIPPINES: Lucille Sering (Global FWN100™'13) Has Her Eye On The Surigao Congressional Seat

Way to go, Lucille! Climate Change Secretary lawyer Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering (Global FWN100™'13) is challenging Former Surigao del Norte governor and congressman Robert “Ace” S. Barbers (NP) in her bid for the 2nd Congressional District of the province. Lucille Sering stepped down from her post as Climate Change Commission Vice Chairman last October to run for Congress. Sering, a member of the Liberal Party, assumed the post of Climate Change Commission chief in 2010. Before entering government service, Sering was associate dean of the San Sebastian College of Law. News story from The Manila Bulletin and PhilStar.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Laarni San Juan (US FWN100™ '07) and April Veneracion Ang (Global FWN100™ '15)

laarnisanjuan

Life is a constant journey of learning and discovery. I’ve learned never to give up on my values no matter how uncomfortable and difficult life scenarios can be. I am a big advocate of obtaining support on a regular basis from trusted family, friends, therapists, mentors and anyone who is willing to share their wisdom. It is only through exchanging stories and experiences can we powerfully access knowledge and insight. As a public health nurse for the past 23 years, I have listened to countless stories of difficulties. As a Filipino-American who grew up with immigrant parents, I can relate to the dialogues filled with hurt, pain, and struggle. From my own journey of healing and thriving, I can wholeheartedly offer hope and meaningful ways to cope to those who seek that pathway. Everyone should have an opportunity to fulfill their life goals yet I am aware that not all have the access or tools to do so. I have recently embraced my budding entrepreneurial spirit combined with my passion of helping others by starting a resumé business. I believe a basic and concise document about a person’s worth can open doors and life-changing opportunities. - Laarni San Juan RN

aprilveneracionang

April Veneracion Ang is a social change leader with a deep and varied background in policymaking and community development. She is currently a senior Legislative Aide to San Francisco District Six Supervisor Jane Kim. Her legislative portfolio includes affordable housing,  land use, urban planning and transportation. Previously, April was the Executive Director of the South of Market Community Action Network. She has also worked at the National Community Development Institute and the Greenlining Institute, a policy and advocacy organization focused on racial equity and inclusion. She received her Master’s degree in City Planning from MIT and has an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Riverside. She lives with her husband, Eric Ang, in Oakland, CA and is a mother of two beautiful children. 

Meriam Reynosa (Global FWN100™ '13 ) on DISRUPT. Filipina Women: Proud. Loud. Leading Without a Doubt.

Meriam Reynosa (Global FWN100™ '13 ) on DISRUPT. Filipina Women: Proud. Loud. Leading Without a Doubt.

"I recently received my very own copy of DISRUPT over the holiday season from my partner. I was overcome with joy, by how much my partner knew the importance of receiving this collection of amazing stories would inspire me..." Read more from Meriam after the jump!

ASK A FILIPINA: #19 DISRUPT Leadership Tip from Isabelita T. Manalastas-Watanabe (Global FWN100™ '13)

ASK A FILIPINA: #19 DISRUPT Leadership Tip from Isabelita T. Manalastas-Watanabe (Global FWN100™ '13)

Don't be afraid to break barriers. Though tolerance and progress on the gender front seem to be picking up in many areas, there are still new frontiers and domains where barriers to women and Filipinos exist. Don't be afraid to be the first to venture out into new territory. There may be no peers and mentors where you venture, but don't hold back from carving out your turf.
- Isabelita T. Manalastas-Watanabe, Speed Money Transfer Japan Kabushiki Kaisha President & Representative Director Japan

#FilipinaDisrupter

The Philippines Soars, Ranks 7th in Global Gender Equality Index

The Philippines Soars, Ranks 7th in Global Gender Equality Index

A statistic we can be proud of. The Philippines climbed to 7th in Gender Equality Index - the highest in all of Asia last year! How? The Philippines recorded more female legislators, senior officials, managers, political ministers, and professional and technical workers which means MORE political empowerment, economic participation and opportunities for Filipina women in the Philippines. Since 2006, the Philippines has been in the Top 10 ranking. But there's still room for improvement in the educational attainment gender gap which has increased slightly. News story from PhilStar.com.

PHILIPPINES: Filipina Trans Beauty Queens Get Political in Fight For Equality

PHILIPPINES: Filipina Trans Beauty Queens Get Political in Fight For Equality

Trans beauty queens are not merely pretty faces. Filipina beauty queens turned trans advocates Maki Gingoyon and Geena Rocero get political in their fight for equality and recognition. Consider this: from 2008-2014, the Philippines had one of the highest rates of murders of transgender people in all of Asia, according to the International Trans Murder Monitoring project. Filipina trans women may be visible but often lack recognition and full legal protection leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and violence.

Watch the video that profiles trans women activists in the Philippines after the jump.

Way to go, Lenore! Art Exhibition Opens February 11th in Makati, Philippines

Way to go, Lenore! Art Exhibition Opens February 11th in Makati, Philippines

In her work, as in her life, Lenore Lim (US FWN100™ '09) moves between worlds. Her recent body of prints is the culmination of Lim’s trajectory as an artist, community leader, teacher, and mother. Weaving together an array of materials, these works speak to Lim’s place in a chain that reaches across communities, continents, and lifetimes. She presents her latest work in an exhibition titled "Layered Life" at Altro Mondo Art Contemporanea in Makati, Philippines, February 11 – 28, 2015. The opening reception will take place on Feb 11, 2016 at 6 PM.

Congrats to Arlene Biala, the 2016-2017 Santa Clara County Poet Laureate!

Congrats to Arlene Biala, the 2016-2017 Santa Clara County Poet Laureate!

Congrats Arlene Biala, the 2016-2017 Santa Clara County Poet Laureate! The Poet Laureate's role is to elevate Santa Clara County residents’ awareness of poetry, and to help celebrate and promote the literary arts.

Arlene Biala is an award-winning Filipino-American poet and performance artist who has been participating in poetry performances and workshops in the Bay Area for over 20 years.