Menchu VB Arandilla, President of United Women Artists Association of the Philippines (UWAAP), an association of empowered Filipina artists in the Philippines and abroad in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SMBA), mounted an art and photo exhibit last – Nov. 9-16 at Harbor Point, Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Nov.26-27 at Subic Bay Exhibition & Convention Center at Efficiency Road Subic Bay Gateway Park, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“This is a historic event for SBMA in the sense that this is the first gathering to tackle gender and development,” remarked SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia as he welcomed participants. 

“I am sure that from the line-up of speakers you have prepared, you will learn so much on how we can further promote the concept of ‘Ang Bagong Pinay’ and address the issues that confront women in the workplace today,” Garcia added. 

The event was organized by the SBMA thru its Gender and Development Focal Point System and as part of the SBMA’s week-long celebration of its 22nd founding anniversary.

The first SBMA Women’s Summit for art with the theme, “Ang Bagong Pinay,” held interactive or live art and on the spot sketching and art demonstration activities. The gathering sought to promote the welfare and development of womenfolk and update them on the latest socio-economic and political issues that have significant bearing on them.

UWAAP’s VISION and MISSION aims to do the same as the 1st SBMA ‘Bagong Pinay’ Arts Summit:

1.) To highlight the importance of women artists’ role through a remarkable contribution in the social, economic, political, and cultural realm of the Filipino society.

2.) To advance, foster and promote the interests of those who work in the fine arts including the painters, sculptress, graphic artists, photographers and other women artists working in the various fields of art.

3.) To provide an opportunity for every member in establishing herself as an artist thus ensuring her economic viability.

4.) To encourage solidarity among the women artists where mutual talents are polished and shared through various art programs and endeavors.

5.) To provide a strong support system which cultivates dignity and self-esteem and develops fellowship that is built on trust, love and respect.

6.) To link up and enter into agreement for the common good and in consensus with each member of the association, with other individuals, groups or organizations whose cooperation shall be deemed helpful, here and abroad.

Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo was guest of honor in the assembly and imparted her ideas on “Women and their Careers on being a Wife, Mother and Leader.”

Other speakers who fired up the summit with timely discussions were: Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation Inc. Director for External Affairs Varinia Tinga spoke on “Women in the Corporate World”; Subic Bay Colleges Inc. Vice President for Academic Affair Marilou Nicart tackled “Telecommuting for Women”; Sandiganbayan Third Division Executive Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma spoke on “Violence Against Women,” as well as RA 10398, an act declaring November 25 as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children; and SM elevator girl and YouTube sensation Cheridel Alejandrino urged womenfolk to “Be The Best That You Can Be.” Also, FQ Mom Rose Fausto talked about “Financial Liberation for Women”; and Philippine Commission on Women Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa lectured on “Magna Carta of Women.”

Those who trooped to the Women’s Summit were employees of the SBMA, workers of Subic Bay Freeport companies, employees of the Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), and residents and students from Olongapo City and parts of Zambales.

UWAAP is a group of women artists from the Philippines having ethical manners, high self-esteem, strong yet feminine qualities, exuding class, self-respect and dignity. They have high regard for inner happiness, trustworthiness and we are also domestic goddesses on our own right. Truly Women of Substance, the United Women Artists Association of the Philippines is dedicated towards honoring the Filipino women artists who are making and will be making remarkable contributions and relevance to our society, but not limited to the local and international art scene. Get to know them one by one through their dedicated page.

Other activities during the celebration of the SBMA anniversary were a jobs fair at the Harbor Point mall, where 10,386 job positions were opened to applicants; the annual recognition of the Ten Most Outstanding Freeport Workers who epitomize the best of what the Subic Bay Freeport has to offer in terms of workers’ performance; and the Milestone Service Awards that recognized around 200 SBMA employees who have been serving the agency for 15 and 20 years. 

For opportunities and news info about women empowerment in the arts, you get in touch with United WAAP’s Founder/President Menchu V.B. Arandilla or any of the following UWAAP Officers 2014-2016: Vice-President- Lydia Velasco, Secretary Ronna Manansala, Treasurer-Marivel Mari-Galang, Auditor Dr.Annabel Cadiz; Board of Directors and members: Zen AP Chan, Yolanda De Castro Cabuco, Raquel Arboleda-Jacob, Jing Banawan, Liz Tarnate, Minerva Dacanay, Luzviminda Horlador-Santillan, Millet Galeos Sacerdoti and Raech Dacanay.

Menchu VB Arandilla who I featured here earlier was a participant at the event.  Exhibits co-sponsored by UWAAP are still ongoing this December.

All images are courtesy of United Women Artists Association of the Philippines.

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