Empowered women

STARTING off with empowered women, let me congratulate the De La Salle Lady Spikers for making it a three-peat by winning this year’s volleyball championship against Ateneo De Manila Lady Eagles in the 75th season of the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines.

My niece Kim, who graduated from Ateneo, might take back the varsity jacket she gave as my other niece Sandra, who graduated from De La Salle, and who also gave me a De La Salle jacket is now jubilant over their team’s win.

It was a full house at the SM MOA Arena, filled with alumnus of both contending schools and supporters of the game. And because of these empowered women, volleyball has now gained a wide range of supporters.

But why volleyball and empowered women? Well, the time when sports were dominated by only men has passed. Both schools have proven that with their old age rivalry comes the popularity of the sport.

It used to be men's basketball that dominated collegiate competition. But with the win of the Lady Spikers, this proved that women are really empowered - to be the best icons not only in sports but in discipline as well.

Their never say die attitude reminded me of basketball legend Robert "The Big J" Jaworski during his active career in sports. Then I remembered Asia's Sprint Queen Lydia De Vega-Mercado who is now a coach abroad. And also Elma Muros. How about Bong Coo in bowling? All except the Big J have shown that women, when empowered, can prove to be one of the icons in whatever field they choose to excel in.

In politics, we can never set aside Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago's wit when it comes to the rule of law. Sen. Loren Legarda in protection of the environment. Sen. PIA Cayetano in protecting women's rights. And President Cory Aquino who led the bloodless revolution in Edsa.

They are but a few of the women who have given prominence in their fields.

In our city alone, I have been taught by the best of them. My teachers and the sisters at Maryknoll Convent School have laid the foundation of who I am today.

My teachers in the University of Baguio Preparatory High School have taught me well in dealing with other people.

Our former Dean Sonia Daoas have taught how to be firm in our decisions. My instructors in Mass Communications have added strength in my communication skills.

And my professors in my Masters degree Jade Aquino and Joy Tio have opened my mind on how to look at things and analyze it in a wider perspective.

They are but a few of whom I admire. Their resiliency has proven to be a great action to emulate.

And of course, my mom, Dra. Adoration Trias-Llanes who nurtured me and my siblings with the instruction of not to take advantage of other people even if they have took advantage of you.

Really, women can never be taken for granted, thus the respect for women must always be present. Women must be given equal treatment with men. They have proven to be an integral part of society and must be given the accolade that they deserve.

To the Filipinas of Baguio and the Cordilleras, Happy Women's Month and keep us all proud.