Sunday, March 30, 2008 Women's Month features empowered women
THE following women of the province have managed to create for themselves niches, spheres of influences, and invaluable contribution through their chosen fields.
They have accomplished these without sacrificing their domestic empires and principles.
Most of them have branched out of their comfort zones. Although not entirely advocates of women's rights, they have achieved a lot in their careers, proving the long-time advocacy that women can actually do good and sometimes even much better than their male counterparts.
Let us take a look into the parallel minds of these empowered women as they measure their own achievements, the most influential men in their lives and what they aspire for the other women of this society.
Myrna Bituin -- furniture magnate and businesswoman.
The things that you consider your most important achievements as a woman:
"People would actually think that being successful in the furniture business would be our number one achievement but they do not actually understand that having a tightly attached family and a good marriage is the best of it all. Not all people that rose from poverty like us or those families in upper society could actually lay claim to a happy life. My personal achievement as a woman is not being a business person but rather a good mother and partner to my cool husband (hehe). Being a good mother always comes first as my personal achievement."
The three most influential men in your life: "First in line will be my father, although he was just simple and we were not rich then he was able to teach me the value of loving the family. All I am now in the way I see life is because of him. Of course my cool husband who has always been supportive. And my sons that are now my continuing inspirations."
The things that you would like to contribute to the women of today: "It's more of empowering housewives that they become productive and not just women of the house. It helps a lot in the family if the wife is earning a living, without sacrificing marital and domestic responsibilities."
Dalsa Montalban Hizon -- TV personality and event host.
The things that you consider your most important achievements as a woman: "My greatest achievements would be my two sons Pablo and Tiago. No career achievement could surpass the joy of being a mother. Despite the schedule I always find time for family and my kids."
The three most influential men in your life: "My father, Crisotelo Montalban Jr., has taught me everything I need to know. He has passed away but his words are still very much alive and continue to influence me to this day. My husband Derick is my best friend, life partner and beacon of light. I can't imagine life without him. And of course my sons that has been my inspiration and proof that life is indeed has its high notes."
The things that you would like to contribute to the women of today: "Women of today pretty much have everything going for them, so all I wish is for all of us to embrace that idea, know exactly what we want and reach for our own star."
Maria Vicente Vega-Cabigting -- public servant and advocate of women's rights.
The things that you consider your most important achievements as a woman: "As a public servant, being the first woman number one councilor for two consecutive terms is a great achievement. As the first woman vice mayor of Angeles City is even a greater feat, proving that we can break barriers for women and poor candidates as well. Politics for a woman is not all a simple thing, since a woman must be able to stand firm on certain decisions in a political environment dominated by men. They always said that one must have balls for politics but I always believe that they more of a disadvantage. Remove all these, being a parent is till the most important."
The three most influential men in your life: "Jesus Christ, Arthur Cabigting, Marcelino Vega Jr. and my two sons. Christ for his teachings has given me guidance and strength. My husband for his love and support, my father for laying the foundations of my character and my two sons for reminding me that I have to leave a legacy for future generations."
The things that you would like to contribute to the women of today: "I would like to empower the women by providing them with information and support. I help them discover their inner strengths and how to use it for their betterment and the community as well."
