Let Us Learn from Gretchen, Marjorie, Assunta and Ruffa

Let US Learn from Gretchen, Marjorie, Assunta and Ruffa
FROM TIA SALONGA (VIA E-MAIL):

As a Filipino woman, I am saddened by how Filipino celebrities behave.

Women are historically disadvantaged across the globe because many societies are patriarchal. The Philippines, however, boasts of a woman holding the most powerful public position. Yet the culture, at large, appears to embrace the subservient role of women.

For example, Regine Velasquez proclaims that she is willing to give up her career to be with Ogie Alcasid. Why does having a relationship, or marriage, or family make some women give up their hard-earned career? Regine truly disappoints in this regard, especially because she is a far more successful artist than Ogie Alcasid.

It’s a real shame, this mentality that it’s admirable for a woman to turn her back on a career … for a man.

It’s about time the Philippines celebrated women outside the traditional roles. It is such a great disservice to send out the message that the only desirable woman is the woman who is [content to be] a wife and mother.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe that motherhood is one of the greatest tasks and that having a fulfilling relationship is infinitely valuable. However, a woman who takes a step back for a man no longer inspires.

Constant learning

Have we not learned enough from the lessons of Gretchen Barretto, Marjorie Barretto and Ruffa Gutierrez, to name a few? Let’s forget gender for one second. Isn’t it better if a lifetime partner has a life of his/her own that he/she can bring to the table? For a woman, the best way to achieve this is by constantly learning and playing an active role in society; by staying physically healthy and financially independent while also performing the roles of mother and partner. In the same way, she should expect her husband to take care of himself and be an informed and participatory parent.

Another point of contention is Lolit Solis’ treatment of the Rosanna Roces and Rudy Fernandez issue. It’s never good to be involved with someone in a relationship, let alone a marriage. But to rationalize Rudy Fernandez’s behavior as “expected” is shameful. Rosanna Roces’ lack of social awareness shows in the way she calls attention to a questionable action, but that is not in dispute. It is apparent that Filipino culture forgives men for infidelity but does not lend the same understanding to women.

It’s sad when beautiful Filipina celebrities like Assunta De Rossi brag about what their rich husbands can buy them. The world is their oyster, yet they give the power back to men like it’s nothing. How long would it take Assunta or Gretchen, and all others like them, to realize that they are worth more than the designer clothes they wear?

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