Press Release
March 2, 2016

Senate celebrates Women's Month Showcasing local films

The Philippine Senate-Gender and Development Focal Point (GAD) will be showing a series of films focusing on gender and gender equality as part of the Senate's year-long centennial celebration (October 2015- October 2016).

Senate Legal Counsel and GAD chairperson Ma. Valentine Cruz said the films, which will be shown from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on March 3, 10 and 30 at the Senator Recto Room, also coincide with the Women's Month celebration held every March.

This year's theme resonates the call for gender-balance in leadership and decision making positions both in public and private sector; inclusion of women's concerns in leadership platforms and the government's development agenda as well as the capacitating and preparing of women and girls to reach their ambitions.

Cruz said one of the films, "Mga Munting Tinig," applauds the fight of educators in an environment that is often times in direct opposition to the basic tenets of learning. The film, which stars Alessandra de Rossi and directed by Gil Portes and Adolfo Alix, Jr., won 11 awards and was nominated for 11 other awards including Gawad Urian Awards. It is the only Filipino film to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures.

"The reason I recommended "Mga Munting Tinig" is because the film is multi-awarded. It shows a teacher who was inspirational, because in her small way she was able to encourage the youth from a rural area to compete in a singing contest even though they had no funds, to show them that they can overcome their poverty. " Cruz said.

"I suggested the film to show that as a woman, you can do something to improve the lot of people around you," Cruz added.

Other films lined up include "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros," a 2005 Filipino coming-of-age film about a gay teen who is torn between his love for a young cop and his loyalty to his family.

"Thy Womb," starring Nora Aunor, is the story of a midwife, Shaleha (Aunor), who cannot have children. The film follows her and her husband, Bangas, in their search for a second wife to provide them with the family they crave.

"Bata, Bata, Paano ka Ginawa?" Is a film based on Lualhati Bautista's novel of the same title. Vilma Santos takes the role of the character Lea, a working mother who has two children and whom she brought up with her own effort. She is a woman of courage who strongly believes that for every problem there is always a solution. Lea represents the society's view of women, how it is to be a mother, and how a mother executes this role through modern-day concepts of parenthood.

"We are showcasing locally made films to promote our local film industry and since this is women's month, we want to show films with themes of women empowerment, those which will be interesting to people in the Senate, especially to the female employees," Cruz said. (Yvonne Almirañez)

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