Saturday, March 8, 2014

Editorial: We celebrate International Women’s Day

United Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually worldwide on March 8 to highlight the social, political, and economic achievements of women, while drawing world attention to areas requiring further action. This year’s IWD theme “Equality for Women is Progress for All,” encourages advocacy for women’s advancement around the world in all aspects of life.

IWD will be observed at the UN headquarters in New York City, United States of America on March 7, 2014 before the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women begins on March 10, 2014. In the Philippines, March is observed as National Women’s Month (NWM). The country usually marks IWD and NWM with various activities heralding the outstanding achievements of women leaders on the local and national level. These include film screenings, walks for a cause, medical missions, photo exhibits, seminars and consultative conferences, organized by relevant government agencies and academic institutions, media, and women’s organizations.

The United Nations IWD celebration began in 1975. In 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. However, the UN has traditionally observed IWD on March 8.

The recent decades have witnessed an increase in women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life. National and international women organizations admit that much remains to be done, but IWD celebrations in the recent years have shifted from being mere “reminders about the negatives” to “a celebration of the positive gains.”

The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. CabaƱes, Directors, Officers, and Employees congratulate the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women headed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, other Officers and Personnel, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2014. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

Macklemore, Ryan Lewis coming to Manila for epic concert

Grammy Award-winning Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are coming to Manila to hold an epic concert party at the MOA Arena on March 16.

Said Ryan Lewis, “It was a roller coaster of a year to go through. What better way to celebrate than to come over to you guys and play a show!”

Needless to say, the popular pair is ready to give everything as they perform and party with us Filipinos.

Last month, the twosome won four Grammy Awards including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album for “The Heist,” beating works by Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Drake.

They were also awarded Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song for “Thrift Shop,” which was No. 1 in the yearend Hot 100 charts across all genres.

“We made the album without a record label, we made it independently and we appreciate all the support,” Macklemore said.

The American Music Awards also gave the indie hip hop duo six nominations, winning in the Best Hip Hop/Rap Album category.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Macklemore started performing at a young age. His influences include Kris Kross, Digital Underground and Michael Jackson.

In 2000, he released an EP titled “Open Your Eyes” under the moniker Professor Macklemore. He released his full-length debut album, “The Language Of My World” in 2005.

He teamed up with Lewis in 2010, releasing “Vs. Redux EP.”

Tickets to the concert are available at all SM Tickets outlets. This is another production brought to you by Concertus Manila in cooperation with Viber and Visa.

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GMA Primetime Queen Marian Rivera added another feather to her cap by winning the Best Actress in a Primetime Teleserye award at the 5th Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Students’ Choice Award for Radio and Television (NSCART), for her performance on “Temptation of Wife.”

Marian is overwhelmed with the recognition, saying, “Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa parangal na ibinigay ng mga mag-aaral mula sa NwSSU. Maraming salamat dahil na-appreciate nila ang naging pagganap ko bilang si Angeline/Chantal na isa sa mga roles na ipinagmamalaki ko at memorable para sa akin.”

Meanwhile, a month since its launch on GMA Telebabad, more and more Filipino viewers are mesmerized with her and leading man Alden Richards’ performance on “Carmela.”

Their popularity is not only evident in the Philippines but also in other countries where fellow Pinoys get to watch “Carmela” through GMA Pinoy TV.

A subscriber in New Jersey, USA shared that many Filipinos in their area love and admire the actress and they look forward to see her perform the theme song of “Carmela” (“Sana’y Ikaw”) with Alden, saying, “They (Marian and Alden) really amaze us every time they have a scene together on ‘Carmela.’ They really have the chemistry and they’re both excellent in their craft.”

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Marian’s Premium Fragrance

Another recent milestone for Marian is her appointment as brand ambassador of Premium Fragrances, a line of concentrated fabric conditioners by Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc.

The company is also maker of premium quality home care, personal care, baby care, fragrances, apparel and healthcare products.

But why did they choose Marian to be brand ambassador of Premium Fragrances fabric conditioners? They’re a perfect combination, the executives of Personal Collection said, as “Marian clearly personifies the product’s beauty, sophistication and premium fragrances.”

Asked if she washes her clothes, Marian answered in the affirmative.

“Lahat ng babae dapat marunong maglaba. Hindi ko naman linalabhan lahat ng damit ko, but ’yung underwears, linalabhan ko…”

Sof & mmmmm Premium Fragrances are available through Personal Collection dealers nationwide.

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Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 9, go to Rosemarie Gil, Nonong “Dero” Pedero, Dr. Avelino P. Aventura, Arielle Matias Pizarro, Atty. Zeny Alcantara, Peachy Buan, Queenie B. Naidas, Michael Jay Foz, Iris Brillon, Virgilio Almario, Pat Pecache, Philip Cuazon, Sr., Ida Bata, Agnes Bantugan, Bro. Ernie Sanchez of DWIZ’s Pari Ko, Jhenilyn Jubahib, Joey Salgado, Angeli Gonzales of Star Magic, Manila Bulletin’s Amyline Quien Ching, and Dr. Rebecca Singson of Makati Med and Asian Hospital & Medical Center… Happy wedding anniversary to Levy and Irene Banag… March 10 celebrators are renowned violinist John Lesaca, TJ Manotoc, JC de VeraRosanna MarquezPete DacuycuyAlex C. Estrada, Erlinda “Ada” Santiago, Nelson GumatayMarissa Z. Burgos of Rajah Tours, Hazel Luigi Nicolas, Toffer Lorenzo, Pia Hontiveros-Pagkalinawan, Raquel Basilio-Dungo wife of Manila Bulletin’s photographer Bob Dungo and Julia Barretto-Padilla of Star Magic…Belated birthday greetings to Erika C. Lata (March 6) and Rommel de Guzman (Feb. 23)…Condolence to the family of Maria Rosario C. Hernandez, who passed away on March 6. Interment will be at the Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Paranaque City on Wednesday, March 12…“Philip Lifestyle Guy!” is now its second season. Produced by Style RPA Media, directed by Dave Hukom and Tootoots Leyesa and written by Rod Divinagracia, it airs on TV5 every Sunday from 11a.m. to 12 noon… The 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies will be held tonight at Solaire Resort & Casino. Presented by Tess Celestino’s Airtime Marketing, Inc., it is directed by Al Quinn