Photography Gail Geriane
April 4, 2024

In 1995, then Pope John Paul II wrote Letter to Women, which praised them for their unique abilities: “Much more important is the social and ethical dimension, which deals with human relations and spiritual values. In this area, which often develops in an inconspicuous way, beginning with the daily relationships between people, especially within the family, society certainly owes much to the ‘genius of women.’”

“Perhaps more than men, women acknowledge the person, because they see persons with their hearts. They see them independently of various ideological or political systems. They see others in their greatness and limitations; they try to go out to them and help them.

“Women make an indispensable contribution to the growth of a culture which unites reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the sense of ‘mystery,’ to the establishment of economic and political structures ever more worthy of humanity.”

Art+ asked nine extraordinary women what it’s like to be a woman in their respective fields of endeavor.

Antoinette Jadaone - Filmmaker

Although film shoots are usually male-dominated, a lot of women call the shots and hold key positions on set—producers, directors, assistant directors, line producers, etc. I am fortunate to have been surrounded by women filmmakers early on in my career as a production assistant and script continuity supervisor, and they set what would be my standards for excellence, work ethic, dedication, and love for the craft. It’s not unusual, not out of the ordinary, for me to see women leading 100 people on set.

So, it was never about, ‘ah babae ka kaya ito lang ang kaya mo, kaya dito ka lang.’ It has always been, filmmaker ka, ke babae o lalaki, basta husayan mo, may puwang ka rito, hindi mo kailangang mag-makaawa sa puwesto. Filipino film sets are that way until today. More and more women call the shots— cinematographers, editors, sound recordists. And we have our women filmmakers from years ago to thank for that. Sila ang gumawa ng daan para lakaran namin balang araw. Ngayon yung balang araw.

Barbie Almalbis - Musician

Growing up as the only girl among cousins in my generation, I had a lot of alone time. So my mom bought me an acoustic guitar. She and my lola taught me how to play it. Since I had no playmates, I would play the guitar every day. When I became a musician, my cousins wanted to be in my band.

For the past 25 years, I’ve been in bands whose male members never treated me differently for being a woman. Although there’s still more men than women in the music industry, it’s no longer just about gender. It’s more about whether people like you as a musician, as a creative. Back in college, there were probably only three girls in the entire university who brought a guitar. But now, go to a mall and you’ll see a girl with her guitar.

Waya Araos-Wijangco - Chef, Restaurateur

To be a woman in the culinary world today is not as challenging as it was 10 years ago. A lot of things have opened up for women—some of the world’s best new female chefs are from the Philippines.

But there are still things we need to change. In my restaurant, Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya, we make sure there’s enough representation for women in all areas. And not just for women— we include PWDs and persons with special needs among our employees. We also make sure the men in our restaurants understand how to behave in front of women, to make it a safe and inclusive space for everybody. We likewise support women’s businesses. We work with a lot of farmers and food suppliers. Those are things we try and improve to make sure there’s enough opportunity for everybody.

Setting an example is the way to show others how it’s done.

Ciane Xavier - Visual Artist

As a woman artist, I challenge stereotypes and use my work to address issues like gender equality and loss of identity. Women’s issues such as the gender gap and balancing professional and personal responsibilities persist today.

But the global exchange facilitated by digital art platforms has broadened the audience for women’s art. And despite obstacles, we are moving forward. As a woman, inclusive and respectful dialogue within the art community gives me the freedom to be who I am, through my work.

Nikki Junia - President, Cultural Center of the Philippines

At age 4 or 5, I forced my parents to enroll me at Ballet Philippines under Alice Reyes, even if the required age was 6 years old. Eventually, I became the youngest CCP president. But even before that, I’ve been working in music education for children in their early age. Now, as we were training participants in CCP activities, I suggested that if we want to be successful in the long run, we really must start them young, and so we had the Children’s Biennale. There’s Himig Himbing, Mga Heleng Atin, which is about indigenous lullabies, how to preserve our dying languages, and the best way to do it is through music documentation.

We’re also very busy organizing an artist training program called Kanto Kultura Camp. It’s patterned after the training I got as a music scholar of Ryan Cayabyab and member of 14K. There’s also the K-pop Academy, which will have K-pop trainers coming to the Philippines for cultural exchange and training young Filipino artists.

Pia Ranada - Head of Community, Rappler

Women in journalism today face a lot of unique challenges. Online attacks against us tend to focus on our appearance and we are reduced to sexual objects. That’s something that most male journalists don’t have to face. Also, when we cover our beats, we typically face misogyny even from the people we cover such as politicians and people in power.

But I can say with confidence that the Philippines should be proud of women journalists who have to face these threats while balancing it with motherhood and family, who face arrest and harassment on a regular basis while doing their jobs.

They do it all for love of country and for love of craft.

Shiela Valderrama - Performing Artist

I’ve been lucky to have been given a lot of opportunities to play strong female roles in theater. As a woman, it’s very fulfilling because I can show my strength in a way that hopefully inspires the audience.

I think I was in second grade when I watched a musical, Annie. I remember talking to my seat mate and saying that is what I want to do. It was sort of manifesting what I wanted to be in life. I also remember watching a ballet at the CCP. I said, “Someday I’m going to perform on that stage.” It did happen, not immediately, but again it was manifesting what I really wanted to do.

I’ve always wanted to be a professional theater performer, a singer and actress, since I was young. I feel very blessed and grateful to be able to fulfill my dreams.

Yvette Tan - Writer

I try to be open to opportunities and experiences, which sometimes leads me to jumping headfirst into uncertainty, which can be a bad habit since I can be highly anxious, but you know, let’s go ahead. I think this comes from an interest in many different things. I try to nurture curiosity and keep my mind fed through different forms of genres and media.

Though I am primarily a writer, saying yes to new experiences has led me to projects in art, dance, cinema, agriculture, and now, education. I’m terrified each time I start, but the thought of passing up something that sounds fun is scarier than the most jittery of newbie jitters.

Wawi Navarroza - Visual Artist

It’s true that photography can be a field dominated by men, but it’s also true that I didn’t center my attention on that and I just did my own thing. And it’s been 25 years so far! I’m not a photographer, I’m just an artist. I’m more interested in following my curiosities, crafting and shaping the medium so that it can speak of my lived experience as Filipina, Asian, transnational, woman, artist, mother, creator.

Having said that, we have to be aware that there really are huge gaps in art history when it comes to the representation of women and the rich spectrum of art coming from all places which are out of the normative white Western male artist we have been accustomed to. Fortunately, we’re living at a time when reparations are being made slowly. On my part, through my works, my thinking is: what can be more brave and vulnerable, if not a practice deeply invested on the Self-Portrait? I lived through it. Here I am. I’m a portal. This is a mirror.

Photography GAIL GERIANE, Assisted by JOTHAM MEREGILDO, Creative Direction SANTI ALBALATE, Make-up and Hairstylist JANA NEPOMUCENO, Videographers AMBROSIA RENEE CONCEPCION & MARICAR LEYESA