Many women have proven they can do anything as well as men can. These days, they have more opportunities and greater understanding of their role in transforming the society.
The performers of 'Limitless' concert with producer Roselle Taberna (second from left) and family (Facebook)
Bulletin Entertainment recently caught up with five Filipino female singers who all exude strength and courage -- whether in their career on in real life -- making them truly empowered women.
All about talent
Ex-Kulay member Radha continues to inspire people with her musicality and talent.
Proudly calling herself a “plus-sized singer,” Radha ecalled the time she was forced to go on a diet. Back then, she was being made to believe physical appearance is the key to success.
“When I was with Kulay, it’s the time where the industry was dominated by men. They said that if we women want to be known, we should use our faces, our bodies to attract the audience. There are people who told me, ‘You’re not going to be famous because you’re fat,’” she said. “Butthen I realized, I do have talent, I can sing, so why would I do that?”
Radha eventually proved success can't be hindered by weight.
“I’m grateful people appreciated me for who I am, no matter how big I am and that inspires me to do better. So I advise every woman to just be who they want to be. Don’t be afraid.”
The breadwinner
Angeline Quinto has been vocal in sharing how she strived to get to the top, while being the breadwinner of her family early on.
The 28-year-old even gets emotional in saying she doesn’t need to be a man to be able to support her family's needs.
“Whether you are a woman or man, if you work hard, you will reach your dreams. It’s all about confidence and perseverance,” said the “Star Power” champion.
Prodigy, identity
Jayda Avanzado, the daughter of Jessa Zaragoza and Dingdong Avanzado, is considered by many as the next big star.
At a young age, she feels empowered when she showcases her own identity as artist.
“Getting in this business is quite hard for me because I want to make a name for myself not only as being the daughter of my parents,” she admitted.
Jayda hopes to inspire and encouraged many young people to pursue what they want.
“They just need to build confidence in themselves. Working hard really matters,” she said.
True to tone
Liezel Garcia shared there are times she gets bashed because of her brown complexion.
“To be honest, I grew up very timid because I have this skin color. But eventually, I learned to accept myself. There are people who put me down for being a brown woman but that made me a stronger person,” she said.
Now, the “Pinoy Dream Academy” alumna is on her way to elevating career.
“I took all those ‘panlalait’ as motivation for me to become a better person and an artist. I took it as something that will lift me up, push me more and let me stand up amid all the hardships and struggles,” she said.
Balance is best
Motherhood is empowering, said Kyla Alvarez.
The R&B singer manages to keep her career and family life balanced. She is married to PBA player Rich Alvarez and they have a five-year-old son named Toby.
“As artist and mother, I have limitations. There are sacrifices, there are opportunities where I had to walk away from it to take other options. With my work, I have to travel but at the same time, I always have to stay in touch with family so I won’t miss any single milestones they reach,” she explained. “So it’s really a matter of balancing your priorities. I think, mothers are really the epitomes of empowered women.”
'Limitless' concert
To celebrate the significance of women in society, Radha, Kyla, Angeline, Jayda and Liezel come together for the benefit concert “Limitless: Empowered Women, Empower Women.” It is organized by Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation Managing Director Rossel Velasco-Taberna.
“Being in the entertainment industry, I see how men hold bigger jobs. I think, this is the time for us to do things that we want to do, excel in it and not be judged because we are women,” said the wife of ABS-CBN news personality Anthony “Ka Tunying” Taberna.
The benefit event honors women with moving stories that inspire more people. They include SpED teachers from Antipolo City SpED Center, who dedicate their lives to teaching more than 250 kids with different disabilities. Other beneficiaries of the concert are visually impaired siblings Alma and Alice Corsanes, who, despite having glaucoma, continue to persevere in life.
“Limitless: Empowered Women, Empower Women” is on Sept. 7 at the Metrotent Convention Center, Pasig.