Diamond in the Rough

"It is probably true to say that the largest scope for change still lies in men's attitude to women, and in women's attitude to themselves." ~ Vera Brittain

I believe that Nick Joaquin's Summer Solstice conveyed a strong message about feminism. I, for one, was amazed on how Doña Lupeng changed from being  formal lady into an empowered woman. By "formal lady" I meant a woman who is bound to follow patriarchal etiquette.

But I was appalled on how the women in the story thrashed men during the feast of the Tadtarin. I find it abusive.

Feminism is not implying that all men are evil. I believe that feminism is about helping women realize that they are worth a million treasures. And asserting gender equality in today's society. 
  The story sparked some sense in me to think that maybe it's not too late to break down the patriarchal hegemony in our society and hopefully change the status quo.

We have been domesticated throughout history. Women used to be on top of the society before we were colonized. The line from the story that captivated my attention was "Queens before Kings; Priestess before Priest; and the Moon before the Sun". But because of the foreign invasion, we lost sight of our own culture and adapted a new culture. Women turned from being the ruler into a slave and sank to the bottom level of our society.

Was Nick Joaquin a feminist or was he just showing that every woman hides her own demons? I still haven't figured it out yet but that's the perks of literature, you can interpret a story in any way you want.

Today, women empowerment has been spread throughout the globe but women are still not commonly acknowledged in various fields of society. It may take time for us, women, to be in par with men but I believe that someday we'll achieve the equality we've all been longing for.

A women is strong. She can heal a broken heart with just two hands. She is hurt when she knows her friend is sad. She can work 18 hours straight and does not take "No" for an answer when she knows better things can be done. She cries when she's happy and laughs even when things are falling apart. She sees the good side of every person.

But she forgets what she is worth.

Between the Lines

When I was young, I used to have a slight prejudice about books. I always thought reading is such a boring thing to do. I easily get tired by just reading a short story.

As time passed by, I learned to appreciate reading. But until now I'm still a picky reader. I only read things that sparks my interest for that day.

Sometimes  it'll take me six months to finish reading an average 300-page novel because I felt disconnected with the story.

Last summer, I forced myself to read a novel and  I was not able to finish it until last week. Maybe it was because of my internship or maybe I'm just too lazy that's why I was not able to finish reading. But I'm not giving up on myself.

I really want to improve my reading kills. I often read fiction books. Right now, "serious" books doesn't really interest me. I'm still finding a way on how to become a better a reader.

I want to expand my knowledge. Reading online articles helped me become a more open - minded person. And I believe that reading variety of books has a lot to offer not only in my studies but to my ideals as well.

I am really challenging myself at this very moment. I want to go back to the place where all possibilities are made. And explore a new and wonderful world.