Last week saw Filipinos shine on the world stage, representing justice, leadership, peace and creativity.
In Oslo, Maria Ressa accepted her Nobel Peace Prize. While the title of the award says peace, her acceptance of the award represented justice for journalists everywhere who will refuse to be shut down or shut up.
In Israel, Marian Rivera is a judge for the Miss Universe pageant. While this is traditionally referred to as a beauty pageant, I like to think that this platform has evolved to represent women empowerment and leadership.
In Bahrain, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, as Prefect for the Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples, was presider for the consecration of the new Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia on Dec.10. While he is the face of faith, I like to think that at this event he was the face of peace, as a home to Christians was celebrated in a predominantly Muslim country.
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
In Paris, Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou received not just one but two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. “Simpol The Cookbook” won in two categories: Celebrity Chef—World and Easy Recipes at Home. While this is a ‘simpol’ cookbook, it represents the creativity of Filipinos in the culinary field, a new spectrum of flavors for world gourmands and gourmets to discover and enjoy.
We have come a long way as Filipinos since we were “discovered” by Ferdinand Magellan and that first crew who really became our first publicists and promoters to the world. As the theme of 500 Years of Christianity goes, from the Philippines being a target for mission, we are now the ones shining our light around the world. And in various fields, too!