PH Embassy in Beijing Film Showing in Celebration of National Women’s Month

Philippine Chargé d' affaires a.i. Dinno M. Oblena, delivers his opening remarks emphasizing the role of women and their contributions to society.

BEIJING 27 March 2021 – In celebration of the 2022 National Women's Month, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), transported members of the Filipino community and personnel of the Embassy and attached agencies to the warm island of Negros Occidental and into the story of triumph, forgiveness and resilience of Regina Cadena, in the 2013 film Sonata by esteemed directors Lore Reyes and Peque Gallaga.

In the film, Cadena, portrayed by celebrated actress Cherie Gil, is an international opera star who lost her voice and builds an unlikely friendship with two young boys who through their courage, kindness and wonder guides her in her own journey to find her voice anew.

With the Chancery's Sentro Rizal being transformed cinema-like especially for the event, the attendees of the film screening, who are mostly women who have not been able to visit the Philippines due to travel restrictions, were welcomed by the scent of freshly-made popcorn.

In his opening remarks, Philippine Embassy in Beijing Chargé d’ affaires, a.i. Dinno M. Oblena thanked all the guests for taking the time to join the film screening as part of the Embassy’s women’s month celebration with the theme, Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran”. CDA Oblena emphasized the power of women to shape the narrative and use their voice to make change, and encouraged all registered voters to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming national elections overseas on 10 April to 09 May 2022. He reminded the attendees that the power to shape the nation begins with every vote.

At the end of the film, Cherie Gil's character sings the Illongo lullabye lli ili anay, a song about a child being lulled to sleep while the mother is away working, an apt reminder to rest and take a breath, and dream of a better day tomorrow.

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing also took stock of the important role of women in maintaining the positive trajectory of the country’s pandemic recovery and in nation-building. A lot of work still needs to be done to protect the gains of the past years in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment amidst the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as what the Philippine Commission on Women emphasized in this year's celebration. END

Philippine Embassy in Beijing personnel welcome attendees from the Filipino Community and implement procedures in observance of health protocols. (Beijing PE photo)

Attendees while waiting for the movie to start at the Embassy's Social Hall. (Beijing PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph.