PH National Women’s Month in Chongqing Celebrated in Healing HeART for Every Juana
Top photos, from left to right: Philippine Consul General to Chongqing Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo welcomes the participants to Healing HeART for Every Juana, a therapeutic art workshop in celebration of the Philippines’ National Women’s Month. Portuguese artist and teacher, Mafalda Soares Nunes, guides the participants on painting techniques. Bottom photos, from left to right: The participants generously share insights on women’s resilience while offering advice and encouragement. Consul General Mayo presents a token of appreciation to Ms. Soares Nunes. (Chongqing PCG photos)
CHONGQING, 27 March 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General hosted today an art workshop and fellowship for Filipino and Chinese women – its first in the southwest megacity of Chongqing on 19 March 2023.
Held at the official residence of Philippine Consul General to Chongqing Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, the event, dubbed “Healing HeART for Every Juana,” gathered 10 ladies from diverse backgrounds. The participants included Filipino women married to Chinese citizens as well as Chinese executives coming from the airline, hotel, property management and health sectors.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Mayo discussed the value of National Women’s Month in shining a light on various issues affecting women. “National Women’s Month in the Philippines occasions a deeper look at conditions that impede the fulfillment of women’s potentials, especially those who are falling through the cracks,” she observed.
Ms. Mafalda Soares Nunes, a Portuguese artist and teacher, guided the participants on a therapeutic journey of self-discovery through painting. She provided participants with stenciled canvases of selected paintings by Filipino artists and coached them on basic art techniques using oils sent by Beijing-based Filipino artist Jensen Moreno. With Original Pilipino Music (OPM) playing in the background as they painted, the Filipino participants commented that the exercise evoked love for family as a common emotional response even as the Chinese ladies also found a personal connection to the images of women on their canvas.
The event culminated in a sharing session moderated by the Consul General and Ms. Soares Nunes. Some participants confided stories of personal resilience while others proffered advice and affirmation.
Consul General Mayo closed the event with profuse thanks to Ms. Soares and all participants for the generous giving of self for the empowerment of women. END
For more information, visit https://www.chongqingpcg.dfa.gov.ph.