Illustrado Day of Sisterhood

Photos By Donald Rosales and Cristina Linaza

Illustrado threw a community event for Filipinas in the UAE on the 6th April 2012, at the Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

Dubbed the “Day of Sisterhood” the whole day affair dedicated to celebrating “Pinay Power” saw a gathering of 400 Filipinas from all walks of life, who came together for a whole day of learning and bonding.

An offshoot of Illustrado’s Women of Substance campaign, an advocacy devoted to the empowerment of Filipinas in the region, the Day of Sisterhood’s became a venue where attendees were provided useful information on topics that could help them enrich their lives.  The event also became a platform where the women were able to fearlessly discuss personal concerns and issues, especially those related to reproductive health and sexual empowerment.

Event host, Lalaine Chu-Benitez – Illustrado’s Publisher & Editor-in-Chief welcomes guests with the Go Pinay mantra

Phil Ambassador to the UAE Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

 The affair was graced by Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa who opened the event with a non-denominational prayer.

Most awaited during the affair was the open forum session with renowned psychologist, author and TV personality, Illustrado columnist Dr. Margarita Holmes who flew to Dubai especially for the Women of Substance and Day of Sisterhood events.

Digerati’s Lilian Lee Bautista (L) looks on with a smile
Renowned psychologist, author and TV personality Dr. Margarita Holmes discusses sexual empowerment

No holds-barred discussion on sexual empowerment and reproductive health

Digerati’s Arlene Pulido asks the good doctor a question

During the discussion, Dr. Holmes, together with host Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Illustrado’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, highlighted the message that women should make the right decisions for themselves and see to it that they protect their well-being – especially when it comes to their own sexuality as well as reproductive health.

WOS Honoree Engr Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi shares some insights

Lending their expertise on other useful topics for Filipinas were Engr. Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi (career advancement), Financial Consultant Bey Celso (financial literacy and planning), Style Consultant Agnes Aquino-Briggs (style, image and grooming), Sherwin Lim (investing and Philippine real estate) and Jhasmin Cipriano (Pinays Take Charge Guideline).  Also adding to the educational and fun aspect of the event were the demo on Self-Defense for Women conducted by Ibrahim Rubel Beltran, a mini make-up workshop led by locally renowned make-up artist Ginno Alducente, as well as the live painting session by artist Flordeliza Pesigan.

Illustrado’s Johanna Dalocanog conducts a contest for Titan Watches
Artist Flordeliza Pesigna dances salsa while completing a painting right in front of the audience

Other elements such as the hourly Titan Watches give-away, displays from local Filipina entrepreneurs and Pinay Make-Over, as well as the free bone scan from Anlene, give-aways from Dove, Ayala Land, Xpress Money, Dunia, Giordano, as well as refreshments from Al Ain Dairy, Arab Beverages and Galang LLC made for an enjoyable day of bonding the attendees will not forget.

Titan Watch winner Jewel Rovera with Illustrado’s Johanna Dalocanog

Dr. Margarita Holmes with photographer blogger Cristina Linaza

(Center) Regina Marauta at the Meeting Love Sports stand
Free bone scan at the Anlene stand

 

At the Xpress Money stand
DJ Amor Dagdag of Tunog Pinoy (center) and companions

Busy at the registration

At the Dunia stand
Photographers-bloggers Cristina Linaza and Mariyah Gaspacho
At the Titan Watches standAt the Ayala Land stand
At the Al Ain Dairy stand
Light lunch and Arab Beverages refreshments

 

 

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