Yearly Archives: 2015

Women artists, rights activists mount exhibit for women political prisoners

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women artists

In commemoration of the International Day to End Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on November 25, women artists, human rights activists and poets joined relatives of political prisoners in mounting a benefit exhibit of portraits of women political prisoners in the Philippines at the Conspiracy Bar in Quezon City.

The Kababaihan sa Sining at Bagong Sibol na Kamalayan (Kasibulan)–an organization of women artists, human rights group Karapatan, poets from Kilometer 64, and relatives of political prisoners under Hustisya, opened the exhibit Wednesday with nineteen (19) portraits of women political prisoners.

Volunteer teacher Rhea Pareja, elderly Moreta Alegre, youth activist Maricon Montajes, women’s rights advocate Rosanna Cabusao, and National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultants Wilma Austria, Ma. Concepcion Araneta-Bocala and Loida Magpatoc, were among the women political prisoners featured in the portraits.

As of September 30, 2015, there are 51 women political prisoners in the Philippines, out of the 555 political prisoners. Political prisoners are individuals illegally arrested and detained based on their political beliefs or affiliations. Fabricated criminal charges were filed against them.

The benefit exhibit, which will run until December 7, is part of the continuing efforts to raise awareness and resources for the campaign to free political prisoners in the Philippines.

The organizers said the exhibit was also opened in time for the UN-declared IDEVAW, in commemoration of the death anniversary of the Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic who also became women political prisoners during the military dictatorship by the Trujillo regime in the 1950’s-60’s. The Mirabal sisters – Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa – were called “Las Mariposas” or “The Butterflies,” among the members of the resistance movement in the Dominican Republic.

For references:
Vivian Nocum Limpin, Kasibulan President (0915-8107879)
Cristina Palabay, Karapatan Secretary General (0917-3162831)
Nikki Gamara, daughter of political prisoner Renante Gamara (0916-1134588)

Press Release

A comfy bed equals a good night’s sleep

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bed

I noticed that as a person gets older and busier with life and work, the lesser time he spent on sleeping. A four or five hours of sleep is considered bliss, just enough to get your energy back and recharge for another busy day at work. But sleep does not come easily. Unlike when you were younger, it is easier to go to bed on time. Sometimes it takes a comfortable bed to get you a well-rested night. It doesn’t need to be a king size bed, but just enough to give you room to stretch and turn with ease.

Since last year, I’ve written about looking for a new bed or bedroom sale to replace our old one that gives me a sore back. I really hope that we would be able to buy this year. Our bed doesn’t need to be a branded one, but an alternative with the same quality is enough to give me a better night’s sleep.

Image courtesy of WorldWideStock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Safe Gifts for Kids

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safe gift

You cannot go wrong with toys if your recipients are mostly young kids. Toys remain the most popular Christmas gifts, however, there are several things to consider when buying toys for children. It isn’t just the color or physical make up of toys or design of iphone 3g cases, but make sure toys are age proper or suitable for the kids’ physical and social development.

Characteristics of a good toy:
1. It should suit the child’s physical capabilities, mental and social development;
2. It should appeal to the child; and
3. It should be well constructed, durable and safe for the child’s age.

Dos and Don’ts in Toy Safety:
1. Check labels on the packaging and observe precautions appearing in the labels to ensure the safety of the child;
2. Ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his age under adult supervision;
3. Dispose plastic packaging accordingly. Keep it out of reach of children;
4. For children under age three (3), do not buy the following toys:

• balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less so as to prevent choking;
• that easily breaks into small parts or pieces (glass or brittle plastics);
• containing small detachable parts or pieces which could become lodged in the throat;
• with sharp points and edges;
• with electrical parts, unless supervised by an adult;
• with parts that could pinch or entrap fingers, toes or hair;
• with parts put together by straight pins, sharp wires or nails that are exposed and easily detached.

Note: Safety information issued by the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology (BHDT)-Department of Health.

Image courtesy of Sicha Pongjivanich at FreeDigitalPhotos.net