Gwen Pang: A woman for others

One of my favorite poems by the great Maya Angelou is Phenomenal Woman. It emphasizes that a woman’s beauty is not solely defined by her outward appearance but on how she carries herself with grace, confidence and pride. One stanza reads, “Now you understand just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about. Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, it ought to make you proud. I say, it’s in the click of my heels, the bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, the need of my care. ‘Cause I’m a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman. That’s me.”

Today, the second Save-A-Life Gala will be held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Seven exceptional and phenomenal women of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will gather to wear the seven limited edition collaboration pieces of famous designers Jerome Lorico and Louis Claparols. The seven unique dresses are inspired by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross — Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

What makes these women phenomenal? “These seven outstanding women of the Red Cross are the embodiment of a Red Cross Volunteer. They willingly give their time and resources not only in helping the most needy but also of promoting awareness to the Red Cross and that of helping the most needy and saving more lives. These seven women tirelessly spread the vision of Red Cross in each of their own circles, from upper social circles to student bodies in schools,” declared PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang, one of the seven women participating in the gala.

She will represent the principle of Humanity — born out of Red Cross’ desire to give assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield. It aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever and whenever it may be found.

TV personality Cory Quirino, a council member of the PRC-Rizal Chapter Muntinlupa Branch, will join the seven muses of the gala by representing Impartiality — the attitude of Red Cross not to discriminate based on a person’s nationality, race, religion, beliefs, class or political opinions.

Meanwhile, Cindy Ejercito who is a loyal supporter and volunteer of the PRC and wife of Sen. JV Ejercito will represent the organization’s Neutrality — one that doesn’t take any side in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2005 Gionna Cabrera, an active volunteer of the PRC, will embody Independence. The Red Cross Movement is independent. While assisting in the humanitarian service of the government and subject to the laws of the Philippines, the Red Cross always remains autonomous and acts according to its principles not bound to any political issue or agenda.
Voluntary Service will be represented by Bb. Pilipinas 2014 second runner-up Hanna Ruth Sison, also an active volunteer of the Philippine Red Cross. The PRC is a volunteer-driven organization and its volunteers perform services, share their time and resources, and not driven by desire for personal gain or incentive.

Unity exemplifies the single purpose to save lives. Allyssa Padilla, a Red Cross youth member and the 2012 Ms. Red Cross Parañaque branch, epitomizes this valuable principle.

Completing the list of seven ladies is Isabelle Lee, an active volunteer of the Red Cross, who will represent Universality. The Red Cross is a global organization which shares equal responsibilities in helping everyone with its societies from other countries.

(Save-A-Life Gala is organized to spread awareness regarding disaster preparedness and to raise funds for the mitigation of the effects of disasters. Red Cross Sec. Gen. Pang explained, “Disaster Management Services is one of the services of the Red Cross, which aims to educate citizens regarding precautions and proper responses before, during, and after man-made and natural disasters. It also tasked in deploying professionally trained and expert personnel during and after disasters for response, rescue and relief operations. Their main thrust is that of Always First, Always Ready, and Always There.”)