Manay Gina as peace-builder

That women are effective peace-builders has been proven true time and again. They make good diplomats, what with their ability to heal wounds and hurts, say the right things at the right time, mend fences, let the past be forgiven and forgotten. With China claiming “indisputable sovereignty” over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), and the Philippine government bringing the issue of ownership of portions of the sea to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the issue is hot and may even become hotter, and if unresolved, may lead to a bloody war, according to concerned observers. Can women do something to help ease the tension, and bring word-warring countries, including the Philippines, to the table for a solution?

The delegation of Philippine female legislators who just arrived from a China visit, may not be direct negotiators, but their trip gave them an insight into the need for bilateral talks that could prevent a possible war with China.

The 12-woman delegation to China, headed by Rep.  Gina de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), met with Chinese officials for feelers on the South China Sea situation. Upon the group’s return to Manila, De Venecia delivered a privilege speech at the House of  Representatives calling for the resumption of bilateral talks with China, the need for a settlement of the disputed territories, and other issues such as trade tourism, cultural exchange, security, labor, education and cooperation on climate change. She said, “In the end, we have to admit that our bilateral ties go far beyond this maritime conflict over a few islets.”     

She called for the creation of a Philippine-China Council, to be composed of eminent persons, peacemakers, economic experts, representatives from the academe, historians, geo-political experts, and civil society leaders who will meet with counterparts in China, to address the problem in West Philippine Sea and strengthen bilateral ties, and areas of common concern and mutual benefits.

“We cannot sacrifice the paramount picture of our enduring relations and compromise the overall interests of our people over a few rocks.”

 But those are not just a few rocks, if we are to remind the Pangasinan representative. It is believed that the islets in question contain vast mineral deposits, oil and other resources that is why China is so bent on claiming them as historically theirs. That claim is being disputed by the Philippines and other countries.

De Venecia did cite the importance of settling the maritime disputes. Apart from security issues, economic gains are at risk. In 2012, for example, over 1.1 million people travelled across China and the Philippines, and the volume of bilateral trade stood at a record high of $36.4 billion. At the same time, she said, the Philippines was also China’s sixth largest trading partner among ASEAN countries, while China, including Hong Kong, was the largest export market for the Philippines.

The vice minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, according to De Venecia, or Manay Gina, as she is popularly called at home, was reportedly moved by the “valor” of the delegation. He said, “I commend you for your courage to come here at this sensitive time. Now that you’re here, it fully shows your courage and sincerity to improve our bilateral relations.”

The Chinese official further said, “Our party is eager to develop relations on a mutual benefit. So, more party-to-party exchanges between the CPC and Philippine political parties. We are not closing our door and our stand is not confrontational. And after hearing your words, I feel confident on the future of our bilateral relations. Let’s work together for the future of our nations.”

With Gina on this “daring” mission were Representatives Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, Belma Cabilao, Mercedes  Cagas, Julieta Cortuna, Gwendolyn Garcia, Elisa “Olga” Kho, Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Leah Paquiz, Marie Anne Pernes, Josephine Sato, and Juliette Uy.

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Kalahi-Marikina chairperson Harry Singh has announced the launch of the  search for the 2014  Binibining Marikina and Ginoong Makisig pageant. The pageant aims to raise funds to support the launching of the Dambana ng Lahing Marikina, a towering symbol of Mariang Marikit, Ina ng Marikina holding an eternal flame and a symbol of Marikina’s shoe industry. Dambana ng Lahing Marikina is a socio-historical project of Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman.

The pageant is open to residents of the city of Marikina who meet the following criteria : must be single, Filipino citizen, between 18-25 years old, at least 5’3 in height for women and 5’7 for men, at least high school graduate, and of good moral character.

Each candidate must  be nominated by the barangay that he/she is representing. Chairpersons of the barangay search committees are the following barangay officials:  Mario de Leon (Calumpang); Kaye Marco (San Roque); Luz Samson (Sta. Elena); Jojo Banzon (Sto. Niño); Willy Chavez (Malanday); Eva Paz (Jesus dela Peña); Kambal Acuna (Tañong); Barangay Captain Bulik Managuit (Barangka); Barangay Captain Pandot Mira (Industrial Valley); Barangay Captain Ziff Ancheta (Tumana); Barangay Captain Randy Leal (Nangka); Xyza Diazen (Parang); Vilma Santos (Marikina Heights); Barangay Captain Jane Zubiri (Concepcion Dos); and. Belinda Sto. Domingo (Concepcion Uno).

The pageant includes categories, such as formal and Filipiniana wear; swim wear;  beauty and talent; and mardi gras costume.

Deadline for all applicants is June 20. Coronation Night is set for October 23 at the Marikina Convention Center.

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Had I heard about Novuhair years ago, I would have readily applied it to arrest  thinning hair. Since I received the invitation at a Novuhair product launch only three weeks ago, I’ve been using Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion  and Novuhair shampoo, and I expect the result to have a full crown of shiny, healthy hair in a few months’ time. That is to happen, assures   Sheila Mae  Vellila, president of Nutramedica Inc., distributor  of  Novuhair  Scalp Lotion and  Shampoo.

First, a few words on that most unhappy occurrence: baldness, or alopeci areata. It’s a disease with unknown causes that is very difficult to treat,” says Dr. Rica Mallari of the Philippine Dermatological Society.

According to Dr. Mallari, alopecia areata is “an autoimmune disorder where the immune cells of the body go against the hair follicles, making the hair strands weak at the base and easy to pluck. It is characterized by bald patches on the scalp that may join together and eventually render an individual hairless. Alopecia areata may also attack other parts of the body such as the eyebrows and pubic area.”

Alopecia has many types, among them are pattern hair loss or common baldness, telogen effluvium or temporary hair shedding, and alopecia areata which is considered the hardest to treat.

Products have been discovered and sold in the market to help alleviate, if not fully cover those unsightly bald spatches. Among them is Novuhair, which is made from all-natural ingredients including moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil, and the essential oils of rosemary, peppermint and lavender. Collectively, these ingredients are said to help improve blood circulation and increase nutrient flow to the scalp.

It is claimed that Novuhair users notice a decrease in hair loss after only  just one week.

If you’ve noticed TV host Kim Atienza wearing a good crown of hair, and singer-songwriter Abby Asistia displaying real hair, not a wig, it’s because, they say,  they’ve been using Novuhair products.

 Novuhair is now available in a special 2-in-1 pack, a combo inclusive of Novuhair Shampoo, Topical Scalp Lotion, plus an additional bottle of Novuhair Shampoo. These are available at Mercury Drug Stores.

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