V-Day Cebu presents The Vagina Monologues

CEBU, Philippines - With the dream of seeing the world where women and girls are free to thrive, rather than merely survive, the V-Day movement was born. The movement seeks to have an organized response against violence toward women. It is a vision that aims to see a world where women are able to life safely and freely. The movement is a demand to end rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation, and sexual slavery among women. V-Day movement is a spirit that believes in women spending their lives creating and thriving rather that surviving or recovering.

V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day is a process. V-day is a day to celebrate women and end the violence.

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

CEBU, Philippines - Eve Ensler, the founder of V-Day and a playwright,came up with the award-winning play The Vagina Monologues, which is inspired from interviews with more than 200 women. The monologue celebrates women's sexuality and strength in a humorous and graceful way. Since then, for more than sixteen years now, The Vagina Monologues has continued to give voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public.

This is exactly what convinced Sarah Mae P. Enclona to bring The Vagina Monologues for the very first time in Cebu back in 2001, featuring Monique Wilson's New Voice Company. Enclona then organized the first V-Day Cebu 2002 until 2005, before leaving the country for France where she directed some community theatrical productions. However, last year, she returned to the country and applied as this year's V-Day Cebu organizer and rights holder of The Vagina Monologues.

MESSAGE from ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

"This year,I just hope that we'll be able is to educate younger audiences," Enclona on her expectation of the outcome for V-Day. As The Vagina Monologues attracts women from different places, they also aspire to tug the heartstrings of the young people. They produced a Matinee Production for college students.

After the matinee performance, a forum will take place so the students could be more involved. They encourage openness by letting them ask questions especially on women rights and speak their mind on the ongoing issues relating to women. 

For those who will watch it for the first time, Enclona wishes for them to see through the message and not focus only on the performance. For those who have been watching for years now, she hopes they will enjoy it once more and find a new meaning and discover new interesting messages fromThe Vagina Monologues. "There's something new each year," she said.

If you wish to know more on how to be involved in V-Day Cebu projects and/or help Bidlisiw, you may contact 2TinCans Philippines (032-512-3134).

CATTSKI ESPINA

Musician, singer-songwriter, record label producer

22 Tango Records

I joined for so many reasons.  I like the cause.  I'd like to be an advocate of that.  I've heard great things about the material and I think I have a vagina with anger issues so yeah- My Angry Vagina- it's perfect!

Holly Dawn Dychangco

Interior Designer

CEO, Chrome Design Studio

Being part of this year's V-Day benefit performance brings out the woman in me and my respect for all women. 

"My Vagina is a shell, a tulip, and a destiny... My Vagina... Me." The monologue, The Vagina Workshop, allows me to express who I am and to simply enjoy being around women, who are strong advocates against violence.

Atty. Christina Garcia Frasco

First Lady of Lilo-an

The Vagina Monologues relays a compelling message on women empowerment, violence against women and gender equality, that needs to be heard all over the world, including Cebu.  I am deeply honored to have been asked to be one of the purveyors of this message as these are advocacies I firmly believe in and have supported for many years.

Atty. Elaine Bathan

IBP Cebu Chapter President

Asst. Dean, USJ-R College of Law

What I love about my TVM experience is that I am able to go out of my shell and comfort zone.  I am able to show others a different side of me and share to others what I am capable of.  Performing on stage is a different experience for me.  What makes it extra special is that I am doing this for a cause that I myself am passionate about and advocating for. (FREEMAN)