Monday, March 8, 2010

International Women's Day

Today, March 8, 2010, is International Women’s Day. In fact, in 15 countries including China, Ukraine and Vietnam, the day has been declared a holiday. In America, the month of March has been designated Women’s History Month.
This day and this month, all of America and the whole world celebrate the struggles and achievements of women. Also on this month, our family celebrate the birthdays of three powerfully beautiful, and brainy women: niece Kana Manglapus-Gilberd (March 8th); youngest daughter Traci Maynigo (March 9th); and eldest daughter, Tanya Maynigo Loucks (March 21st). My scientist nephew, Eugene Maynigo Denton’s birthday is on March 23rd but he will have his day. So will my smart college boy nephew, Hochi Manglapus who was born March 11th.
Originally designated and organized to fight for better pay, voting rights and an end to discrimination, International Women’s Day has evolved into inspiring women to pursue higher goals of leadership in socio-economic and political development, and celebrating their corresponding successes.
This reminds me of the discussion I had with my Filipino barber. The issue was, who is superior, man or woman? Apparently, he has asked the same question to his other customers but could not get an agreement. The debate is indeed a never-ending one. So I said, “perhaps, we should get some Divine guidance or signs as to who did God choose to be superior.”
I went further, “In any project, be it personal, social, economic or political, the following 3 things are required: first, you must be innovative, you must conceive of new ideas; second, you must labor hard to implement those ideas; and third, you must perform or deliver. Key words: CONCEIVE, LABOR, and DELIVER. Question, who did God choose to conceive, labor and deliver?”
It turned out that I was just reinforcing his belief. In fact, between his Filipino parents who have been married for more than 40 years, he claimed that his father was Vice-President at home. When they immigrated to the United States, his father’s status was elevated to being “King” to his mother’s “Queen” at home. The latter however, retained being “Ace”.
Asked about his parents’ secret in being together for such a long time, he said, “compromise. Both perfected the art of compromise. Example: when my father wanted to see a basketball game and my mother wanted to see a movie, they had a very civil and intelligent debate and came up with an acceptable compromise – they saw a movie.”
He believes that the reason Adam was created first was to give him a chance to say something.
He also told me this story. “So, God made Adam. Adam was walking around one day and realized that he was lonely, so he asked for a companion.
God said, "I can make a woman for you. She will cook and clean and do everything you ask her to. She will wait on you hand and foot. She will be so beautiful that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of her. It’s gonna cost you an arm and a leg, though.”
Adam said, “Well, what can I get for a rib?”
We all know by now that when you want something said, ask a man. When you want something done, ask a woman.
Lastly, a woman uses the part of her body above shoulders to think. A man makes his decisions led by the part of his body below the belt.
Happy International Women’s Day! A recognition day for woman's superiority?

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