Let the Pinay emerge!
As I was reading through the campaign, I was brought back to the time when I was defending my doctoral dissertation proposal (November of 2011, defended/presented the results in June 2012). My topic is about Filipino Women Social Gamers and my panel members asked me to define the word “Pinay”. Apparently, you have to differentiate these terms because “Filipino Women” could mean something different from “Pinay”. The former exists in reality while the latter is a concept defined by social construction.
Plus, I’m not sure if a lot of women are aware, but I have been wielding my nerdy pen in defense of the Pinay ever since I noticed that the keywords “Pinay” and “Filipino women” seem to produce…less than desirable Google results. While doing my research, I am bombarded with nasty images and descriptions of Filipino women and sadly, a lot of those are from Filipino men who are self-proclaimed geeks and new media practitioners. Tsk. No wonder you cannot walk the streets of Manila without receiving catcalls and whistles. If educated men can openly promote the sexual objectification of women online, you cannot expect the uneducated ones to behave better offline.
Anyway, after reading the campaign, I am suddenly curious as to how our readers would define the word “Pinay”. And since it has been months since I’ve been wondering what kind of contest I could run so I could give away my Human Nature lipsticks, this gives me an opportunity to hit two birds with one stone.
So, in this blog, let us begin to raise better images of the Pinay!
Here’s my contest:
In the comments section below, define the word “Pinay”. Best answer wins.
Additional points will be awarded to those who like/join Skysenshi’s Hermitage FB Page and/or share this blog entry to Facebook and Twitter (of course, please leave the link below your answer as well).
It’s that simple. I will pick the best comment on 12 August 2012, at 11:59PM.
Good luck!!
WINNER ANNOUNCED:
Thesa Ursal! Your comment wins. Please send me your name, contact number, mailing address and email via this form: http://www.sarimanok.ph/contact-us/
10 Comments
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Den Alibudbud
July 24, 2012 at 7:06 ami was going to say that a “Pinay” is someone whose personal formation is influenced by Philippine socio-historical context but it isn't necessarily true. i think a Pinay is someone who loves the Philippines and calls it home. para lang si Akiko Thomson, who doesn't have a drop of Filipino blood in her, but has a stronger sense of patriotism than some people.
Justine Marie Roce
July 25, 2012 at 6:52 amThe Filipino woman started as a second class citizen. We were taught that we were born to bear children, do housekeeping and be their for men. We were taught not to have a voice, to be “mahinhin”, to just smile and agree with everything, our man (may it be father or husband) says. We were the ones that should always be in need of saving, to be protected.
As time went on, there emerged some exceptions, like Gabriela Silang who dare stand up for what she believed in. More women followed suit, and now here we are, allowed to make our own choices– well, many of us at least. Some women are still caught up with the past. I say down with that, because I believe a Filipino woman is strong. She might fall down, be disgraced, and lose honor, but she will always rise up from the ashes and proclaim her own rights. We as women have endured so much hatred, discrimination and injustice, and we will keep enduring them and fighting for our right for the sake of our fellow women.
The Filipino woman may start out as weak, but we will have our time to shine. And if we are denied that, then we will keep on fighting the good fight.
skysenshi
July 25, 2012 at 8:22 amIn the pre-Hispanic times, we had a matriarchal society. But I suppose when they started calling us “Filipino”, the gender roles began to change.
forsakinghalfloves
July 25, 2012 at 10:22 amGreat example! I would also cite jewelry designer Wynn Wynn Ong, who's Burmese but calls the Philippines home 🙂
Thesa Ursal
July 28, 2012 at 7:45 amThe price aside, tho i sure want one, this question made me think twice. Like eating rice, talking in Tagalog, being a Pinay is something I came to take for granted. How do i perceive what a Pinay is? What am I as a Pinay? Is it just a local slang referring to Filipino women.
I would like to define Pinay as this…
A Pinay is indeed a local slang referring to Filipino women in general. But what makes the term important is the individual carrying that name. A Pinay is a Filipino woman, who by blood or by faith, has evolved through hundreds of years of cultural, social, religious and political diversities.
From being the provider of food in some tribe to the homemaker in another…until she becomes a provider, a caregiver and a homemaker in one.
From being a little girl to her adoring father, a pest to her growing brother and a doll to her loving mother…until she becomes a unique individual who is able to hold her own in a world which, in more ways than one, still holds a bias on her gender and more so her very blood.
A Pinay is the evolution of the Filipino women, an individual who is not bound by the four walls of her home, her community, her very country and the ideology that comes with all of it, and still carries the nature of that very blood she holds- strong yet gentle, wise yet humble, firm yet loving.
But then again, that is what I think a Pinay should be and does not necessarily and completely apply to all. As I said, what makes the term important is the individual carrying that name.
skysenshi
July 29, 2012 at 2:54 amWow. I am loving this answer. I wish I had thought about this contest before I started writing my doctoral dissertation. I could have included your answers, haha. This is a goldmine of related literature. 😀 Thanks!!
forsakinghalfloves
July 29, 2012 at 3:43 amThe definition of “Pinay” is not inevitable, or final. To allow ourselves to be defined by the negativity we see in Google is a complacency and laziness we should struggle against, especially if we are more than capable of turning the tide. Technology and social media makes that even more possible.
It is up to us to define ourselves, regardless of how others see us and how they want to define us and expect us to live up to these definitions. Some Pinays find fulfillment in being a stay-at-home mom. Others find happiness in a corporate environment, a school, the stage, and yes, some women, Pinays, feel empowered and inspired performing as burlesque dancers, even if a lot of people think otherwise.
Sukha Valdez
August 9, 2012 at 2:59 pmHey, Sky Senshi, my definition of a Pinay is simple: it means Piling-Pili at Pinong-Pino! It means we are a refined and noble race. Why? Refined because the women in the Philippines are Wise: their husbands and children look up to them for encouragement, understanding, and passion (Zeal to be overcomers). When a man is discouraged, he seeks the advise and kind words of their wives and mothers. The Pinay also knows when to speak her mind and when to shut up. She is confident where she stands, that is why Pilipino Men acknowledge her space and place in society. In fact, she was even given complete jurisdiction over financial planning in the home.
Pinays are Noble; because she can strive to fight for greater causes. She knows how to be selfless for a greater good. Her heart knows how to hope because her faith in God is what keeps her moving forward for a better future. This is the Pinay. Piling-pili at Pinong-pino.
Fayeamethyst
August 12, 2012 at 1:28 amPinay now rise above others.
skysenshi
August 17, 2012 at 5:16 amHello,
Thesa Ursal! Your comment wins. Please send me your name, contact number, mailing address and email via this form:
http://www.sarimanok.ph/contact-us/
Thanks for participating!