SPU Manila honors women and the arts at CASE’s SONO event

By: Anne Gabrielle V. Mangali | The Paulinian

In celebration of the National Arts Month in February and the National Women’s Month in March, the Paulinian Student Government, more specifically, College of Arts and Sciences, Integrated Students Media Society, Paulinian Psychology Circle, Youth Alliance for Peace, Paulinian Shutters Club, and The Paulinian organized “SONO: Pagkilala sa Sining at Marka ng Kababaihan sa Lipunan,” a project that aimed to commemorate and honor women and the arts through a series of talks, as well as an art exhibit participated in by several Paulinian students from different departments.

The culmination of the event held on March 31, 2023 in the Founder’s Hall was a program consisting of talks by Ms. Rae Elaine Ragos and Ms. Sheilla Habab. Their talks tackled youth empowerment and forging inclusivity in society. Students who won in the art exhibit were given certificates of appreciation.

The program began with opening remarks from Faye Baldemor and Reine Larga, College of Arts and Sciences Student Council President and Auditor, respectively. Through their addresses, they stressed the importance and purpose of the event which was to be “a platform that aims to be an echo, giving voice to specific issues that we face today.” They also sought to find a platform that can promote unity, as well as showcase creativity that will encourage students to be advocates for raising awareness on the issues that women and field of arts face today.

Following the welcoming message, the series of talks began with the first topic, “SLAY YOUR DAY” by guest speaker, Ms. Rae Elaine Ragos. Here, she tackled youth empowerment that sought to pursue and promote inclusiveness despite diversity in society.

The last portion of the event consisted of a raffle and awarding of certificates to the speakers and participants of the event, as well as the announcement of winners in the art exhibit:
-    1st place | Simula ng Bagong Talulot: Abante Babae – Angela Feliza Arcamo
-    2nd place | Women are DRAG, not Drug – Edana Marie Sopoco
-    3rd place | Gender Inclusion: A Call to Action – Ruby Gail Traje
-    People’s Choice Award | Sisters’ Solidarity – Christine Salud

The program ended with closing messages from Ms. Claudine Alhambra and Reine Maureen Larga.