UN document recommends gendered bathrooms

UN document proposes separate bathrooms, for gender equality

A United Nations Women discussion paper titled “Towards Gender Equality Through Sanitation Access” presents the need to develop adequate sanitation provisions for women in order to achieve gender equality. 

“We recognize that “dignity” is a highly culture and gender-specific term; we therefore argue that sanitation for all – sanitation that serves all genders equally – must be designed and planned explicitly for the unique needs of women and girls."

The paper mentions that women and girls menstruate and that there is a need to manage this natural phenomenon with proper hygiene and dignity.

“In this paper, we argue that sanitation needs are gendered because the differences stem both from biological bodies as well as the norms, expectations and taboos surrounding them.”

It further explains, “Women need more privacy than men when they use the facilities because social norms everywhere demand that they not be seen when relieving themselves. They need to urinate more frequently when they are pregnant. They may need more time in the toilet than men do because they must always sit and squat. They need physical safety when they access outside or public toilets…for some women, public toilets are the primary mode of access.”

In order to achieve gender equality, the paper mentioned the need for toilets that are women-friendly with special consideration for privacy, safety, and convenience. 

It mentioned that in other countries, some women, out of consideration for modesty and privacy, wait until the evening before using the available restroom. So even food and drink is withheld to achieve this goal.

The document concluded that it is necessary to protect personal dignity when providing access to sanitation facilities. 

“Male sanitation needs are different from female sanitation needs in part because of biology and in part because of social expectations. Lack of access to dignified sanitation affects women differently than men because of different requirements for modesty, personal security and the disproportionate burden of unpaid labor. All three needs of women and girls – defacation, urination and menstrual management – should be met with dignity through accessing a latrine that is clean, safe, accessible and affordable.”

To access the full discussion paper, check this link:

https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2016/towards-gender-equality-through-sanitation.pdf?la=en&vs=5952

For a taste of Hong Kong, try Legend Restaurant

With the recent news about the Hong Kong protest, many Filipinos have postponed travel plans to that destination. 

Of course, Hong Kong is known for its Cantonese cuisine. So if you can't fly there, you can try The Legend (Hong Kong) Seafood Restaurant that has its main restaurant in Pasay City and another branch in Vista Mall Sta. Rosa City.

They have a decent dimsum menu that includes pork and shrimp siomai, sharksfin siomai, pork asado siopao, fried prawn dumpling, and fried wonton.

Kids like the pancit canton as well.

This sweet chili jumbo prawn dish is reminiscent of the big sizzling prawns served at American Restaurant (Peking Food) in Wanchai, HK (now closed).

https://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2016/04/american-restaurant-peking-food-at.html

The yang chow fried rice is excellent.

The beef and broccoli dish is popular among Pinoys.

For families, the Legend Fried chicken is a staple.

There are other seafood items like live shark, lapu-lapu, and lobster. This restaurant has managed to attract families and big groups (including corporate events).

John Denver Trending Movie Review

This movie bagged multiple awards during the 2019 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Awards given were Best Film, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Original Musical Score, and Best Actor (Jansen Magpusao).

Set in the Visayan province of Antique, the dialect used was Karay-a that many Filipinos do not speak. Thus, subtitles were a big help.

The story revolves around a boy who was accused of stealing an iPad from a classmate. Someone uploaded an incident on Facebook and it went viral. It portrays the power of social media in modern times.  

The movie highlights the provincial life in Antique. The pacing is a bit slow that seemingly mimics the rural lifestyle. When the movie won awards, the province celebrated the win. 

Jansen Magpusao who won Best Actor was also a new actor chosen from the same town. Even without saying too much, he naturally portrayed his innocence. It was like watching a documentary.

The film was well crafted with the right cinematic tones and interesting cinematography. It was rated PG.

Nevertheless, the movie may need a stronger warning because its theme revolves around minors and suicide. The movie's ending was depressing, not redemptive.

While adults may understand the story's whole context, stressed children or teenagers may get a different signal, through the power of suggestion.

There are news reports where a rise in negative consequences were attributed to watching a TV show. It is important for parents to get into dialogue with their children who are minors.

Thus, stronger caution when presenting these ideas to minors is recommended. The mental health warning at the end of the movie may not be sufficient.

Dora Movie Review

Dora The Explorer is charming even in high school...

For toddlers (and parents) who grew up watching the Latina character Dora on TV, this live action movie is something they may enjoy watching. The character came to life and the overall humor was light and breezy. 

The action and drama were targeted to a young teen audience. There was a light kiss on the lips as well.

It was interesting to see how characters Boots and Swiper were incorporated in the movie. Lines from the old cartoon series were used such as, “Swiper no swiping!” The cartoon added to the movie was another twist to the story.

Dora’s positive demeanor was easy to appreciate, especially as she tried to fit in the high school crowd. She also communicated the importance of being true to oneself. Other themes included friendship and teamwork that are concerns of young adults.

The movie is an adventure story without too much blood and sweat. It plays out like a cartoon albeit with live actors. For parents who remember raising their kids on Dora, there is also a little nostalgia just listening to the dialogue.

Dora portrays a force for the good. Her fans will always love her for that.

Filipina Scholastic author shares her publishing journey

Gail D. Villanueva (holding the microphone) is the first Filipino to write a middle grade novel that was published by Scholastic US. The book "My Fate According To The Butterfly" was launched last 04 August 2019 in the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival held at Raffles Hotel.

Villanueva shared her writing and publishing journey with the audience. After 72 rejections from her first manuscript, she proceeded to write her second book in a period of one and a half months before receiving four offers of representation from various agents.

She said that she found her agent online and cited the website www.querytracker.net as a possible starting point for writers.

She also had writing mentors and went through several manuscript revisions before the final output.



The book is a middle grade contemporary set in Metro Manila amidst Duterte's drug war. Villanueva says that the theme revolves around family. But in the Philippines, that sole topic can become controversial.

For example, the chapter reading mentioned divorce that is currently a hot button issue in the Philippines. Parents are advised to understand the whole context of the book first before giving it to their grade school kids since it goes into controversial topics such as the ones mentioned above.

Villanueva's book launch included a reading of several chapters of the book. The author also signed the books of those who attended the event.

Hello, Love, Goodbye Movie Review

Hello, true love waits...

A sweet romance revolving around young love. The story gives a peek into the lives of Filipino OFWs (overseas foreign workers) that make viewers appreciate the easier or simpler life that (perhaps) they may have. It successfully captures the social effects of migration that usually touches the family unit. It paints a realistic picture of how families eventually break apart (Joy's family) or still find a way to unite (Ethan's family).

It was my first time to watch both Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, and it was interesting to witness their chemistry as a love team. Kathryn's dramatic moments were touching. Her character's desire to find herself was evident in the way she portrayed her role. With his boyish and clean cut looks, Alden did not really look too much of a bad boy. But he supported his leading lady well.

All told, the movie gives meaning to the adage that "If you love someone, set him free. If he comes back, then it's meant to be." 

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Postscript: I have on a number of occasions written about the social costs of migration. One of my stories for the Philippine Daily Inquirer that was titled "When a good mother leaves" reported the findings of a UNICEF study. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/119575/when-a-good-mother-leaves

A few years back I also wrote a letter to the editor that was published in Time Magazine, as follows:

"I congratulate Time Asia for highlighting the sad truth about the growing exodus of mothers from the Philippines [Nov. 24]. To many of us, it seems an irreversible phenomenon -- most overseas workers will tell you they had no other choice but to leave and historical data show that the number of Filipino women working overseas surpasses men, pointing to what some have described as a "feminization" of labor. A mother's absence often leads to unspoken psychological consequences that are felt intensely by children. The problem our overseas workers face is a multigenerational one. Life is about making choices, whether you're rich or poor, but it's up to every Filipino -- not just those who are compelled to work abroad -- to think of ways to advance our society and keep our families together."