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A Voice for Women

Miss Universe is not just a pageant to show how beautiful a woman is or to win a title; it was created to provide a platform for women to showcase their intelligence, talent, and advocacy. It aims to empower women by giving them a global stage to address important issues and make a positive impact on society. Through various initiatives and charitable work, Miss Universe contestants use their influence to inspire change and promote equality for women worldwide.

In our society, women are not heard, and their voices are often criticized. Miss Universe seeks to change that perception by amplifying the voices of women and providing them with a platform to be seen, heard, and respected. By showcasing the intelligence, talent, and advocacy of its contestants, Miss Universe challenges cultural standards and promotes a more inclusive and equal world for women. Some argue that the competition may unintentionally promote traditional gender roles by placing excessive emphasis on femininity and physical attractiveness. However, Miss Universe has evolved over the years to focus not only on physical appearance but also on the achievements and aspirations of its contestants. By highlighting their accomplishments and dedication to various causes, the competition aims to break stereotypes and inspire women to pursue their dreams, regardless of social expectations. Ultimately, Miss Universe strives to create a platform where women can be celebrated for their unique qualities and contributions to society, creating a more empowered and equal future for all.

Women are urged to enjoy their physical looks and show off their self-confidence through the Miss Universe competition. They inspire others to do the same by promoting a more inclusive definition of beauty. This platform encourages women to be comfortable in their own skin and follow their aspirations without boundaries, in addition to celebrating their own features. The Miss Universe pageant gives women a global platform to tell their stories and support causes that are important to them, amplifying their voices and creating change. This empowerment goes beyond the game itself, as competitors frequently use their position to change social concerns like gender equality, healthcare, and education. Last but not least, the Miss Universe pageant serves as a means for women to shatter stereotypes and inspire others to strive for greatness.

To sum up, Miss Universe represents women's empowerment because it gives them a platform to be heard globally and utilizes their influence to make a significant difference. It challenges misconceptions by giving women a platform to demonstrate their brilliance, creativity, and attractiveness on a worldwide scale. Through recognizing the accomplishments and goals of numerous women from various backgrounds, the Miss Universe contest promotes a feeling of harmony and support among women globally. In the end, it's a powerful reminder that every woman has the ability to change the world and create a better future for herself and other people.

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MINSAN MAY ISANG P*TA

In the same way that a prostitute gives up their independence for short-term satisfaction, our nation struggles with the difficult decision to give up our freedom in exchange for quick gains. The word "puta" is used to describe our country, the Philippines. It means "whore" or "prostitute" in Spanish, and it reflects the perception that our nation is willing to compromise its principles for immediate benefits. This offensive term highlights the dilemma we face as a country as we grapple with the choice between preserving our freedom and succumbing to short-term temptations.  

"Minsan may Isang Puta" is written by Mike Portes; it was written in 2004, modified, and published in 2014. It is a short story that uses a technique that makes it sound as if the speaker speaks directly to the reader. It's just a simple request from the speaker to listen as though it were a friend or relative sharing her experiences. This is a well-known yet mysterious story. Perhaps what makes it new, personal, and charming is that it is told from the perspective of a prostitute. The story delves into the complexities of her life, shedding light on the struggles she faces and the choices she has made.  

The narrative opens with the narrator, a sex worker and a loving mother, talking about her experiences with how she let the foreigners use her body for money to raise her children and pay her debts. She lets them use her body without realizing that she is being destroyed. She talks about prejudices she encountered in her neighborhood. She shares her insecurities, difficulties, and reflective moments despite the negative opinions of her neighbors. A new perspective is introduced in the story's last section as the narrator muses over her strained relationships with her kids and the possibility of loneliness in the future. The plea for understanding, acceptance, and love adds a touch of vulnerability, challenging readers to empathize with the narrator's journey. 

At the end of the story, the narrator says her name; she says, "Pilipinas nga pala." At first, I didn't understand, but I came to the realization that the mother in the story is our country, the Philippines, and she is talking to us, her children, Filipinos. Our country is compared to a prostitute, highlighting the harsh reality of how our country has been exploited and taken advantage of by other countries. They always use us, but we just turn a blind eye to the fact that it is slowly destroying us because of our desire for financial stability and better opportunities. The narrator's journey serves as a metaphor for the collective journey of Filipinos in realizing the true state of our country and the need for change. Through her experiences, she uncovers the layers of 

exploitation and oppression that have shaped our nation's history, ultimately leading to a call for unity and empowerment among fellow Filipinos. 

“Ina ninyo ako! Pagmamahal nyo lang ang kailangan ko!” Our country seeks love and help from its people. We are likened to her children in the story; some of us departed the Philippines to settle in other nations and forgets our country, while others stayed, but some of them are destroying it for their own selfish ends. It also tackles our crab mentality that when someone is better than us, we get jealous and try to pull them down. This call for unity and empowerment emphasizes the importance of setting aside our differences and working together towards a common goal. It encourages us to overcome our crab mentality and support one another, recognizing that by doing so, we can uplift our country and create a better future for all Filipinos.  

Our motherland has been used for many years, and now we should not let it happen again. It is time for us to take responsibility and actively contribute to the betterment of our nation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a prosperous and peaceful Philippines. Let us unite in our efforts to create lasting positive change and build a brighter future for all Filipinos. 

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EQUALITY

 

Equality is not just about being fair; true equality means everyone has the same status, rights, and opportunity, no matter what your gender, religion, or race is, whether you are rich or poor, regardless of your background or social class. It is about creating a society where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. The phrase "EQUALITY, and I will be FREE" expresses the deep desire for a society where every individual is treated with fairness and respect. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice, highlighting the importance of achieving true equality for all.  

The author of the poem is Maya Angelou, also known as Marguerite Ann Johnson (her real name). She is an African American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her poems are mostly influenced by traumatic experiences in her life. Maya Angelou's works often confront themes of racism, discrimination, and social inequality, as she uses her powerful words to shed light on the struggles faced by oppressed communities. Her poetry serves as a call to action, urging society to come together and create a place where everyone can experience true freedom and equality.  

The purpose of the poem is to stop racism, promote gender equality, and have someone listen to them because it shows how men see and treat black women. The lines "You announce my ways are wanton, that I fly from man to man, but if I'm just a shadow to you, could you ever understand?" and "Take the blinders from your vision, take the padding from your ears, and confess you've heard me crying, and admit you've seen my tears" prove that it treats a woman like a nobody, like a shadow, and wants them to open their eyes and ears to the author's experiences.  By using metaphors like these, the poem highlights the feeling of being invisible and unheard. 

The theme of the poem is about the oppression and struggles of a black woman in a society that disregards her experiences and the struggle for equality. The author uses powerful metaphors like being a shadow and having blinders to convey the feeling of being invisible and unheard. The poem highlights the importance of empathy and understanding to break free from societal oppression and achieve true equality.  

One of the various issues covered in the poem is gender discrimination. The speaker complains about their lack of visibility, feeling like mere shadows. The speaker's behaviors are interpreted by the listener as wanton, suggesting a tendency for stereotypes and misunderstandings of their actions. Racism and injustices from the past: the poem alludes to historical injustices and discrimination experienced by people of color by talking about a difficult and shameful past. Call for Empathy: The speaker figuratively asks the audience to open their eyes and ears to the speaker's experiences by urging them to take off their padding and blinders. 

Maya Angelou uses metaphor, repetition, imagery, and powerful words. The poems she wrote are based on her life and the problems and struggles she faced as a woman of color since she was a child. She uses her personal experiences to shed light on the broader issues of racial inequality and social injustice that have plagued society for centuries.  

She was successful in persuading the audience because every line in that poem is deep and meaningful, which encourages the readers to also speak up for the truth and not fear anyone. The poem resonates with many individuals who have experienced similar forms of oppression and discrimination, allowing them to feel seen and understood.  

The poem I read inspired me to always pursue equality and to use my voice as a tool for change. Angelic, powerful words serve as a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference and that our voices can create a ripple effect of positive change in society. By sharing our stories and speaking out against injustice, we can inspire others to do the same and create a collective movement towards a more inclusive and fairer world. 

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Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing dispute over land and self-determination between Israelis and Palestinians. It traces its roots back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the Zionist movement sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Following the establishment of Israel in 1948, tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have persisted, with both sides claiming rights to the same land. In the past few years, the Israel and Palestine conflict has been going on, though it has been silent. But on October 7, 2023, war broke out between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic militant group that has control over the Gaza Strip. This long-standing conflict has been characterized by unpredictable outbreaks of violence and tense diplomatic negotiations.

The Super Nova music festival is an annual event that brings together thousands of music lovers from different parts of the world. It has become a symbol of cultural exchange and unity, showcasing diverse musical talents and promoting peace through the power of music. On October 7, 2023, nearly three thousand people attended the Super Nova music festival. Around 6:30 in the morning, the concertgoers saw hundreds of rockets flying, and they heard explosions around them. As the rocket explosions continued, the concert organizers told the people to leave, and around 7:00 am, the attackers arrived at the festival grounds, armed with guns. Chaos ensued as people tried to flee and find shelter, while the Hamas terrorists were brutally killing innocent lives.More than 260 bodies have reportedly been recovered from the festival site, and some of them were taken as hostages.The attack on the festival not only resulted in a tragic loss of lives but also shattered the spirit of unity and peace that the festival aimed to promote.

The movement known as Zionism, which aimed to establish a homeland for people in Palestine, gained momentum during the 1800s and early 1900s. The British government supported this cause. Following World War I, the League of Nations entrusted Britain with the mandate to govern Palestine. As tensions grew between Arab communities, Israel was established in 1948, bringing to reality the aspirations of the Zionist movement. The establishment of Israel, however, sparked a long-standing conflict between the Jewish and Arab communities in the region. This conflict has resulted in numerous wars, negotiations, and ongoing tensions that continue to shape the political landscape of the Middle East today. 

Hamas is an Islamic militant group that emerged in the late 1980s as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. It gained popularity among Palestinians through its provision of social services and its resistance against Israeli occupation. Hamas advocates for the establishment of an Islamic state in Palestine and has engaged in both political and military activities to achieve its goals. Extremist Islamic groups like Hamas have used religious ideology to justify their actions, leading to cycles of violence and retaliation. Former Hamas leader Khaled Shamal calls October 13, 2023, Friday, 'Global Day of Jihad' and calls on Muslims to take to the streets and deliver a message of anger. He said, "We should take to the streets and the city squares in Arab and Islamic cities, as well as in cities everywhere where there are communities". The use of religion to justify violence has intensified tensions between Hamas and Israel. It's crucial to understand that the actions of these groups do not reflect the beliefs or values held by the Muslim community.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has long sought control over border territories to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid and resources to the Palestinian people. However, Israel views Hamas as a threat to its national security and has implemented strict control measures to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. This ongoing territorial dispute has further fueled the conflict between the two parties. 

Throughout history, neighboring countries, such as Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, have historically been involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict, either through direct military engagements or by providing support to Palestinian factions. The tense relations between Israel and its neighboring nations have frequently intensified the situation. These alliances have also contributed to the arms race in the region, as countries provide military aid and support to their respective allies. The involvement of external powers adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation, making it even more difficult to find a lasting resolution.

Tragically, the Israel-Palestine conflict has resulted in immense human losses. According to recent reports, more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas assault, with about 200 hostages being held captive in Gaza. At least 3,000 people in Gaza have been killed in retaliatory strikes, and 12,500 others have been injured, according to the territory's health ministry. These numbers represent the devastating impact of the conflict on individuals and communities and highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

This article that I wrote led me to two questions: are you pro-Palestine or pro-Israel? But all I can say is that I'm pro-life. Even though I'm a Christian and support Israel, I can't tolerate the loss of innocent lives on either side of the conflict. It is crucial to recognize the value of every human life and work towards finding a solution that promotes peace, justice, and coexistence for both Palestinians and Israelis.