Rosita Constantino Medina with her daughter Victoria Isip at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Photos collated by Rogelio Medina
TO celebrate Women’s Month, kindly allow me to give tribute to some remarkable women in their own quiet, simple way this March.
My mom, Rosita Constantino Medina, St. Mary’s and UST high school alumna, is a Kapampangan. She loves to cook and sing and joins Bible studies. She has many friends in the entertainment world being the niece of the late LVN director Felicing Constantino. She is related to former President Diosdado Macapagal on the Vitug side.
She remembers that it was her best friend actor Georgie Quizon (known for Stariray, Close to You and Captain Barbell films), comedian Dolphy’s brother, who arranged preparation for her debut that was published by the old Manila Times and Manila Bulletin. Singer Cenon Lagman, dubbed as the Prince of Kundiman, was her childhood best friend. Fernando Poe Jr., or FPJ, the King of the Philippine Movies, was also her childhood friend (Rosita’s relative was the gardener of the Poe family). Singer-actor Fred Panopio (his hit songs were Pitong Gatang, Tatlong Baraha, and Markado) was her neighbor in Quezon City.
I was fortunate to recover a few photos of her younger years since most of them were included in a fire that destroyed our house years ago.
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While doing the usual brisk walking with my mom in Green Valley, Fairfield in California, we happened to pass by the house of Fe Cangco, 68, a neighbor along Adagio Drive, who migrated to the U.S. in 1998. She used to work in a post office in San Francisco for two years and in Max’s Restaurant (already closed) Vallejo City for over ten years. She has five children, one of whom is a police officer in Suisun City, Alvin Cangco, a friend of my nephew Michael Isip.
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One of the persons I could not forget during my CITEM days is Dr. Mina T. Gabor, founder and first executive director of the Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions. She has made significant contributions to the country’s trade promotion efforts. She is a former tourism secretary.
I learned a lot of managerial skills from her and she even trusted my foreign language skills in dealing with our product specialists.
MTG is a name that echoes with reverence and admiration in the corridors of international travel and tourism. Her journey, from her early days to her present position of influence, is an inspiring narrative of unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and exceptional leadership.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be the editor of CITEM Trade Update that gained acceptance and recognition locally and abroad.
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U.S. First Lady Melania Trump said in the past that “I’m proud of what this country continues to do for women. In the United States, women are playing vital roles in society. They are mothers, wives, doctors, CEOs and elected officials, to name just a few.”
She adheres to equality, freedom and the responsibility women have to help each other achieve success. “As an immigrant myself, having grown up in a communist society, I know all too well the value and importance of freedom and equal opportunity – ideals which this great nation was founded and has continued to strive towards throughout its history.”
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The Philippines’ First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos cites the exceptional role of women in society.
She recognizes women as “the primary caretakers and educators in the family and they are a big contributor to our workforce.”
She has thrown her support behind the worldwide movement to eliminate all forms of violence against women.
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Loida Nicolas Lewis, who is in the Philippines for a fireside chat and book presentation on March 16 from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. at The Studio Space of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Building 6, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, wrote that: “As I remember all the wonderful women around me, I am reminded of a scripture that speaks to women’s hearts: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:6-7). Let’s not be anxious or stressed — instead, let us keep going in joyful gratitude, knowing that God hears us and will help us at the right time.”
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Ed Sicam, husband of Paulynn Sicam, was my editor at the Manila Chronicle. He assigned me to cover for the TV stations as I had then a column TV Network Update.
I remember he assigned me to interview Lea Salonga, the little girl who was little no longer. So I went to a restaurant where I saw Lea and her mom. Lea’s mom was so sweet and thoughtful even when I was already working in Malacanang as information officer.
Lately, I have been getting in touch with my former editor, who was so kind to me as ever.
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One person I could not forget is my lifestyle editor at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the late Lita T. Logarta.
She was a very supportive, thoughtful and understanding boss. She assigned me to interview oftentimes ambassadors assigned to the Philippines and to cover other events and personalities.
She even allowed me to write for other sections like sports, entertainment and travel.
When I was based in Tokyo as a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, I would fax my stories to the news desk.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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